Special Education Department
Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District Philosophy and Objectives:
The goals and objectives of the Special Education Department are established by Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 71-B and federal statue, Public Law 94-142, known as The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). These laws mandate that all children with disabilities ages 3 through 21 are entitled to a free, appropriate public education which provides specially designed instruction and/or related services that are reasonably calculated to meet their unique needs in the least restrictive environment. Special Education services are provided in conformity with an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) plan established as the result of a systematic evaluative process which requires parental consent and involvement.
The Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District believes that inclusive school communities are those in which all students are valued members of the educational environment and where all students have access to and have opportunities to grow and succeed within the school and community as a whole. The determination of how and where special education will be provided to an individual child must be balanced with the need and right of the child to be educated alongside his or her non-disabled siblings and peers; i.e., the least restrictive environment. This particular provision of law and regulation is supported by an increasing amount of research that demonstrates that students with disabilities are more likely to make progress in the curriculum, develop friendships, stay in school, become independent, graduate with a diploma and have more opportunity for success in life if they are educated in inclusive educational environments.
The following Programs and Services are offered but not limited to:
Middle School and High School Inclusion Support Tutorial Programs
Middle School and High School Specialized Reading Programs
Middle School and High School Bridge Programs
High School Dual Enrollment First Year Experience Class
Middle School and High School Integrated Learning Centers
PM Instructional Program
Individual and Group Counseling
Speech/Language Therapy
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy
Music Therapy
Special Education Faculty and Staff Members:
Jay Conway: Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Sandy Page: Assistant Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Fran Phillips: Administrative Assistant
Sara Gay: School Psychologist/504 Coordinator
Mary Ramon: School Adjustment Counselor
Victoria Elliott: School Adjustment Counselor
Special Education Teachers:
Alisha Coleman, David Messing, Kathy Kilhart, Lynn Cain, Matthew Ganas, Michael McLeod, Tamara Modig
Paraprofessionals:
Aaryn Aiken, Ian Bashaw, Denise Burgess, Jean Cameron, Terry Corbett, Randee Sobolik, Steve Bonk, Tammy Nail, Julie Smith
Phone: 978-544-2535 Fax: 978-544-2506
Please contact Sandy Page Assistant Director of Special Education, if you have any questions: