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Pupil Services

Pupil services in Amity encompass a wide range of support services designed to ensure students' academic, social, emotional, and physical well-being. These services typically include school counseling, psychological, social work, health, and special education support.

Pupil services professionals work collaboratively to address barriers to learning by providing interventions, assessments, and referrals to community resources when necessary. They also play a key role in developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and 504 plans for students with special needs, ensuring they receive appropriate accommodations and support.

Additionally, pupil services are involved in crisis intervention, behavior management, and programs that promote safe and positive school environments. Their overarching goal is to help all students succeed in school and prepare for post-secondary education or careers.


HEALTH & MEDICAL

School nurses play a vital role in promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of students within the school environment. They provide direct care by managing chronic conditions, administering medications, and responding to health emergencies. They work to prevent the spread of contagious diseases by overseeing immunization records and offering health education. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and healthcare providers to develop care plans for students with specific medical needs. Additionally, school nurses are key advocates for creating a healthy and safe school environment. Dr. Gregory Germain is the medical advisor for Amity.


MCKINNEY-VENTO ACT

The McKinney-Vento Act is a federal law that ensures educational stability and support for children and youth experiencing homelessness. It guarantees that these students have the right to enroll in school immediately, even without typical enrollment documents, and to remain in their school of origin if it is in their best interest.

The Act also provides access to transportation, school meals, and other necessary services to help students succeed academically despite their housing instability. Mr. Brant is the Amity McKinney-Vento liaison and his role is to assist families and ensure that the rights and needs of homeless students are met. The overarching goal of McKinney-Vento is to minimize educational disruption and provide equitable access to education for all students.


SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

School psychologists play a crucial role in supporting students' mental health and well-being within educational settings. They assess and address learning, behavioral, and emotional challenges that students may face, using various psychological techniques and interventions.

School psychologists collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create supportive learning environments and develop individualized education plans (IEPs) when needed. They also provide counseling and crisis intervention services to help students cope with stress, trauma, or other personal issues. Additionally, school psychologists contribute to school-wide programs aimed at promoting positive behavior, mental health awareness, and academic success.


SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS

School social workers support students' social, emotional, and behavioral well-being by addressing issues that may impact their academic success and overall development. They work closely with students, families, and school staff to provide counseling, crisis intervention, and resources to overcome challenges.

School social workers also help connect families with community services and advocate for students' needs within the school system. Their role is critical in fostering a positive school environment and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.


SPECIAL EDUCATION

Special education services are designed to meet the unique learning needs of students with disabilities, ensuring they have access to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). These services may include individualized instruction, specialized teaching strategies, and the use of assistive technology to help students achieve academic success.

Special education programs involves the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which outlines specific goals, accommodations, and support tailored to each student's needs. Collaboration among teachers, special educators, therapists, and parents is essential to provide a supportive and inclusive learning environment. The overall goal of special education services is to empower students with disabilities to reach their full potential and participate fully in school life.


SPEECH & LANGUAGE

School speech and language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in assessing and treating communication disorders that can affect a student's ability to succeed in the classroom. They work with students who have difficulties with speech sounds, language comprehension, expressive language, social communication, and fluency, such as stuttering.

SLPs develop individualized treatment plans, often as part of a student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), to target specific communication challenges. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to support students' communication skills, helping them to participate more fully in academic and social activities. Their goal is to improve students' communication abilities, which are essential for learning and social interaction.


SECTION 504

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law designed to prevent discrimination based on disability in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. It ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to education by mandating schools to provide appropriate accommodations, modifications, and support services. Unlike special education under IDEA, which often requires individualized education programs (IEPs), Section 504 provides accommodations within the general education setting, allowing students to participate fully in school activities and learning. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where students with disabilities can access the same opportunities as their peers.


Title IX

The Superintendent of Schools designates and authorizes Jaime Guthrie, Coordinator of Pupil Services, to be the District's Title IX Coordinator. 

Ms. Guthrie is responsible for ensuring compliance across the Amity Regional School District No. 5 with Title IX, corresponding state law, and applicable board policy concerning sex discrimination/sexual harassment. She can be reached at:

Jaime Guthrie

Coordinator of Pupil Services - High School

DEPARTMENT

Thomas Brant

Titles: Director of Pupil Services
Email:

Jaime Guthrie

Titles: Coordinator of Pupil Services - High School
Email:

Steven Mendelssohn

Titles: Coordinator of Pupil Services - Middle Schools
Email:

Amanda Mills

Titles: Administrative Assistant
Email:

Meaghan O’Meara

Titles: Administrative Assistant
Email: