Student Services
The Student Services Department collaborates with parents, students, Intervention Specialists, Tutors and Teachers to provide services for students who require academic intervention, behavioral support, differentiation, and/or a team approach to meet the unique learning needs of students.
About Student Services
- English Language Learners
- Gifted Learners
- PreSchool (Baron Early Learning)
- Students with Disabilities/Section 504
- Health Services
- Home Schooling
- Homeless Information
- Federal Grants
- Parents Right To Know
English Language Learners
Buckeye Valley is an inclusive community that embraces diversity and opportunity for every student. Our district currently includes families from over a dozen different countries and language groups.
Who is an English Learner?
According to the Ohio Department of Education, “Students who are English learners have had significant exposure and communication experiences in a primary or home language other than English. These multilingual students benefit from specialized support in English as a second (or new) language to develop academically and participate equitably in school”.
How are students at Buckeye Valley identified as English Learners?
Buckeye Valley follows the procedures identified by the Ohio Department of Education for identifying English learners:
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Students whose parents/guardians indicate during registration that another language is spoken in the home will take a screener test (Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener) to determine eligibility for English Learner Services.
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Students transferring from another district who were previously identified as English Learners will automatically qualify for EL services at Buckeye Valley.
Parents have the right to accept or decline English Learner services. All students identified as English Learners must take the Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) yearly, even if services have been declined. When students score “Proficient” on all 4 sections of the OELPA, they may exit the EL Program.
Information on Exiting the EL Program
What services does the district provide for students identified as English Learners?
Buckeye Valley provides our EL students with a teacher licensed in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). EL teachers work closely with classroom teachers and administration to determine the most effective model of instruction for each EL student, which can include:
Dedicated/Collaborative Instruction- Students receive their core language arts instruction with an EL teacher in a sheltered setting. EL teacher and classroom teachers work together to provide additional language support in core and special classes.
Collaborative Instruction- Students receive language support from an EL teacher within their regular classrooms. EL teacher and classroom teachers work together to provide additional language support in core and special classes.
What services does the district provide for multilingual families?
All multilingual families (even those whose student/s are not identified as English Learners) are entitled to language assistance for all written or oral communications from the school district.
To request language assistance, please contact:
Para solicitar asistencia con el idioma, comuníquese con:
LeAnna Ford, Student Services Director lford@mybvls.org (740) 363-6626
Liz Fronduti, EL Services lfronduti@mybvls.org (614) 761-8934
Additional Resources:
Gifted Learners
Buckeye Valley Gifted Services
Buckeye Valley is committed to serving gifted learners by providing high quality learning opportunities that incorporate rigor and creative thinking.
As defined by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE), "gifted" means students who perform or show potential for performing at remarkable high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment and who are identified under Division (A), (B), (C), or (D) of Section 3324.03 of the Revised Code.
Identification
Buckeye Valley follows the state's criteria for identifying gifted learners. Students can be identified as having Superior Cognitive Ability by earning a qualifying score on a state-approved ability assessment as outlined in the "Assessments Approved for Gifted Identification and Prescreening," published by ODE. Whole-grade testing for Superior Cogantive Ability occurs in 2nd and 5th Grade. Students may also be identified with Creative Thinking Ability based on criteria set forth by ODE during the 2nd and 5th grade testing windows.
Buckeye Valley uses the NWEA Measures for Academic Progress (MAP) assessment to identify Specific Academic Ability in Math and reading. Students in 3rd through 8th grade take this test multiple times a year, and are identified as having Specific Academic Ability if they score in the 95th percentile or above. Buckeye Valley uses performance evaluation tools and checklists to identify Visual and Performing Arts Ability when requested by referral.
Families may request gifted identification testing during one of our two referral windows by using the form found here. There will be two referral windows each year, and testing will occur the following month:
Fall, open September 1-30
Spring, open February 1-28
District Services
Buckeye Valley offers gifted services for students with Superior Cognitive Ability, Creative Thinking Ability, and Specific Academic Ability. Buckeye Valley classroom teachers receive continuing high quality professional development in gifted education to differentiate learning in all core classes.
Additionally:
Grade 2: This is the first year each student is tested for gifted identification. Classroom teachers differentiate curriculum in the general education classroom to meet the needs of gifted learners.
Grades 3-5: Cluster grouping allows gifted students to work with peers who are also identified while participating in the general education classroom. The district Gifted Intervention Specialist may work directly with students in the cluster groups when possible.
Grades 6-8: Identified students can participate in accelerated Math classes if the district rubric indicates this is a good fit (information here). Students identified in Reading/Writing are cluster grouped for English/Language Arts classes.
Grades 9-12: Students are cluster grouped in Math and English classes, and have access to advanced courses, including Advanced Placement and College Credit Plus options.
Written Education Plans (WEPs) are created for each student identified as gifted, and explain the skill(s) the classroom teacher is instructing based on the student's identified subject area or cognitive needs.
