Steubenville STARS Program Expands to Steubenville High School

PREPARING — Jaclyn Walters, director of the Steubenville STARS program at Steubenville High School, gets ready for class. — Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Students with disabilities will have the opportunity to integrate and become part of the Big Red community through the new Steubenville STARS program.

Located in the former STEM education wing on the first floor of Steubenville High School, the program will serve 30 to 40 students in grades K-12 and provide them with services through teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals to meet their individual needs. Officials said students will have inclusion opportunities to meet their least restrictive environment and build relationships with their peers. An open house was held before classes began Tuesday to give families a sneak peek at the site, which includes four classrooms, a sensory room and access to SHS and Wells Academy campus amenities, such as the pool and gym.

Principal Jaclyn Walters said the concept had been in discussion for more than a year and she was excited to see it come to life.

“We had the idea of making sure that students with behavioral challenges have inclusive opportunities in their least restrictive environment possible and we thought about that idea. Ultimately, we want to operate as a traditional primary and secondary school,” Walters added. “They can sit in an academic setting and participate in additional activities like the music program. We’re going to build peer relationships through inclusive opportunities. One of the other opportunities is to use resources like the pool and the gym and have access to the facilities. That’s coupled with therapy and cooperative learning; those are the benefits of being here.”

The program is equipped with four classroom units for kindergarten, grades K-1, grades 2-5 and high school and employs four teachers, four aides, a nurse, an occupational therapist, a physical therapist, a speech-language pathologist and a certified behavioral analyst to provide learning and support services to students. Each classroom has a ratio of five students to one teacher while a sensory room is on site to soothe students in need, a life skills room for independent living classes and speech, physical and occupational therapy clinics. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities will also provide assistance to help older students transition to work. In the meantime, students will partner with a “peer buddy” high school service-learning organizations and Educators Rising that will help them with reading, teaching and other tasks.

“In preschool, learning is cooperative, while in kindergarten and first grade, learning is independent. Grades 2 to 5 are mixed, and in high school, we promote independence.” Walters added.

She said the show had gotten a lot of attention and she was looking forward to the new adventure.

“Parents are aware and excited. This will help connect with children who have not participated in Steubenville school activities,” Walters continued. “It’s always been my passion. It’s one of the milestones to see and be part of the foundation of this project and it’s rewarding. It’s one of the most important pieces of the puzzle and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

Classes have started for grades K-12, with preschool starting Aug. 26 or 27. Students will wear Big Red uniforms with black, red, white and khaki clothing. For more information, contact Walters at (740) 284-5711 or email [email protected].

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