Programs for Students with Disabilities

Students with disabilities are entitled to receive, at public expense, special education, related services and/or supplementary aids and services as necessary to ensure a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment, appropriate to meet their individual needs.

Each student identified as having a disability will have access to the full range of programs and services of this school district, including extracurricular programs and activities, which are available to all other students enrolled in the public schools of the district.

Parents/students who desire further information on these programs and services should contact the building principal at (845) 292-5400 ext. 2030 or the Office of Student Services at (845) 292-5400 ext.5102.

Academic Intervention Services

The district shall provide academic intervention services to students who have been identified as being at risk of falling below the state learning standards in English Language Arts, mathematics, social studies, and/or science. Such services may include additional instruction services and/or student support services such as guidance, counseling and study skills.

A student’s eligibility for academic intervention services will be determined based on his or her performance on state assessment examinations and/or in accordance with district assessment procedures.

When it has been determined that a student needs academic intervention services, the parents will be notified, in writing, by the building principal. The notice will outline the reason the student needs such services, the type of services to be provided and the consequences of not achieving the performance standards. In addition, the district will provide the parents with opportunities to consult with teachers and other professional staff, regular reports on the student’s progress and information on ways to monitor and work with teachers to improve the student’s performance.

Homebound Instruction

A student who is temporarily unable to attend school for at least two weeks due to physical, mental or emotional illness or injury may be eligible to be instructed at home or in the hospital by an appropriately certified teacher.

The parent must notify the principal if a student will be on an extended school absence. If the inability to attend is due to a medical or emotional reason, the parent should obtain from the child’s physician a written medical request for homebound instruction.

Where advanced notice is not possible, the parent should make every effort to obtain homework assignments until such a time as home/hospital instruction may begin. As soon as possible after receiving notice of a prolonged absence, the district will arrange for home instruction for the time periods prescribed by law. A parent or another adult is expected to be present during all teaching sessions. Tutoring may be delivered at home or an alternative site, depending upon the availability of an adult.

Summer Learning Academy

At Liberty Elementary School, we recognize that children do not learn at the same pace. Some children will make the necessary progress in 180 days, while others need extended time. Children in need of that extended time will be highly recommended by his/her teacher as a student who would benefit greatly from additional academic services provided by our Summer Learning Academy. This recommendation will be based upon test scores, reading/math level, benchmark assessments and/or class performance. The extra instruction that a child receives during the summer program will help him/her to maintain or improve upon Language Arts and Mathematics skills.

Guidance Programs

Guidance programs are available for all students K-12 to ensure effective participation in their current and future educational programs. The K-4 guidance program has the following goals:

1. Addressing any attendance, academic, behavioral or adjustment problems.
2. Educating students concerning friendship, feelings, personal safety, bullying and decision-making.

Physical Education

Every student who attends school must take part in a physical education program.

If a student requires a special or adaptive physical education program, the parent/guardian should notify the P.E. teacher or nurse as soon as possible. A note from the student’s physician may also be required.

If a student must be excused from P.E. classes for less than a week either due to minor injuries or upon returning to school following an illness, the student must deliver a note from the parent to the physical education teacher. If a student must be excused from P.E. for more than a week, that student must deliver a note from his/her physician to the school nurse. Any student excused from P.E. will not be allowed to participate in recess.

Proper Attire for Physical Education Class

Students are expected to dress appropriately in order to participate in physical education classes. All students are required to wear sneakers for safety and performance reasons.