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and a long-term special project entitled, "The River of grams were commended: the Early Childhood
<br /> Reading" (made possible, also, through a grant award Developmental Learning Program, The Life Skills
<br /> provided by Willowbend) were employed to encour- Program and The Exceptionality Awareness Program.
<br /> age children to read and learn. All sixty areas evaluated were in compliance. Those
<br /> areas identified as partially implemented include: the
<br /> To remediate students with weak literacy skills or need for team chairs at each school, documentation of
<br /> who did not do well on the Grade 3 IOWA reading test pre-referral activities and timelines. Staff and admin-
<br /> and the Grade 4 MCAS test, a .5 remedial reading istration are pleased with the result of this Review and
<br /> teacher was hired and those students receive extra believe the process was helpful. As a result of this
<br /> reading services. A decision was also made in the Review, changes will be implemented in some proce-
<br /> Spring of'98 to incorporate a science lab class as one dures and plans are being made to recommend staffing
<br /> of the weekly specials for students in grades 3 through to address the identified needs.
<br /> 5 placing more focus on science concepts.
<br /> Special Education enrollment has reflected the
<br /> We are happy to state that the new playground for growth of the town and school system. A total of 343
<br /> the Quashnet Schools was constructed on December 6, students between the ages of three through twenty one
<br /> 1997. Strong fundraising efforts, grants and parent receive special education services through the Town of
<br /> and community support made this Big Toys play- Mashpee as of October 1, 1998. This is a 26%
<br /> ground a reality. increase over last year. The intensity of Special
<br /> Education programs range from monitoring of student
<br /> Teachers and parents made many other yearly activ- progress to more substantially separate programs.
<br /> ities possible once again: second publication of the Mashpee continues to support inclusion of students
<br /> Quashnet River yearbook, science fair, craft fair, with special needs.
<br /> career day, the Quashnet Schools' annual art exhibit,
<br /> cultural events (Nutcracker, music concerts, etc.), The Cape Cod Collaborative for Special Needs con-
<br /> grandparents/special friends day, friendship breakfast, tinues to serve the Mashpee Public Schools with a cur-
<br /> multicultural evening, plays, sing-a-longs, 5/6 after rent caseload of four Mashpee students. In addition,
<br /> school socials, muffins with mom, donuts with dad, Mashpee continues to collaborate with surrounding
<br /> etc. public school districts, human service agencies and
<br /> with Cape Cod Child Development, Inc., in providing
<br /> The Quashnet River School Student Council was appropriate programming for Mashpee students. The
<br /> established in '97-'98. Ancillary programs to chal- Director of Special Education also works in coopera-
<br /> tion with Falmouth High School and Cape Cod Tech
<br /> lenge students continued such as Future Problem g p
<br /> personnel in providing programming for high school-
<br /> Solving, Odyssey of the Mind, Art History and
<br /> v D.A.R.E. Also,schools across the nation are more and aged youngsters with special educational needs.
<br /> f more concerned about the issue of violence prevention
<br /> A rigorous child identification process identified
<br /> and safe schools. Many efforts were made through
<br /> school and guidance programs to curb violence by
<br /> 140 children who were referred for a team evaluation.
<br /> A total of 190 kindergarten children were screened this
<br /> increasing kind acts, equity and fair play among all
<br /> members of the student body. year resulting in 12 referrals for further evaluation.
<br /> Additionally 37 preschool age children were screened
<br /> In concluding the year, the School Council sur- and 30 preschoolers were evaluated after screening. A
<br /> veyed all parents of students regarding school climate, total of 98 students were referred by teachers and par-
<br /> environment, curriculum, basic skills, supplemental ents through the Teacher Assistance Team(TAT).
<br /> skills, fine arts and physical education, home/school
<br /> communication, report cards, conferences, class size In addition, 308 students' educational plans were
<br /> ' survey
<br /> and meeting children's personal needs. The reviewed and updated including full evaluations. A
<br /> ' and total of 38 students moved into the
<br /> results helped the school zero in on its strengths district with edu-
<br /> areas where improvement is necessary. We are happy cational plans which were implemented. Frequently,
<br /> to report very positive results. Most categories were these students require further evaluations and meet-
<br /> ,f marked above average to excellent. ings.
<br /> Mashpee's Special Education programs were Inservice is continuous and has been provided to
<br /> reviewed for compliance with State and Federal regu- staff and parents on the issues of inclusion, assess-
<br /> lations by the Department of Education. This thor- ment, specialized reading programs,technology,disci-
<br /> ough evaluation process included interviews, on-site pline,changes in legislation,confidentiality,pre-refer-
<br /> observations,questionnaires and a records review. As ral, school reform and transition.
<br /> a result of this Review, several special education pro-
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