Student Support & Resources

The English as a Second Language (ESL) program at Summit Public Schools supports students who are learning English by providing a welcoming, inclusive environment where they can develop language skills, succeed academically, and feel confident and connected. Through meaningful and engaging learning experiences, students are empowered to reach their full potential both in and out of the classroom.

Please visit our district's website with more details. You may also contact our Primary Centers' ESL teacher, Mrs. Megan Calkins:  mcalkins@summit.k12.nj.us

The purpose of the Learning Workshop program is to provide students with targeted, explicit instruction in a small group setting. It may include in-class support or pull-out groups for phonics and reading.

These groups are taught by experienced elementary teachers who collaborate with the classroom teacher.

All students in the Learning Workshop program are monitored throughout the learning cycles to measure progress and use the data to ensure students' needs are addressed. The classroom teacher and learning workshop teacher collaborate to ensure the concepts and skills are being applied in the classroom.

Learning Workshop Teachers:

Mrs. Anne Paris (aparis@summit.k12.nj.us) and Mrs. Kris Robbins (krobbins@summit.k12.nj.us)

Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS) / Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) is a school-based team that works together to help students who may need additional academic, behavioral, social, or emotional support. When a concern is identified, the team collaborates with teachers and families to develop a personalized plan with targeted strategies and goals to help the student succeed. The team regularly monitors progress and adjusts supports as needed, ensuring each child receives the assistance they need to grow and be successful in school.

If a student is experiencing challenges, identified through classroom observations or assessment data (i.e. diagnostic assessments), the classroom teacher and principal will work together to develop an action plan. This plan includes targeted strategies, supports, and resources designed to help the student make progress and be successful in the classroom.

The Office of Special Education Services offers support to teachers, parents, and students in the areas of educational growth and development. The specialists in this office include psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, behaviorists, learning disability specialists, and social workers. 

Under federal and New Jersey laws, the Special Education Services Child Study Team (CST) is required to evaluate potentially handicapped students to determine if they are eligible for Special Education and/or related services. Resource Center instruction offers individual or small group instruction that replaces or supplements instruction in the regular class. This program can be provided in the student's regular education class or in a designated resource center. Most students receive their Special Education programs through Resource Center intervention. However, other placement options are available when determined appropriate. 

Many services are offered under the umbrella term of “Special Education Services.” Speech and language services, for example, are provided to eligible students who demonstrate a disorder in language, articulation, voice, or fluency, and are provided by a speech language therapist. Occupational Therapy is another service. 

If you are concerned regarding your child needing Special Education services, please speak with your child’s teacher to communicate your observations and concerns.

A full continuum of special education programs is available to students, starting at age 3, who have been evaluated by the child study team and found eligible for special education and related services. When a student is determined eligible, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed. The IEP describes, in detail, the student’s special education program and is implemented after parents have given written consent.

The goal of special education is to provide students who have been evaluated by the Child Study Team and found eligible for special education and related services with the opportunity for academic as well as personal growth and development. Each student is encouraged to seek the highest level of excellence in the least restrictive environment.

When a student is determined eligible for special education and related services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed by the IEP team. The IEP team, including the teachers, parents, case manager, and the student, when appropriate, determines the program that meets the student’s learning needs.

The IEP describes, in detail, the student’s special education program and is implemented after the parents have given written consent.

To the extent possible, classified students are scheduled in general education classes in all areas of the curriculum. Some students may be scheduled part of the day in classes taught or supported by special education teachers, while others receive all instruction in the general education setting with the appropriate supplementary aids and services.

Resource center instruction offers individual or small group instruction that replaces or supplements instruction in the regular class. This program can be provided in the student’s regular education class or in a designated resource center. Some students receive their special education programs through resource center intervention. However, other placement options, including self-contained classes, are available when determined appropriate.

The district offers programming via self-contained classes; Language Learning Disabilities (LLD) or Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) based. These programs have allowed many Summit students the opportunity to be educated in the least restrictive environment. 

In addition to teachers and instructional assistants, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and behavior analysts provide related services and/or consultation in accordance with the IEPs of classified students.

Link to Special Services Webpage/Directory