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The Sachem Central School District's Office of Student Services would like to introduce you to all that is available through our continuum of program alternatives that meet the varied needs of students with disabilities.
The Sachem Central School District believes that every student is entitled to an appropriate educational experience. It is our mission to inform you of the range of educational programs and services that we provide. Visit our other pages on this site to learn about the exciting happenings in the Special Education Department at Sachem.
It is the philosophy and practice of the Sachem Central School District to provide educational programs and services to meet the nature and extent of the severity of the child's disability and special needs. Placements outside of the general class are only determined after careful consideration of the provision of supplemental aids and services.
The Sachem Central School District utilizes a variety of services, spanning the range from regular education with supplemental support services to provision for private residential settings for the severely and profoundly disabled.
It is our practice that each special education student be educated in the least restrictive environment. Every student needing special education programming/services must be provided such services with minimal displacement from his/her regular classroom situation. For example, students will not be placed in special education classes if their needs can be adequately met through the provision of support services within the mainstream.
We believe that students and their parents must be viewed as active participants in the planning process. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in the educational process. It is the school's responsibility to inform parents of their rights. Parents must give their consent for formal evaluation by the school and should be invited to participate in any conferences held on behalf of their child. Further, parents must be provided with written notice regarding the Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) determinations. If parents disagree with the CSE/CPSE determinations, the parent is entitled to due process. They may request special education mediation and/or an impartial hearing.
The following six general objectives of the Office of Student Services are consistent with the philosophy outlined above.
1. That every student who is the legal responsibility of the Sachem Central School District will receive a free and appropriate public education. Students are eligible to receive educational services until the completion of the school year of their 21st birthday or until the attainment of a local/regents diploma, whichever occurs earlier.
2. That the determination of the CSE/CPSE be consistent with the continuum of services outlined in the Commissioner's Regulations and be based on such items as: chronological age; learning rate; academic functioning; social/emotional development; physical development; and management needs.
3. That every disabled student will be educated in his/her least restrictive environment, and have access to the full range of programs and services available to their non-disabled peers.
4. That every disabled student has the right to participate in extra-curricular activities to the extent appropriate to their individual physical abilities.
5. That every disabled student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) be reviewed at least annually.
6. That the school will involve students, their parents and staff from both general and special education in the education process, including participation in advisory groups determining the future direction of special education programs and services.
Description and Scope of Special Education Programs and Services
Special Education Summer Programs
How Do I Get My Child Referred?
Preschool Special Education (CPSE)
Get Acrobat Reader
LIDC Autism Evaluation December 2007
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the providers at your home schools or call:
Dr. Stephanie Allen, Coordinator of Student Services
Telephone: 631-471-1890 ext. 1257
Fax: 631-471-1889
Mailing Address: 51 School Street, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Electronic Mail: sallen@sachem.edu
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Mrs. Sue Tuttle, Coordinator of Student Services
Telephone: 631-471-1890 ext. 1216
Fax: 631-471-1889
Mailing Address: 51 School Street, Lake Ronkonkoma NY 11779
Electronic Mail: stuttle@sachem.edu
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Mrs. Julie DeCollibus, Assistant Coordinator of Student Services
Telephone: 631-471-1890 ext. 1216
Fax: 631-471-1889
Mailing Address: 51 School Street, Lake Ronkonkoma NY 11779
Electronic Mail: jdecollibus@sachem.edu
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Jocelynn V. Ogiejko, IEP System Support
Telephone: 631-471-1762
Fax: 631-471-1890 ext. 1227
Mailing Address: 51 School Street, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Electronic Mail: jogiejko@sachem.edu
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Susan Erdman, Attendance Officer
Telephone: 631-471-7861
Fax: 631-471-1889
Mailing Address: 51 School Street, Lake Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Electronic Mail: serdman@sachem.edu