District-based classes: Michael F. Stokes Elementary School

Student Disability: Learning, Behavioral and Developmental Disabilities

Student Age: 5 to10 years

The Elementary Program located at the Jerusalem Avenue School in North Bellore provides a dynamic child centered, positive behavioral academic educational program that follows the New York State Standards for students, grades K through 5, who have learning, behavioral or developmental disabilities that interfere with their abilities to succeed in general education. Supportive and related services are available as needed. Class ratios offered are 6:1:1 or 9:1:2 and are determined by student need.

Classrooms, staffed by caring certified special education teachers and para-professionals, provide a highly individualized learning environment where reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, and health curriculums are adapted to meet students' cognitive levels and learning styles. Social and emotional objectives are integrated into classroom activities. Teachers develop social learning skills throughout the curriculum by eliciting socially appropriate responses and encouraging students to reflect on their choices to determine if they are socially appropriate. Within the classroom students work as a team to support each other in social growth. Psychologists and social workers also work closely with students in individual sessions to support the development of positive social skills and behaviors.

Computers are provided in the classroom to promote student involvement and curriculum reinforcement. Classroom instruction is supplemented in the Learning Center which offers a distraction-free setting for a variety of individualized instruction. Learning Center staff work closely with classroom teachers to correlate and supplement classroom materials.

A school-wide growth recognition program and PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Support)
a Nationally recognized behavioral program) includes a specific plan for each child developed by the child's teacher, psychologist and social worker. The plan is tied to classroom goals and uses a point system for earning rewards, such as purchases at the school store. Psychologists and social workers utilize the program during counseling sessions. Students regularly evaluate themselves to determine where they have succeeded and where they need to improve. As students progress, they move to new goals.

Psychologists and social workers support, reassure and assist students through individual and group activities and are available to parents on a group or individual basis. Social workers run bi-weekly parent workshops. Occupational and physical therapies assist students in meeting educational goals. Physical therapists work with students individually or in small groups to develop coordination, muscle control and fine- and gross-motor skills. Occupational therapists develop fine-motor skills and sensory integration for students with major deficits in this area.

Speech and Language services are designed to increase students' learning potential. Receptive and expressive difficulties are addressed. Different modes of communication are used to meet individual students' needs.Language skills such as vocabulary, grammar, critical thinking and auditory comprehension are developed.

Through Adaptive Physical Education, students develop awareness and control of their bodies within their environment. They engage in a variety of enjoyable yet challenging activities that improve physical fitness, visual-motor coordination, team building and sportsmanship. Supplemental activities include many different enrichment experiences, such as creative performances. Field trips and outdoor education provide activities in the community to bring classroom learning into the larger world.

Library activities encourage students to develop good reading habits, gain additional knowledge and function independently. Music helps students develop creativity, self-expression and language. Auditory and perceptual skills and sensory-motor functions are enhanced through the music program.

The Elementary Program now provides the Intensive Support Program (ISP) through a collaborative program developed by Nassau BOCES and the North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center for students with significant emotional difficulties. Services of the ISP program address the emotional and behavioral issues that interfere with the achievement of educational goals. Services of the ISP program would include an on site psychiatrist, psychiatric social workers and coordinator. This program provides psychiatric supervision and ongoing parent counseling.

Additionally, the Elementary Program services students who present with significant behavioral issues and require a more experiential approach to academic learning. The primary focus of these classes is to promote teamwork, develop pro-social skills, improve peer interaction and instill a sense of belonging.

Parents are encouraged to be active partners in the education of their child by reinforcing at home what the child learns in school. Progress Reports, report cards and parent conferences keep parents informed concerning their youngster's progress in school. Our collaborative partnership with individual school districts coordinates specific student programming and establishes Individualized Education Plans.

Our PTA strives to support and enrich our educational program.

In addition to the Center Based Program in North Bellmore, there are two 9:1:2 classes, currently located in the Sparke Elementary School in the Island Trees School District. These classes provide our students with opportunities for integration with non-disabled peers during specific activities during the day. Students are chosen for this program by demonstrating their ability and readiness to participate in this less restrictive environment.

The Jerusalem Avenue School is located at 2351 Jerusalem Avenue, North Bellmore, NY 11710.

Additional Contact:
Shaundrika Langley-Grey, Assistant Principal
(516) 608-6300
sgrey@mail.nasboces.org