Student Services

Child Study Teams are designed to assist students’ needs, academically and/or behaviorally, at all levels. It is through this process that specific instructional strategies are developed and implemented in a general education classroom. Child Study Team members at each building are comprised of administrator(s), school counselor(s), school psychologist, special and general education teachers, speech-language therapist, occupational/physical therapists, nurse, and the student’s parent/guardian.

Referrals

The classroom teacher or any other teacher who is part of the student’s educational program who has a concern may refer/recommend a student to CST. Parents may also initiate a CST referral by discussing their concerns with their child’s classroom teacher, school counselor, and/or building principal.

Parents are vital members of the CST process and are strongly encouraged to attend the meetings.

If you would like more information about the CST process, you may contact your building principal or school counselor.

Visit our Gifted Support Program page to read more about eligibility, the referral process and program descriptions for the elementary and secondary schools.  

GIFTED SUPPORT PAGE 

The WSD School Counseling Program provides school counseling services for all students in the elementary, middle and high school buildings. The department works collaboratively with students, parents, staff and administrators to help students achieve success in the school setting and to prepare students for the 21st century through academic, career, and personal/social development.

READ MORE ABOUT school COUNSELING SERVICES

The primary responsibility of the Home and School Visitor is to enforce the provisions of the compulsory school attendance laws of Pennsylvania for grades K-12. Compulsory attendance requirements include: Entry into 1^st grade (no later than age 6) until age 18 or graduation, whichever occurs sooner. Additional responsibilities include:

• Serve as a liaison for homeless children and youths through the McKinney-Vento Act (means individuals who lack a fixed regular and nighttime residence). This federal act requires educational agencies to ensure that homeless youths have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education provided to all children. The law also requires Child Welfare and the School District to work together to promote school stability and continuity for children experiencing homelessness.
• Serves as a liaison between the school district and outside agencies such as: police departments, juvenile probation, homeless shelters, and residential treatment programs.
• Consult and collaborate with building principals, school psychologists, school counselors, nurses, and classroom teachers in accessing the needs of individual students having difficulty in school.
• Attends SAP (Student Assistance Program), CST (Child Study Team) meetings at WHS and WMS, and TEP (Truancy Elimination Plan) meetings.
• Refers students to alternative schools (including parenting and pregnancy programs).
• Providing families with assistance and information regarding community resources (financial assistance, medical assistance etc.) Click to view resources.

Contact

Kevin Witchey
Home and School Visitor

WSD school psychologists work with children, teachers and families to promote successful educational experiences.

Psychological services include:

• Assessment and consultation about learning, social, emotional, and behavior problems.
• Conduct formal assessments that are a component of comprehensive evaluation when considering student eligibility for special education programming.
• Assist in developing program recommendations and making placement decisions.
• Consultation to Child Study Teams, Student Assistance Team and Wissahickon Intervention Teams.
• Integral members of the crisis intervention teams that respond to critical situations.

School Based Psychoeducation Evaluation Info for Parents

Contacts

Main Phone: Jen Virtu, Secretary to the School Psychologists
215-619-8000, ext. 1407

• Amy Gimbel, Blue Bell Elementary and Lower Gwynedd Elementary
• Kate Warren Shady Grove Elementary and Stony Creek Elementary
• Nancy O’Neill Wissahickon Middle School
• Lucy Gil Wissahickon High School
• Robin Quann: Gifted and Autism Support

The Speech and Language Teachers support children in grades K-12 with their speech and language skills. Programs are designed to meet student’s individual needs of oral communication and speech improvement. The Speech and Language teachers consult, guide and assist teachers on topics concerning speech improvement and speech implementation.

In accordance to federal and state requirements, speech and language teachers provide a thorough assessment and diagnosis of speech, voice, and language impairments. Appropriate individualized programs of therapy are designed and implemented.

Contacts
 

• Allison O'Donnell, Lower Gwynedd and Blue Bell Elementary and WMS
• MaryKate McGrath, Lower Gwynedd Elementary
• Kerri Kelly, Shady Grove Elementary
• Rebecca Purring, Stony Creek Elementary
• Alexandra Menuau – Elementary Autistic Support
• Colleen Colbridge, Blue Bell Elementary
• Ericka Leslie, Wissahickon Middle School
• Carissa Welch, Wissahickon High School
• Heather Merritt, Autistic Support, Wissahickon Middle School & Wissahickon High School

The Wissahickon School District provides special education services for all eligible students in K-12. Our special education programs are either operated by our school district or the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit.

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM INFORMATION