Academic Support Program

The academic support program provides services to students in Jr. K-8th grade. The support staff assists teachers with suggestions for classroom management, strategies for modification of curriculum and observations of students. In some circumstances, a student’s needs may be best met through individualized and/or small group instruction in the Resource Room. In addition, referrals may be made to the in-house evaluators (psychologist and academic diagnostic specialist) or outside resources for evaluation of strengths, weaknesses and learning styles.

Guidance Counselor

MJDS employs a school counselor who provides short-term individual and group counseling for students, develops a close working relationship with teachers, and serves as a resource regarding student concerns. Our counselor offers support and assistance to faculty and parents regarding the academic, social and emotional needs of our students and provide information and referral to community resources as needed. She also leads group sessions on specific issues and serves as the student’s advocate. The counselor also communicates and coordinates efforts with area high schools and eighth grade teachers, parents and students to ensure a smooth transition to high school for our eighth graders.

Second Step© and Steps to Respect©

Second Step© and Steps to Respect© are programs developed by Committee for Children and are designed to prevent violence and bullying and to promote responsible, respectful student behavior through classroom presentations and literature units. These programs are led by trained MJDS staff members and classroom teachers. During the sessions, our students will learn:
• How to recognize, refuse and report bullying when it happens to them or to someone else.
• Friendship skills that reduce the risk of being bullied, including how to make friends, join group activities and manage conflicts.
• Emotional skills, such as understanding the feelings of others and managing emotions.
• How to use positive values (responsibility, respect and caring for others) as a guide for behavior.

School Psychologist

MJDS has a part-time school psychologist who is a consultant to our school and is employed by the Milwaukee Jewish Federation. The school psychologist collaborates with teachers, parents, and administrators to find effective solutions to learning and behavior problems. She assesses academic skills and aptitude for learning, determines social-emotional development and mental health status, and evaluates learning environments.

Our psychologist works directly with children and their families to help resolve problems in adjustment and learning, collaborates with school staff and community agencies to provide services directed at improving psychological and physical health, and develops partnerships with parents and teachers to promote healthy school environments. Further, the psychologist evaluates the effectiveness of academic and behavior management programs, participates in IEPs, and works to strengthen relationships between teachers, parents, and service providers in the community.