The Student Services Department
Students with learning differences and their families deserve access to Catholic education with full support for their student’s unique learning needs.
St. John Paul II School meets the needs of many students with mild to moderate learning differences such as ADHD, reading, writing, and mathematics disabilities, and certain physical and emotional health challenges. The Student Services team works with students who have identified learning differences to help them achieve their highest academic potential and support their emotional and spiritual development.
When a family applies for admission and there is documentation for a learning difference, the Director of Student Services reviews all pertinent information, including an IEP, a 504 Plan, a neuropsychological or psychological evaluation, or a medical diagnosis. The Director may meet with the family and will consult with the Admissions Director and the Assistant Heads of School to help make a decision about admission. JPII does not have the resources to accept students with complex learning profiles. Once enrolled, the Student Services Office will write an individual Student Accommodation Plan that outlines accommodations and support. If the school determines that it cannot meet a student’s needs, the school will communicate with families during the application process.
The Student Services Director communicates regularly with families to assist them in accessing diagnostic and reevaluation services and renewing IEP’s. In addition, Student Service staff members coordinate with public school districts to complete new and updated evaluations. These services may also be provided by medical professionals or private related services providers, or psychologists.
Our Student Support Teachers offer academic support and coaching. Depending on student needs, they may provide tutoring and support with organizational and study skills. In grades 5-8, Student Services Teachers provide regularly scheduled inclusion support in most Reading/ELA and Math classes. The middle school Student Services Team provides a separate quiet setting and extended time for student testing, including MAP testing and term assessments. In addition, Student Services staff members provide a dedicated after-school study hall for selected students to help with homework completion and review.
Students are provided with academic and organizational support and coaching. Students share in the development of their individual Accommodation Plans. Students have regular meetings with Student Services teachers who assist with organization, time management, and a broad range of study skills. Students may have an individual schedule for extra help with their teachers and after-school study. In addition, the Student Services Office is open at 7:30 A.M. daily and from 3-4:00 P.M. twice a week to allow students a quiet place to complete work and check-in with staff members.
Ms. Catherine Martin
Student Services Director
Mrs. Katherine Duvall
Student Services
Mrs. Meegan Hatch
Pathways Teacher