Pupil Services

  • The Office of Pupil Personnel Services supports the Morrisville School District's regular education program by providing additional student services, including homebound instruction, school psychological services, special education, gifted education, and transportation.  

     

    Public Review

    Special Education Plan (2023-2025)

     

    The PA Department of Education (PDE) requires all School Districts to develop, implement, and monitor a Special Education plan.

    The Morrisville School District is required to submit this Board-approved Special Education Plan by May 1, 2023.

    Prior to the approval by the Morrisville School Board of Directors, PDE requires that the Special Education Plan be placed on public review for 28 days.

    Please click on the link below for a copy of the plan:

    CLICK HERE

     

    Copies are available, by request, by contacting the Department of Pupil Services/Special Education at 215-736-5926.

     

     

    Staff:

    Kimberly Vouriotis- Special Ed. Supervisor - kvouriotis@mv.org 215-736-3036

    Maritza Fernandez – Special Ed. Office Management Tech Secretary - mfernandez@mv.org - 215-736-5932

    Ana Mejia - Special Ed. Student Management Tech Secretary, amejia@mv.org  - 215-736-5926

    Rachel Bell, School Psychologist,  rbell@mv.org  - 215-736-5929

    Megan Saxton, School Psychologist, msaxton@mv.org - 215-736-5929

     

    The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires Pennsylvania to ensure that the total number of students assessed in each subject using the PASA does not exceed one percent of the total number of all students in the state assessed on the statewide assessments.  Each local educational agency (LEA) must complete and submit the PASA 1.0 Percent Participation Threshold Justification to BSE if it anticipates that more than 1.0% of its students enrolled in grades 3 – 8 and 11 will be assessed using the PASA.  A list of LEAs who anticipate exceeding the threshold will be made publicly available on the PDE website, in accordance with 34 CFR 200.6 (c) (3) regulations.  LEAs must also make the document publicly available upon request, removing any personally identifiable information. The Borough of Morrisville School District anticipates exceeding the 1.0 percent threshold for PASA participation for the 2023-24 testing cycle.  The necessary justification information has been submitted to the Bureau of Special Education.  Questions on participation rates should be directed to Kim Vouriotis, Supervisor of Special Education, at 215-736-2681.

     

     Medical Assistance

    If you are the parent or guardian of a student under the age of 21 with a learning, physical, or mental health disability you are eligible to apply for medical assistance for that child regardless of parental income.  Some basic rules follow:

    • A child can qualify for Medical Assistance even if they have other health insurance
    • The income/assets of the parents/guardians does not count in determining eligibility for Medical Assistance if the child's condition meets certain disability standards. Parent/ guardian income still must be verified
    • If you need assistance, you can ask for help at the County Assistance Office.

    Application information is available in all schools. For additional information, please contact the Office of Pupil Services at 215-736-5926.

     

    PA Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

    CHIP has expanded to cover all uninsured children and teens in Pennsylvania who are not eligible for or enrolled in Medical Assistance. CHIP may cover doctor's visits, immunizations, emergency care, prescriptions, and dental and eye care, in addition to other services. There are no income limits; CHIP may be provided free of charge or at a low cost.  For more information, visit www.CHIPcoversPAkids.com  or call 1-800-986-KIDS. 

     

    Foster Care/Foster Placements


    When a student no longer lives with a natural parent(s) and/or is displaced, the main concern is the health, safety and well-being of the child.  Once safe, the District must ascertain how to provide or continue this student’s education.
    To facilitate this process and to best serve the child and family, the Pupil Services Department, in conjunction with the Guidance Department, assign the Guidance Counselor as the primary point of contact and the Social Worker as the secondary contact.

     

    Homeless Guidelines

    The Education for Homeless Children and Youths (EHCY) program, authorized under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (McKinney-Vento Act), is designed to address the needs of homeless children and youths and ensure educational rights and protection for these children and youths. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) amended the McKinney-Vento Act, and changes made by the ESSA will take effect on October 1, 2016.  The McKinney-Vento Act is designed to address the challenges that homeless children and youth have faced in enrolling, attending and succeeding in school.  Under the McKinney-Vento Act, State educational agencies must ensure that homeless youth have access to a free and appropriate public education while removing barriers that homeless children face. It is the goal of the School District of Borough of Morrisville to have the educational process continue as uninterrupted as possible while the children are in homeless situations.

    For additional information click on these links McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Fact Sheet and/or

    Tips for Supporting Homeless Children and Youth

    If you have any questions regarding the rights of students that are homeless please don’t hesitate to contact the district’s assigned Homeless Liaison, Gina Leary at 215-736-2681 ext. 1470 or gleary@mv.org.


    Gina Leary, Guidance Counselor    215-736-1470

    Call the Pupil Services Department of Morrisville Borough School District if having difficulty contacting this staff at 215-736-5926

    Guidelines

     

    Gifted Education

    Programs for Gifted Students: Chapter 16 - In compliance with state law, services designed to meet the unique needs of gifted students are provided. Students are identified individually based on guidelines and regulations embodied in state law under Chapter 16, and those students who possess superior intelligence scores and/or meet multiple criteria indicating gifted ability may receive services. If your child is suspected to qualify for gifted services, you will be notified of evaluation and screening procedures. Requests for screening and evaluation should be made to your child’s school counselor.

