Vision & Hearing Therapy

For additional information, check out The Student Service page on T/E's main website.

B.R.I.D.G.E.

Beginning Reading Instruction During Guided Experiences

The goal of the BRIDGE Program is to provide early intervention to selected kindergarten and first grade students to strengthen their literacy skills. In kindergarten the program accomplishes this by improving pre-reading strategies so students can profit from ongoing classroom instruction. Children meet in small groups for approximately four 30 minute periods per week.  At the first grade level this goal is accomplished by helping students develop a self improvement system for continued growth in reading.  A one-on-one format is used.

Please contact Mrs. Barbara Powell for more information.

CHALLENGE

Challenge is an enrichment program for mentally gifted students in second, third and fourth grades. Mentally gifted students are defined as having outstanding intellectual and creative ability which requires support services. Elementary Challenge students meet in small groups for one class period per week.

The elementary Challenge program is built around themes with a focus on Higher Level Thinking Skills, Creative Process, Decision Making/Problem Solving Ability, Group Process Skills, Self-Concept Development, Advanced Communication Techniques, and Vocational/Avocational Interests. It is a process not product oriented curriculum. Speakers and field trips are an integral part of this program.

Potentially qualified students are identified through a screening initiated by teachers, counselors, and/or parents at the building level. A multiple criteria evaluation process, including an individualized test of intellectual ability, classroom performance information, curriculum-based assessment results, and parent input, is used for identifying the Gifted Student.

Parents of qualified students meet with the Challenge teacher to review a Gifted Individual Education Plan (GIEP). This plan describes the annual goals for the child.

Please contact Mrs. Marge Margherita for more information or visit this link on the district website: www.tesd.net/District/stuservices.htm.

E.S.L.
English As A Second Language

Students whose native language is not English receive support from the ESL teacher to help them develop skills in English communication. The goal of the ESL program is to provide students with the capacity to succeed in school, both academically and socially. ESL teachers believe that it is important to foster their students' participation in American society while preserving the individual's language and culture. ESL teachers act as liaisons between school and home.

Please contact Ms. Michele DiNoia for more information or visit this link on the district website:  www.tesd.net/esl

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

The School Counselor meets with children individually, in small groups, and in homeroom classes throughout the school year. The guidance program assists children as they develop a positive self concept, relate to others, make choices, develop a sense of responsibility, and cope with stress and change.

Additionally, the counselor is available to consult with parents, staff members, teachers and administrators. As a consultant the counselor aids in identifying the needs of children, recognizing strengths of children and providing information on school, district and community resources.

The counselor is responsible for coordinating access to any programs/services needed to optimize the total development of the child. Counselors work with parents, classroom teachers, and other staff members in the referral process.

Please contact Miss Luren Scott for more information or visit this link on the district website: www.tesd.net/District/stuservices.htm..

 P.R.I.D.E. DAY

Each school year, Hillside Elementary School sets aside a special day known as P.R.I.D.E. (Parents Raising Individuals with Differences and Empathy) Day. The purpose of this day is to have the entire Hillside family (staff, parents and children) engage in activities that strengthen skills to be a "Kid for Character". Each year a different theme is selected. Throughout the year the guidance counselor works with the staff, parents and children to reinforce the goals of the theme. P.R.I.D.E. Day is the kick-off for all guidance lessons conducted during the school year.

Check out Kids for Characters at
www.charactercounts.org

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SUPPORT

The speech therapist diagnoses speech, voice, and/or language difficulties and provides therapy suited to a child's needs. Parents are requested to be involved in all phases of the therapeutic process and are an essential part of the decision making team. Services are reviewed annually.

LEARNING SUPPORT

Learning Support is a service for students in need of specially designed instruction. An individual education plan (IEP) is developed to specify the type of supports and instruction. The focus of these services is to help the child obtain skills needed to participate in the general education curriculum.  This may include direct instruction by the special education teacher and/or reinforcement by the support staff, curriculum adaptations, or other accommodations in the regular classroom.  Placement in the program is a team decision involving parents, teachers, and the school psychologist.  The extent of participation is based on formal evaluation of the student's needs. 

Please contact Dr. Melinda McNeal for more information or visit this link on the district website: www.tesd.net/District/stuservices.htm.

MATH AND READING SUPPORT

The Reading and Math Support programs provide ongoing, supplemental help in reading and math for students in grades one to four. These programs do not take the place of the regular classroom teacher's instruction.

Students become eligible for Reading and/or Math Support services based on classroom performance, teacher referral, and standardized test results. Children receive instruction in small groups a few times per week.

Please contact Mrs. Lisa McIntyre for more information about math.
Please contact Mrs. Barbara Powell for more information about reading.

VISION AND HEARING THERAPY