Laurie Schmidt
Director of Special Education and Pupil Services
schmidtl@winneconne.k12.wi.us
(920) 582-5803 ext. 3135
(920) 582-5810 ext. 1707

Welcome to the Winneconne Community School District’s Student Services website. Our Student Services Department consists of special education staff, counselors and nurse. You will find a detailed summary of our K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program and nursing services, by clicking on the respective links. Please explore the information provided throughout the Student Services website and do not hesitate to contact any one of us if you have questions or comments.

Special Education

The Winneconne Community School District provides a continuum of educational services to children with disabilities, ages 3 through 21. At no charge to the parent, school personnel will conduct an educational evaluation and subsequently determine the student’s eligibility for special education, based on one or more of the following disabilities/impairments (PI 11, Wisconsin Administrative Code):
 

Anyone with reason to suspect a child has a disability may pursue a referral for an educational based evaluation (special education/Section 504). Those interested in pursuing a referral for evaluation should contact the Director of Special Education, building administrator or any special education teacher for further information. Subsequent to the evaluation, an IEP Team will determine eligibility and need for special education/related services. Special education includes specially designed instruction and related supports that are necessary for a student with one or more disabilities to participate and progress in the general education curriculum as well as to successfully transition from high school to a post-secondary school work place and/or educational environment.

A continuum of placement and curriculum options are available to students with disabilities. The IEP Team determines the focus of instruction and placement to ensure that the student’s educational needs are appropriately met. Such instruction and placement options may include: direct instruction and support in a special education and/or regular education setting, curriculum modification, progress monitoring, community based instruction as well as a variety of related services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, school health services, transportation, assistive technology, etc.

The majority of students in special education are served through our “cross-categorical” programs located within the elementary (K-5), middle (6-8) and high school (9-12) buildings. However, some students may need itinerant services or a more restrictive educational environment to facilitate educational gain. Our IEP Teams are committed to making sure that a continuum of least to most restrictive educational settings is provided to students needing special education.

Specialists serving our students with disabilities include Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction certified special education teachers, nurse, school counselors, speech/language pathologists, paraprofessionals, school psychologist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist. Our staff strives to provide quality education to students with disabilities.