Pupil Personnel/Special Education

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Effective Oct. 14, 2025, all official IEP or Section 504 Plan documents that require review or signature will be delivered to parents/guardians exclusively through the Frontline Education Collaboration Portal.

Learn more: Frontline Education Collaboration Portal

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Welcome
At Minisink Valley, we believe that every student possesses unique strengths and the potential to succeed. The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Department is here to ensure that every child, regardless of their learning style or challenges, has the tools, support, and environment they need to thrive.

Navigating the world of special education, IEPs, and 504 plans can feel like learning a new language. Whether your child is just beginning preschool or is preparing for graduation, our dedicated team of administrators,  educators, psychologists, therapists and social workers are here to walk alongside you.

Our commitment to you:
●      Individualized care: We don’t believe in "one size fits all." Every plan is tailored to the specific needs of your child.
●      Collaboration: You are an essential member of your child’s team. We value your insight and partnership.
●      Advocacy: We work to ensure your child receives a free and appropriate education in the most inclusive setting possible based on their individual needs.

If you have questions about your child's progress, need assistance with the Frontline Portal, or are wondering if your child might qualify for services, please reach out. We're here to help.

Programs and services
●      Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE): Support for ages 3–5.
●      Committee on Special Education (CSE): Support for school-age children, including the IEP process.
●      Section 504 plans: Accommodations for students with disabilities.
●      Student health services: Nursing and medication information.

Pathways for support
 At Minisink Valley, we provide a "Ladder of Support." We meet students where they are, starting with classroom help and moving toward specialized plans if needed.

Initial support (MTSS/RTI)
Before a formal referral, our schools  use the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS). This provides immediate, targeted help in the classroom when a student struggles with reading, math or behavior.

●      How it works: Increasing levels (tiers) of small-group instruction or classroom push-in services.
●      Point of contact: Your child’s classroom teacher or building principal.

 Formal evaluation and referral
If a student needs support beyond classroom interventions, a formal evaluation may be requested to determine eligibility for additional support such as a Section 504 accommodation plan (504) or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

 The Section 504 path
●      Focus: Accessibility. For students with a physical or mental impairment that limits a major life activity (e.g.: ADHD or anxiety).
●      The result: A 504 Plan providing accommodations (e.g.: extra time, preferred seating).
●      Point of contact: Your school psychologist or the supervisor of special education.

 The Special Education (CSE) path
●      Focus: Specialized Instruction. For students who require a modified curriculum or specialized services (Speech, OT, PT) to learn.
●      The result: An Individualized Education Program (IEP) with specific goals and services.
●      Point of contact: Your school psychologist or the supervisor of special education..

 The five step referral process
1.     Referral: A written request is made for an evaluation.
2.     Consent: Parents meet with the team and sign a consent form for testing. 
3.     Evaluation: Specialists (Psychologists, Therapists) conduct assessments.
4.     Eligibility meeting: The Committee meets with parents to review the results.
5.     Implementation: If eligible, the plan is put into action and reviewed annually.

 PPS support team
PPS leadership
Our administrative team manages the "big picture" of your child’s education, ensuring all programs meet state and federal standards while remaining focused on individual student success.

●      Director of PPS: Oversees district-wide policy, 504/ADA compliance, and ensures all services are delivered effectively across all buildings.
●      Special education supervisors: Provide direct leadership for specific grade levels (CPSE/Elementary/Intermediate and MS/HS), supporting teachers and families in the development of IEPs.
●      CPSE chairperson: Leads the transition for our youngest learners (ages 3–5), ensuring a smooth start as children move from early intervention into the school district.

School psychologists/CSE chairpersons
Our psychologists bridge the gap between mental health and learning. They are the lead evaluators for students suspected of having a disability and provide:

●      Evaluations: Testing to identify learning styles, cognitive strengths, and social-emotional needs.
●      Intervention: Short-term counseling and behavioral support plans.
●      Consultation: Partnering with teachers and parents to create effective classroom strategies.
●      CSE Chairperson: In this role, the chairperson leads the Committee on Special Education (CSE) meetings, ensuring that all legal procedures are followed and that the team collaboratively develops the most effective plan for the student.

 Social workers
School social workers ensure that a student's social and emotional well-being doesn't stand in the way of their academic success. Turn to them for:

●      Counseling: Individual and group sessions focusing on social skills and emotional regulation to access the school environment.
●     Family support: Helping parents navigate the special education system and access district and community resources.
●     Community links: Connecting families with outside agencies, mental health providers, and emergency assistance.

 Speech and language therapists
Our speech team works to ensure every student has a "voice" in the classroom. They provide specialized instruction for:

●      Articulation: Helping students produce sounds correctly.
●      Language processing: Improving how students understand and express ideas.
●      Classroom support: Collaborating with teachers to modify lessons for students with communication disorders.

 Special education teachers
Our special education teachers are the primary facilitators of your child’s daily academic experience. They specialize in adapting the general education curriculum to ensure every student can access and master grade-level material.

●      Specially designed instruction (SDI): They adapt the content, methodology, and delivery of instruction to address the unique needs of the student. This ensures access to the grade-level curriculum while working toward specific IEP goals.
●      Case management: They serve as the "point person" for your child’s IEP. This includes tracking data on progress, coordinating with service providers (like Speech or OT), and acting as the primary link between the school and the family.
●      Instructional support: They provide essential support in various settings—ranging from integrated co-taught (ICT) classrooms to smaller, specialized groups—ensuring that accommodations and modifications are implemented effectively every day.

 School nurses: Student Health Services
Each Minisink Valley building is staffed daily by a registered nurse to manage the physical health of our students. They handle:

●      Medical needs: Managing daily medications and specialized health procedures.
●      Emergency care: Providing immediate response for injuries or acute illnesses.
●      Health plans: Coordinating Individualized Healthcare Plans (IHP) for students with chronic conditions.

 Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) chairperson
The CPSE Chair is the primary point of contact for our youngest learners (ages 3–5) as they transition into the school district.

●     Evaluations: Coordinates assessments for preschool-aged children suspected of having a disability.
●      Committee meetings: Leads the Committee on Preschool Special Education to determine eligibility and service needs.
●     Transition support: Helps families navigate the move from Early Intervention (county-based) to the School District. 

 

For more information

Jeffrey Finton
Director of Pupil Personnel Services
504 Rehabilitation Act/ADA Compliance Coordinator
District Title IX Alternate Coordinator/District Homeless Liaison
845-355-5103
jfinton@minisink.com

Katie Blydenburgh
Supervisor of Special Education/Grades 6 to 12
845-355-5104
kblydenburgh@minisink.com

Heather Greenberg
Supervisor of Special Education/Pre-K to Grade 5
845-355-5840
hgreenberg@minisink.com

Heather Galloway
CPSE Chair/Psychologist
845-355-5808
hgalloway@minisink.com