learning connectionS 
 
 
Mrs. Hegan ~ 5/6 Gr. Resource Room Teacher ~ Thomaston Grammar School ~ jhegan@msad50.org mailto:jhegan@msad50.orgshapeimage_3_link_0
Mrs. Hegan ~ Thomaston Grammar School ~ 207-354-6353 ~ jhegan@msad50.org mailto:jhegan@msad50.orgshapeimage_4_link_0
 
 
ABOUT THIS WEBSITE The LEARNING CONNECTIONS website is designed to assist students in achieving their specific educational goals. It provides guidance and general academic and classroom information. LEARNING CONNECTIONS also provides parents with information, resources, and contacts which will help support their children’s learning experiences. CURRICULUM The 5th and 6th grade resource room special education curriculum is specifically developed based on each child’s individualized needs. Whenever possible, students are integrated into mainstream classes with support from the resource room as needed. Some classes at TGS are co-taught with the regular classroom teacher and the resource room teacher. The classroom teacher acts as the curriculum subject matter specialist, while the resource room teacher keeps a close eye on special education students integrated into the class to ensure they understand presented information and concepts. The role of the resource room teacher is to provide alternate strategies, graphic organizers, and other learning tools that can assist special education and at-risk students in the classroom. The dynamics of this inclusion model has proven to be very successful and exciting for all students in the class. When specialized instruction is necessary that can not be carried out in the larger group, special education students attend the resource room for direct instruction. In the resource room, a multisensory, explicit, step-by-step reading program named Wilson Reading System (WRS) is implemented. Reading instruction includes decoding, rules of phonics, spelling, comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and phonemic awareness. For more information about the Wilson program, visit the website www.wilsonlanguage.com. Parents are always welcome to set up a time to visit and observe lessons and instruction in the resource room. EXPECTATIONS All students at TGS are expected to follow the school and classroom rules and guidelines as stated in the Thomaston Grammar School Parent - Student Handbook. This web page explains general information, policies and guidelines for students and parents of TGS. GENERAL ACADEMIC The TGS community includes all staff members and students who follow the TGS Mission and Guiding Principles. This web page explains the underlying value system that guides the general academic atmosphere at TGS. SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES MSAD#50 offers a variety of Special Education services for students who qualify for special education. The different programs offered at TGS are indicated below. ❍ The Life Skills Program is a regional program housed at TGS and serving students in grades 5 - 8. ❍ The Vistas Program also housed at TGS, meets the needs of students needing a highly structured small group learning environment who benefit from individualized and family counseling. ❍ The Resource Room offers assistance to students identified as needing special education services in a less restrictive environment. The resource room staff provide direct instruction for students in the resource room as well as in the regular classroom in academic areas of need identified. ❍ Speech/Language Services are offered to those students qualifying for this type of Special education service. Support services are provided in the regular classroom as well as outside the classroom when individual or small group instruction is needed. ❍ Occupational Therapy (OT) is offered on an individual basis as determined by the PET Team. ❍ Physical Therapy (PT) is offered on an individual basis as determined by the PET Team. CALENDAR & EVENTS Highlights: For more updated events and happenings, click here. LINKS TO RESOURCES This page offers select valuable and useful resources and websites that parents can rely on for current information. A short description of each site is provided. http://www.wilsonlanguage.comhttp://www.msad50.org/tgs/admin/tgs_parent_handbook0607.pdfhttp://www.msad50.org/tgs/mission.htmlhttp://www.msad50.org/tgs/events.htmlhttp://www.msad50.org/tgs/events.htmlxResourcesCategory.htmlshapeimage_7_link_0shapeimage_7_link_1shapeimage_7_link_2shapeimage_7_link_3shapeimage_7_link_4shapeimage_7_link_5
Parent Information Notables: We are excited to enter the new school year as an Expeditionary Learning (EL) school. The 5/6 Resource Room will be buzzing with electronic portfolios of students’ hard work and skill building. Come in to see what the electricity is all about! INFORMATION PAGE About This Website Curriculum Expectations General Academic Special Ed. Services Calendar & Events RESOURCES Category/Descriptions Alphabetical Listing Downloads ACTION PAGE Parent Involvement Support Link Volunteers RESPONSE FORUM CONTACTS PAGE Resource Room Teachers 5th Grade Teachers 6th Grade Teachers Speech/Language TGS Guidance TGS Principal Special Ed. Director District Consultants  Resources.htmlResourcesCategory.htmlResources_ABC.htmlDownloads.htmlAction.htmlResponseForum.htmlContacts.htmlshapeimage_8_link_0shapeimage_8_link_1shapeimage_8_link_2shapeimage_8_link_3shapeimage_8_link_4shapeimage_8_link_5shapeimage_8_link_6shapeimage_8_link_7