Student Services

2022-2023 School Year

Welcome Back letter from Abby Hanscom

Massachusetts Dyslexia Guidelines

Final Report of DESE Tiered Focused Monitoring Review

Please click the link above to review the final report from DESE. You can also access the report at www.doe.mass.edu/pqa/review/cpr/reports/.

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Tiered Focused Monitoring Report for ELL

September 28, 2021 - Building Project Accessibility Presentation

The Westwood Public Schools is committed to the provision of quality education for all students and offers an array of support services and programs in all of our schools. The Department of Student Services offers broad range of general education support services with access to Guidance Counselors, Psychologists, Nurses and English-As-A-Second Language (ELL) Staff. In addition, special education and related services are available to students who meet mandated eligibility criteria, including but not limited to, speech pathology services, occupational therapy services, and physical therapy services for eligible students. Special Educators and general educators work closely to facilitate positive, inclusive educational experiences.

Student Services Include:

· Community Partnerships
· Preschool Programs
· Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act
· Special Education
· Health Services
· Guidance
· ELL
· Home/Hospital Tutoring
· Homeless Liaison Services

If you need assistance from the Westwood Public Schools Student Services Department, you are welcome to contact one of the following people:

Director of Student Services

Abigail C. Hanscom

ahanscom@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x1345

Administrative Assistant

Leeann Plouffe

lplouffe@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x1345

Out of District Coordinator

Kelly Grant

kgrant@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x1389

Out of District Administrative Assistant and Special Education Finance Clerk/Medicaid Analyst

Karen Dullea

kdullea@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x1381

K-5 Department Head - Deerfield, Hanlon & Sheehan Schools

Glen Atkinson

gatkinson@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x5106

Preschool Director and K-5 Department Head - Downey School

Lisa Freedman

lfreedman@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x5113

K-5 Department Head - Martha Jones School

Robin Fabiano

rfabiano@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x3137

Administrative Assistant

Karen Cafarella

kcafarella@westwood.k12.ma.us

p: 781-326-7500 x5108

Special Education Child Find Notice & Kindergarten Screenings

Under federal and state special education regulations, Westwood Public Schools has a duty to locate, identify, refer, evaluate, and, if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities who reside in the town of Westwood. For parents or guardians of children ages 3-21 years of age, who have a disability or developmental delay, and who would like more information, please contact Abigail Hanscom, Director of Student Services at 781-326-7500 x1345.

Under the requirements of Massachusetts Special Education Law, the Westwood Public Schools is required to screen all children entering kindergarten to identify students who may have a disability that would interfere with their ability to make effective progress in an educational environment. Kindergarten screening includes an assessment of the child’s development in the areas of cognition, language, and motor skills. If your child does not attend Kindergarten in the Westwood Public Schools and will turn five years old by September 1, 2022, please contact the Westwood Public School’s Student Services Department for a screening appointment. All screenings must be completed by October 31, 2022. Please contact Glen Atkinson, Elementary Student Services Dept. Head at 781-326-7500 X1345 for more information.