How Options Supports The Whole Student

At Options Schools, student support is more than just a concept – it is a comprehensive framework designed to uplift and empower every student. Led by dedicated professionals, including the Director of Special Education, Michelle Olsen, and the Social Emotional Counselors, Amy Westrich and Wendy Lucas, Options Schools provides a range of programs and initiatives aimed at supporting the whole student. This blog post will shed light on some of these exceptional student support programs and their positive impact on student growth and development.

Learn more about our student support network and how it can benefit your student. Reach out to us for personalized assistance, because at Options Schools, we believe that every student can succeed with the right support and opportunities!

Spotlight on Michelle Olsen – Director of Special Education

Michelle Olsen, the Director of Special Education at Options Schools, is committed to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to thrive. One notable program she mentions is Agape Therapeutic Riding. This unique program focuses on mental health and differing needs by offering students the opportunity to spend two hours at a horse farm engaging in therapeutic activities. The program emphasizes the healing power of animal-human interactions, providing students with a sense of peace and tranquility.

Another program that Michelle sees helping students is The Chris Center PAWS Program. This program recognizes the profound impact animals can have on the well-being of students. By connecting students with registered therapy dogs, the program promotes social interaction, reduces stress, and enhances motivation for learning. The PAWS Program is an integral part of Options Schools’ student support system. Michelle emphasizes, “The therapeutic piece of what programs we are bringing in is just so beneficial”. 

Here are some other changes that Michelle feels are integral to the development of the whole student at Options Schools:

Importance of Teacher Involvement

Options Schools understands the crucial role teachers play in supporting the whole student. Michelle emphasized the significance of teachers understanding students’ backgrounds, preferences, and needs. By developing strong relationships with their students, teachers create a nurturing environment where every student feels valued and respected.

Adaptation to Growing Needs

The number of students with additional needs is growing, and Options Schools recognizes the need to continuously adapt its support systems. Michelle highlighted the importance of reevaluating and improving service provision to meet the evolving needs of the student population. Options remains committed to staying ahead of the curve and ensuring that every student receives the support they require.

Focus on Full Inclusion Environment

Options Schools prioritizes creating a full inclusion environment, where students with additional needs are integrated as general education students who also receive additional services. This approach fosters a sense of belonging and community, promoting social interaction and understanding among all students.

New Student Onboarding

To ensure a seamless transition for new students, Options Schools has implemented a comprehensive onboarding process. This includes customized schedules tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. By addressing their unique requirements from the start, Options Schools sets students up for success and helps them feel welcomed and supported from the first day they step on campus.

Insights from Amy Westrich – Social Emotional Counselor

Amy Westrich, the Social Emotional Counselor at Options Westfield, brings valuable insights into the holistic development of students. Having worked with Options students since 2008 in a previous role and then joining the Options team in the role of social-emotional counselor in 2022, Amy has seen so many changes and enhancements to student support programs.

One key focus of Amy’s role is the development of skills such as communication, peer interaction, and conflict management. Along with programs like Agape and PAWs, Amy has helped Options implement new initiatives like art therapy to provide students with a creative outlet for expression and growth. These programs empower students to navigate their emotions, establish meaningful connections, and develop essential life skills.

Integration of Therapies

Options Schools recognizes the transformative power of integrating various therapies into its student support system. By incorporating skills learned through art therapy, yoga, PAWs, and Agape, students benefit not only in terms of social-emotional well-being but also in terms of physical health and academic success. Research has shown that when students are emotionally and physically well, they perform better academically. Options Schools is dedicated to ensuring students have access to these impactful therapeutic approaches and any programs that can help them grow as individuals.

Future Programs and Initiatives

Amy is consistently looking to the future, striving to provide students with innovative programs and initiatives. Some upcoming programs she’s working on include the musical program “Bongo Boys,” which fosters creativity and self-expression, and the leadership program “Teach One to Lead One,” which instills valuable leadership skills in students. These initiatives will further enrich the student experience at Options Schools and empower students to reach their full potential.

To sum it all up – Amy says, “I love the direction that we’re moving.”

The Belong, Believe, Achieve Initiative

Having launched in the 2023-24 school year, the Belong, Believe, Achieve (BBA) Initiative is a collaborative effort between students and staff at Options Schools. The initiative focuses on tailored activities to support individual student goals. Through this initiative, students are recognized and positively reinforced for their achievements. Campus team members organize events like the Options Olympics and incorporate growth mindset practices to encourage students to believe in themselves and their abilities.

The long-term benefits of the BBA Initiative are vast. By providing students with a comprehensive support system and nurturing their personal growth, Options Schools equips them with the necessary skills for success in higher education and the workforce. Students who have experienced the BBA Initiative leave Options Schools with a strong sense of self-belief and the determination to achieve their goals.

Unlock Your Student’s Potential at Options Schools

At Options Schools, supporting the whole student is not just a goal– but a reality. Through the exceptional work of Michelle Olsen, Amy Westrich, and other Options Schools team members, we have created a comprehensive student support framework. By integrating various programs, initiatives, and therapeutic approaches, Options Schools empowers students to grow, flourish, and succeed. The impact on students goes beyond their time here, setting them on a path toward a bright and fulfilling future.

Ready to explore how Options Schools can empower your student to achieve greatness? Reach out to us today to learn more about our comprehensive student support framework and how it can benefit your student’s unique journey.