Special Education

The Special Education Program at Western Middle School offers a continuum of programming. Each student receives special education and related services tailored to his/her individual educational needs. Special Education teachers monitor the implementation and coordination of the students Individualized Education Plan and act as the case manager for the student. Below is a description of the special education classes or activities your child may participate in depending on their individual needs.

Special Education Staff:

Matthew Cerruto | Special Education Administrator | matthew_cerruto@greenwich.k12.ct.us | (203) 413-8432

Melina Pedraza | Administrative Assistant | melina_pedraza @greenwich.k12.ct.us |(203) 413-8436

Staff

6th Grade Team

7th Grade Team

8th Grade Team

Behavior Supports (Grades 6-8)

Related Service Staff

Mental Health Staff:

Psychologists:
- Dr. Tulsa Knox | tulsa_knox@greenwich.k12.ct.us
- Dr. Sandrine Utzinger | sandrine_utzinger@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Social Worker:
- Stefanie Powers | stefanie_powers@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Effective School Solutions Clinician:
- Marilyn Quintanilla | marilyn_quintanilla@greenwich.k12.ct.us

Speech Therapists:

Alyssa Cohen | alyssa_cohen@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Amy Reis |
amy_reis@greenwich.k12.ct.us

Occupational Therapist:

Emily Interlandi | emily_interlandi@greenwich.k12.ct.us

Physical Therapist:

Genice Mark | genice_mark@greenwich.k12.ct.us

Academic Classes

Academic Support

This class is taught by your child’s special education teacher and may take place 2-3 times per week or 5 days per week. The class usually consists of 6 or less students. The focus of the class is to:

Address goals and objectives within the IEP
Provide instruction on executive functioning skills
Teach students important self-advocacy skills to build more independence

The special education teacher will collaborate with a child’s team of teachers to monitor their progress in their classes and ensure that IEP accommodations are being implemented.

Decoding Module

A decoding module is provided for students who have multiple decoding goals in their IEP. The class is taught by a special education teacher, who utilizes a variety of research-based reading programs. The class typically takes place 2-3 times each week in groups of 5 or less students.

English and Math Skills classes:

These classes are taught by a special education teacher and consist of 12 or less students. Students who are performing multiple years below grade level may be recommended for one or both classes. The class incorporates grade-level skills and concepts, while also focusing on foundational reading and writing skills specific to the students’ IEP goals and objectives.

Functional and Life Skills Classes

Activities of Daily Living (Community Class)

This class is taught by a special education teacher and is designed to develop daily living skills necessary to enhance/increase students' independence in the real world setting. Some of the skills addressed include: Food preparation, Clothing, Money, Vocational/Job skills, Health, Travel and Transportation, Community Resources, Community Signs, and Safety. The students will participate in community trips to allow them to practice generalizing skills they learn within the community. This class takes place 5 days a week.

Functional English and Math

These courses are taught by a special education teachers and are designed to develop fundamental reading, writing and math skills necessary in developing students’ independence in the real world.

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