Student Services

A Special Place for the Community

Utilizing the Rivendell District’s facilities, services, and curriculum goals, the Rivendell Early Childhood Program offers community families a safe, nurturing environment through which their children can grow. RECP also helps prepare both students and parents for their roles as life long learners. For children needing extra assistance, or with special needs, RECP provides expert guidance and services.

Rivendell Early Education Programs
At the Rivendell Elementary Schools we utilize an Educational Support Team (EST) approach to supporting students who need additional support to learn at their best.  These supports look closely at a student’s academic progress and/or school behavior.  Parent participation in this process is critical and parents/guardians will be asked for input and kept in the loop regarding additional supports that their student may be receiving.  Initially, supports are put in place at the classroom level and are monitored for efficacy.  These might include a home-school journal or a positive behavior point system that rewards expected behavior and classwork completion.  Student progress with these supports is monitored and adjusted as needed to support student learning.  If additional supports are indicated, they may include having a student work with one of our school’ academic interventionist, guidance counselor or the school student support specialist.   The EST model is part of a collaborative approach to supporting student achievement.  It promotes effective instructional practices and helps make the purposeful use of student learning data central to informing school instructional decisions.

The Rivendell Interstate School District is committed to meeting the diverse needs of English Learners, including:          

  • Planning and implementing effective language instruction educational programs (LIEPs) and curricula on teaching English Learners (ELs)
  • Identifying or developing, and implementing, measures of English Language Proficiency (ELP)
  • Strengthening parent, family, and community engagement in programs that serve English Learners (ELs)
  • Emily Cousens (grades 6-8) 603-353-4321 Rivendell Academy
  • Nancy Hall (grades 9 -12) 603-353-4321 Rivendell Academy
  • Ann O'Hearn 802-333-4668 Westshire Elementary School
  • Ann O'Hearn 802-333-9755 Samuel Morey Elementary School
  • Karen Ward 802-333-4668 Westshire Child and Family Support Specialist
  • Creigh Moffatt 603-353-4321 x5 Rivendell Academy
  • Melissa Storms 802-333-4668 Westshire Elementary School
  • Melissa Storms 802-333-9755 Samuel Morey Elementary School
McKinney-Vento: Homeless Education Services
VERMONT'S EDUCATION for HOMELESS children and Youth Program

Rivendell Homeless Education Liaison

Barrett Williams
603-353-2170

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights statute that was enacted to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disabilities in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance. For a student to qualify for protection under Section 504, he/she must have a documented disability that substantially limits one or more “major life activities” and needs specific accommodations and/or services that will allow the student access to the educational program. A documented disability does not automatically qualify a student for a 504 Plan. The school team will meet to review relevant information and consider whether a 504 plan is warranted.


At Rivendell, we strive to meet every student’s needs.

Special Education at Rivendell makes a free, appropriate public education available to all children ages 3 to 21 who have been determined to have a disability. We provide meaningful and challenging educational opportunities for all students. Our vision of inclusion guides our work, meeting students where they are and supporting them in their progress toward academic achievement and independence. Students receive specialized instruction, support, and related services designed to provide an appropriate education and allow them to progress in the general curriculum.
Special Education