Student Services

The staff of the Student Services Department of the Portage la Prairie School Division provides specialized clinical services to students throughout the Division, as well as generalized supports to our administrators, teachers, educational assistants and parents. Our primary role is to support our students in taking full advantage of the educational opportunities provided by the Portage la Prairie School Division.

Objectives

The general objectives of the Student Services Department include:

Providing clinical services to meet the diverse needs of students
Assisting school teams in guiding and supporting the programming and planning for all students
Working closely with parents and school personnel to identify, assess and intervene to support students with speech and language difficulties, social/emotional problems and other learning difficulties
Promoting both an awareness and understanding among teachers and parents of the difficulties experienced by students through the provision of workshops, consultation and special programs
Working cooperatively with local agencies and community groups to establish effective community-based supports for students
Promoting prevention programs both within the school and at a community level

Staff

The Student Services Department supports the students, staff, and parents of the Portage la Prairie School Division by providing a variety of specialists.

The Division employs:

The Director of Student Services is Rochelle Rands. Her primary responsibility is to organize supports for students throughout the school division, particularly those with special needs.

The Director of Student Services is also responsible for coordinating the following programs:

Indigenous Academic Achievement
At-Risk Funding
Early Behaviour Intervention
Early Childhood Development Initiative
Low Incidence Funding
Unified Referral and Intake System (URIS)

In supporting students across the school division, the Student Services Department works with school principals, school support teams, parents and collateral agencies to identify need and explore solutions.

Rochelle Rands can be contacted at:
Portage la Prairie School Division
535 3rd Street N.W.
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2C4
T: 204-857-8756
F: 204-239-5998
Email

Lisa Shackleton is the Strategic Initiatives Learning Coordinator for the Division. Her role is to provide leadership and direction to all aspects of curriculum development and implementation including instruction, program delivery, student assessment and reporting practices. She supports and works collaboratively with principals and teachers to improve the achievement of all students.

The general duties of the coordinator include:

Assist the Assistant Superintendent with long-range divisional planning in the areas of curriculum implementation and instruction. Assist in the coordination and development of student assessment policies and reporting practices
Coordinate and monitor provincial assessment training and collection of divisional data related to the Provincial Assessments and Early Development Inventory
Communicate current research regarding a range of effective teaching and assessment practices through: reports at monthly administrative council meetings, resource/student services meetings, various committee meetings, or as requested at staff meetings, or by individual teachers
Liaise with Manitoba Education and Advance Learning, in order to readily locate information and resources for administrators and teachers in the areas of curriculum and assessment. Represent the school division on provincial committees in the areas of curriculum and assessment as requested
Develop, plan and monitor local and provincial grants: Middle Years Experiential Learning Grant, Basic French, Numeracy Grant, SmARTS and others as assigned
Coordinate and/or deliver Professional Learning Opportunities for staff in the assigned grant areas and the Division Strategic Plan as they relate to curriculum and assessment
Provide support and direction to resource teachers at monthly meetings in the areas of URIS, differentiated instruction practices, available resources, and assessment and reporting for students with special needs
Coordinate training for teachers in URIS
Meet with publisher representatives to stay current with curriculum materials and resources. Assist teachers and administrators in material and resource selections as requested

Lisa Shackleton can be contacted at:
P: 204-857-7861 ext. 177
F: 204-239-5994
Email

At present, there are three school psychologists in the division. The role of the psychologist is to:

Assess students’ cognitive, behavioural and social-emotional development and identify their strengths and weaknesses
Determine students’ processing and learning strategies and identify teaching interventions that can improve their learning
Support and collaborate with school teams to develop and implement effective intervention plans that address behavioural, emotional, social and /or educational needs of students
Consult with parents, school staff, and other service agencies regarding their concerns about students’ mental health needs and provide information on specific mental health issues
Conduct risk assessments for students who may be a danger to themselves or others

PSYCHOLOGIST ASSIGNMENTS

Alexandra Smith: PCI, OVS, HUTT
Maxine Mutcher: NMS, CVS, ÉAM, HUTT
Carly Brooks: FLR, LVS, YQS, HUTT

At present, there are four Speech-Language Pathologists in the school division serving city, rural, and Hutterian schools.

The role of the Speech-Language Pathologist includes:

Direct assessment of student’s speech and language disorders in order to develop in-school programs
Training and supervision of speech/language assistants who carry out the programs at each school
Training, modelling and establishment of communication systems/programming in regular and/or special classrooms (Learning Assistance Classes, Lifeskills)
Organization of timetables and groupings for the speech/language assistants
Presentation of in-service sessions for staff and parents related to speech/language and literacy issues
Direct language enrichment with small groups of students through the Indigenous Academic Achievement program
Development of screening processes to assist with the early identification of children with speech/language difficulties
Collaborating with school teams, parents and collateral agencies to support students across the Division
Early years intervention (Welcome to Kindergarten planning, Preschool party)

Assignments for the Speech-Language Pathologists are selected to balance caseloads as much as possible.

SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST ASSIGNMENTS

Brenda Curle: Crescentview School
Alana Jack: Yellowquill School, Oakville School, Hutterian Schools
Lauren Becker: La Verendrye School
Hema Harrysingh: North Memorial School, Portage Collegiate Institute
Arielle Humphrey: Fort la Reine School, École Arthur Meighen, Portage Collegiate Institute
Charlene Cruz: Crescentview School, Tupper Street Resource Centre, Portage Aboriginal Head Start, BSSAP at North Memorial School

The Speech Language Pathologists can be contacted at:
P: 204-857-7861
F: 204-239-5994

Kendra McKenzie is the EAL Consultant for the Division for 75% of her time. She supports students whose first language is one other than English. There are many types of EAL students; those who are newcomers to Canada, or born in Canada to parents who speak their first language in the home, or children born in Canada whose first language is not English.

The support to new families includes:

Facilitate school registrations and intake meetings - arrange for interpreters when needed
Provide information about the new school community to the family
Describe support programs/services available from the School Division
Explain important school norms and rules, such as those outlined in the Code of Conduct
Explain schedules and procedures
Explain the School Division’s assessment process and reporting methods
Offer support to students and families when needed

Also, if you have pre-school aged children, please contact her for information on preparing your child for school.

Kendra McKenzie
École Arthur Meighen
201 River Road
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3W2
T: 204-857-3405
F: 204-239-5943
Email

The Literacy Coaches support and work collaboratively with principals and teachers to improve the literacy achievement of all students.

The support and collaboration may include:

Demonstrations, one-on-one coaching, professional learning groups, or grade groups
Providing content knowledge and resources about learning and teaching literacy including teaching strategies, assessment techniques, assessment of reading skills, interpretation of assessment results, and classroom routines and practices that promote literacy
To work with teachers to improve their evaluation measures of students' achievement
Research and prepare materials and information regarding a range of effective and innovative literacy practices through various activities including professional development workshops
Developing monitoring and evaluating school literacy plans and initiatives

Sandi Shaw-Lyons can be contacted at:
Fort la Reine School
36 13th Street NW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2T5
T: 204-857-7687 ext. 409
F: 204-239-5740
Email

Jennifer Adamson can be contacted at:
Fort la Reine School
36 13th Street NW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2T5
T: 204-857-7687 ext. 409
F: 204-239-5740
Email

Jodi Harder-Boyle can be contacted at:
Fort la Reine School
36 13th Street NW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2T5
T: 204-857-7687 ext. 409
F: 204-239-5740
Email

The Numeracy Coaches support and work collaboratively with principals and teachers to improve the numeracy achievement of all students.

The support and collaboration may include:

Demonstrations, one-on-one coaching, professional learning groups, or grade groups
Providing content knowledge and resources about learning and teaching numeracy, including teaching strategies, assessment techniques, assessment of numeracy skills, interpretation of assessment results, and classroom routines and practices that promote numeracy
To work with teachers to improve their evaluation measures of students' achievement
Research and prepare materials and information regarding a range of effective and innovative numeracy practices through various activities, including professional development workshops
Developing monitoring and evaluating school numeracy plans and initiatives

Patti Lawrence can be contacted at:
École Arthur Meighen
201 River Road
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3W2
T: 204-857-3405 ext. 642
F: 204-239-5943
Email

Janine Fraser can be contacted at:
École Arthur Meighen
201 River Road
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3W2
T: 204-857-3405
F: 204-239-5943
Email

Megan Sloik can be contacted at
École Arthur Meighen
500 7 Ave NW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0A5
T: 204-587-3478
F: 204-239-5927
Email

Christina Neufeld can be contacted at:
École Arthur Meighen
201 River Road
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3W2
T: 204-857-3405 ext. 610
F: 204-239-5943
Email

The Technology Learning Coach works with staff and students to incorporate instructional technology into classrooms to develop skills, increase understanding, and explore applications to enhance accessibility and inclusion for all learners.

Jennifer Borgfjord can be contacted at:
Portage la Prairie School Division
535 3rd Street NW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2C4
T: 204-857-8756
F: 204-239-5998
Email

Blair Hordeski can be contacted at:
Portage Collegiate Institute
65 3rd Street SW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2B6
T: 204-857-6843 ext. 2523
F: 204-239-5905
Email

Dayna Yurkiw, Katie Frank, and Rachel Ward are the Occupational Therapists at various schools and Sensory Gyms throughout the division.

Dana Geisel is the Mental Health Facilitator for the Portage la Prairie School Division.

