Special Needs Procedures (#766)
In compliance with Federal and State Laws, the Public Schools of Martha's Vineyard provide evaluation services and special educational programming. Parents or school personnel who work with a child can refer him/her for an evaluation, which explores the child's learning style and academic abilities, as well as physical, emotional and social development. Once the evaluation is completed the team meets to determine the most appropriate educational program for the child. Parents have the right to request additional services from the team or to refuse the special services offered by the team.
Children usually referred for an evaluation are those who experience some difficulty with the regular school program because of academic limitations, learning disabilities, physical/motor problems, speech or language needs, behavior control difficulties, or emotional concerns. In most cases, a child study team, along with the parent(s), determines interventions, which may help the student become successful. These interventions are documented and reviewed at the end of a trial period (not more than 6 weeks).
When certain conditions exist, the principal determines whether a special education referral should be made, and notify the parents in writing of the existence of the condition, whether or not the school is making a referral, and of the parents' right to make such a referral. The conditions are as follows:
If you have a concern about your child in any of these areas, you may request an evaluation through your school principal or guidance counselor.
Title I
Title I provides extra materials and expertise to help provide more time and opportunity for some of our students in reading and math. This intervention is used for remediation previous to special education referral.
Manter Fund
Under the terms of the will of Ellis H. Manter, and interest from money realized from the sale of property, which he owned at the time of his death (1835), would be used solely for the benefit of the Tisbury School.
The only stipulation in the will is that $25.00 be used to purchase shoes for a needy youngster each year. The money is used to purchase clothing, equipment and help pay for school activities which are beneficial to the child's development. Also, it can be used for school wide programs. If you have financial needs please write a letter of request in advance to the principal. A staff committee will make decisions on the requests at a regular meeting. A budgeted amount is available for each event.
ELL Support
We have two (a) certified ELL teachers on staff from Monday through Friday. State guidelines are followed in assigning students for help and in assessing their progress.