Laurel: Cultivating Excellence in Education and Student Success
The educational journey at Laurel is designed to be a comprehensive and supportive experience, encompassing academic rigor, practical skill development, and robust student and family engagement. From vocational training to K-12 support systems, Laurel endeavors to empower its students for success in both their academic pursuits and future endeavors. The institution places a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, dedicated mentorship, and the creation of a positive and inclusive school environment.
Active Student Engagement and Registration
For families within the Laurel School District, active participation in a student's education is facilitated through various channels, including a streamlined online registration process. Parents can register their children online by utilizing the ActiveCode found on their child’s fourth-nine-weeks report card. This is done by visiting laurelschools.org, navigating to the "Families" section, and clicking on "Active Parent," or by using a direct link provided. For those who do not possess an ActiveCode or are new to the district, the code can be obtained by visiting the child’s school. The district also mandates specific requirements for returning students, which include providing two proofs of residency dated within 30 days of registration. This emphasis on parental involvement is rooted in the understanding that "Students achieve greater success when their families take an active role in their education."
Vocational Training and Career Readiness
Laurel College of Technology offers specialized programs designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge. The Electrical Technician program, for instance, is highlighted as a "transformative and rewarding experience" where the "curriculum is hands-on and industry-focused, blending technical theory with real-world applications." Graduates from such programs find that "Graduating nursing school means so much to me and my children," demonstrating the profound impact these educational pathways have on students' lives and their families. The success of these programs is often attributed to the exceptional faculty. Instructors are described as "incredible and do everything in their power to not only help you pass but help you succeed!" and are consistently "open to helping whenever they can." The learning environment is further enriched by well-equipped labs, which provide students with the necessary resources to "prepare us for all different types of scenarios" and "practice my skills in a safe environment with my instructors." The hands-on nature of the training, including experiences in specialized labs like the "scan lab," is crucial for developing practical competencies. While acknowledging that the programs are "certainly challenging," students consistently report feeling "so much help along the way" and that the experience is "most definitely going to be worth it." The dedication of instructors like Dr. Borland, Ms. Dewitt, Mr. Craig, Mr. Doss, and Mrs. G is frequently acknowledged, with students expressing deep gratitude for their belief, support, and willingness to help "understand difficult concepts and study for tests." This personalized attention and mentorship are vital for student growth, as exemplified by instructors who "believe in me even when I didn’t believe in myself." The labs are designed to push students, placing them "in uncomfortable situations that were necessary for growth."
Academic Support and Special Services
The Laurel School District is committed to ensuring every student receives a "free and appropriate public education." This commitment is manifested through a multi-tiered system of academic and behavioral support services. Academic support is overseen by the Instructional Support Team (IST), which collects and analyzes data to implement appropriate interventions. The district's speech therapist provides a range of services, from classroom interventions to individualized therapy as outlined in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Similarly, multi-tiered support is available for occupational and physical therapy services. Should interventions prove insufficient or a disability be suspected, the IST team facilitates referrals for a special education evaluation.
For students identified with a disability but not requiring specially designed instruction, a 504 Service Agreement (IDEA, Chapter 15) is considered appropriate. The Laurel School District is in compliance with all Federal and State laws and mandates, offering special education services, gifted education services, and Chapter 15 (Section 504) supports to eligible students. Families seeking further information or clarification, or those with concerns about their child, are encouraged to contact the Director of Special Education or the School Psychologist.
Read also: Benefits of Active Student Sunflower Initiatives
School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS)
Laurel School District is recognized as an "innovative leader" by the PA Department of Education for its successful implementation of School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (SWPBS). This initiative aims to cultivate a positive social culture within the schools, encouraging desirable behaviors and interactions while discouraging problematic ones. The ultimate goal is to foster a "safe environment where students achieve academically and build positive relationships with each other and adults." The SWPBS framework is built upon teaching students expected behaviors, providing reminders, and acknowledging positive actions. The core expectations at Laurel are to "Be KIND, Be SAFE, and Be RESPONSIBLE." School staff consistently model and reinforce these expectations. Students who demonstrate these behaviors earn incentives and rewards based on monthly goals established by the team after reviewing behavioral data.
Mental Health and Social-Emotional Well-being
Recognizing that "Mentally healthy children are more successful in school and life," Laurel School District provides comprehensive mental health services. Good mental health is considered critical for academic achievement and overall life success. Research indicates that students receiving social-emotional and mental health support demonstrate improved academic performance, classroom behavior, on-task learning, and a greater sense of connectedness and well-being. Mental health is defined not merely as the absence of mental illness but as encompassing social, emotional, and behavioral health, and the capacity to cope with life's challenges. Unmet mental health needs can lead to significant negative outcomes, including academic and behavioral problems, school dropout, and delinquency.
Laurel offers multi-tiered mental health services, with social and emotional learning integrated into the classroom curriculum. For students requiring additional support, referrals are made to the CORE Team, which develops individualized or group support plans. Student cases receiving BHRS (Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Services) within the school setting are discussed at monthly CORE TEAM meetings, with BHRS staff actively participating. Collaboration with outside agencies is considered imperative to ensure a cohesive intervention plan. When a student's needs exceed the capacity of Laurel's staff, the district partners with external agencies to provide school-based mental health services, including counseling by licensed therapists on-site.
Parent Engagement Webinar Series
To further strengthen family-school partnerships, Laurel School District, in conjunction with PaTTAN’s Schools Engaging Families Initiative, offers a series of webinars. These sessions are designed to provide information and strategies to assist school staff in planning and implementing successful programs that enhance family engagement. The schedule for these webinars includes:
- Session 1: Welcoming All Families into the School Community (October 14, 2025 - 4:00 PM-5:00 PM)
- Session 2: Strengthening Family-School Partnerships Through Effective Communication (November 19, 2025 - 12:00 PM-1:00 PM)
- Session 3: Partnering to Support Student Success (January 22, 2026 - 4:00 PM-5:00 PM)
- Session 4: Speaking Up for Every Child (February 18, 2026 - 12:00 PM-1:00 PM)
- Session 5: Shared Decision Making (March 19, 2026 - 12:00 PM-1:00 PM)
- Session 6: Collaborating with the Community (April 20, 2026 - 4:00 PM-5:00 PM)
Record Maintenance
In accordance with federal and state regulations, the Laurel School District is required to maintain special education records for a period of six years following a student's release from services. Upon the conclusion of this timeframe, these special education records will be systematically destroyed.
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