Excellence in engaging, empowering, and enriching today for tomorrow’s expectations
The goal of Keystone Oaks School District's Student Services Department is to support a quality learning environment and provide all students with equal opportunities for success.
The Student Services Department oversees:
Student Services Department Staff
Suzanne Hanna, Ed.D.
Assistant to the Superintendent for Student Services
Mrs. Hollie Farren
Supervisor of Special Education
Mrs. Marla Marasco
Secretary, Student Services
412-571-6162
Mrs. Donna Rizzo
Secretary, Special Education
412-571-6014
A SAP team made up of school and agency staff is available to help families access school and community services for your child. In Pennsylvania, every school district is required to have a plan for identifying and assisting students who experience barriers to learning. Our school's Student Assistance Program team consists of many dedicated professionals including teachers, counselors, specialists and principals.
The SAP team will help families find services and assistance within the school and, if needed, in the community. The SAP team doe snot diagnose, treat or refer children for treatment. The team provides families with information to make the choice(s) that best fit their needs and wishes. Parents/guardians are an important part of the team.
Warning Signs
A student may be eligible for the Student Assistance Program if he/she is exhibiting any of the following behaviors:
Additional concerns could include reactions to:
Becoming Involved in the SAP Program
Anyone can refer a child to the SAP team. Some students are referred by teachers or other school personnel. A friend or family member can also let the SAP team know that they are worried about someone. The child can even go directly to his/her guidance counselor to ask for help.
Schools will gather information to determine how a student is doing in their classes. However, the SAP team will not proceed unless a parent or legal guardian gives written permission. Once permission is received, the SAP team will work with parents/guardians to develop a plan of action to help the child achieve success in school. Participation in the program is voluntary.
Referrals to the Student Assistance Program
A SAP team member will contact the parent/guardian regarding the child's referral to the program. Before a SAP team member talks to the child, the parent/guardian will be asked to sign a permission form. The SAP team will work with the parent/guardian and the child throughout the process. The knowledge and thoughts of parents/guardians will be helpful in developing a plan of action.
If you need more information before making a decision about SAP, please feel free to talk to your child's guidance counselor or other team member.
Privacy
The SAP team information is completely confidential and the team will respect the privacy of children and families at all times.
In 1987, Congress passed the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to aid homeless persons. The Act defines the term "homeless children and youths" as individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence. The Act explicitly includes within the definition of "homeless children and youths" those who are "awaiting foster care placement."
The categories of children who are defined as "homeless" and who are entitled to the protections under the McKinney-Vento Assistance Act are as follows:
Under the Pennsylvania Education for Homeless Children and Youth State Plan, homeless children are defined as:
The McKinney-Vento Act states that it is the policy of Congress that state educational agencies shall ensure that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as provided to other children and youths. 42 USCA § 11431. Specifically, 42 USCA § 11432(g)(3)(A) indicates that the local educational agency shall according to the child’s best interest:
The Federal mandage is to ensure that homeless children and youth have access to free appropriate public education on an equal basis with other children. Children who are homeless, including those living with others, may qualify for assistance with school lunch, with school supplies/materials, with tutoring,and with transportation so that they can remain in their school of origin.
For students with 504 plans, as part of the protections available to parents/guardians, if the District and the parent/guardian cannot agree as to what related aids, services or accommodations should or should no longer be provided to our child, the procedural safeguard system may be used to resolve the dispute.
Please see this PDF for details on the avenues available for use.
Please visit the Health & School Nurse Department’s webpage for information regarding physical and dental exams, immunization requirements, sick child guidelines, health forms, and contact information for Keystone Oaks’ school nurses.
Keystone Oaks’ Student Services Department oversees new student registration. To register your child, please visit the New Student Registration page on the district’s website.