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Information for Families

Special education within the Wellesley Public Schools encompasses a wide range of services for eligible students with disabilities, ages 3 – 22. In accordance with federal and state laws and regulations, students identified as eligible for special education have an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) that is designed by a Team of individuals that includes district professionals, the parents/guardians, and the student, when appropriate. Each IEP is developed to meet the unique needs of the student and includes information of what services will be provided, where the services will be provided, and the goals set for the student. All programs and services are provided at no expense to parents.

The Wellesley Public Schools provide a wide range of specialized instruction that represents a continuum of service delivery options. In keeping with the federal mandate of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), Teams will always consider providing specialized instruction in the general education classroom first. The vast majority of our special education students receive their specialized instruction within an inclusive environment, spending more than 80% of their day in the general education classroom. When the appropriate level of services requires instruction outside the general education classroom, the Team will consider other placement options, such as a Learning Center, a district program, or special education programs outside the Wellesley Public Schools in a state approved special education school.

District programs are developed when a cohort of students have like needs of a more intensive nature. Throughout each level (preschool – post high school), highly specialized programs exist for students with autism, language-based learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral challenges, and for students whose disabilities cross domains, resulting in a need for an integrated Team approach.

Special education is a highly regulated and complex process. The special educators work closely with families and encourage a collaborative relationship. In addition, the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) provides support to families through regularly scheduled meetings and parent networking. For more information about the PAC, you may use this link provided. www.wellesleypac.org

Each level, preschool through high school, has a Department Head that coordinates special education services. The following provides contact information should you have questions regarding special education processes or procedures:

Office

Marguerite Connolly, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Julianne Cox, Administrative Assistant, coxj@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6210 ext. 5629

Tricia Cormier, Finance & Operations Coordinator, cormiert@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6210 ext. 5625

Preschool

Director: Kristen Stacy, stacyk@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6222 ext. 2801

Team Chair: Corrie Martin, martinc@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6222 ext. 2807

Secretary: Isabel Cashman, cashmani@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6222 ext. 2800

Elementary

Assistant Director of Specialized Programming (Skills, TLC, ISS, LBLC): Claire Higgins, higginsc@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6210 ext. 5626

Assistant Director of Elementary Learning Centers: Peggy Tsatsoulis, tsatsoulisp@wellesleyps.org, Claire Higgins, higginsc@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6210 ext. 5631

Team Chairs:

  • Bates (.5): Ilyce Chizmadia, chizmadiai@wellelseyps.org, 781-446-6260 ext. 3330
  • Fiske (.5): Jamie Morrison, morrisonj@wellesleyps.org,  781-446-6265
  • Hardy (.5): Kellie O’Brien, obrienak@wellesleyps.org 781-446-6270 ext. 2303
  • Hunnewell (.5): Jamie Morrison, morrisonj@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6275
  • Schofield (.5): Becky Kiley, kileyr@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6280
  • Sprague (.5): Becky Kiley, kileyr@wellesleyps.org, 781-263-1965

Middle School

Department Head: Cristina Malinn, malinnc@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6250 ext. 5714

Secretary: Jennifer Curran-Pelletier, curranpelletierj@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6250 ext. 5715

Team Chair: Leah Lawrence, lawrencel@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6250 ext. 3616

Team Chair (.5): Ilyce Chizmadia, chizmadiai@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6210 ext. 3330

High School

Department Head: Greg Beaupre, beaupreg@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6290 ext. 4628

Secretary: Irina Safina, safinai@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6290 ext. 4627

Team Chair: Katie Lynch, lynchk@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6290 ext. 4630

Team Chair: Sheryl Stacey, staceys@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6290 ext. 4514

Secondary Learning Centers and OOD/Launch

Assistant Director: Mike McIntyre, mcintyrem@wellesleyps.org, 781-446-6210 ext. 5893

Team Chair (.2): Abby McGuerty, mcguertya@wellesleyps.org

Assistive Technology

Assistive Technology Specialist: Patti Weismer, weismerp@wellesleyps.org (all schools except PAWS)

Assistive Technology Specialist: Jennine Clark, clarkj@wellesleyps.org (WHS, Bates, Fiske, Hardy and Hunnewell)

Teacher of the Deaf & Hard of Hearing: Liz Wheeler, wheelere@wellesleyps.org (all schools)

Another source of parent information is the Parent’s Notice of Procedural Guidelines (in multiple languages). We encourage all parents to become familiar with this Notice. Please follow the link provided to view this document.

On behalf of the special education department, we wish each student a rewarding school year.

Resources for Families:

Resources for Staff: