Support Services
STUDENT TEACHERS
McNear is a Collaboration School with Sonoma State for Teacher Education. We welcome the assistance and the infusion of the newest instructional methods during their students’ placements in our classrooms. Student teachers are matched with interested mentor teachers and also have a supervisor from their graduate program. During their time at McNear they progress from observation to assistance and, finally, to a week or two of “soloing” which is followed by a gradual reversal of roles with the classroom teacher.
Pre-credential candidates also are welcomed at McNear to complete their 40 hours of observation/assistance. In both instances, your child’s teacher is able to expand the classroom experiences and/or to provide extra assistance to individuals or small groups of students.
ELL
Our English Language Learning (ELL) instructional assistants identify, support and assist all students who qualify as not fluent or not proficient in English. (Mrs. Martinez and Mrs. Breece)
Guidance
Our Guidance Counselor works with students and families on a priority basis, both in groups and individually. Counseling services address a variety of issues including friendship skills, stress reduction, family tranisitions, communication and self esteem. Students and parents may self-refer and signed parent permission is required. Referral services and parenting classes and support are also provided. (Nicole Renae)
Health
Our school nurse is here once a week to help meet the health needs of the children through eye and ear testing, and may visit the home in case of frequent and extended illness. The nurse performs an active role in the classroom teaching children about nutrition, good health habits, hygiene and family life education. (Ms. Baker)
Interventions
Students with significant academic weaknesses may be selected for remedial programs during or after school. These programs emphasize skill development. (Mrs. Rodkin)
Mentoring
An extension of our “Village Work” (community building), the McNear Mentoring Program provides support for ongoing one-on-one relationships designed to enhance student success. This program is entirely grant funded. (Mrs. Klein, Coordinator)
Psychological
Our psychologist services McNear School one day each week to provide testing and observation of students. The psychologist assists the classroom teacher (and other members of our Learning Team) in pupil evaluation, diagnosis of student needs and referrals to appropriate programs. (Mrs. Codoner)
Reading
Students (kindergarten - third grade) who require extra help with reading are served by our reading specialist. (Mrs. Durkin)
Resource
The teacher of the Resource Specialist Program instructs legally identified students who have average or above average ability but need extra help academically due to a learning disability. (Mrs. Wuopio)
Speech
Our speech therapist is available to help children with special language needs, to act as a resource for the classroom teacher, and to confer with parents. (Mrs. Eurgubian)
Student Study Team
Often there are times when parents and teachers need an opportunity to seek assistance from others when all means of intervention have been explored. The Student Study Team offers parents and staff the opportunity to collaboratively design strategies enhancing student success. Please contact your child’s teacher when you feel the need to address issues including/not limited to:
- attendance
- motivation
- academic performance
- discipline
- social/emotional development
THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF PETALUMA
Located just down the street from us at 8th and G, the Boys and Girls Club provides a wide variety of services for the youth of our community. The trained staff runs programs in the gym, games-room, and art room, as well as providing a quiet place for children to do their homework. The After School Drop-In Program is open immediately after school (3:00 p.m.) until 6:00 p.m. The cost varies, depending on different options – Option A, $325 for 180 days; Option B, $185 for 60 days; Option C, $125 for 30 days, per child. (Extended care is available from 6:00-7:00 p.m.; call the club for cost.) There is an annual membership fee of $5. The Boys & Girls Club offers the opportunity to register online at www.petalumabgc.org, and click on the registration online link. Pay by Visa or MasterCard online. In person, payment may be made by Visa, MasterCard or American Express. For more information, please call 769-5324.
CHILDCARE
We have contracted with YMCA to provide both a facility (on field near G Street parking) and program from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each school day. For details, please call 544-1829. The phone number at the McNear Childcare is 782-0734. In addition, parents in the McNear school community who can provide childcare in their homes often advertise on the office entry bulletin board. If you have a childcare need or can offer childcare services, please leave a written notice with the secretary in the office.