Student Services
Studies show that today’s youth face increasing support needs:
- According to the CDC, about 1 in 6 children aged 3-17 have a developmental disability, underscoring the importance of specialized services.
- The National Institute of Mental Health reports that nearly 1 in 3 adolescents will experience an anxiety disorder, highlighting the growing need for mental health support.
- Educational support services have become crucial, with evidence suggesting that early intervention can significantly improve long-term academic and social outcomes.
Department Overview
At Sacred Heart, we are dedicated to addressing the evolving needs of our youth through comprehensive support services that ensure every student thrives both academically and personally.
We are proud to offer a dedicated team of highly trained staff members. Our approach integrates Response to Intervention (RTI) practices, emphasizing in-class support whenever possible. In certain cases, students may receive individualized or small group instruction outside the classroom.
Below is an overview of our Student Services team and their roles:
Director of Student Services/Learning Specialist
The Learning Specialist collaborates with students, parents, and teachers to support students with diagnosed learning needs. Key responsibilities include:
- Identifying and encouraging specific learning strategies
- Monitoring student progress
- Managing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans
- Coordinating with public schools and private agencies for learning difficulty diagnoses
- Providing pull-out services for students in grades 6-8
Reading Specialist
The Reading Specialist works with individuals and groups to enhance reading skills such as decoding, encoding, fluency, and comprehension through a multi-sensory reading intervention program. This specialist also:
- Assesses student reading levels
- Develops classroom libraries
- Creates reading intervention plans as needed
Math Specialist
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Help for students struggling with math concepts
- Enrichment for students excelling in math
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Individualized attention for grade-level performance
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Administration of benchmark assessments three times a year (grades 1-8) to guide targeted support and enrichment
Guidance Counselor
The School Counselor aids in achieving academic goals through:
- Consultation with parents and teachers
- Program development
- Direct work with students individually or in groups
- Leading character education lessons on topics like sharing, citizenship, good sportsmanship, cooperation, conflict resolution, and friendship
- Facilitating behavioral change, enhancing communication and social skills, coping with stressors, and promoting decision-making skills
Speech Pathologist
Funded through Winnetka District 36, the Speech Pathologist visits Sacred Heart twice a week to provide services based on students' case studies. Depending on the severity of the issue, services range from 30 to 90 minutes per week.
Big News from
Sacred Heart
Click the link below to view our July 23 Press Release, announcing three key innovative initiatives, designed to minimize classroom distractions, foster empathetic conversations, and prioritize interpersonal communication.