Student Support Services
Orleans Southwest Supervisory Union (OSSU) teachers and staff provide academic and behavioral help to all students through a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS) framework. Our schools are committed to teaming with families to identify and develop individualized supports. Health, nutrition, homelessness and residency issues are addressed first in the school, and then may be referred to the appropriate OSSU Central Office staff.
The first step for families who are seeking extra support is to contact the school. All individualized support planning begins in the schools. Some supports are developed informally with agreements with the classroom teacher, others are developed through formal teams such as Educational Support Teams (EST), 504 Teams, or Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) Teams. In addition to the classroom teacher, these teams may include other staff such as Special Educators, Literacy or Math Teachers, Behavior Specialists, School Nurse, School Counselors, and/or the Principal.
As the support plan is implemented, parents and guardians should continue to work with your school team. If parents and guardians have additional concerns that the team is unable to address they are encouraged to notify the principal. Principals may also work with the OSSU Director of Student Services to address parental/guardian concerns.
Related Info
Vermont Agency of Education – Special Education
Special Education Laws & Regulations
Special Education: Parental Resources
Section 504 Guide
Vermont Family Network
Contact
Heather Freeman
Director of Student Services
hfreeman@ossu.org
Wanda Webster
Administrative Assistant & Medicaid Clerk
wwebster@ossu.org