South Side Middle School’s Special Education Program is designed to address the educational needs of students who have been classified with an educational disability. An individualized and comprehensive assessment of each student’s abilities is conducted by the Committee on Special Education prior to a recommendation for placement in the program. The Committee consists of parents, teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, and other service providers. A review of the Special Education Services is conducted at least once a year or whenever a program modification is indicated based on the student’s performance.

Resource Room

The Resource Room at South Side Middle School is a program designed for students who require the additional support of special education services to be successful in mainstream classes. In addition to their general education classes, these students have a Resource Room period each day taught by a Special Education teacher. The goal of the Resource Room is to support and strengthen the students’ work in the mainstream classes and to work on individual needs and IEP goals.

Integrated Co-Teaching

The ICT Program is for students with educational needs that require a more comprehensive level of support. Students receive instruction in the general education setting in classes which are co-taught by general education and special education teachers. In addition, the student will be scheduled for an Academic Enrichment class one period each day. During this class the Special Education teacher will provide additional instruction and work on IEP goals. 

Alternately Assessed Program

The Middle School Alternately Assessed program provides a creative and diverse curriculum for students from grades 6-8, who have a moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorder. The program is specifically designed to prepare students to participate effectively as an individual in the academic and community setting. Instruction is individualized and highly structured to provide the most supportive learning environment possible. The students follow a typical middle school schedule filled with stimulating academics; Reading, Math, Social Studies, Science, ELA, Health and Physical Education.

Grade 6:

Allison Creagh (Sci/SS)

Julie Duignan (ELA)

Alicia LaManna (Math)

Holly November

Katherine Parker (Sci/SS)

Teresa Reardon (ELA)

Grade 7:

Jennifer Abgarian (SS)

Lisa Fuchs (Sci) 

Nicole Garcia (Math)

Jeremy Wiley (ELA)

Grade 8:

Matthew Cohen (SS)

Christopher McGorty (ELA)

Karen Pogozelski (Sci)

Carolyn Rekatas (Math)

Ann Sieling (Sci)

Denise Haigood (Reading 6,7,8)

Margie Mosher (Reading 6,7)

Deirdre Murtagh (RR 7,8)

Patricia Beaumont

Nicole Tufano  

Allison Wallace