Highlands School District
Pupil Personnel Services
1330 Eleventh Avenue
P.O. Box 288
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
724-226-2400
Fax: 724-226-8437
 
Dr. Karen King
Director of Pupil Personnel Services          ext. 239
 
Michelle Majcher 
District Attendance Officer                       ext. 220
 
 
The Mission of Pupil Personnel Services

and Service Providers

 

When students struggle to make meaningful progress academically, the joy of learning may be lost to frustration. The Department of Pupil Personnel Services mission is to provide support for students, staff, families, and community so that students may have successful educational experiences.

 
By definition, Pupil Personnel Services include:
      • School guidance counseling
      • School social work
      • School nursing
      • School psychology
      • School Mental Health Services
Within Highlands School District, these services are organized to meet the needs of all students and to support the educational program within each school building. 
      
Guidance Services are available at the Middle and High schools.  Two counselors serve the middle school: Mr. Dan Cali and Mrs. Pat Tigano. Mrs. Bonnie Crawford is the MS guidance secretary.  Serving students at the High School are guidance counselors  Mrs. Susie Giovengo, Mrs. Beth Carrarini, and Mrs. Marilyn Skwortz. Mrs. Kim Hines is the HS guidance secretary.
 
Mrs. Diane Phelps, social worker, provides services to Fairmount and Fawn Primary Centers.  Ms. Christina Rago provides services to the students of Grandview Upper Elementary. Dr. Karen King, Director of Pupil Personnel Services and School Psychologist (724-226-2400), provides psychological services throughout the district.
 
Psychological Services, Crisis Intervention, Crisis Post-vention (support services provided after a crisis), and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training are also coordinated by Dr. King. Concerns regarding issue of confidentiality of school records should be addressed to Dr. King. The Comprehensive Records And Confidentiality Plan can be accessed through the link below. 
 
Safety Planning is coordinated by Dr. King.
 
Nursing Services are available in all buildings. These programs are supervised by Dr. King.
  • High School, Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament, and St. Joseph's High School,  Nursing services: Mrs. Kim Woodrow, Certified School Nurse
  • Middle School, Heights Early Childhood Center: Mrs., Shelly Long-Vickers, Certified School Nurse.
  • Grandview, Fairmount, and Fawn Schools: Mrs. Mary Beth Jones, Certified and Registered Nurse Practitioner and Certified School Nurse.

Licensed Practical Nurses also provide services under the supervision of the Certified School Nurses.

 
Services to students and families experiencing homelessness are coordinated Dr. King.
 
Student Assistance Services, Elementary Student Assistance Services, and Instructional Support Services are combined under the heading of ProjectCONNECT. Each building has a ProjectCONNECT team. Mrs. Debra Lehew, Director of Special Education Services, coordinates this program (724-226-2400).
 
Concerns regarding Title IX compliance are handled by Dr. King. Concerns regarding Title VII compliance are coordinated by Mr. Jon Rupert, business manager (724-226-2400).
 
The Student Services Plan (mandated  by PDE Chapter 12) can be assessed at the link below.

 

Mandated annual notices for PPS can be accessed through the links below. They also appear in the school calendar:

·        FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)

·        HIPAA (Health Information Portability and Access Act)

·        The McKinney-Vento Act (Services for families experiencing homelessness)

          The Student Services Plan

          The Comprehensive Records and Confidentiality Plan               

 
Mandated annual notices regarding childfind and special education services appear in the special education link.