Larry Hart Ruckersville Elementary School
Published: May 8, 2008

To the Editor:
I want to thank Region Ten for partnering with our school, and I want to thank our parents for taking part in their program which is a wonderful addition working toward a ‘full service’ school as touted in the latest Educational Leadership magazine. I would just like to make people aware of a phenomenal program being offered to Greene County Schools, at no cost to us, and to make the program participants aware of how much the school appreciates their involvement.
Region Ten sponsors Education Support Specialists to work with selected students during the school day. These are not employees of the school or of social services or part of the special education department or the guidance department or associated with the discipline board. Their only purpose is to help our student with whatever he or she finds difficult in school. The ESS worker is an advocate, a mentor, a friend and an advisor for good decision-making.
The Educational Support Specialist will only work with 5 or 6 children total so each child receives much individual attention. This will not affect any other services a child may be considered for or already receiving.
My experience with the ESS staff and supervisors over the last two years has been nothing short of spectacular, almost completely hassle-free, and I support them fully. We meet frequently with the ESS workers to stay aware of what the students are going through. They assist in school behavioral plans, help support our discipline decisions and are a fantastic bridge with the parents and family. They lend individual attention to extremely needy students and have always worked well with the school staff and support their interventions and expectations for students. Thank you all for making this such a positive experience.
It is a very exciting opportunity that has made students’ educational experiences so much better. If anyone has questions, please call the schools and let us explain this new, free, community service provided to Greene County by Region Ten. This is a very simple way for selected parents to help their children succeed in school. Region Ten will even help in completing the required forms and answering any questions.