Student Support Services

Reading and math interventionists work with students in small groups to build foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Students are identified for intervention services based on classroom performance, teacher recommendation, and assessment data including MAP, DIBELS, DRA, and NJSLA. Intervention is provided during the school day in addition to core classroom instruction.

Students in grades 6-8 may participate in quarterly intervention classes that provide focused support in reading or mathematics. These classes are scheduled into the school day and target specific skill areas where students need additional help. Students are identified for intervention based on MAP and NJSLA assessment data, classroom performance, and teacher input.

High school students can access after-school academic support provided by National Honor Society members. Teachers also offer math support sessions to help students with coursework and test preparation. Information about support schedules is available through the high school guidance office.

The I&RS team works with teachers and families to identify students who are experiencing academic, behavioral, or social-emotional challenges and to develop intervention strategies. Any parent or teacher can make a referral to I&RS. The team meets to review student needs, recommend interventions, and monitor progress. I&RS is often a first step before considering a special education evaluation.

Reading and math interventionists work with students in small groups to build foundational literacy and numeracy skills. Students are identified for intervention services based on classroom performance, teacher recommendation, and assessment data including MAP, DIBELS, DRA, and NJSLA. Intervention is provided during the school day in addition to core classroom instruction.

School-Wide Behavioral Supports

Schoenly implements a school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework that promotes positive behavior expectations and recognizes student success. Schools also utilize tiered behavioral supports to address student needs at varying levels of intervention.

Intervention and Referral Process

Behavioral and social-emotional concerns are typically addressed first through the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) process. School teams collaborate with teachers and families to develop interventions, monitor progress, and determine whether additional behavioral support services may be appropriate. When needed, referrals may be made for additional support from district behavioral specialists.

Intensive Behavioral Support

Students requiring more intensive behavioral intervention may receive support through a structured referral process involving district behavioral specialists and support staff. Services are tailored to individual student needs and may include behavioral consultation, intervention planning, counseling support, and collaboration with families and outside providers when appropriate.

Spotswood provides school-based mental health support services to students through district Behavioral and Mental Health Specialists who are dual certified as school psychologists and licensed clinical psychologists in New Jersey. Students may access counseling and mental health support services through a referral process based on identified needs, and an IEP is not required to receive services. The district also maintains a Crisis Intervention Team to support student safety and well-being and provides families with a Mental Health Resource Guide containing community counseling resources and links to major New Jersey insurance providers to help families locate in-network behavioral health services.

Spotswood maintains a Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Team in alignment with New Jersey Department of Education guidance. The team assists schools in identifying and assessing behaviors of concern, determining potential risk, and developing intervention strategies to support student safety. The process focuses on behavior-based assessment and does not permit profiling based on race, ethnicity, disability, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, or other protected characteristics.

Spotswood is committed to maintaining a safe and supportive school environment for all students. The district has a District Anti-Bullying Coordinator and Anti-Bullying Specialists in each school building to support the investigation and resolution of HIB concerns. Families and students may report concerns through the district’s online HIB reporting system. Schools also participate in prevention and awareness initiatives throughout the year, including Week of Respect activities, Safe Schools Week activities, classroom guidance lessons, assemblies, anti-bullying pledges, and peer mentoring programs designed to promote positive school culture and student relationships.

Elementary counseling services focus on supporting students’ social-emotional development, behavioral needs, and overall adjustment to school. Counselors are available to provide classroom guidance lessons upon teacher request to address topics related to classroom climate, peer relationships, emotional regulation, and student well-being.

Students may also participate in small group counseling focused on areas such as friendship skills, social skills, grief, divorce, and managing everyday challenges including peer conflict and test anxiety. Individual counseling and brief student check-ins are available to support students whose social-emotional or behavioral concerns are impacting school functioning or academics. Referrals for support may be made by teachers, families, or students.

Middle school counseling services support students academically, socially, and emotionally during the transition to adolescence and high school preparation. Students receive support with academic planning, course selection, career awareness, and transition activities including sixth grade orientation, bridge programming, eighth grade open house events, and freshman orientation activities. Counselors also provide career readiness support through workshops focused on topics such as resumes, interviewing skills, and financial literacy.

Social-emotional counseling services at the middle school level include individual counseling, restorative counseling, peer mediation, crisis counseling, and small group counseling opportunities such as social skills groups, lunch groups, and gender-based support groups. Counselors also provide monthly SEL lessons and serve as 504 coordinators and case managers for counseling services.

Memorial Middle School School Counseling

High school counseling services provide students with individualized academic, college, career, and social-emotional support throughout all four years of high school. Students meet annually with their counselor to review graduation requirements, course selections, post-secondary goals, and academic planning. Counselors assist students and families throughout the college application process and provide workshops on topics including college planning, financial aid, scholarships, FAFSA completion, and college essay writing.

Students have access to college representative visits, military recruiter visits, and an annual College and Career Fair featuring colleges, trade schools, military representatives, volunteer organizations, and career opportunities. The district also utilizes Naviance to support career exploration, college searches, application tracking, and post-secondary planning beginning in freshman year.

Counselors also provide social-emotional support through individual counseling, restorative counseling, peer mediation, crisis counseling, and collaboration with the district’s Student Assistance Counselor, Behavioral and Mental Health Specialists, and special education case managers.

SHS School Counseling

Students may request meetings with their school counselor directly through scheduled appointments or walk-in visits. Parents may contact their child’s school counselor or building principal to request counseling support.

Counselors also assist with 504 plan coordination, testing accommodations for classroom and standardized assessments, and crisis response services. All counselors are members of the district Crisis Intervention Team and may complete risk assessments and referrals when additional support is needed.