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Services Offered
Additional Classroom Support:
In the Junior and Middle Schools and the Tutorial House, a learning specialist
works with teachers to develop individualized instructional programs
designed to meet the specific academic needs of students with learning
differences. Individual or small group instruction is provided to
students who are experiencing learning difficulties severe enough
to threaten successful completion of their grade requirements.
Learning specialists work with the students to help them build
and strengthen skills that enable them to succeed in the regular
program. Consideration for this service is initiated by a formal
referral from a teacher, parent, administrator, or guidance counselor.
Admissions
Counselors participate in the placement of new students in a
grade and in an appropriate program of study.
Assessment:
Assessment is an important aid to understanding the progress
of a child. Student Support Services uses a wide
variety of instruments for diagnostic, aptitude, and achievement
assessment. College Counseling:
Through personalized and comprehensive guidance, the UNIS
College Office helps
students and parents make informed college decisions. The College Office
works closely with the administration, counselors, and parents to assist
students in course selection, summer program recommendations, and other
opportunities to ensure the students' preparation for college.
Counseling:
In the Junior School the counselor works with teachers
and parents to create an environment in which each child can best
function. When appropriate, Junior School students receive personal
and small group counseling.
In the Middle School, students are provided with
individual and group counseling in the areas of self-awareness,
interpersonal relationships, decision-making, and approaches to
learning.
In the Tutorial House, students are provided with individual
and group counseling in personal, social, and academic areas, approaches
to learning, and career exploration. Counselors also assist in
the selection of academic courses. The student's counselor is consulted
whenever a student wishes to change courses or withdraw from a
course.
At all schools, students may be seen individually as a result of
a referral from the Referral Team (see below), a self-referral, a
peer referral, or a referral by a teacher, parent, or administrator.
Individual counseling may vary from one session to regular weekly
appointments depending on the needs of the student.
English as a Second Language:
English as a Second Language specialists work with students to help them
build and strengthen their academic English so that they will be able to
succeed in the regular program. ESL teachers also work with students to
develop their social English so that they will be successful in school and
in the greater community. ESL specialists consult with classroom teachers
and assist in the development of individualized instructional programs designed
to meet the specific academic needs of students whose first language is
not English. Consideration for ESL service is initiated at the time of admission
or by a formal referral from a teacher, parent, administrator, or guidance
counselor.
Health Office:
The school nurse offers a variety of health related services for students,
parents, and faculty. The health office is open daily to minister to the
health needs of students, to counsel students with health-related issues,
and to refer students/parents to appropriate health institutions.
Opportunities for Students With Exceptional Abilities:
Students with exceptional abilities have access to specific programs designed
to meet their learning needs. From differentiated instruction in the classroom,
to Higher Level IB Courses, to advanced art and music programs, to athletic
teams, to referrals to the Johns Hopkins summer program, the opportunities
for high-achieving students are numerous at UNIS.
Orientation of New Students:
Counselors provide an orientation program for all students new to UNIS.
This includes sessions (for Tut House and Middle School) prior to the beginning
of the school year, as well as others held soon after the school year has
begun. When appropriate, an orientation to New York City is included. Students
who enroll during the school year are also provided with an orientation
program.
Outside Referral Services:
Student Support Services maintains up-to-date information
on outside agencies, specialists, and tutors. The staff makes referrals
to outside specialists and maintains a liaison between agencies, specialists
and appropriate school personnel. The staff provides information about
other schools and summer programs and coordinates applications to these
institutions. Guidance counselors write letters of recommendation and supervise
the preparation of transcripts and other necessary documents.
Referrals:
The Referral Team in each school consists of permanent members (principal,
counselor(s), and learning specialist) and ad hoc members (nurse, teachers/mentors, college counselor, parents, etc.). The team receives
and reviews referrals and determines action to be taken.
Updated September, 2006 |