     

    Notice of Special Education Services

    School District of Borough of Morrisville provides special education and related services to resident children with disabilities who are ages three through twenty-one. Under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or “IDEA,” children qualify for special education and related services if they have one or more of the following disabilities and, as a result, need specially designed instruction:

     

    1. Autism

    2. Deaf-Blindness

    3. Deafness

    4. Emotional Disturbance

    5. Hearing Impairment

    6. Mental Retardation

    7. Multiple Disabilities

    8. Orthopedic Impairment

    9. Other Health Impairment

    10. Specific Learning Disability

    11. Speech and Language Impairment

    12. Traumatic Brain Injury

    13. Visual Impairment Including Blindness

     

    The legal definitions of these disabilities, which public schools are required to apply under the IDEA, may differ from those used in medical or clinical practice. The legal definitions, moreover, could apply to children with disabilities that have very different medical or clinical disorders. A child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, for example, could qualify for special education and related services as a child with “other health impairments,” “emotional disturbance,” or “specific learning disabilities” if the child meets the eligibility criteria under one or more of these disability categories and if the child needs special education and related services as a result. If you suspect that your child may be in need of services, please contact your school’s Counselor.

    Procedural Safeguards

    Section 504 Notice

    Under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, some school age children with disabilities who do not meet the eligibility criteria outlined above might nevertheless be eligible for special protections and for adaptations and accommodations in instruction, facilities, and activities. Children are entitled to such protections, adaptations, and accommodations if they have a mental or physical disability that substantially limits or prohibits participation in a major life activity or access to an aspect of the school program. Please contact your school’s Counselor for further information.

    Guidelines to Section 504

     

    Non-Discrimination Statement

    The School District of Borough of Morrisville provides equal opportunity for ALL individuals to achieve, access programs and services and to secure employment.  This opportunity in the Morrisville Educational Community, will be afforded to all individuals equally and will not be limited nor discriminated on the basis of race, color, age, religious creed, sex, gender, ancestry, national origin, or disability, as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act of 1955 as amended.  For information regarding Civil Rights or grievance procedures, contact the Title IX Coordinator at 215-736-5261.  The District is mandated by Federal and State Regulations to provide the necessary accommodations to insure equal access.  If you require an accommodation to participate, please call the District Pupil Services Coordinator, at 215-736-5926.

     

    Non-Discrimination In-School and Classroom Policy Practices

    The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides, in part, that “no” otherwise qualified individual shall, solely by reasons of a disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in programs or activities or activities sponsored by a public entity.  In accordance with the provisions of these federal and other state laws and regulations, the Morrisville Borough School District sets as their standard the Non-Discrimination In-School and Classroom Practices (Policy #103).  This policy provides guidance and accountability to ensure and maintain non-discrimination in school and classroom practices.  It provides a conduit for complainants to be able to articulate their concerns and allegations.  It also directs the Compliance Officer to investigate promptly and provide corrective action when allegations are substantiated.  Confidentiality of all parties shall be maintained, consistent with the District’s legal and investigative obligations.
    Note:  Non-Discrimination In-School and Classroom Practices, Policy #103 and other related policies; #103.1 Non-Discrimination – Qualified Student with Disabilities; #104 Non-Discrimination in Employment and Contract Practices; in their entirety can be found on the Morrisville Borough School District website.
    ADA/Section 504 Coordinator- Kim Vouriotis, Pupil Services Dept. 215-736-5926
    Compliance Officer – Sean Haines, Acting Superintendent
    Title IX Coordinator – Sean Haines, Acting Superintendent
                                    550 W. Palmer St.
                                    Morrisville, PA  19067
                                    215-736-5261

     

    Anti-Harassment Statement

     

    The School District of Borough of Morrisville is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing and positive learning climate for all students.  Therefore, it is the policy of the District to maintain an educational environment in which harassment in any form is strictly prohibited.

    The District encourages any student, staff member or employee who have been harassed to promptly report such incidents to the designated administrative staff pursuant to Board Policy #248, Unlawful Harassment or #249 BULLYING/CYBERBULLYING.
    For the purpose of these policies, harassment shall consist of verbal, written, graphic or physical conduct related to an individual’s race, color, natural origin/ethnicity, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion when such conduct is severe, persistent or pervasive that it affect an individual’s ability to participate in or benefit from an educational program, service or activity.


     

    Confidentiality of Information

    The School District of Borough of Morrisville maintains records concerning all children enrolled in the school, including students with disabilities.  All records are maintained in the strictest confidentiality.  Your consent, or consent of an eligible child who has reached the age of majority under State law, must be obtained before personally identifiable information is released, except as permitted under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).  The age of majority in Pennsylvania is 21.  The District must protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information at collection, storage, disclosure and destruction stages.  All School Officials must assume responsibility for ensuring the confidentiality of any personally identifiable information.  The District must maintain, for public inspection, a current listing of the names and positions of those employees within the agency who have access to personally identifiable information.
    For additional information related to student records, the parent can refer to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

     

     

     

     

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