Acceleration:
Academic acceleration occurs when a student skips a grade level in a single academic subject or a whole grade level (including early entrance to Kindergarten or first Grade). Academic achievement and aptitude at the current and next grade level(s) is measured, and congnitive ability and developmental factors are examined as well. A district committee will collect and analyze the data to determine if acceleration is the best fit for a student's academic and social emotional needs. A Written Acceleration Plan is created for the first year a student is accelerated to outline the process.
Enrichment:
Differentiation and enrichment of core academic content occurs regularly in each Buckeye Valley classroom! There are even more informal opportunities for enrichment within our district which may include...
-Destination Imagination
-Invention Convention
-Middle School Science Fair
-Mock Trial
-In the Know
-French Club
-Spanish Club
-Summer Enrichment
Additional Information
http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Other-Resources/Gifted-Education
Support for families with gifted children is available through the Ohio Association for Gifted Children (OAGC) and the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC).
https://oagc.com/divisions/parents/
https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources-parents
PreSchool (Baron Early Learning)
PRE-SCHOOL
The Buckeye Valley Local Schools hosts monthly pre-school enrollment screenings for each of the Buckeye Valley pre-school programs.
Areas to be assessed include hearing, vision, language, motor skills and general concepts. Parents are also given the opportunity to provide a brief health history and fill out a questionnaire about their child’s social-emotional development.
If you are concerned about your child’s development and would like to have him/her participate in the screening, please contact the Elementary Building in which you reside to make an appointment.
Students with Disabilities/Section 504
STUDENTS WITH DISABILITES
The Buckeye Valley School District provides a continuum of special education services and supports to children ages 3 through 21 identified as disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. Special education services are provided in accordance with Ohio’s Operating Standards for Ohio’s Schools Serving Children with Disabilities.
A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education
Eye Exam Information
Who may receive special education services?
- Preschool children (ages 3-5) who have been identified as having moderate to severe developmental delays in the areas of communication, motor, adaptive behavior, social-emotional, vision, hearing, or cognitive skills.
- School-age children (6-21) who have been identified as having one of the following disability conditions:
- Autism
- Cognitive Disability
- Deaf-Blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hearing Impairment
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
Where are special education services provided?
Services are provided in the Least Restrictive Environment. This means that children are educated in the regular educational environment to the greatest extent possible. The following list of educational settings is in order from the least restrictive environment to the most restrictive environment:
- General Education Classroom
- Tutorial/Support Room
- Resource Room/Specialized Skill Unit
- Special School
- Home Instruction
- Hospital
- Institution
What related services are provided to students with disabilities?
Based on the child's needs, the following support services are available:
- Adaptive Physical Education
- Aide Services
- Attendant Services
- Audiological Services
- Counseling Services
- Guide Services
- Interpreter Services
- Medical Services
- Occupational Therapy Services
- Orientation and Mobility Services
- Physical Therapy Services
- Speech and Language Services
- Transportation
It is the intent of the district, pursuant to Section 504, to keep you fully informed concerning decisions about your child and to inform you of your rights if you disagree with those decisions. Notice of Section 504 Parent Rights can be located via our website and are included below. Complaints, including complaints of disability harassment and requests for due process hearings must be put into writing and must identify the specific circumstances or areas of dispute that have given rise to the complaint or requests for a hearing and offer possible solutions to the dispute. Complaints must be filed with the District Section 504/ADA Compliance Officer. The Board of Education has designated the Director of Student Services as the District Section 504/ADA Compliance Officer.
"Revised" 504 Grievance Procedure
The District Compliance Officer, LeAnna Ford, can be reached at:
683 Coover Road
Delaware, Ohio 430515
740-363-6626
Health Services
Buckeye Valley currently employs a school nurse who serves as the liaison between education and health care. The school nurse conducts mandatory screenings, oversees student health records, procedures and policies which are required under Ohio Revised Code. In addition, the school nurse trains and supervises staff who are providing mandated health services to students. Prevention education and community networking are also provided to promote student wellness and to access health services for families. Please contact Kelsey Case if you have questions or concerns at 740-363-6626.
Home Schooling
HOME SCHOOLING PROCEDURES
1. Submit an “Intent to Home School Notification Form” with an outline of the intended curriculum requesting to complete specified class(s) through home schooling. Intent must be filed PRIOR to beginning any home school program and is required each school year.
2. The outline should indicate how the student intends to complete his/her work and accompany the Intent form each school year. The outline and curriculum to be determined by home educator. A great source for home educators is the State of Ohio web site, www.ode.state.oh.us or toll free number, 1-877-644-6338. The local libraries are also a valuable source of information for materials needed in the home educating process. If you are inquiring about a GED, please contact the Delaware Area Career Center, 548-0708, for more information. Home Schooled children may attend JVS in their 11th and 12th grade year by contacting DACC in January or February prior to the 11th grade year.
