Parent Handbook - Support Services

Special Education
The Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District provides, or arranges for the provision of each of the elements of the Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students in need of specialized instruction from the age of three through age twenty‑one. A continuum of services are provided to meet the unique needs of students and to develop their individual educational potential. Services are designed to eliminate achievement gaps, minimize the impact of the student’s disability and maximize their achievement, independence and participation in the community.

AWRSD maintains the belief that all students should be included to the maximum extent appropriate in general education classrooms and in the life of our schools and community. We believe that all students can learn together with the appropriate support. We recognize that students learn best when all are included and viewed as individuals with distinct abilities, strengths and needs. Inclusive practice refers to the instructional and behavioral strategies that improve academic and social-emotional outcomes for all students with and without disabilities in general education settings.

The Ashburnham Westminster Regional School District ensures that each Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed, reviewed, implemented and revised for each student with a disability in accordance with federal and state requirements.

Guidance & Counseling
A full time school adjustment counselor is available to assist students and parents with everyday problems as well as make referrals to outside agencies as necessary. The school adjustment counselor also works with teachers and students within the classroom on developmental issues.

Counseling Materials
To ensure that counseling and counseling materials are free from bias and stereotypes on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, and homelessness, all counselors:

 

Title I Program
Title I is a federally funded program to assist our students who are working below grade level standards with mathematics and reading skills. Once a student is identified, the Title I Teacher will provide math and/or reading support services to the student. Students do not need to have a special education evaluation to receive services.

Scholarships, Prizes and Awards
Scholarships, prizes and awards sponsored or administered by the district are free of restrictions based upon race, color, sex, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability.

Extracurricular Activities
Extracurricular activities sponsored by the district are nondiscriminatory in that: the school provides equal opportunity for all students to participate in intramural and interscholastic sports; extracurricular activities or clubs sponsored by the school do not exclude students on the basis of race, sex, color, gender identity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability and homelessness.

504 Accommodation Plans
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive Federal financial assistance. Section 504 is a non-discrimination statute, which impacts: access to facilities, access to extra-curricular activities, access of parents/guardians with disabilities and access to programs. Please contact your child’s school to be connected with the 504 Coordinator.

List of Community Resources
North Central Human Services (NCHS)
NCHS is a licensed community mental health center serving the Ashburnham area. NCHS provides a wide range of psychiatric services, including outpatient counseling, emergency assistance, and substance abuse counseling.
978-632-9400

The Lipton Center
The Lipton Center is a comprehensive licensed mental health agency. The center provides a variety of psychiatric
services, including child, couple, and family therapy.

800-977-5555 or 800-534-6116

Family Continuity Programs (FCP)
FCP is a licensed non-profit mental health center that specializes in home-based family counseling and crisis intervention.
800-469-9888 or 800-345-9500

Mount Wachusett Community College
The college offers a variety of free basic skills and GED preparation classes to the community.

978-632-6600

Hotline Numbers
Parents Anonymous 1-800-882-1250
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information 1-800-327-5050
Smoking Cessation Information 1-800-422-6237