The Mental Health Facilitator's roles include:

Implementing and delivering a social-emotional learning curriculum in Grade 4, 5, and 6 classrooms across the division
Building capacity amongst school staff to deliver SEL lessons
Supporting school staff in addressing the mental health needs of students
Working collaboratively with school teams and student services
Assisting schools in identifying and implementing a whole school approach to mental health promotion
Fostering connections between PLPSD and community-based mental health resources

Dana Geisel can be contacted at:
École Arthur Meighen
201 River Road
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3W2
T: 204-857-3405 ext. 644
F: 204-239-5943
Email

The Outreach Facilitators for the Portage la Prairie School Division support students, families, and schools throughout the Division.

The Outreach Facilitators' services include:

Maintain connections between home and school
Work with parents to assist in implementing positive structure and home routines
Work collaboratively with school teams (principals, resource, guidance, classroom teachers, and educational assistants)
Work collaboratively with RCMP, Child and Family Services, Community Mental Health, Probation Services, Manitoba Housing, Employment and Income Assistance, Portage and Area FASD Coalition, and the Portage Community Hub.
Connect families to appropriate community resources
Develop summer programming opportunities for children and families
Provide individual and family counseling and programming where social, behavioural or attendance issues are impeding a student's educational progress
Accepts such other related duties as may be assigned

Jasmine Mulvey can be contacted at:
La Verendrye School
500 7th Avenue N.W.
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0A5
T: 204-857-3478
F: 204-239-5927

Allison Lee can be contacted at:
Cresencetview School
751 Crescent Rd E
Portage la Prairie. MB R1N 0Y2
T: 204-857-3475
F: 204-239-5930

Jane McArthur can be contacted at:
Fort la Reine School
36 13th Street NW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2T5
T: 204-857-7687
F: 204-239-5740

Anne Cuddington can be contacted at:
Yellowquill School
3000 Crescent Road West
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3C4
T: 204-857-8714
F: 204-239-5906

Jasmine Mulvey can be contacted at:
North Memorial School
410 6th Avenue NE
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 0B4
T: 204-857-4564
F: 204-239-5965

WRAP FACILITATOR
Cori Asham can be contacted at:
T: 204-857-7861
F: 204-239-5994
Email

The Portage la Prairie School Division employs Janey Bradford for 100% of her time as the facilitator for the Indigenous Academic Achievement program to work with the Director of Student Services in this area.

The facilitator provides an important leadership role in looking after the on-going support to resource teachers and classroom teachers regarding effective learning strategies for indigenous learners. The facilitator assists in identifying professional development needs and tries to match those with in-service opportunities. The facilitator also assists with school and Division planning, and coordinates the annual Division report on IndigenousAcademic Achievement.

Janey Bradford can be contacted at:
Portage Collegiate Institute
65 3rd Street SW
Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 2B6
T: 204-857-6843 ext. 1071
F: 204-239-5905
Email

If you feel that your school-aged child requires the services of one of these professionals, you can consult with the Resource Teacher at your child’s school.

Resource Teachers assist school teams and parents in accessing support for students.

École Arthur Meighen – Tammy Pierrepont /
Crescentview School – Stacey Hewitt /
Fort la Reine School – Tanis Mauws
Hutterian Schools – Tannis Andrich
La Verendrye School – Faye Maly / Lindsae Goertzen
North Memorial School – Kim Houle
Oakville School – Paula Mellen
Portage Collegiate Institute:
Grade 9: Charlotte Mason
Grade 10: Darren Reichert
Grade 11: Angela Mills
Grade 12, Pre-Employment Program: Marie Bertholet
Yellowquill School – Naomi Harley, Andrew Duykers

Guidance Counsellors are also assigned to all Portage la Prairie School Division schools from Kindergarten to Grade 12. The Portage School Counsellors’ Association also includes: Division Psychologists and Addiction Foundation of Manitoba Counsellors. Together, they organize programs with the Division to help foster the growth of all children.

École Arthur Meighen – Paulette Rheault / Adam Martini
Crescentview School – Paula Neill / Marissa Gertridge
Fort la Reine School – Jordan Taylor / Tanis Mauws
La Verendrye School – Sheryl Ross, Kirstin Blight
North Memorial School – Robin McCartney
Oakville School – Natalie Harrison
Portage Collegiate Institute:
   Grade 9 - Lori Wood
   Grade 10 - Dana Pruden
   Grade 11 - Kim Tooth
   Kellee Clifford-Bousquet – Grade 11+
   Grade 12 and Pre-Employment Program (PEP) - Marie Bertholet –
   Blair Hordeski (Career Counsellor)
Yellowquill School – Tara Johnson

Betty Ryzner-Madsen
Email

Emily Preun
Email