Student Services
Welcome to Student Services!
My name is Joann Merten, and I am the Special Needs Coordinator. It is a privilege and a blessing to be associated with such a Christ-centered and child-centered family here at Holy Family. Our teachers are unparalleled in their excellence and dedication, and our parents are unparalleled in their support. I treasure my unique perspective of working with all students from kindergarten through eight grade and beyond.
As Special Needs Coordinator, I oversee Holy Family’s Student Services department which consists of three definitive areas: guidance lessons, special needs services, and standardized test coordination.
Holy Family is introducing new guidance program for grades K through five called SECOND STEP. The award-winning SECOND STEP integrates social and emotional learning with academics. Students learn and practice vital social skills such as empathy, emotion management, problem solving, and cooperation. These essential life skills help students in the classroom, on the playground, and at home. This research-based program has been shown to improve school climate, heighten feelings of inclusiveness and respect, and increase the sense of confidence and responsibility in students. Approximately once a month, I will visit each classroom to teach an age-appropriate lesson.
In grades six, seven, and eight, the focus is on emotion management, problem solving, decision making, communication, peer interaction, internet safety, and bullying prevention.
The Special Needs Coordinator assists our students and parents who need extra support. Holy Family is beginning a Response to Intervention program; consequently, Response to Intervention develops educationally appropriate interventions and employs a variety of strategies to assist teachers and students.
The test coordinator is responsible for activities related to the ISTEP and CTB testing processes. In conjunction with Mr. Ernstberger, the test coordinator facilitates tasks i.e. materials procurement, scheduling, and testing protocol.