Programs & Services
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Fremont Unified School District (FUSD) provides support for gifted and talented (GATE) students through differentiated instruction. We believe that differentiated instruction not only serves the needs of our exceptional students, but also enhances the entire educational program for all students.
In February of 2020, funding for the CogAT testing was cut as part of the budget savings. While the CogAT testing has been the primary means of qualifying students for GATE identification, we are now in the process of identifying an alternative way of identifying students. There will not be a test for GATE eligibility given this year.
- During the 2023/2024 school year we will continue to identify 5th grade students who were not identified in an earlier grade. These students may be considered for GATE identification through the professional judgement process. Teachers and/or parents may nominate a student. A completed nomination form must be submitted by the teacher or parent to the school Principal by December 15, 2023. Principals will set up meetings with the teacher, student, and parent to discuss the student’s eligibility for GATE identification.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech and Language Articulation therapy and/or Language assistance involving syntax, grammar and vocabulary building is provided to those students found eligible for such services. The Speech and Language pathologist provides assessment, testing and therapy for the following disorders:
- Articulation - Incorrect production of speech sounds
- Language - Comprehension and expression difficulties
- Voice - Incorrect pitch, loudness, or quality (i.e. hoarse voice)
- Stuttering - Abnormal repetitions, prolongations or blocking of speech sounds or words.
Referrals by parents and teachers are accepted at any time during the school year. After parental consent is obtained, testing begins. If therapy is indicated, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is written which states the goals expected to be met in therapy during the next school year. Parents are involved in the formulation of the Plan. There will be contact between parent, teacher, and the specialist concerning the progress of the child's therapy.
504 Plan
If a student has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities such as caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working, the student may be eligible for an Accommodation Plan in the student's instructional program. See principal for more information.
Resource Specialist Program
This program assists students who have been assessed and determined to have a learning disability that impair their potential to learn in the regular classroom. These disabilities could be one or more of the following: auditory and/or visual perception, verbal expression, conceptual skills, or spatial relations. Referrals by parents and teachers are accepted at any time during the school year.
To qualify, a student must demonstrate a significant discrepancy between his/her scholastic achievement and potential and have an identified disability. Eligible students are assisted by the Resource Specialist in working toward the completion of the educational goals outlined in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Students with disabilities are eligible for placement in a Special Day Class in the District. Such disabilities include severe handicapped (SH), learning handicapped (LH), physical handicapped (PH), emotional disturbance (ED), and communicatively handicapped (CH).
Adapted Physical Education
Adapted Physical Education (APE) is a small group educational program which is individualized to meet the specific needs of the students enrolled. Assistance is provided for students who benefit from additional skill building and adaptations to the regular physical education program as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP). The reasons a child might be referred to this program include the following: a physical handicap, medical restrictions of a chronic nature, learning disabilities which involve perceptual skills, and even a lack of experience with physical skills which impede the child's successful participation in the regular physical education program. Generally this program is offered in addition to the regular physical education class and activities may involve instruction in the following areas: Static and dynamic balance, locomotor skills, body and spatial awareness, eye-hand and eye-foot coordination skills, and physical fitness.
Physical Disability Adaptations Assistance and monitoring of students with vision, hearing, and/or orthopedic impairments is provided.
Psychological Services
The school psychologist is a resource person to the school staff and parents in the areas of social, emotional and intellectual growth in children. S/he is knowledgeable about referral resources for parents and students in the areas of diagnosis and treatment of learning and behavioral disorders. The school psychologist may participate as a member of the Student Study Team in the identification, assessment and placement in special programs of students who have special learning needs.
Counseling Services
The school counselor is a resource person to support students’ academic and career success, social-emotional development, and behavior. S/he is a resource person for all students and parents. The school counselor meets with students individually, in small groups, and large groups to provide support, education, and opportunities for socialization.
School Health Services
The school nurse is present at our school one half day per week. The nurse’s function is to coordinate the health services for MSJE. Health services include:
- Vision screening of Kindergarten (MCT), 3rd and others by request.
- Hearing screening of K, 2nd, 5th, and others by request.
- Scoliosis screening for 5th grade
- Responsible for students meeting the state requirements on immunizations and physical exams
- Provides health – related inservice meetings for staff as required
Sports
Basketball and soccer are extra-curricular after-school activities for both girls and boys when coaches are available. Try-outs for basketball are conducted in November with games starting in January. Soccer is held in the spring with tryouts in March and games beginning in April. Students must maintain a “C” scholastic average and have excellent citizenship to be able to play. Students who are not following school rules, have been suspended, or are not showing academic success may be removed from the team or have playing time reduced.