TEACHERS:
Mrs. Keable and Mrs. Ball
SCHOOL:
New Searles Elementary School
CLASS:
Learning Together
SCHOOL PHONE:
(603) 594-4409
The Learning Together Program is a unique opportunity for ALL
children to blossom under the direction of both a Special Education teacher
and a Regular Education teacher. It is designed to accommodate 18 children.
Half of the children have special needs that are consistent with children on
the autism spectrum while the second half are "typical" kindergarteners. The
classroom is supported by three Para-professionals and other therapists.
The entire staff works as a team so that each child's strengths
and weaknesses can be addressed in a nurturing environment. All children
will be exposed to the Kindergarten curriculum (with modifications being
made as needed). The program runs all day, so the children get the added
benefit of spending time with the itinerant teachers (Art, Phys. Ed., Music,
etc.) They stay for lunch and have a short "rest time" after lunch recess.
While "Learning Together," the children become aware that while we are
all basically the same as one another, some people have different ways of
learning and/or communicating. The classroom teaches acceptance and
tolerance while preparing the children for academic independence in first
grade. The classroom offers the opportunity for children with special needs
to stay in the class and receive the first grade curriculum if that is
deemed the most appropriate placement by the members of the team.
Special Education Teacher - Donna J. Keable - keabled@nashua.edu
Regular Education Teacher - Brenda Ball - ballb@nashua.edu
Speech/Language Therapist -
Occupational Therapist - Shelley Slavoski
Psychologist - Lindy Walch - walchl@nashua.edu
Para- professionals - Lucy Labrie, Gail Titus, and Ann Lear
Art Teacher - Corinne Stoney
Music Teacher - Ann-Marie Wellman
Physical Education Teacher - Shane Howard
Library/ Media Specialist - Mrs. Trombley