Special Services

 SEL Monthly Construct 2022.pdf 

 MS - Social Emotional Learning Resource - Parent Newsletter November 22-23.pdf 

Social Emotional Learning - ELF

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) is a multi-disciplinary team that identifies children in grades K-12 with special education needs such as learning disabilities, speech and language impairments, physical disabilities, emotional disturbance, mental retardation, etc.  The CSE recommends programs and services to support the academic program.  The Committee is composed of personnel from the Pearl River schools including a chairperson, school psychologist, special education teachers, general education teachers and a parent of the student receiving special education services. (School physician, related service providers, and a parent member are involved when applicable.) Although it is natural for parents and staff members to be concerned about designating a child as having special education needs, such designation provides assurance that a specially designed program will be provided to the child by the district.  At the preschool level, the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) identifies children ages three to five that need special education and recommends appropriate state and county approved pre-k programs/services.

The Mental Health Association of Rockland offers a full range of clinical services in professional, confidential and comfortable settings, as well as mobile services:
+ Our staff includes psychiatrists, licensed social workers and nurse practitioners.
+ We are trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches and use evidence-based practices.
+ Our mission is to promote mental health through advocacy, community education and direct services.
+ All MHA clinics are licensed by the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Rockland County Services

Contact Information:  To initiate services, please call Central Scheduling at 914-345-5900, ext. 7350.  For more information about our Rockland County services, please call our Rockland Coordinator, Laura Ferrelli, LMHC, at 914-598-7264

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a formal document enumerating the special services planned for a student who has been designated by the Committee on Special Education or Committee on Preschool Special Education.  The IEP contains a summary of the student's strengths and weaknesses, present levels of performance and specific educational goals.  It also indicates the nature of the disabling condition and the recommended program and placement.  The IEP is the teacher's guide for instruction and states the criteria used to determine the effectiveness of the instructional plan.

Speech/language specialists provide diagnostic testing to help determine the extent and origin of communication problems that may be interfering with academic achievement.  There is one Speech/Language specialist at each of Pearl River's five schools.  They provide services to students with moderate to severe communication disorders including voice, fluency, hearing and language deficits.  These student services are specified in an Individualized Education Program designed by the Committee in Special Education.  Speech & Language Website 

Speech & Language Pathologists:

Colleen Moore,  Evans Park Elementary  

Stephanie Hommel,  Franklin Avenue Elementary 

Stephanie King,  Evans Park Elementary

Jennifer Kelly,  Lincoln Avenue Elementary & St. Margaret of Antioch School & Evans Park Elementary

Nicholas Guardino, Pearl River High School & Pearl River Middle School & Evans Park Elementary

School Psychologists provide a broad range of services to all students, including the assessment of individual needs and problems, consultation with teachers, administrators and parents, direct intervention with students, and program development for students, parents and staff.  There is one psychologist for each of Pearl River's schools, with the exception of the High School, which has two.  The psychologists serve on the Instructional Support Team, coordinate the screening of new entrants, act as the case managers for students receiving special education services, and are mandated members of the Committee on Special Education.  Using classroom observations, interviews and formal testing, the psychologists identify the issues affecting academic performance and behavior, and develop strategies in cooperation with the school, family and student to address the situation.  School psychologists work with teachers, parents, and outside resources to promote academic success, reduce behavior problems, and enhance the personal well being of all students.  School Psychologists Webpage 

Psychologists:

Ellen McCabe - Office Phone (845) 735-7212

Dr. Rebecca Massa - Office Phone (845) 735-0268

Krystina Kane - Evans Park (845) 620-3953

Miguel Arias - Pearl River Middle School (845) 620-3893 

James Calisi - Pearl River Middle School (845) 620-3887

Jamie Martens - Pearl River High School (845) 620-3810

Andrew Binder - Pearl River High School (845) 620-3915

Dr. Samantha Turco - Pearl River High School (845) 620-3817

The school social worker helps identify and address the social emotional issues that can interfere with academic progress.  Through counseling, crisis intervention, referrals and prevention programs, they assist young people overcome the day to day struggles children and adolescents face today.

Social Workers:

Eric Borcherding
Lincoln Avenue - Monday, Thursday, Friday - (845) 620-3850 (Extension 44412)
Evans Park - Tuesday & Wednesday - (845) 620-3950 (Extension 11204)

Natalie Cervantes-Libassi  
Franklin Avenue -  (845) 620-3965 (Extension 22029)

Jessica Bersani
Pearl River Middle School - (845) 620-3888 

Norma Canals 
Pearl River High School  (845) 620-3806

Speech Language Summer 2023 Newsletter.pdf 

Spring Speech 2023 Newsletter.pdf  

 2023 Clinician Summer NewsLetter.pdf 

 Clinician Winter Newsletter 2022-2023.pdf 

 Clinician Fall 2022 News Letter.pdf 

 MS - Social Emotional Learning Resource - Parent Newsletter November 22-23.pdf 

A Parents Quick Guide to the NYSAA - New York State Alternate Assessment.pdf 

Updated Diploma and Credentials Brochure for High School Seniors:  Understanding the Requirements and Pathways to Graduation - A Guide for Families

Reaching for the Future from School Age to Adult Life resource guide for students with disabilities: Reaching for the Future

Addressing Grief:  General Tips to Support Students of All Ages - School Safety And Crisis - NASP 

CANDLE - Safe Celebrations Flyer.pdf

 Alcohol Poisoning and Overdose Card.pdf

 Alcohol Parent Card 4x6 English 2021.pdf  

Alcohol Parent Card 4x6 Spanish 2021.pdf 

NYS law makes identification cards available to people who have a medically diagnosed developmental disability. These new I/DD ID cards are meant to be presented to law enforcement, firefighters and emergency medical services personnel to aid in the communication process: OPWDD ID Card Webpage