Springstone School

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Springstone School, a Nonpublic School (NPS ), serves students in grades six through eight, with executive function disorders that affect their ability to organize and prioritize information and to make meaningful social connections. We believe our students will develop strategies for use in academic and social settings if they are part of a community that understands, accepts, and challenges them. Executive function disorders are defined by processing deficits that negatively impact consistent academic production and favorable social outcomes. The Springstone Program integrates pragmatic language, occupational therapy, organizational skills and life skills in the academic classroom as well as in activities that take place out in the community. This program aims to strengthen skills by emphasizing process to improve production. Springstone students learn organizational and planning skills within the context of a rigorous middle school curriculum that exceeds the framework of the California content standards. Small, self-contained, structured classrooms (a maximum of eight students per class ) allow for individualized instruction, collaboration, discussion and conversation within multiple modalities. We use a wide variety of written materials including textbooks, journal articles, and web resources. Students have access to electronic media such as videos, books on tape, music, interactive websites, and computer software. Springstone emphasizes the use of technology as an educational tool. Classrooms are equipped with laptop computers, computer projectors, wireless internet, access to a shared network, and overhead projectors. Our students use laptop computers for concept-mapping and written activities. A shared network allows students to store and retrieve documents in folders that are organized by grade and class. Occupational therapy is integrated throughout the program and sensory motor strategies are implemented into school day in several ways. Tools are available for use during the transition between classes and during class as needed. Our occupational therapist works with teachers and students to develop strategies to maintain focus and attention, decrease anxiety, and enhance social interaction. Springstone integrates academic and social-emotional learning into every aspect of school day. Students practice and acquire pragmatic language and social skills during academic and elective classes, during a dedicated social skills class and during experiential activities. Our school year is divided into quarters and each quarter focuses on a theme. We have identified four themes that are representative of our students' greatest challenge areas: transitions, perspectives, culture and community, and the relationship between independence and dependence. These themes are also reinforced during classroom instruction. Because Springstone has small classes, there is greater flexibility to address social situations in the moment and in context. Every Wednesday, students participate in experiential activities where they practice and use life skills. A dedicated social skills class allows students to fine tune skills that have been addressed throughout the week. It also provides a time where weekly issues can be discussed and deconstructed. Our intention is to increase exposure to various life experiences and challenge students in these areas to build confidence so that students feel ready to meet future challenges. Springstone School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at our school and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, and national or ethnic origin in administration of our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.