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Special Education Services

Staff

Eric Gladfelter, Director of Pupil Services
ext. 4009
eric
Amy Glascott, School Psychologist,
Tinicum, PALMS and PHS
ext. 1102
Hillary Strong, School Psychologist,
Springfield, Durham Nockamixon and PHS
ext. 3007
Special Education Facilitator
PHS Cyber Center Teacher 
ext. 2445
Ali
ext. 2445

Identification


The Palisades School District provides special education and related services to resident children with disabilities who are ages three through twenty-one. This notice describes (1) the types of disabilities that might qualify the child for such programs and services, (2) the special education programs and related services that are available, (3) the process by which the public schools screen and evaluate such students to determine eligibility, and (4) the special rights that pertain to such children and their parents or legal guardians.

For further information of the rights of parents and children, provision of services, evaluation and screening (including purpose, time and location), you may contact in writing the person listed above or any building principal.

Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Programs, Services for Gifted Students, and Services for Protected Handicapped Students

(Revised May 20, 2009)

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Cost

In compliance with state and federal law, the Palisades School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program and extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate to the student's abilities. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

These services and protections for 'protected handicapped students' are distinct from those applicable to all eligible or exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. For further information on the evaluation procedures and provision of services to protect handicapped students, contact your child's counselor at the school.

Inclusion Philosophy Statement

The Palisades School District is committed to providing inclusive educational programs and services that respect the rights and dignity of all participants within the educational community. Inclusive programming is considered to be a process that requires planning, collaboration, dedication, provision of reasonable resources, acceptance of diversity, and flexibility in the delivery of services. Our efforts are devoted to meaningfully educating all students in the least restrictive environment.

· Inclusion means providing all students with minimal to significant disabilities with meaningful educational programming in the regular education environment to the maximum extent possible. Educational barriers will be minimized by providing the appropriate supports and services, allowing the student to achieve individual goals and objectives as an active participant of the class.

· An ongoing Inclusion Committee, consisting of parents, teachers, administrators, consultants from the local Intermediate Unit, and a representative from a parent support agency has been established. The committee is charged with overseeing the district’s inclusion efforts, recommending activities to enhance inclusive education, and monitoring and promoting effective educational practices. The philosophy statement (above) was developed in accordance with the Palisades School District mission statement promoting an appreciation and respect for others.

· The benefits of inclusive educational programming to both regular education and special education students include:

- acceptance and greater self-esteem.

- physical, social and academic skill growth.

- acceptance of individual differences.

- learning through peer teaching/tutoring.

- modeling, mentoring and nurturing others.

· An informational packet regarding inclusive educational practices in the Palisades School District is available in the main office of each building or can be accessed on the district website (www.palisadessd.org). These packets contain information such as the definition of terms, a list of resources and contacts, clarification of staff roles, and examples of Individualized Educational Program (IEP) goals and objectives.