Learning Support

The P-5 Learning Services team provides support both within and outside of the classroom. Our approach stems from targeted benchmark assessments, academic screening tools, teacher observations, and parent input.

Based on collected data, appropriate interventions are developed for a specified amount of time. Following the intervention, the team evaluates efficacy of the support. Outcomes from this evaluation may include: transition out of intervention, continued intervention, or recommendations for external support and/or further assessment.

Middle School 101 (MS101) is a course designed to provide all middle school students with a strong organizational and study skills foundation. Students participate in multiple sessions at the beginning of each school year. These are reinforced with additional classes throughout the year, co-taught by learning specialists and core class teachers. Topics include organization of materials and electronic files, time-management, note-taking, and study strategies.

The Teaching & Learning Center (TLC) provides a range of academic-related support for middle school students with the goal of helping each student reach his or her fullest potential. The TLC works with students, parents, and faculty to develop a diverse array of instructional strategies and programs that address different learning needs.

GO! (Get Organized) provides one-on-one coaching for any middle school student needing support with time management, use of a personal planner, organization of binder/backpack or electronic files, setting teacher meeting agendas, and creating an action plan for improvement in a specific class. Coaching sessions are available on campus after school.

The Middle School Testing Center seeks to provide a quiet testing environment for any student needing to make up tests or use his or her extended time accommodation. The Testing Center is open every day after school.

Jump Start is a summer program, co-sponsored by the TLC and Office of Admissions, which aims to simplify and ease the transition to Sacred Heart Middle School. Participating students have the opportunity to work with Sacred Heart faculty, get comfortable on campus, and come to know a small group of their classmates prior to the start of school. In addition, the program provides targeted support in three academic domains critical to middle school success: organization and study strategies, reading for understanding, and writing with focus and purpose.

The Academic Skills Course (ASC) is a class for students with documented learning differences who require intensive small group support. The course allows students to learn and practice effective study strategies and executive functioning skills to support their academic and personal growth. The goals of this course are to provide essential skills for success in a rigorous academic environment, to foster independence, confidence, and self-advocacy, and to build awareness of students' unique talents and abilities.

The ASC coordinates accommodations for on-campus and College Board testing, for students with verified Learning Differences.

Please download the:

Application Process for Standardized Tests: students with Learning Differences (LD) - 2023-24

In order to secure accommodations for the ACT, families must register for an exam through ACT and then the SHP Educational Therapist will request the accommodations.

Download to see the difference between National and Special Testing

(Please note: weekend testing is only for SHP students with approved school-based accommodations). SHP is closed in July & we do not host any standardized testing in July.

For questions, please contact Dr. McDonald.

The School Counseling Department is staffed with a team of six fully qualified counselors: one director, four school counselors and a personal counselor (therapist). Each student is assigned to a School Counselor who supports a student's overall growth and development in high school. In support of learning, the School Counselor is a resource to help students reach their academic potential and plan a course of studies that fulfills their graduation requirements. The counselor has access to the student’s on-line grades, reviews all report cards, and consults with students who are having difficulty. School Counselors work with students on course selection and scheduling, skills building, academic resources, extended absences, and communication with teachers. The counseling department takes a holistic approach to working with all children. What is happening in the classroom is only a part of a child’s learning and as such, works closely with other support personnel at the school in attending to the student’s needs.