Special Education Services

At GCVS, we believe that creating fully inclusive virtual classrooms fosters a deep sense of belonging and value for everyone. When students with diverse needs learn alongside their peers, our entire school community benefits. Respect and understanding thrive in an inclusive setting, enabling students to learn from one another’s unique experiences and grow both academically and socially.

Our educators utilize diversified teaching strategies and flexible methods to measure student progress. By doing so, we don’t just teach curriculum; we encourage positive self-esteem, civic participation, and strong community building.

Our Collaborative Delivery Model

We focus on working hand-in-hand with parents and students to ensure we meet exceptional needs with exceptional support. Our special education team works side-by-side with general education teachers and staff through:

Co-Teaching & Inclusion Support: Specialized staff participate directly in live lessons to provide seamless support.
Accommodations & Modifications: We ensure that every student’s specific learning adjustments are consistently implemented in the virtual environment.
Targeted Small-Group Support: When needed, students receive focused, small-group instruction outside of the general education live lessons to reinforce key skills.

Welcome New Families: The Enrollment Process

Upon enrollment, our team immediately reviews each student’s existing IEP. Our priority is to ensure a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is thoughtfully tailored to work beautifully within our unique virtual setting.

Our Multi-Disciplinary Team

To support the whole child, GCVS provides a comprehensive network of dedicated professionals, including:

Special education teachers, including our grade-level coordinators of student services in elementary school, middle school, and high school
Paraprofessionals and administrative assistants
School adjustment counselors
Related service providers, including speech-language pathology and occupational therapy

Staying Connected

We believe communication is the key to student success. To keep our families informed, supported, and connected, GCVS provides a monthly newsletter dedicated entirely to parents of students with IEPs, packed with resources, updates, and strategies for virtual learning success.

Building-Level Coordinators

Welcome to the student services information hub. Whether you have a big-picture question about district resources or need specific support for your child’s day-to-day school experience, our team is here to partner with you.

For questions regarding your child’s specific grade level or Individualized Education Program (IEP), please contact your coordinator of student services.

These coordinators are school administrators who specialize in specific grade bands. They work directly with your child’s principals, teachers, and support staff, making them the best and fastest resource for your family’s day-to-day questions.

Elementary (K-5): Kelley Mathiesen

Middle (6-8): Leah Stefanov

High (9-12): Maura Sleeth

Connect with the Director of Student Services

As the director, I oversee our districtwide programs, systemic resources, compliance, and community partnerships. If you have questions about district policies and need to escalate a concern that hasn’t been resolved at the building level, please reach out.

Jennifer Paine, Director of Student Services
413-475-3879, ext. 1075
Office hours by appointment