Skip to main content

Leonia Public Schools

Scholarship. Citizenship. Excellence.

Student Supports & Programs

 

Student Supports

 

 

 

 

At Leonia Public Schools, our teams are dedicated to fostering the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth of every student. We take a student-centered, data-informed approach to ensure that each learner receives the personalized support they need to thrive. By combining evidence-based practices with a deep understanding of individual student needs, we work collaboratively with families, educators, and specialists to create inclusive and equitable learning environments.

Our goal is to empower all students to succeed, both in school and beyond.

 

 

 

  • NJTSS is a statewide framework designed to improve student outcomes through a coordinated system of supports and interventions. It is built on the core principles of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and the three-tiered prevention model of Response to Intervention (RTI).

    Leonia Public Schools implements NJTSS to support students’ academic and behavioral growth. Through this framework, we provide targeted assistance such as Response to Intervention (RTI), Intervention & Referral Services (I&RS), and Gifted & Talented programming, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed.

    For more Leonia-specific information, check out our MTSS/I&RS Manual.

    For more general information, visit the NJDOE website on MTSS and I&RS.

  • Leonia Public Schools is committed to providing individualized support for students with diverse learning needs. Through our Special Services Department, we offer a range of programs and services for students who qualify for special education, including individualized education programs (IEPs), related services, and specialized instruction.

    Our team works closely with families, teachers, and support staff to ensure that every student receives the appropriate services in the least restrictive environment. We strive to foster academic, social, and emotional growth while promoting inclusion, equity, and student success.

    Visit our Special Services page to learn more about our programs, procedures, and offerings.

    Director of Special Services: Jenna Russo, M.A.

  • Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), is a federally funded program designed to provide all students with a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. Its goal is to help close achievement gaps and ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

    Title I provides financial assistance to schools with high numbers or percentages of children from low-income families. Leonia Public Schools is a Targeted Assistance Title I District, meaning support is provided to identified students who are most in need of academic assistance.

    Each of our three buildings receive Title I funds to support eligible students through targeted interventions and supplemental instruction. Our Title I/ESSA Guide includes more details on our Title I Support program.

    For more information, visit our Title I page.

  • Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that ensures students with disabilities have equal access to education. Eligible students may receive accommodations or modifications to support their learning needs. To qualify, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that significantly impacts a major life activity, or have a history of such an impairment.

    For more information, visit our Section 504 page, or contact your building’s Vice Principal.

  • Leonia Public Schools is committed to meeting the needs of all learners through both academic support and enrichment. For students who demonstrate mastery of core content and would benefit from advanced learning experiences, the district offers a Gifted & Talented program aligned with New Jersey’s educational standards.

    Students are identified for the program through multiple measures and criteria, ensuring an equitable and comprehensive selection process. Our programs provide enriched instruction through in-class differentiation, small group learning, and project-based experiences. These supports are aligned with best practices under the New Jersey Tiered System of Supports (NJTSS).

    For more information and details on appeals per N.J.A.C. 6A:8-3.1, visit our Gifted & Talented page.

    Gifted & Talented Coordinator: Jin Lee (Supervisor of Instructional Technology & Programs)

  • In certain emergency or medical situations, students may require instruction to be provided at home on a temporary basis. Leonia Public Schools will work collaboratively with families to support students through up to ten hours of home instruction per week, as needed.

    Please contact your child’s Principal for more information or to begin the request process.

  • Leonia Public Schools’ ESL program supports Multilingual Learners by providing rigorous, equitable instruction focused on developing skills in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Using research-based strategies and best practices, we foster academic success while celebrating cultural diversity and encouraging strong family and community engagement.

    Learn more by visiting our page clicking here.

    Supervisor of ESL: Dr. Laurence Gander

  • The Student Services department, led by school counselors in each building, supports the academic, social, and emotional development of all students. Counselors work closely with students, families, and staff to promote well-being, support mental health, and guide students through each stage of their educational journey.

    Check out our Student Services page for more information.

    Director of Student Services: Adrienne Stein