Summer Program 2008 for Students with Disabilities
The Summer Program 2008 for students with disabilities will be held at the Hudson Middle School starting on Tuesday, July 1st and ending on Tuesday, August 11th.
Classes are from 7:45-1:15. Transportation is provided for all students who attend this program. Students will receive breakfast and lunch.
To qualify for this program, students must have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) and currently receive Special Education services. Students with disabilities are recommended for special education services in the summer only when it is determined that the student must receive these services in order to prevent "substantial regression". This year there are forty-two students enrolled in the program. Families of eligible students will receive information in the mail confirming their child's placement in the summer program.
For more information, please contact Mr. Frank Mulhern, Director of Student Services. 828-4360 ext. 2111 or 2112.
Nature and Scope of Special Education Programs and Services
The Hudson City School District is committed to the task of providing all students with an education that is challenging and rewarding. Students with disabilities are considered an integral part of the total student population. Commitment to provide excellence in education is directed toward students with disabilities to the same degree as non-disabled students. Opportunities are provided to all students with disabilities in order for them to achieve in accordance with their own abilities. The ultimate goal is to equip all students with the skills necessary for personal, academic and social success necessary for independent and productive living.
At both the elementary and secondary levels, there is a strong commitment to the concept that students with disabilities be placed, to the maximum extent possible, in classes with non-disabled peers. Students with disabilities need to be able to demonstrate competency on all NYS assessments. For students with severe disabilities, Alternate Assessments are required. The Alternate Assessment is a portfolio-type assessment which is completed throughout the school year. The coordination of curriculum, modification of strategies and instructional techniques are facilitated on all academic levels.
Students with disabilities are entitled to appropriate aids and services in order that each student benefit from the general classroom experience. This opportunity is essential to the development of self-worth and self-respect as well as the preparation of students with disabilities to live and work successfully in a challenging adult world.
In addition to academic skills, students with disabilities at the secondary level are encouraged to enroll in courses in the area of technology, home and career skills, art, music and business. A new Career Exploration course at the high school has been initiated as a pilot program. It is intended that pre-vocational classroom experience will aid students in defining their future goals. This pilot program will serve as an important preparatory step for those students who later attend Questar Vo-Tech programs.
The 2007-2008 school year has started with greater opportunities for students with disabilities to participate in the least restrictive environment through mainstreaming designs utilizing consultant teachers, integrated co-teaching experiences and study skills classes. The Department of Student Services will continue to work on improving programs and services so that students with disabilities are offered maximum opportunities to be successful learners. These efforts support the increase of student achievement in reading and math assessments increasing the graduation rate for students with disabilities with regents/local diplomas.