The mission of the Office of Student Services is through collaborative partnership with teachers, families, and support services students ages three to twenty one identified as having a disability receive a Fair and Appropriate Public Education preparing them for success after matriculating high school.
Staff
Mrs. Lori Witt
Director of Student Services
RECORDS REQUEST & ADMIN SUPPORT
Mrs. Deb Radcliffe
radcliffed@nfschools.org
Our Beliefs
We believe that with a problem-solving approach focused on student learning and equity that we can ensure a quality educational opportunity for all.
The Office of Student Services works hand in hand with general education teachers, intervention specialists, auxiliary staff members and administrators to meet the unique needs of our students with disabilities.
Currently, we employ thirteen intervention specialists, six paraprofessionals and one school psychologist to provide direct service to students in grades Kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Additionally, we enjoy a collaborative partnership with the Eastern Ohio Educational Service Center (Canfield, OH) to provide high quality educational programming for our students in preschool, students needing more specialized programming as well as provide occupational, physical and vision therapy.
We believe that with a problem-solving approach focused on student learning and equity that we can ensure a quality educational opportunity for all.
Programs
The Newton Falls Exempted School is proud to offer a variety of educational settings and supports to meet the needs of all of our students.
The office of student services provides the following services:
- Early entrance into Kindergarten
- Educational Evaluations beginning at age three
- Individualized Education Programming
- Occupational, Physical, Vision and Speech Therapy
- 504 Plans
- School Psychological Services
Copies of Policies IGBA and IGBA-R Program for Students with Disabilities are available during regular business hours at the Superintendent’s Office, 909 1/2 Milton Blvd., Newton Falls, OH.
Child Find
Local educational agencies are required to locate, identify and evaluate children with disabilities who may need special education or related services under Federal Regulation 34 CFR 300.00. Parents, relatives, public and private agencies and concerned citizens can help school districts find any child who is of age birth through 21 years of age who may need special education or related services. If you are aware of a Newton Falls Exempted Village child who may have special needs and is not being served, please call the office of Student Services at (330) 872-0909 option 8.
Referral for Special Education Evaluation
At Newton Falls Exempted School District, we are committed to supporting the academic, social, and emotional success of every student. If a teacher, parent, or guardian has concerns about a student’s progress, learning, or development, our Student Services team is here to help.
When a referral is submitted, the Student Services office will contact the parent or guardian within 30 calendar days to discuss the concern, explain the process, and review next steps. Referrals can be made by teachers, parents, or guardians and may address academic, behavioral, or social-emotional challenges.
Once a referral is received, our team gathers information about the student’s academic performance, behavior, and development. Targeted interventions may be implemented in the general education classroom to provide support before a formal evaluation.
If the student continues to demonstrate significant difficulties, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to determine eligibility for special education services under state and federal guidelines. Families are actively involved throughout the process, and an Evaluation Team Meeting (ETR) is held to review results and determine eligibility. For students who qualify, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to provide specialized instruction and related services tailored to the student’s needs.
Our goal is to provide early support and targeted interventions to help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. All referrals are handled confidentially, and families are partners in every step of the process.
To refer a student for intervention and evaluation, please follow this link here: https://forms.gle/p4DdadfVV2WV4Vbg9
For questions about the referral process, intervention supports, or to request a referral form, please contact the Student Services Office by phone at (330) 333-5100 ext: 1600 or email at radcliffed@nfschools.org
Public Suggestions and Comments on the use of Supplemental Federal and State Funding
Each year the Newton Falls School District is provided funds through the state and federal educational agencies that are utilized to supplement and support regular and special education programs. These funds are provided under various federal programs for specific uses. Some of the resources are targeted to provide services for children who may have experienced the effects of limited environmental and developmental opportunities.
The focus is supplementing and enriching their educational curriculum through specialized reading and math programs. Other funds encourage innovative and supportive learning in the schools. There are also programs provided to supplement our efforts for children with disabilities.
Funding has added educational materials, media center equipment, technological classroom supports, educational resources, and software supplies.
The community is invited to offer suggestions for the use of these funds so that services are of value to our children. Suggestions and comments may be submitted to Lori Witt, Director of Special Services, at 330-333-5100, or to Dr. Andreas Johansson, Superintendent of Schools, at 330-333-5100.