Advanced Academic Program
Students in grades 3 through 6 who have been identified as gifted and talented are given the opportunity to participate in a school-based program at Laurel Ridge. Special direct instruction is provided by a AAP resource teacher to extend these students' learning. In addition, the AAP resource teacher provides support to additional students in specific areas of strength. Opportunities for these students may include different content assignments and/or instructional groupings.
For more information on the FCPS Advanced Academic Program.
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Autism
The school based Autism Program provides special education services for identified students. Services are provided in a variety of classroom settings by specialists based on individual student needs.
For more information on the FCPS Autism Program.
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Band
Instruction on band instruments is provided for interested students in grades 5 and 6. Classes meet once a week for a 45 minute period during the school day with itinerant instrumental music teachers. Classes are offered for both beginning and experienced band students. Advanced band students also have the opportunity to perform in the district solo/ensemble festival and participate in Robinson Area Band.
For more information on the FCPS Band Program.
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Emotional Disabilities
The Comprehensive Emotional Disabilities Support Services (CEDSS) program for students with emotional disabilities provides special education services for identified students. Services are provided in individual and/or small group settings by specialists based on individual student needs.
For more information on the FCPS Emotional Disabilities Program.
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English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
The ESOL program provides the academic foundation and English literacy that ESOL students need to meet challenging state and local academic standards. ESOL students are assessed regularly in English reading, writing, and oral/listening skills to determine their level of English language proficiency.
For more information on the FCPS ESOL program.
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Guidance Counselors
Guidance counselors provide direct assistance to students, parents, and the educational staff to promote a positive school environment. Student counseling, parent-teacher consultation, and guidance instruction are provided.
For more information on the FCPS Guidance Program.
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Learning Disabilities
Students who are identified as having learning disabilities receive assistance in coping with and remediating learning difficulties based on an individual assessment of their needs. Services provided by a learning disabilities specialist may include adapted instruction within the regular education classroom, alternative strategies, small group instruction, remedial instruction, cooperative learning, and/or intensive individualized diagnostic prescriptive teaching.
For more information on the FCPS Learning Disabilities Program.
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Partners in Print
Partners in Print is a family literacy program for beginning readers and their parents. Parents and children come to school and participate in workshops to learn ways to share books and support the development of reading at home. Laurel Ridge hold Partners in Print workshops twice a year.
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Reading
A full-time reading specialist is a member of Laurel Ridge's faculty. This specialist coordinates the total reading program, provides diagnostic services for students, and serves as a resource to teachers and parents.
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School Age Child Care (SACC)
School Age Child Care (SACC) is a Fairfax County Office for Children program located in FCPS elementary schools for Kindergarten through 6th grade children whose parents are working, attending school, or disabled. The SACC program is designed to develop independent thinking, creative expression, and cooperative relationships among children. SACC offers two separate programs at Laurel Ridge: Before School (7:15AM until school begins) and After School (end of school day until 6:15PM). Parents can register for one or both programs by calling the Fairfax County Office for Children at 703-449-8989.
For more information on the SACC Program.
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School Psychologist
Laurel Ridge is served by two school psychologists who work with several schools. The psychologists administer diagnostic tests and psychological evaluations to assist in special education and program placement. In addition, the psychologists are available for consultations and conferences.
For more information on FCPS School Psychologists.
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School Social Worker
Laurel Ridge is served by two social workers. The social workers meet with parents of students who are being considered for special programs. In addition, the social worker assists families, teachers, and students in identifying and resolving emotional, social, and behavioral problems that interfere with academic performance.
For more information about FCPS School Social Workers.
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Spanish Partial-Immersion Program
The Spanish Partial-Immersion Program at Laurel Ridge began in September 1992. Identified students in first through sixth grades spend half their instructional day being taught language arts and social studies in English and the other half being taught mathematics, science and health in Spanish. Each year two classes have entered the program at the first grade level. Selection for the program is by lottery and classes include 50% of the students from inside the Laurel Ridge boundary area and 50% of the students from outside the boundary area. The applications for the program have always exceeded the number of openings for students.
For more information about the FCPS Spanish Partial-Immersion Program.
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Speech
Two speech and language clinicians provide services directed toward remediation or problems in oral language, articulation, voice, and fluency. Students receive assistance individually and/or in small groups at all grade levels. In addition, the speech and language clinician routinely screens all students new to Laurel Ridge to assess speech and language development.
For more information on the FCPS Speech and Language Program.
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Strings
An itinerant instrumental music teacher provides instruction on violin, viola, cello and double bass for interested students in grades 4, 5, and 6. Classes meet once a week for a 45 minute period during the school day. Second and third year students may also have the opportunity to play in an ensemble called area orchestra which meets Monday afternoons at another school location.
For more information on the FCPS Strings Program.
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