Welcome to the Department of Special Services

Special Services Phone: 540-635-2725

Special Services Programs

Programas de servicios especiales - Español

Information

Phone: 540-635-2725
Transition Planning and Coordination

SHS: Sarah Griffith

WCHS: Jessica Kelly

Student Support Referral

Philosophy

All students are educated in a school community where everyone belongs and is accepted.  Every attempt is made to educate students with special education needs in the least restrictive environment.  The primary goal is to support students in the general education classroom with supplementary aids and services in an effort to foster success.

 

Mission

It is our mission to prepare each student to be a contributing member of society and to participate in our community.  

 The Warren County Public Schools provides a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) to all students within its jurisdiction who are identified with a disability, consistent with definitions set forth in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.   No student, solely by reason of his or her handicap as defined in these Acts, shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefit of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity operated by Warren County Public Schools.

 Any student who needs or is believed to need special education accommodations, related services, or programs under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, may be referred to the school division’s 504 Coordinator, Mrs. Shamika McDonald, for determination of eligibility under Section 504.

 If you have a concern, please contact your building principal.

 

Click here for more information: U.S Department of Education 504 Information

Warren County Public Schools strives to meet the individualized health care needs of our students.  To meet these needs, our medical staff and administrative teams collaborate with community-based medical professionals to create individualized health care plans.  The plans contain documentation that records important information about medical conditions symptoms and prescribed interventions that support students while in school.  The links below can be used by the parent to initiate the process to create a health care plan.  In addition, schools will accept other types of documentation from a student's doctor to start the process.  Please return the selected form or other medical documentation to the administrator at your child's school to start the health care plan for your child.  If you have any questions, please call the Special Services office at 540-635-2725.

Resources

Welcome to the Special Services Resources

Our goal is to provide families with information about the resources available within the district and in the community. Below you will find links and other contact information for organizations offering services and support to students and their families.

Need a Ride?

Take a ride on the FRAT (Front Royal Area Transit, a.k.a., the "Royal Trolly")
Check the  Bus Schedule to find the stop nearest you!

 

In Distress?

Need Someone to talk to?

Call MVHA Warm Line: 1-866-400-6428

Available: Monday - Friday

9 AM - 3 PM

(Sponsored by Mental Health America Warren County 540-984-0303)


Services

Early Intervention Developmental Screenings

 

Some preschoolers have difficulty developing certain skills.  Warren County Public Schools' Preschool Child Find offers free development screenings for children ages 2 (by September 30th) and 5 to assist in identifying the need for special education services.  The screenings are conducted by an early childhood special education teacher and a speech/language pathologist.  The screenings assess general development in the following areas:

Motor:  includes gross and fine motor skills, the ability to move the body

Adaptive:  self care skills such as feeding and dressing

Personal-Social:  the ability to relate to children and adults

Cognitive: the ability to learn and use new ideas

Communication:  includes understanding others and expressing one's thoughts

 

If you have concerns about your preschool aged child, please contact our child find office to schedule an appointment.    

Child Find Office/Special Services

465 W. 15th St.
Front Royal, VA 2230
540-635-6030
Fax:  540-635-3001

 

The screenings are provided at no cost to parents of Warren County.  The screening may indicate the need for a referral for  special education evaluation in accordance with regulations and administrative requirements for the operation of special education programs in Virginia.

 Questions or comments can be directed to the Child Find Coordinator Lisa Seal:  Email: lseal@wcps.k12.va.us  Phone: 540-635-6030 ext: 33253

What is SEAC?

Each school division in Virginia is required to have a Special Education Advisory Committee according to the "Regulations Governing Special Education programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia."  Special Education Advisory Committees are also required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Mission

Our mission is to advise the Superintendent and School Board of any needs regarding the education of children with special needs and disabilities; and,

to collaboratively serve as a resource of support and information for all individuals involved in educating children with special needs and disabilities. 

 In doing so, we aim to better serve all children within Warren County, Virginia

Meetings

 

Meetings begin at 6pm with 45 minutes to an hour of conducting SEAC business. During the second hour we typically host guest speakers. Meeting announcements and agendas are available to the public the week prior to our meetings. Meetings finish at 8pm.  Meetings are held at the Special Services Complex at 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal VA.

Meetings may be attended virtually by visiting https://meet.google.com Use meeting code SEAC

Contact Information

 For more information please contact Gina Casella at: gcasella@wcps.k12.va.us

Please visit the SEAC Facebook page

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What is SEAC?

Each school division in Virginia is required to have a Special Education Advisory Committee according to the "Regulations Governing Special Education programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia."  Special Education Advisory Committees are also required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

Mission

Our mission is to advise the Superintendent and School Board of any needs regarding the education of children with special needs and disabilities; and,

to collaboratively serve as a resource of support and information for all individuals involved in educating children with special needs and disabilities. 

