Special Services Department
The Special Services Department promotes opportunities for students served under the mandates of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004 (IDEA/Special Education), English as a Second Language (ESL) and/or English language learners (ELL), Section 504, and alternative education programs to fully participate in all appropriate educational activities in order to become productive citizens. The Special Services Department provides supportive leadership to parents, local school administrators and teachers in their efforts to ensure a free and appropriate public education to all students.
The Special Services Department promotes opportunities for English language learners, alternative education learners, and students with disabilities to participate in educational activities designed to facilitate maximum student achievement. A full range of services, meeting the needs of all identified disabled students (K-12), is offered in all schools in the Sheridan Public School System.
Alternative Learning Environment (ALE)
Assistant Principal – Dee Creed
Clinical Coordinator / School Based Mental Health Coordinator – Ryane Sorey
Fax- 870-942-1675
Alternative education is an instructional approach under the control of a school committee that is offered to “At risk” students in a nontraditional setting. “At-risk” students, though intelligent and capable, may include those who exhibit two or more of the following characteristics:
- Disruptive behavior
- Drop out
from school - Personal or family problems or situations
- Recurring absenteeism
- Transition to or from residential programs.
- Ongoing, persistent lack of attaining proficiency levels in literacy and mathematics
- Abuse: physical, mental, or sexual
- Frequent relocation of residency
- Homelessness
- Inadequate emotional support
- Mental/physical health problems
- Pregnancy
- Single parenting
- Returning drop-out under age 21
- Students with frequent suspensions – or expulsion
The ALE programs
Special Education
Fax – 870-942-4801
The Sheridan School District Special Education program provides services to the students that have been identified as having a primary disability as found under the Individuals with Disability Act. The services are available for students in grades K-12 and include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, academic support through the resource and co-teaching programs, and academic, social, and functional support through the self contained program. The district strives to provide an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment and to integrate students into the general education program to the maximum extent possible. Teachers and therapist receive ongoing professional development. Referrals to the special education program can be made at any Sheridan School District campus.
For additional information regarding the special education
Section 504
District Coordinator - Debbie Jones
Fax – 870-942-4801
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 focuses on non-discrimination. The denial of public education participation or enjoying the benefits offered by the public school’s programs because of a student’s disability is prohibited.
Unlike special education, under Section 504, there is no list of “approved” disabling conditions. A “handicapped” person is one who (1) has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of such an impairment, or (3) is regarded as having such an impairment.” 34 C.F.R.Sec.104.3
Physical or Mental Impairment means (A) any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems, neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic, skin and endocrine; or (B) any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities.” 34 C.F.R. Sec. 104.3
Major Life Activities means “functions such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, breathing, learning, and working.” M34 C.F.R. Sec. 104.3
Dietary Reasonable Accommodations
The Sheridan School District under the guidance of the Arkansas Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service is committed to ensuring that all children have access to healthy meals that meet their dietary needs. Regulations and guidance require program operators to provide reasonable accommodations for children whose disability restricts their diet for all meals and snacks when supported by a licensed medical statement signed by a licensed physician.
A state recognized medical authority is a state licensed health care professional who is authorized to write medical prescriptions under State law. These professionals meeting the guidelines include:
Physicians
- Including those licensed by the Arkansas State Medical Board;
- The Arkansas State Board of Chiropractic Examiners;
- The Arkansas Board of Podiatric Medicine
Nurse Practitioners (APRN in family or pediatric practice with prescriptive authority)
Dentists
Physician Assistants
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist may make recommendations for alternate foods for children whose disability restricts their diet, but the medical statement must be signed by one of the professionals listed above.
For additional information and to request a meal accommodation contact your child’s building 504 Coordinator or the Special Service Department.
East End Elementary
Lisa York, 501-888-4264
East End Intermediate
Lynn Cardin, 501 888-1477
Sheridan Elementary School
Beverly Long, 870 942-3131
Sheridan Intermediate School
Lisa York, 870-942-7488
Sheridan Junior High
Alisa Gray, 870-942-3813
Sheridan High School
Terri Bone, 870-942-3137
Special Services
Debbie Jones, 870-942-9861