What is Pupil Services?

Pupil services programs touch the lives of all children in the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District. These services include programming for children with disabilities from age 3 through age 21, programs for English Language Learners, mental health supports, social work, health services, 4-year old Kindergarten programming and family engagement.

Pupil Services Personnel

Below is a descriptive summary of some of the key functions/roles within the Pupil Services Department.

• The Pupil Services Director is responsible for the development, coordination and supervision of special education and pupil services. Responsibilities include the coordination of programming for children with disabilities from age 3 through 21. Other responsibilities include the supervision and coordination of our district’s 4 year old kindergarten program, English Language Learners services, school and community based mental health services, school social workers, school nursing, school psychologists and other pupil services.

• The School Counselor plays a vital role in helping students cultivate the skills necessary for academic and personal success, while considering their unique strengths and needs. They guide students in exploring educational and career opportunities by promoting awareness of a range of pathways. School counselors support mental health through engaging classroom lessons, short-term individual or small group counseling, and by providing referrals to external resources when needed.

• The School Nurse conducts health screenings, maintains health records and provides health appraisal and emergency care. The nurse assists school staff with health-related items.

• The School Psychologist serves as a consultant, diagnostician, and coordinator, providing behavioral, social-emotional, and academic support to students.

  The school psychologist is specially trained to assess and interpret the results of a range of cognitive, academic, and social-emotional assessments. They collaborate closely with teachers, staff, and parents to ensure that individualized interventions and supports are tailored to meet each student’s unique needs.

  In addition, school psychologists work to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment by implementing evidence-based programs that promote social-emotional learning, conflict resolution, mental health awareness, and positive behavior interventions. They play a key role in fostering student well-being, addressing behavioral concerns, and supporting crisis intervention efforts.

• The School Social Worker serves a primary link between the school, a student's home and community agencies. The social worker coordinates parents, teachers, students and community agencies in an effort to help students participate more fully and successfully in the total school program.

• The ML Teacher is responsible for collaborating with district staff to provide support for K-12 students who speak additional languages at home. The ML teacher conducts assessments, assists with program planning, consults with staff members about services, and provides direct student support. They are also able to arrange for translation services as needed.

Child Find

Child Find is a service provided to families who live in the G-E-T School District and have children ages 3-4. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, speech, motor skills, social/emotional skills, or entrance into a school setting, the Early Childhood Team can work with you to discuss the supports available to you. Intervening early tends to reduce the need for future specialized services.

While this is not a requirement for entrance into 4K, if you have concerns, there are two ways you can access support:

1. Make an appointment with the Early Childhood Team to meet your child in the near future.

2. Attend the District Child Development Day event tentatively scheduled for February 2022. Children will take part in a developmental screening, and get a free vision and hearing screening as well.

If you are interested in either option, contact Scott Moline, Pupil Services Director.