By Amy Cherry

Staff Writer

St. Marys Area School District Supervisor of Special Education, Connie Timashenka presented information about the district’s nursing, guidance and special education programs at a recent school board meeting.

In the nursing program all health screenings have been completed in each of the districts five buildings as well as in the four Catholic schools.

Currently there are plans underway to create a grade level physical to gather medical and dental information. Also two of the district’s nurses have been trained in the Healthy etools program.

In the guidance department there have been 33 evaluations completed since July for psychological services. Of those evaluations 14 students are eligible for services. Evaluations for other services, such as homeschooling or achievement learning, were conducted on three students.

Timashenka described that by December 3 the district was required to furnish the state with a child count. The count revealed that 420 students are currently receiving special services within the district.

A breakdown of the services offered to students includes; 23 students with autism or autism spectrum, 28 with emotional disabilities, less than 10 who are hearing repaired, 20 with mental retardation, three with multiple disabilities, less than 10 with orthopedic needs, 30 with other issues such as ADD or ADHD, 128 with speech/hearing disabilities, 127 with speech/language impairment, less than 10 with a traumatic brain injury and less than 10 with visual impairment.

Reading specialist staff members are working with speech therapists in enhancing learning. Other staff members include one vision support teacher, three speech therapists, two emotional support staff, three life skill support and 12 1/4 learning support.

These staff members have underwent 20 hours of professional development as required by the state as well as becoming First Aid and CPR certified, AED instructors, trained in module on language usage and ethical practices. They will soon receive their certificate of competency as well.

“We are very focused on what teachers are using in helping students in the classroom,” Timashenka said.

On November 16 a Meet the Agency night was held in Ridgway with six attendees visiting from St. Marys.

“We are continuing to use research based programs in reading and math and students are continuing to make progress,” Timashenka said.