As with any learning context, there are times when students require additional time and reinforcements in order to be successful academically, socially and/or emotionally. Such programs to support students are available to children at Northeast, as in all schools throughout the district. The relevant approach is considered for any students for whom a concern arises, and a need is identified. As partners in the education community, parents and guardians are consulted and informed during each phase of the process. We aim to partner with families as we seek to facilitate student growth and positive academic experiences.

Montclair Public Schools is committed to ensuring that all students receive the necessary support to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. With this, we are working toward a multi-tiered support system with essential components in place. Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is a framework that our district employs to ensure this. MTSS is rooted in the belief that all students can learn and that they have varying needs. By identifying these needs early and providing appropriate support, we help each student reach their full potential.

Our schools’ Student Support Committees (SSC) are designed to support students who are experiencing learning, behavior, health, or social-emotional challenges and to assist staff in addressing the student needs. Student Support includes school-based teams that support the development, implementation, review, and evaluation of action plans to support students.

As per a New Jersey Department of Education mandate (NJSA 18A:35-36), our district has adopted a policy and procedures for the identifying students who require gifted and talented services. We follow the MPS Comprehensive plan for identification and services. Students are assessed at the end of kindergarten and 3^rd grade for identification. All new students to the district who may have missed these assessments will be included. In Montclair, our response to the demonstration of advanced capabilities is guided by the principles of differentiation.

The Child Study Team determines pupil eligibility for Special Education and related services in accordance with federal and state requirements under the provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and N.J.A.C. 6A:14.

The speech therapist provides services to children for articulation and language development. Sessions occur according to the student’s needs.

A specialist provides support services to hearing-impaired students who are in regular classrooms. The therapist meets with identified children according to the students’ needs.

A certified occupational therapist and/or physical therapist works with classified students on fine motor development, or other needs as identified through evaluation.

A full-time counselor is available to provide assistance to children when they need emotional support. Students have a safe place in which to process feelings and talk. A student may see the counselor once about a particular incident or may meet over a longer period of time depending on the child’s needs. When long-term counseling becomes necessary, parents are notified for their input and consent. The counselor’s goal is to establish a positive relationship with youngsters and their homes so that students can be supported to have a wonderful school experience. The counselor also conducts lessons on social skills, in classrooms, as a proactive measure toward building a kind, safe and respectful school community. Please inform the school of changes within the family, environment, or other significant factors that may affect your child’s physical and emotional health.

School Nurse (973-509-4241)

The school nurse is on duty full time at Northeast. Parents will receive either a call from the nurse and/or a note in the child’s backpack (if warranted) to confirm a visit to the nurse.

Parents or an emergency contact are also notified when a child becomes ill during the school day. According to Montclair Board of Education policy, there are specific instances such as an elevated temperature, vomiting and skin rashes that require children to be excluded from school. A child may also be excluded based on the clinical assessment of the nurse.

Please note: according to district policy, the school nurse does not administer any herbal, homeopathic, or dietary supplements.

* Please see additional helpful information from the Health Office under the section entitled  Health Office.