Marion-Walker Elementary School

Regular Education Program - There are 3 classrooms in each grade, K - 5. The Language Arts and Mathematics curricula are based on the Pennsylvania Academic Standards. The Science and Social Studies curricula are based on national standards. Instruction is geared toward meeting diverse student needs.

MTSS Reading Intervention - The program provides support services in reading for students in grades K - 5. Reading Specialists work closely with the student's classroom teacher to provide services for students who qualify as at-risk based on academic screeners and teacher data.

School Counselor - The school counselor provides structured, age-appropriate developmental guidance lessons for all students in grades K-5. The counselor teaches a 30 minute lesson every other cycle; all lessons are based on CASEL standards.
Individual and Group Counseling - The School Counselor is available five days each week for providing individual and small group counseling and consultation with teachers or peers. The counselor coordinates with outside agencies when needed.

Health Services - A certified school nurse evaluates, assesses, and intervenes with the health and education related problems of school children. The nurse is directly involved with curriculum planning, health screenings, referrals and care of fragile children. The nurse maintains health and dental records on each child in the school and administers medication and first aid.

Related Education Services - Certified teachers also teach Library Skills, Technology, Art, Music, Health, Physical Education, and String/Band Instruments (Grades 4-5). Introductory Spanish is taught every other cycle to grades 4-5.

Programs for Special Needs of Students - The Bellefonte Area School District provides a wide variety of programs to meet the needs of eligible and exceptional students. Programs are either operated by the district or provided by contract with the Central Intermediate Unit # 10 or neighboring districts. The district conducts screenings to identify students who are thought to be in need of special education. State and federal laws and regulations outline parents' rights and safeguards to be allowed in providing a free and appropriate education. Copies of rights and confidentiality issues are provided when the evaluation process begins.

Learning Support - The program offers learning support of academic skills or emotional support to qualified students in the regular classroom or brief pullout classes. The focus is on delivering specially designed instruction that targets the strengths and needs of the student. The regular education teacher is supported by a teacher certified in Special Education and by learning support paraprofessionals.

Gifted Support - The program provides students with mentally challenging activities in a small group setting. Services are provided by a certified teacher in a separate classroom or within the regular education classroom.

Speech and/or Language Support - A Certified Speech & Language Therapist provides screening, assessment, therapy, and consultation to those individuals requiring articulation language, fluency, and voice services, as identified through the Special Education process.

Educational Psychological Services - A certified School Psychologist assesses and evaluates various students to determine the most appropriate placement. A variety of assessment techniques are used. The Psychologist also participates in the support team meetings as needed.