BoE meeting is Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 6:00 PM in the Kindergarten Room. NJSLA Data Presentation will be on 11/18/26

Child Study Team

Welcome to the Sandyston-Walpack Consolidated School District Office of Special Services. The Sandyston-Walpack School District recognizes its responsibilities to locate, identify, and provide appropriate services for students in the district who may have special needs and/or disabilities. A full continuum of services is available, ranging from the least restrictive to more restrictive environments, depending on the specific needs of the student. The Office of Special Services also supports schools in ensuring students with disabilities appropriately access the grade-level standards and provides specialized instruction as determined necessary by the individualized education plan (IEP). These special services are consistent with both State and Federal regulations, providing a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment (LRE).

Child Study Team

Rosemary Gebhardt, Supervisor of Special Services

Ami Dash, Social Worker- Mondays and Thursdays

Sarah Florio, School Psychologist- Mondays and Thursdays

Kathy Grennan, Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant Thursdays

Therapists

Agnes Douma, Speech/Language Pathologist- Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays

Margie Auer, Occupational Therapist- Wednesdays

Kori Postma. Physical Therapist- Mondays and Wednesdays

Sheryl Bogardus, Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)- Thursdays and one floating day

Roles of the Child Study Team

School Psychologist

The School Psychologist has expertise in determining a child’s level of cognitive and conceptual development. In addition, the psychologist is concerned with the emotional status of the student, and how both internal and external factors may affect behavior and performance in school. The school psychologist works with both general education and special education teachers and students. In certain circumstances the school psychologist provides group and individual counseling to students.

LDTC

The Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant is trained to determine the learning styles of the students, to determine specific achievement levels in a variety of content areas, to recommend specific achievement levels in a variety of content areas, and to recommend specific teaching methods and strategies that may benefit the student. This professional is generally called upon to model specific strategies and methods that may benefit students.

Social Worker

The expertise of the Social Worker lies in assessing the student relative to the family, the school and the community. This professional generally gathers information concerning the student’s health, family, and school history as it pertains to the student’s current school functioning. The social worker also counsels students and assists in social skills development.

Occupational Therapist

The Occupational Therapist uses their expertise to facilitate the areas of self cure, academic and/or vocational pursuits as well as play or leisure activities. The OT works with students, parents, teachers and other educational staff to help implement a student's academic program.

Physical Therapist

The Physical Therapist is a professional who treats students who have medical problems or other health-related conditions, illnesses, or injuries that limits their abilities to move and perform functional activities as well as they would like in their daily lives. A physical therapist examines each individual and develops a plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability.

Speech/Language Pathologist

The Speech/Language Pathologist has expertise in developing speech and language skills, including articulation and fluency while correcting any vocal disorders. These are essential to the learning process and to the student's social, emotional and academic growth. The Speech/Language Pathologist works closely with students, parents and other educational staff members.

Special Education Resources

N.J.A.C. 6A: 14- Special Education Code

Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE)

Parental Rights in Special Education (PRISE Spanish)

Project Child Find

Click Here to Refer Your Child

CST Frequently Asked Questions

CST Parent Resources

ADHD

Parents Guide to ADHD in Children | Child Mind Institute

Parent's guide to ADHD in children. Child Mind Institute offers ADHD resources to help parents understand behaviors and decide on treatment.

ADDitude Magazine: Inside the ADHD Mind. ADHD is a neurological condition that impacts executive function, working memory, impulsivity, focus, distractibility, and emotional health. Here, learn about ADHD symptoms in boys, girls, women, children, and adults. Take tests and learn about treatment options for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, too.

CHADD - Living well with ADHD: Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) is the nation's leading nonprofit organization serving people affected by ADHD.

Understood | For Learning and Attention Issues: Chat with experts, connect with parents and get tips on parenting kids with ADHD with reading, writing, math, etc. At a Glance - Help Kids With ADHD Manage Screen Time ... Sign up for weekly emails with helpful resources for you and your family.

Autism

Autism Resources | NAESP

Reports the latest information on treatment, education, research, and advocacy.

Families for Early Autism Treatment: FEAT is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization of parents, family members, and treatment professionals dedicated to providing best outcomes for education, advocacy and support for the Autism Community.

Autism 101: A website that provides basic information on autism spectrum disorder.

Behavioral Strategies

Emotional ABCs: Teaches children, ages 4-11, how to figure out what they are feeling, why they are having that emotion, and how to make better choices.

AHA Parenting: Are you looking for that Aha! Moment to transform your child’s behavior, or maybe your own? Whether you’re wondering how to handle a specific challenge, just figuring out your child-raising approach, or ready to tear your hair out, you’ve come to the right place.

Learning Disabilities

The New Jersey Dyslexia Handbook : A guide to literacy development and reading struggles.

LD Online: LD OnLine offers accurate and up-to-date information about learning disabilities and related issues.

Fairleigh Dickinson University - Regional Center for Learning Disabilities - Information Sessions: Each July, the Center also offers a two-week Summer College Prep Program for graduating high school students and rising seniors at FDU’s Metropolitan Campus. The program introduces students to college-level work and helps them develop the specific skills and academic strategies needed to make a successful transition from high school.

Center for Parent Information and Resources: Your central “Hub” of information and products created for the network of Parent Centers serving families of children with disabilities.

Council for Exceptional Children: The Council for Exceptional Children is a professional association of educators dedicated to advancing the success of children with exceptionalities. We accomplish our mission through advocacy, standards, and professional development.

Mental Health

Preventing Youth Suicide: Facts & Tips: Information about youth suicide prevention

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: A service that provides support and resources to those impacted by suicide

Alcohol Addiction Center : A comprehensive site available for information on alcoholism.

National Association of School Psychologists: Access resources from NASP's collection of research, podcasts, handouts, articles, and guidance on topics related to students, schools, and the profession of school psychology.

Mental Health Association in New Jersey: The Mental Health Association in New Jersey strives for mental health for children and adults through advocacy, education, training, and services.

Mental Health America: Mental Health America (MHA) – founded in 1909 – is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promoting the overall mental health of all Americans.

County, State, National Resources

Special Education Parent Advisory Group: The Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) meets four times a year to discuss special education topics and provides resources to parents and guardians. The president of the SEPAG is Mr. William Simons, and the vice president is Mrs. Michelle McGrath. The SEPAG email address is: sandystonwalpacksepag@gmail.com

Section 504: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (PL 93-112) is a major federal legislation designed to prevent discrimination against individuals with disabilities by entities such as schools that receive federal funds. A student qualifies as “disabled” when they have a record of a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities such as learning.

Section 504 student plans and decisions are made by each school’s counseling and administrative teams along with parent input. If you feel that your child meets the criteria under Section 504 and requires accommodations, please contact your child’s teacher or school counselor to begin this process.

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