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Special Education

Our mission is to provide a strong academic foundation which challenges students to realize their fullest potential and encourages them to become engaged, thoughtful citizens. Pine-Richland School District is a community where learning is challenging, people are inspiring and students are enriched by their experience.

Philosophy

  • In the Pine-Richland School District every effort is made to provide students with a free and appropriate education in their home school.
  • Instructional strategies, curriculum adaptations, and behavioral interventions are applied in the Least Restrictive Environment
  • The Least Restrictive Environment can range from regular classroom placement with consultation services provided to the student and/or teacher to full time support within a special education classroom or a special school.
  • Pine-Richland teachers promote the concept of inclusion by applying one of three best practices:  in-class support, co-teaching, and consultation with classroom teachers.
  • The IEP team decides which practice will best meet the needs of the student.

Beliefs

  • All students have specific needs, characteristics and learning styles.
  • All school staff and community members are responsible for meeting individual needs of students
  • All students can learn
  • Every student has the right to receive appropriate educational services without labeling
  • Meeting the needs of individual students does not lower program standards
  • Adaptation of the curriculum enables students to succeed and does not diminish their achievement
  • Positive self-esteem is an essential component of student success
  • Success influences self-esteem and encourages high achievement
  • Modeling of effective teamwork by school staff enables children to develop cooperative social skills 
  • Social development and opportunities in an educational setting prepare students for participation in society
  • Expectations based upon ongoing assessments foster student growth
  • Ongoing assessment of all students results in a needs-driven educational system

Contact Us

Student Services, Special Education & Psychological Services
3811 Bakerstown Rd., Gibsonia PA 15044
Phone: 724-443-7230 | Fax: 724-443-7374

Dr. Maura Paczan

Director of Student Services

Dr. Greta Kuzilla

Assistant Director of Student Services and Special Education

Dr. Alysha Kaparakos

School Psychologist—K-6

Dr. Taylour Kimmel

School Psychologist—K-6

Dr. Melissa Ramirez

School Psychologist

Mary Pegher

Student Services Secretary

Brenda Provenzano

Student Services Secretary