Day Care

Penngrove offers before and after school day care through the YMCA program. The program also operates during all breaks and staff development days. They are closed during Christmas and summer breaks. YMCA is housed on site and begins at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 6:00 p.m. For more information about enrollment and costs, call 707-544-1829.

Gifted and Talented Education

What is giftedness? Gifted learners generally show functional characteristics that differ from their age peers in every area: cognitive, affective, physical, and intuitive. Characterized as rapid, intuitive learners, they also differ from each other, each gifted learner having unique patterns of characteristics and interests. Differences commonly found between most gifted learners and their age peers that require differentiated curriculum are:

Advanced Comprehension and a Faster Pace of Learning
Evidenced by: Students may be at least two to eight years ahead of regular age-graded classes in some areas.
Need for Complexity and Intensity
Evidenced by: Students bring this need to their learning because the material presented to their age does not frequently challenge them.
Desire for Depth
Evidenced by: Students’ abilities to make connections, find unusual relationships, and move from facts to principles, theories, and generalizations.

Students may be referred by teachers, parents, or themselves, to the District Identification Committee for screening to determine eligibility or non-eligibility for the G.A.T.E. program. G.A.T.E. referral forms are available in the school office for parent, student, and teacher use. Although identification for participation in the G.A.T.E. program begins in the fourth grade, students may be referred for identification throughout elementary, junior high and high school. The GATE program in Petaluma City School Districts schools is an in class program which emphasizes differentiated curriculum.

Student Study Team

The Student Study Team is a school site team that includes the teacher, parents and other personnel who may have had experience working with a particular student. The SST functions as part of the regular education program and uses systematic problem solving approach to assist students who may not be progressing satisfactorily. During the meeting, the team identifies the student’s strengths and clarifies the problems and concerns, develops strategies, and organizes resources. Modifications to the student’s program are developed and follow up meetings are scheduled as needed. Students who need further assistance may be referred to our special education personnel for additional assessment.

Procedures for Categorically Funded Programs

Any person, including any parent of a pupil enrolled in a federal or state funded categorical program, may file a complaint alleging a violation governing categorically funded programs. Anyone having a complaint regarding a state funded categorical program may file a complaint form in the office or, if the complaint does not concern a single school, with the Superintendent’s office. The person originating the complaint must sign all complaint forms. The Districts have designated Sandy Hill as compliance officer. She may be reached a t 778-4608.

SPECIAL SERVICES

Resource Specialist Program

The Resource Specialist program is a service provided for students who have been identified as having special needs. Students, who have been assessed and are found to have a learning disability or an emotional disturbance, receive services through this program. The Resource Specialist and an instructional assistant provide instruction individually or in small groups.

Psychological Services

A school psychologist is assigned to Penngrove Elementary School. The psychologist evaluates students prior to their entry into any special education program and offers other support psychological services to staff and parents as needed.

Guidance

A school guidance counselor is assigned to Penngrove School each year. The guidance counselor is on site one day per week to work with students and families concerning emotional and social issues. Parents must give written permission before the counselor may meet with their child either individually or in small groups. The counselor can be reached through the Penngrove School Office.

Speech Services

The Speech and Language Specialist provides students with specialized services in the areas of speech, language and communication skills. Students may qualify for the program if they have delays in speech or language development, disfluency, voice disorders, hearing loss, or difficulties with auditory processing skills. Instruction is given individually or in small groups on a pullout basis or within the regular classroom. Written parental permission is required prior to assessment or enrollment in the speech and language program.