 In doing so, we aim to better serve all children within Warren County, Virginia

Meetings

 

Meetings begin at 6pm with 45 minutes to an hour of conducting SEAC business. During the second hour we typically host guest speakers. Meeting announcements and agendas are available to the public the week prior to our meetings. Meetings finish at 8pm.  Meetings are held at the Special Services Complex at 465 W. 15th Street, Front Royal VA.

Meetings may be attended virtually by visiting https://meet.google.com Use meeting code SEAC

Contact Information

 For more information please contact Gina Casella at: gcasella@wcps.k12.va.us

Please visit the SEAC Facebook page

Project HOPE - Virginia, the Virginia Education Program for Homeless Children and Youth, is a federally-funded grant authorized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act. Project HOPE - Virginia ensures the enrollment, attendance, and the success of homeless children and youth in school through public awareness efforts across the commonwealth and subgrants to local school divisions. Local Education Agencies (LEA) develop customized programs to meet the needs of homeless children and youth in their area. Project HOPE - Virginia funds activities throughout the school year, including early childhood education, mentoring, tutoring, parent education, summer enrichment programs, and domestic violence prevention programs. In addition, emergency services, referrals for health services, transportation, school supplies, and costs related to obtaining school records may be provided through the local Homeless Education Program.  Click here for further information Project Hope Virginia

Contact: Shamika McDonald 540-635-2725

The Right Turn Program has been developed as a possible alternative to long term suspension for first time offenders for drug offenses committed on school grounds.

The purpose of the program is to give both students and parents information that can assist families with drug use and improving the parent-child relationship.

Agreements in participation:

  1. This is a one-time offering for a student and is for first time offenders only, who are not charged with distribution of drugs.  Legal charges for use or under the influence will be made anytime a student has drugs or is under the influence at school.  The Juvenile Courts have agreed to consider deferring these charges if the program is successfully completed.
  2. The student and parent or guardian must actively participate in all 8 modules in order to successfully complete the program.
  3. The modules must be completed within the time frame offered.  Being absent or late to any program module will negate this agreement and the 365 day suspension will be instituted immediately. The court will also be informed of unsuccessful completion.
  4. Appropriate participation is expected during each module.  Attentiveness to the instructors, willingness to actively participate and respect for other group members is needed by both students and parents.  If instructors feel that the student and/or parents have a hostile or overtly negative attitude towards the program, participation will be immediately terminated and this information will be sent to the Superintendent for review.  The court will also be informed of unsuccessful completion.
The mission of Warren County Public Schools nursing services is to enhance the health and well-being of students, staff, and our community by fully implementing the nursing process in the school setting. We strive to make accurate assessments and nursing diagnoses, create plans of care, utilize appropriate interventions, and evaluate care while documenting all health events. We contribute to a healthy and safe school environment for all through infection control, accident prevention, and health education.
Foster Care Liason: Colin Miller 540-635-2725
Don't stress about the dress. The Glass Slipper will be open every Monday and Thursday from 2:45 to 4:45 from now until prom for students in need.  Visit them at their new location at the Diversified Minds & Special Services Office, located at 465 W 15th Street, Suite 500.  They also have shoes, accessories and men's attire!  Please see someone in the Guidance Office if you have any questions.  

Activities/ Events

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meetings are held quarterly at 6:00pm at the Special Services site at 15th Street, Front Royal, VA, 22630.

For further information contact Shamika McDonald at smcdonald@wcps.k12.va.us or by phone: 540-635-2725.

SEAC Meeting Calendar

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ARC meetings are held the 2nd Monday of the month at the WCPS Special Services Office, 465 W 15th St, Ste 500, Front Royal, VA, 22630. For further information contact Crissa Breeden at 540-635-2725.
Challenger Baseball & the Front Royal little league bring the baseball experience to students with special needs. The overall goal is to enable young people to benefit from participation in team sports and activities in a safe and structured environment. The Challenger program is non-competitive. There is no score kept, participants have buddies on the field, there are no tryouts, and everyone plays. Contact: Winnie Ehlinger at 540-636-1688.
The Warren Coalition is a non-profit agency established to help fill the gaps in health care and substance abuse in Warren County. This multi-agency group supports the youth of our community. For more information, go to http://www.warrencoalition.org/.
Please contact Winnie Ehlinger at 540-636-1688.
Special Olympics Kickball will be held at the Fantasyland playground on Commerce Ave each Wednesday from April - March 4:00-5:00 pm. Ages 8 and older. This is a FREE event. Pre-registration is required.  For questions and registration information contact: Winnie Ehlinger at 540-636-1688.
Special Olympics Bowling will be held at the Royal Lanes.  This is a FREE event. Pre-registration is required. For questions and registration information contact: Winnie Ehlinger at 540-636-1688.
Special Olympics Basketball will be held at the Hilda J. Barbour Gymnasium.  This is a FREE event. Pre-registration is required.  For questions and registration information contact: Winnie Ehlinger at 540-636-1688.
Contact: Winnie Ehlinger at 540-636-1688.