Tuscan PTA Special Services
-Welcome to the Tuscan PTA Special Services page. This page is designed to help families navigate the special services system within our district and specifically at Tuscan. This page includes some very helpful links and important people to contact.
Download our Support Services Flyer.
Everyone’s journey with special services takes different paths, but please know there are many people at Tuscan and in the district who want to help you find your way. The district site for special services can be found here: http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/Domain/32
How to Begin
As a reminder, the first step should always be to speak with your classroom teacher about any concerns you have. A good second step is to speak with Mr. Mason, Vice Principal. Mr. Mason is the point person for beginning the Intervention and Referral Process and he will work with the family and teacher to set up proper interventions and modifications for the classroom. After a period of time, if these interventions are not working, then it will be determined if the child needs to proceed into a 504 plan (which is overseen by Mr. Mason). Another option is for the child to move into the child study team testing process to determine if the child qualifies for an IEP (overseen by Rebecca Milligan). For a comprehensive step by step guide of how to navigate the special services process, please refer to the Special Services Resource Packet. This packet also includes district contacts, the differences between an IEP and a 504, frequently asked questions and other support resources. It can be found here: http://bit.ly/2qb68HB.
Parent’s legal rights can be found in a document called PRISE (Parental Rights in Special Services). You can find this document in English on the district site by clicking here: http://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/form/prise/prise.pdf . You can find the PRISE in other languages on the NJ State's Special Services page by clicking here: http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/info/ .
People to Contact at Tuscan
Mr. Kevin Mason for information on Intervention or 504 services Rebecca Milligan, Child Study Team Case Manager, IEP services Lisa Kleitsch, School Psychologist and Child Study Team Case Manager, IEP Services, Kathy Bohm, LDTC and Child Study Team Case Manager, IEP Services Holly Evans, PTA Special Services Liaison (Your classroom teacher)
Support and Advocacy
SIGN UP FOR The SEPAC Email list and Email The Parenting Center to be added to their e-blast - they will update you on all the meetings for the groups listed below!
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee). This group meets a few times a year and is designed to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to their district’s special services programs. Special Education PTO. This group holds monthly meetings to help families network with other families and share information about special services concerns, successes, resources, and to navigate special services. The Parenting Center of the School District of Maplewood and South Orange. The Parenting Center offers many workshops throughout the year and is a great resource to our community. SOMA 2e (twice exceptional) This group supports the achievement of gifted students with special needs and their families.
Download our Support Services Flyer.
Everyone’s journey with special services takes different paths, but please know there are many people at Tuscan and in the district who want to help you find your way. The district site for special services can be found here: http://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/Domain/32
How to Begin
As a reminder, the first step should always be to speak with your classroom teacher about any concerns you have. A good second step is to speak with Mr. Mason, Vice Principal. Mr. Mason is the point person for beginning the Intervention and Referral Process and he will work with the family and teacher to set up proper interventions and modifications for the classroom. After a period of time, if these interventions are not working, then it will be determined if the child needs to proceed into a 504 plan (which is overseen by Mr. Mason). Another option is for the child to move into the child study team testing process to determine if the child qualifies for an IEP (overseen by Rebecca Milligan). For a comprehensive step by step guide of how to navigate the special services process, please refer to the Special Services Resource Packet. This packet also includes district contacts, the differences between an IEP and a 504, frequently asked questions and other support resources. It can be found here: http://bit.ly/2qb68HB.
Parent’s legal rights can be found in a document called PRISE (Parental Rights in Special Services). You can find this document in English on the district site by clicking here: http://www.state.nj.us/education/specialed/form/prise/prise.pdf . You can find the PRISE in other languages on the NJ State's Special Services page by clicking here: http://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/info/ .
People to Contact at Tuscan
Mr. Kevin Mason for information on Intervention or 504 services Rebecca Milligan, Child Study Team Case Manager, IEP services Lisa Kleitsch, School Psychologist and Child Study Team Case Manager, IEP Services, Kathy Bohm, LDTC and Child Study Team Case Manager, IEP Services Holly Evans, PTA Special Services Liaison (Your classroom teacher)
Support and Advocacy
SIGN UP FOR The SEPAC Email list and Email The Parenting Center to be added to their e-blast - they will update you on all the meetings for the groups listed below!
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee). This group meets a few times a year and is designed to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to their district’s special services programs. Special Education PTO. This group holds monthly meetings to help families network with other families and share information about special services concerns, successes, resources, and to navigate special services. The Parenting Center of the School District of Maplewood and South Orange. The Parenting Center offers many workshops throughout the year and is a great resource to our community. SOMA 2e (twice exceptional) This group supports the achievement of gifted students with special needs and their families.
