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Paws Program

The Paws program operates on the following beliefs: All students are capable of becoming active participants and contributing members of our school and community. Social integration in the school community is an essential component toward becoming a part of the larger community. Collaboration between home and school greatly increases successful educational outcomes. Inclusive teaching practices are heavily emphasized, and include: differentiated instruction, modifications, accommodations, and supplementary aids and services pertinent to the student’s level of need in the least restrictive environment. These practices are evident regardless of a student’s ability to function independently.

Paws Program Teachers

Karen O'Keefe-Walther

Special Education Teacher

TTC Program- The MESMS TTC (Therapeutic Transitional Classroom) is for students whose primary needs are social, emotional, and/or behavioral. The program is designed for students whose needs require a smaller, structured therapeutic setting for all or part of the day. A higher staff to student ratio is maintained with individualized programming to meet students’ needs. The ultimate goal is for students to learn and practice appropriate social and/or coping skills for emotion regulation while working towards partial or complete inclusion in general education classes.

Special Education Teachers

Elizabeth Fieldsteel

Special Education Teacher

James Keizer

Special Education Teacher

Joseph Morrison

Special Education Teacher

Janice Piszcz

Special Education Teacher

Diane Spotts

Special Education Teacher

Nonda Tsilibocos

Special Education Teacher

Jenna Zabaneh

Special Education Teacher