Current CORSE Programs

    SPS Academic and Social Skills
    Development Programs

         Brochure - PDF

         Program Registration Form

         Instructor Templates

Scituate Public Schools Academic and Social Skills Development Programs

Winter 2012 Six Week Cycle: March 5th - April 13th

Deadline for Registration is February 8th; There is a $25 late registration fee for any forms received after February 8th

For 2012, these programs have been generously supported by grant funding received from CVS Caremark, the Evan Henry Foundation for Autism, the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism, Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation, Boston Bruins Foundation, Harold Brooks Foundation and Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 550 U.A.

We are pleased to once again sponsor another cycle of after-school integrated programs, as outlined below. For each program, we have identified highly qualified SPS staff and aide support to provide a low staff to student ratio (usually 1:3 for social groups and 1:4 for academic courses) to assure the quality of this programming for our students.    Classes are open to all SPS students, with appropriate staffing ratios and reserved slots to maximize accessibility for students receiving Special Education services.  Unfortunately, we no longer accept out-of-town registrations for Scituate Public Schools’ after-school academic and social skills development programs, except for students tuitioned into SPS or Scituate students who are enrolled out of district.  

Information on courses offered is outlined below.  This information is also available in a brochure that you can download by clicking on the link to the left. 

S425 Circle of Friends (Pre-school)
This program provides a small group setting for students to develop social thinking and social language to enhance their play skills. Through interactive play and small group activities, children build their skills in communicating, sharing and problem-solving. The optimal teacher-child ratio promotes opportunities for children to learn through structured play and facilitated conversations. Children will be encouraged to express themselves, both verbally and through art/journals. Children will practice identifying expected and unexpected behavior in groups by role playing and using puppets.  Examples of expected behaviors that will be focused on during the session include listening to others, taking turns and participating appropriately in group settings. This class is geared toward 4-5 year olds; 3 year olds will be considered if space is available. 
Primary Instructor(s): Kim Sheehan on Mondays (SPED Teacher), Ellen McAllister on Wednesdays (Lead paraprofessional under Mrs. Sheehan's curriculum supervision)                                           
Time:   Mondays and Wednesdays  3:15-4:45pm  
Location/Fee: Early Childhood Center Room 131  $145

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)
• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon

S426 Seaside Explorers (Grades K-3: open to all schools)
This class will provide a small group setting for students to develop social thinking skills as well as strengthen shared interactions and communication. The program will provide positive experiences for students to develop skills such as: working with others effectively; thinking about others’ points of view and interests; and understanding of expected social interactions. Lots of fun activities such as arts and crafts, board games, physical games, dramatic play, and music provide opportunities for flexible thinking and problem solving. Older peer mentor opportunities are provided and an enjoyable field trip is planned.
Primary Instructor(s):   Anne-Marie Folino (SPED Teacher), Jennifer Fine (School Psychologist)
Time:   Tuesdays and Thursdays    3:45-5:00pm  
Location/Fee:  Wampatuck School  $125

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)

• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon

S427 Math Investigators (Grades 2-5: open to all schools) 
This program will work on sharpening the students’ math skills using Everyday Math games. It will also equip students to solve multi-step math problems by teaching strategies to understand the question, identify important information, choose an appropriate strategy, solve the problem and then check to make sure it is reasonable. Students will also work on developing their grade level math vocabulary. "Math Investigators" will cover the strands of Number Sense, Patterns and Relationships, Geometry, Statistics and Probability, and Measurement. Students will develop an understanding of these strands using games to reinforce skill knowledge, group activities for vocabulary development and multi-step problems.
Primary Instructor(s): Megan Fahey (Teacher) and Jane Cox (Math Specialist)
Time:   Tuesdays  4:00-5:30pm  
Location/Fee:  Wampatuck School Room 6  $75

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)
• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon    

S428 Creative Writing: Strengthening Skills (Grades 3-4: open to all schools)
Students will practice how to expand their ideas in writing by writing in various genres. Students will transform into reporters, food critics, sports writers, fantasy, science fiction, and horror authors. They will explore using colorful verbs and adjectives to convey their ideas in a more expressive way. Students will work on editing skills by following specific checklists to look for and correct common mistakes in writing. This class is meant to be a fun and exciting way to work on strengthening writing skills.
Primary Instructor(s): Amanda Kolby (SPED Teacher)
Time: Tuesdays 4:00 -5:30 pm
Location/Fee: Jenkins School $75

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)
• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon

S429 Scientific Explorers  (Grades 3-6:  open to all schools)
This socially-based exploratory science course will provide an interactive curriculum for students to develop improved science knowledge, while fostering peer connections and integrating social thinking to refine more highly developed communication skills in a structured small group, multi-sensory setting. Activities planned include: "hands-on" science and flight experiments, group projects and "training as astronauts". A key component of this course will be the use of the Star Lab, an inflatable bubble for viewing constellations and other space related items. An enjoyable field trip is planned.
Primary Instructor(s): Richard English (Teacher), Sabrina Sweeney (SPED Teacher)
Time: Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 pm
Location/Fee: Jenkins School $75

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)

• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon

S430 After-School Community Field Trips
(Grades K-6: open to PLC/ILC students or Scituate students with out-of-district placements)
This program will provide community experiences to students who attend the Primary Learning Center and the Intermediate Learning Center at Hatherly Elementary School as well as Scituate students with out-of-district placements who are interested in participating in this program.  Although field trips are being scheduled during the school day, additional opportunities for students after-school will provide further development of appropriate social and communication skills in the Scituate community.  There will be small group field trips, including only 3-4 students per afternoon.  The schedule for each particular child will be coordinated appropriately by SPS staff. 
Primary Instructor(s):  Meaghan Baird, (PLC Teacher)
Time: 3:00- 5:00 pm; your child’s assigned day of week will be coordinated by SPS staff
Location/Fee:  Hatherly School  $150

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)
• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon

S431 Study Skills and Test Taking Strategies (Grades 5-6: open to all schools)
Study strategies, time management and organization are all skills that should be addressed under the umbrella of “study skills”.  This small group class will provide resources, tips and strategies for time management, study strategies, taking notes, active reading and preparing for an extra help session with a teacher.  These skills are not only important in older elementary, but critical in preparation for middle school years. This class will be supported by a web-based resource packet for students and parents to utilize at home.
Primary Instructor(s): Patricia Grace (Teacher and former SPED Teacher)
Time: Mondays 3:45-5:00 pm
Location/Fee: Wampatuck School $65

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)
• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon

S432 Scene-It: Video Production (Grades 7-8)
Please note later start dates, so as not to conflict with Drama Club!
Interested in designing videos? Enjoy acting or directing scenes?  Want to see yourself and your peers on film?  In this group, we will be analyzing expected and unexpected behavior in different school settings (i.e. lunch room, library, bathroom, hallway).  We will discuss real life scenarios as well as silly, made-up scenarios.  Then, YOU will design videos to clarify the high expectations that we have at Gates, and we hope to share these videos with future Gates students.  Join us for fun, videography, and perhaps some drama! No video skills needed!
Primary Instructor(s): Cassondra McNamara (School Psychologist), Nancy Driscoll (Guidance Counselor)
Time: Tuesdays 2:30-4:00pm, April 24, May 8, May 22, May 29, June 12, and Monday June 18
Location/Fee: Gates Middle School $75

Please click on the following links to access key information for this program:

• Parent Assessment of Student Skill Needs (Please fill out and return to instructor if you would like to provide more student information on skill needs)

• Program Syllabus and Policies - Coming Soon
• Program Handouts - Coming Soon

• Parent Evaluation - Coming Soon

Policies and Procedures
(Please read carefully and complete acknowledgement box on registration form)

• Unless otherwise noted, registration will occur on a first come, first served basis. There are a set number of slots per class reserved for students who receive Special Education services. If those reserved spaces do not fill by the registration deadline, all remaining slots are filled first come, first served.
• Our staff to student ratio allows for most children with special needs to successfully access our classes independently, if the student can understand directions, be able to request assistance and have basic verbal skills to communicate with peers. If you feel your child cannot successfully access a class, Pursuant to Title II of the American Disabilities Act of 1992, it is the responsibility of SPS to ensure equal access for all students in any classrooms, school or school district activity, practice or procedure unless the district can demonstrate that making the necessary modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of the program. If a parent/guardian believes that a program is not accessible to their student and wants more information, please call Meaghan Baird, SPS liaison at 781-534-0266 or email mbaird@scit.org.
• There is a $25 late registration fee for forms received after the designated registration deadline.
• If you register past the deadline, your child’s start date for the program may be delayed in order to assure adequate staffing.
• Room assignment will be posted at the front entrance the first day of class and/or the instructor will meet you there.
• Attendance will be taken each class; you must sign your child in and out of class. If your child will be absent, please call that school’s office before 2:30 pm to leave a message for the instructor so all students enrolled are accounted for.
• Parents are responsible for their child from school dismissal time until class start time as well as transportation. If someone other than yourself is picking up your child, you MUST give a note of permission.
• If your child needs access to medications after-school, please be aware that there is no school nurse on-site and medications in school offices are locked.  Parents are responsible for assuring the appropriate arrangements and information is provided to the instructors.  School personnel or instructors cannot dispense medication.  If there is an emergency, 911 will be called.
• If your child is intentionally disruptive in the class, you may be called to pick them up early.  Chronic intentional behavior problems will result in termination from the program without refund. 
• Your emergency contact person needs to be someone who will be available and able to pick up your child.
• Please pick up your child on time. There will be a $25 late fee if pick up is 10 minutes or more after dismissal time.
• I understand and affirm that by registering my child for a CORSE program, I grant permission for SPS, Scituate Recreation and CORSE to use photographs and/or videos of my child in CORSE, SPS and/or Scituate Recreation publications, materials and websites.  If there is a need to avoid photos of your child, you must contact corsefoundation@comcast.net and put your request in writing.  Every effort will be made to avoid photos in regards to this request, but it cannot be guaranteed. 
• If there is an official school holiday, there is no class that day; it will be rescheduled. If school is cancelled for weather or emergent reasons, there is no class that day; every effort is made to reschedule for this, but make-up classes cannot be guaranteed nor fees reimbursed. If class falls on an early release day, the instructor will inform you if the class will still run that day or if it will be rescheduled.
• Refund policy is based on the withdrawal date of the student. Please notify corsefoundation@comcast.net immediately.
• Unfortunately, we no longer accept out-of-town registrations for Scituate Public Schools’ after-school academic and social skills development programs, except for students tuitioned into SPS or Scituate students who are enrolled out of district.

   To fill out a registration form click here.