SPED/Pupil Services

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

The United States Department of Education requires that each public-school child who receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program that is designed specifically for that child. The IEP considered is the cornerstone of a quality education for each child with a disability.

Through the IEP process, teachers, parents, school administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) work together to improve educational results for children with disabilities.  This team collectively pools their knowledge, experience, and commitment to design an educational program that will help the student be involved in, and progress in, the general curriculum. The IEP guides the delivery of special education supports and services for the student with a disability.

IEP Eligibility Flow Chart (PDF)
En Español (PDF)

Extended School Year 

Extended School Year Services are provided during the summer for students for whom the benefits accrued during the school year would be significantly jeopardized in the absence of a summer program. ESY is recommended by an IEP team and included in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), usually at the time of the Annual Review. Please check with your IEP team regarding which ESY program will be the best fit for your child. Click here for more information about the Extended School Year program

Home and Hospital Bound Educational Services

Students are provided with educational tutoring by certified staff. For more information about Home and Hospital Bound Educational Services, please click here or Send Jacqueline Escalera an Email, (413) 534-2000, Extension 1209.

Student Records

Maintain Student Records in compliance with The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Child Find

The purpose of Child Find is to seek out and identify all children between 3 through 21 years of age who are suspected of having a disability and may require special education services under the IDEA, including students who are not currently enrolled in a HPS education program, in nonpublic schools, and highly mobile students such as migrant and homeless students. The Child Find process begins with a referral for an evaluation. (Screening dates.)

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Resources: