Support Services

Building Success in the Classroom and Beyond

At Saint Joseph Academy, we recognize that students learn in different ways and at different paces. While some students experience academic success with ease, others may need additional support—whether for a specific concept, during certain points in the year, or with foundational skills over time. Our Student Support Services are designed to support students with diverse learning needs by providing individualized strategies, ongoing feedback, and a welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking for help. Through collaboration, reflection and skill-building, students learn to evaluate their progress, make meaningful adjustments and take pride in both their growth and achievements.

Saint Joseph Academy embraces a full-inclusion approach for students with mild to moderate learning needs. Students participate fully in college-preparatory general education courses, with no modifications to curriculum content, academic expectations, or instructional standards. Course placement within the general education setting allows for support across a range of learning abilities. With over 80 students supported by IEPs and accommodation plans each year, Saint Joseph Academy is committed and proud to provide equitable access to our rigorous academic curriculum.

Support Services Offered

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Classroom Support

To help strengthen and enhance skills used across the curriculum, an inclusive approach is used within the classroom as opposed to a separate resource room. Most Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, and Geometry classes are either co-taught or supported by one of our Student Support faculty members. Student Support Services may also assist other classes with larger projects, research activities and additional critical reading and writing instruction.
Academic Skills Lab

During Activity Blocks, students can come to the Academic Skills Lab to work, check in for progress monitoring, or receive coaching in study and organizational strategies.
Writing Center

The Writing Center, staffed with teachers and student consultants, is available for consultation on any part of the writing process. Appointments are available during Activity Blocks daily. Consultations during study halls and before/after school can also be arranged.
Other Services

Individual consultation for academic, organizational, time-management and/or study strategies; initial or three-year educational evaluations as needed; development of accommodation plans for those with learning or other disabilities; additional tutoring and provision of ACT and College Board approved testing accommodations.

Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program

Saint Joseph Academy offers the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship. This scholarship provides state-funds scholarships to students who have an Individualized Education Plan from their district of residence. The amount of the award varies based upon the disability of the student. Applications for awards are accepted year-round. More information is available on the Ohio Department of Education website.

Student Support Services

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Accommodation Plans/504 Plans
- For newly admitted students, existing Accommodation Plans, SEGO Plans, and 504 Plans are reviewed and transitioned into a Saint Joseph Academy Accommodation Plan. Adjustments may be made to align with the high school environment and the accommodations and supports offered at Saint Joseph Academy.
- Accommodation Plans are reviewed annually to ensure they continue to meet each student’s needs. During this review, plans may remain unchanged, be adjusted as appropriate or require additional information to guide further support.
- Parents of current students who wish to obtain an initial accommodation plan for their student can initiate this process at any time by contacting their daughter’s school counselor.
Accommodations and Modifications Not Currently Offered
- Modified, alternative or self-contained classes. Our students, regardless of IEP or Accommodation Plan status, attend classes listed in the course offering book and meet Saint Joseph Academy’s graduation requirements.
- Extended time on assignments and homework. Any exceptions are determined at the discretion of the teacher in conjunction with the case manager/intervention specialist and should not be assumed.
- Speech-language services
- Occupational therapy services
- Aide or support person to follow students through their daily schedule
- Specialized lunch accommodations
- Sensory room
- Structured behavioral interventions
- Direct phonics instruction
ACT and College Board Accommodations for Students with IEPs or Accommodation Plans
- Parents/guardians must notify the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) Coordinator at Saint Joseph Academy, Student Support Services Department Chair Ms. Lisa Gregorski at lgregorski@sja1890.org to initiate the application process.
- The SSD Coordinator will submit all documentation on file and request appropriate accommodations to the College Board and/or ACT. These are typically:
  - 50% extended time and small group for all students with academic learning challenges.
  - Extended breaks or stop-the-clock breaks and food/drink/access to medication for students with medical conditions.
- After the accommodations request is submitted by the SSD Coordinator, the decision to grant accommodation is made solely by the College Board or ACT organizations.
- The SSD Coordinator will ensure that parents/guardians are notified of the decision.
IEPs/Service Plans
- Since August 2022, Saint Joseph Academy has been a Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program provider. We serve students with mild to moderate specific learning disabilities. Students must meet all admission requirements of Saint Joseph Academy.
- If your student is interested in applying to Saint Joseph Academy, please submit a copy of your daughter’s current IEP or Service Plan and ETR. Documents may be emailed, faxed or mailed to Director of Admission Ms. Jaclyn Moran at jmoran@sja1890.org, so that the Saint Joseph Academy Admission Committee may review your daughter’s educational plans.
Most Common Accommodations and Support
- Co-Taught Classes, primarily in Pre-Algebra, Algebra I, Geometry, and English 9.
- Algebra I Essentials, Geometry Essentials, and Algebra II Essentials classes within the regular class for students with math disabilities. This class is not open enrollment; students must be recommended by their counselors and case managers/intervention specialists.
- Check-ins with Intervention Specialists
- Academic Skills Lab for selected students
- Extended time testing (up to 50%)
- Small group testing as available and appropriate
- Tests read aloud
- Graphic organizers and/or additional support materials
- Preferiental/optimal seating in class
- Short breaks as needed during a class period
- Use of noise canceling headphones and/or earbuds in classes when needed and appropriate (not provided by Saint Joseph Academy)
- Noise-cancellers and/or optimal seating for all-school activities in the Academy Center (not provided by Saint Joseph Academy)
- Breaking down long assignments (projects, research papers, etc.) and developing a timeline for meeting the due date.
Accommodations outlined in students’ accommodation plans and IEPs vary based on individual needs. While every effort is made to provide appropriate support, some testing accommodations may occasionally be impacted by the availability of resources. All accommodations take place within the Saint Joseph Academy School day.
Student Evaluations–Initial and Re-evaluations
- The intervention specialists and school psychologist work closely with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for any evaluations that take place. These evaluations fall into two categories: initial and reviews.
- Review: If your student has already qualified for services as a Student with a Disability, we will work with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District to meet all 3-year re-evaluation expectations and deadlines.
- Initial: If you or Saint Joseph Academy believe a referral to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District for assessment is warranted, we will collaborate with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District throughout the process.

FAQs

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If my student enters Saint Joseph Academy with an Accommodation or 504 Plan, will she have this the entire time she attends?
Not necessarily. We will review all plans after two consecutive semesters. The following is a guiding principle for our decisions.
- A medical diagnosis of an illness does not automatically mean a student will receive an Accommodation Plan. A diagnosis must cause a substantial limitation on the student's ability to learn or another major life activity. For example, a student who has a physical or mental impairment would not be considered a student in need of services if the impairment does not in any way limit the student's ability to learn or other major life activity, or only results in some minor limitation in that regard. A label, disability or diagnosis alone, does not make a student eligible for an accommodation plan. Furthermore, having a disability does not automatically qualify a student.
What do I do if my student just starting at Saint Joseph Academy is currently on an Accommodation or 504 Plan?

If your student had a current Accommodation or 504 Plan submitted with her application materials, the intervention specialist will convert that to a Saint Joseph Academy Accommodation Plan for the start of the school year or semester.
What do I do if my student just starting at Saint Joseph Academy is currently on an IEP or Service Plan?

If your student submitted an IEP or Service Plan with her application, there are two options. Students who choose the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship will continue following their current IEP to the extent agreed upon with the Jon Peterson Intervention Specialist. Students who choose a different scholarship, or are not eligible for one, will waive their IEP or Service Plan, which will then be converted into a Saint Joseph Academy Accommodation Plan.
What if I am worried that my student will not be admitted to Saint Joseph Academy?
- We serve students with mild to moderate disabilities. Please review the lists of accommodations the Academy is able to provide to students. Students must meet all admission requirements of Saint Joseph Academy.
- If your student is interested in applying to Saint Joseph Academy, please submit a copy of your daughter’s current IEP, ETR (Service Plan, 504, Accommodation Plan) and/or any other documentation for review. Documents may be emailed, faxed or mailed to Director of Admission Ms. Jaclyn Moran at jmoran@sja1890.org. Each case is comprehensively reviewed by our admission team.
- If you are interested in Saint Joseph Academy, we encourage you to reach out as early as possible.
What if I feel my current Saint Joseph Academy student would benefit from an Accommodation Plan?
- Parents of current students who wish to obtain an initial accommodation plan for their student can initiate this process at any time by contacting their daughter’s school counselor.
- Once this process is complete, a committee will make a determination regarding an accommodation plan. The following is a guiding principle for this determination:
  - A medical diagnosis of an illness does not automatically mean a student will receive an Accommodation Plan. A diagnosis must cause a substantial limitation on the student's ability to learn or another major life activity. For example, a student who has a physical or mental impairment would not be considered a student in need of services if the impairment does not in any way limit the student's ability to learn or other major life activity, or only results in some minor limitation in that regard. A label, disability or diagnosis alone, does not make a student eligible for an accommodation plan. Furthermore, having a disability does not automatically qualify a student.
What if my student’s IEP has a specific amount of minutes designated to be with an Intervention Specialist?

Students who utilize the Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship will work with an Intervention Specialist to develop designated intervention times within their schedules. Students with IEPs who elect to use a different scholarship program, or are not eligible for one, waive their IEP.

Mrs. Lisa Gregorski

Student Support Services, Department Chair

The goal of the Student Support Services Department is to provide the opportunity for each student to reach her highest potential and to understand that what is needed to do this varies by student. Although teachers are provided with the accommodation plans, students receiving accommodations are expected to self-advocate by communicating their needs to their teachers and case manager/intervention specialist. Support is provided to develop critical thinking and study skills, encourage intellectual curiosity, broaden perspectives and challenge students to embrace new ideas to help them achieve academic success in high school and beyond.

The team works to discover the factors behind students’ work, efforts and habits so we can best meet the needs of each individual. Helping students develop strong skills results in the ability to communicate their needs, understand themselves as learners and move to the next step with excitement and confidence. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at lgregorski@sja1890.org.