3. A total of 900 hours are required each school year. If at any given time a parent wishes to enroll their child into the school system, proper placement of the child will be determined by consulting with the Guidance Counselor or Principal. Grades 9 and above should work with a Guidance Counselor throughout their home schooling if they have any intentions of graduating with a diploma from Buckeye Valley Schools.
4. Parent to complete an assessment following one of the options listed below:
a) Written narrative signed by a certified teacher or other person mutually agreed upon by the parent(s) and the superintendent indicating the child’s work has been reviewed and that the child’s academic progress for the year is in accordance with the child’s abilities. (Proof of certification required)
b) Results of a nationally normed, standardized achievement test which meets the requirements set forth in rule 3301-12-02 of the Administrative Code administered by a certified teacher, person duly authorized by the publisher of the test; or individual mutually agreed upon by the parent(s) and the Superintendent. This test must demonstrate reasonable proficiency as compared to other children in the district at the same grade level. Any child that has a composite score at or above the twenty-fifth percentile shall be deemed to be performing at a level of reasonable proficiency.
5. Completed Assessment form should be returned to the Administration Offices. The assessment form sent to you with your intent acceptance letter can be used or parent(s) can provide one that includes all the required information. This should be returned to:
Peggy Lindstedt, Student Services Administrative Assistant
683 Coover Road
Delaware, OH 43015
6. After receipt and review of the assessment, notification will be mailed to parent acknowledging receipt of assessment for school year indicated.
7. If at any time, you elect to enroll your child into an alternate program or re-enroll them into the public school system, we ask that you notify us at the above address. If re-enrollment is requested, proper placement of child will need to be determined as noted above. If you continue to home school your child, you must complete an “Intent To Home School” form each school year.
Homeless Information
Information is available regarding homelessness and the education of a child who is determined to be homeless. Please refer to the following links:
ODE Homeless Information Update
Federal Grants
NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND (NCLB)
Part of the Elementary and Secondary Act, currently known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Title I is a federal entitlement program that provides the district and schools serving low income families with funds to improve student achievement. District and school allocations are based on the number and percentage of students who are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches.
There are four guiding principles in NCLB:
1. Schools are expected to teach students using standards-based curriculum and scientifically based methods proven to be successful.
2. Schools and districts are accountable for demonstrating that all students are meeting academic goals each year. Schools not making adequate progress for two or more consecutive years in reading or math are in "school improvement" status.
3. Teachers and instructional paraprofessionals must be highly qualified. School districts must develop plans to ensure highly qualified teachers and instructional paraprofessionals in Title I funded programs.
4. Parents must be given information, rights and choices concerning their child's education. NCLB states parents have a right...
a. to have access to their child's individual performance levels on the statewide assessments.
b. to know if their child's school is making adequate yearly progress (links to Ohio Department of Education Local Report Cards)http://ilrc.ode.state.oh.us
c. to know the qualifications of their child's teachers,
d. to be informed if their child is being taught by a substitute or a non-highly qualified teacher for longer than four consecutive weeks, and
e. to know about school choice and supplemental educational services.
Parents Right To Know
Under the federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), all school districts are required to notify parents with children in Title I Schools that they may request information regarding the professional qualifications of each student’s classroom teachers. This information may include qualifications listed below.
- If the teacher has met state qualification and licensing criteria for the grade level and subject areas taught
- If the teacher is teaching under emergency or temporary status in which state qualifications or licensing criteria are waived
- The teacher’s baccalaureate degree major, graduate certification, and field of discipline
- The qualifications of any paraprofessional that is providing services to the student
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact your building principal or the Director of Pupil Services.
Contacts:
LeAnna Ford, Director of Student Services
e-mail: lford@mybvls.org
Peggy Linstedt, Administrative Assistant
e-mail: plinstedt@mybvls.org
Liz Fronduti, English Language Learner Teacher
e-mail: lfronduti@mybvls.org
Laura Pappa, Gifted Coordinator
email:lpappa@mybvls.org
Katie Landin, School Nurse
e-mail: KLandin@mybvls.org
Heather Krantz, Occupational Therapist (BV West)
e-mail: hkrantz@mybvls.org
Lisa Millard, Occupational Therapist (BV East/Middle School/High School)
e-mail:lmillard@mybvls.org
Julie Hobbs, Physical Therapist
e-mail: jhobbs@mybvls.org
Traci Bryant, School Psychologist (BV West/BV Middle School)
e-mail: tbryant@mybvls.org
Kiera Naples, School Psychologist (BV East/BV High School)
e-mail: KNaples@mybvls.org
Kim McClincy, Speech Pathologist (Preschool)
e-mail: kmclincy@mybvls.org
Pamela Sheets, Speech Pathologist (BV West/Middle School)
e-mail:psheets@mybvls.org