Special Education
Guerneville is a very accepting community, and the school reflects that environment.  All of our classes are carefully put together to reflect a balance in student make-up.  Classes are balanced for academic ability, behavior, and gender.  This creates an environment where all students are given the opportunity to achieve to their ability.  Programs exist to challenge GATE students, assist reluctant readers, and support students who need the extra support of special education.

For a school our size, we offer a substantial number of options in special education.  The classes are listed below with a brief description of each.  It is important to all of us at Guerneville School that as much as possible our students are able to stay in the community for their education.

Resource Specialist Program 5-8
Nancy Thomas is a full time teacher with 25 years of experience.  She works closely with the 5th through 8th grade teachers to support teachers and students.  Most of the students in this program receive help in either language arts, math, or both.  Several years ago, Nancy began serving students who had been in an LH Special Day class as well.  These students may be in her program for a longer part of their school day.  All of her students are mainstreamed for Social Studies, Science and electives.

Resource Specialist Program K-4
Linda Maxwell works .25 time to support students in the younger grades who need support in language arts and math.  They, like the older students, spend most of their day with the regular education teacher they are assigned to.

Primary Learning Center K-4    Kathy Smith works full time in this learning center.  This is her 22nd year of teaching at Guerneville School.  The students who see her have a wide range of learning needs.  Many of the students in this class are with her for most of the school day.  Some only come in for one subject area.  All students are assigned a regular education teacher.  They begin and end their day in the regular education class.  The students also participate in music, art, computer, and garden activities with that regular education class.

SH Special Day Class    Maureen Oesterle teaches this class for students who need more support.  This class is a part of the West County Consortium for Special Education housed on the Guerneville Campus.  Students in the class are elementary age (K-5).  They participate in some mainstream activities such as the garden program.

We also have a speech therapist, occupational therapist, Adaptive PE specialist, Deaf and Hard of Hearing support person, Behaviorist, and school counselor, who support our students as warranted.  We are, as a team, committed to making Guerneville School a supportive place for all of our students.