» Student Services

» Student Services
Student Services
Welcome to the Student Services page!
Our department supports and coordinates interventions, programs and services to address the academic, and social/emotional needs of all students.
You can find information regarding 504 supports, Counseling, ELE programming, Community resources,  and Translation on this page.
Any questions please reach out to the Director of Student Services: Jennifer Bergeron, jbergeron@innovationcharter.org
Community Resource List
: a list of local community resources for common challenges families may encounter with food security, housing instability, mental health needs, and accessing community based resources.
Homelessness Liaison
Jennifer Bergeron
Director of Student Services
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Student Supports
All students at IACS are supported with their academic studies by receive support from their teachers.  These supports can range from instructional practices, to curricular design, to ways of assessing student learning.  To see the many ways in which all students receive support, we encourage you to review our
District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP)
.
Homelessness and Foster Care information
McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance
The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures homeless children and youth have equal access to the same free and appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths.
Students and families experiencing housing instability or who feel they meet the definition of homelessness should contact our homelessness liason.
Section 504
504 plans provide accommodations for students with disabilities.  Students or families with questions about 504 plans should contact the Director of Student Services & Section 504 Coordinator,
Jennifer Bergeron.
Multilingual Leaners
Students who are identified at registration as coming from a family that speaks a language other than English are screened to determine their English language proficiency. Students identified as Multilingual Learners are with provided with Multilingual Language Learning (MLL) services through both small group instruction and Sheltered English Immersion support.
Families requiring translation of written materials or interpretation at meetings should complete the Translation Request form and return it to the main office.
Translation
IACS is committed to supporting multilingual families by providing translated materials and interpreter services to families.
Please contact Jennifer Bergeron with any questions.
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division/U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights
English LEP Parent Fact Sheet
Counseling Department
The Counseling Department at IACS is dedicated to supporting the academic, social/emotional, and post-secondary success of all middle and high school students. Through a collaborative, team-based approach, our counseling staff provide a range of services designed to help students thrive, overcome barriers, and prepare for life beyond high school.
Our department includes Post Secondary/College Counselors, School Counselors, School Psychologists and School Social Workers/Adjustment Counselors who work closely with students, families, and school staff to create a supportive and inclusive environment.
Our Commitment
The IACS Counseling Department is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment where every student can thrive. By addressing the academic, social/emotional, and mental health needs of students, we strive to remove barriers, build resilience, and help each student reach their fullest potential.
Post-Secondary / College Counseling
Staff: Jill Deknatel
Post-secondary/college counselors help students navigate their academic pathways and prepare for life after graduation. This includes:
Supporting course selection and long-term planning for life after high school
Assisting with college and career exploration
Providing resources for standardized testing, financial aid, scholarships and college applications
Communicating with parents, teachers, and college representatives
Offering short-term support to help students manage stress, set goals, and plan for the future
The goal of the guidance counselor is to empower students to make informed decisions, build confidence, and successfully transition to post-secondary opportunities.
School Counseling
Staff: Lauren LeMay
School counselors focus on the mental health, social/emotional, and developmental needs of all students to promote their overall success. This includes:
Providing individual and small group counseling and classroom-based support
Serving as the first point of contact for identifying and addressing student mental health needs
Managing the schoolwide student check-in system
Connecting students and families to community-based resources and supports
Collaborating with teachers and families to meet the needs of all learners
While school counselors do not provide long-term therapy, they play a crucial role in reducing mental health stigma, supporting wellness, and ensuring every student feels safe and supported.
School Social Work / Adjustment Counseling
Staff: Amanda Curran, Lynne Sallet and interns as available
School Social Workers/Adjustment Counselors provide targeted support to students with educational plans. Their role includes:
Reducing barriers to academic success and improving interpersonal relationships
Offering confidential support during crises, while following mandated reporting guidelines
Teaching coping strategies, self-regulation, social skills, problem-solving, and conflict resolution as it impacts the students’ access to their education.
Assessing student needs through observation, interviews, and consultation
Supporting teams in the development and implementation of students educational plans
Liaison between school based support and community support for students identified on their caseload.
Important distinction: This role does not include delivering academic instruction or providing long-term therapy unrelated to educational functioning.
School Psychologist
Staff: Eric Graber
The School Psychologist supports student success by conducting evaluations to assess the cognitive, academic, behavioral and social emotional functioning of our students.
Assesses students for special education eligibility and re evaluates students to determine continued need for services.
Offering confidential support during crises, while following mandated reporting guidelines
Works with staff and administration to develop strategies to meet individual student needs.
Supporting teams in the development and implementation of students educational plans
Counseling Services as Part of an IEP
When students are found eligible for special education services, School Social Work/Adjustment Counseling may be included in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support their social, emotional, and behavioral development as it impacts learning. These services:
Are integrated into daily classroom and school routines
Are delivered collaboratively by a team of staff who share strategies and monitor progress
Focus on building skills needed for education, employment, and independent living
Occur in natural school environments and are designed to generalize across settings
May vary in intensity and duration based on the student’s current educational needs
If a student no longer requires these services to benefit from special education, they are discontinued through the IEP process.
School-Based vs. Private Counseling
School social work services differ from private therapy and is not a substitution should private therapy not be available. In schools, services are provided only when a student’s disability significantly impacts their educational performance. If a student has emotional or behavioral needs that do not interfere with their learning, school-based counseling is not appropriate, and families are encouraged to pursue private counseling. School counselors can assist families in locating appropriate community resources.
Counseling vs. Speech & Language Services
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) support students with pragmatic language difficulties (understanding social cues, turn-taking, staying on topic, using language to navigate social interactions).
Counselors support students who can communicate effectively but need help with broader social skills, emotional regulation, confidence, and managing frustration or conflict.
Counseling vs. BCBA services
Counselors focus on the student’s overall academic, social and emotional well being while offering short term individual support and consultation.
The focus of a BCBA is on analyzing and modifying observable behaviors with data driven plans. The BCBA can work on the design and implementation of support/intervention plans.
Student Services Staff
Leslie Baron
Inclusion Aide
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Jennifer Bergeron
Director of Student Services
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Ashlyn Bisso
MS Boys JV Basketball Head Coach
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Jessica Callahan
Inclusion Aide
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Amanda Curran
Middle School Adjustment Counselor
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Brenda Curtin
Multilingual Learner (MLL) Teacher
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Lisa Gaudette
Inclusion Aide
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Alison Hanlon
ELL Aide
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Ashley Humphreys
Inclusion Aide
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Lauren LeMay
Adjustment Counselor
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Caroljean Matthews
Inclusion Aide
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Amie Meuse
Inclusion Aide
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Jahaziel Nieves
MS Archery Assistant Coach
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Gwenn O'Day
MS Sub-Varsity Red-Tails Volleyball Assistant Coach
MS Girls JV Basketball Assistant Coach
MS Outdoor Track & Field Assistant Coach
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Rupali Pakala
MS Archery Assistant Coach
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Judy Pollard
Inclusion Aide
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Lynne Sallet
High School Adjustment Counselor
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Ryan Salvi
HS Inclusion Aide / HS Cross Country Assistant Coach
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Erika Virella
Inclusion Aide
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Emma Webster
Theatre Arts Program Director, Inclusion Aide
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