Special Education Services – Family Update
August 2025

Dear Sand Ridge Families,

We’re excited to welcome you to a new school year and share some important updates on how special education services are being delivered at Sand Ridge Jr. High.

Our goal this year is to ensure that students receiving special education support have more time in general education classes and electives—while still receiving the individualized help they need to succeed. To accomplish this, we’ve made some meaningful improvements to how and when services are provided.

In-Class (Co-Taught) Support

Most students will receive services through our co-taught English and math classes, available in grades 7, 8, and 9. In these classrooms, a general education teacher and a special education teacher work together to support a wide range of learning needs.

Research shows that the more exposure and access students with disabilities have to the general education setting and curriculum, the more progress they can make. This is why, at Sand Ridge, we are adding more co-taught classes and reducing the amount of time students with disabilities are being taught in separate classrooms than their peers.

Flex Time Support

Many special education services will now take place during our daily Flex period—a 30-minute block built into every student’s schedule. This change means students can receive small group support without being pulled from core academic or elective classes.

Support offered during Flex includes:

• Flex English & Math Labs – For students who need minimal support while staying in their general education classes. These students will only meet with a special educator during flex time. All other classes will be in general education with general education teachers.

• Flex Social Skills – Designed to build confidence, communication, and peer relationships for students with behavior related goals.

• English and Math Support Lab – Small group help for students in co-taught classes who need additional time and support with a special educator.
  

Small Group Core Math and English Classes

For students who need more intensive, individualized instruction, we offer Moderate Core English and Math classes. These small-group, pull-out classes are led by a special education teacher and are focused on foundational academic skills and personalized learning goals.

Please note: Special education services may not be clearly labeled on your child’s schedule. This is because many students receive support within general education classrooms or during Flex time, rather than in a separate, scheduled class.

If you have any questions about where or how your child will receive their services, please reach out directly to your child’s special education case manager. They are happy to help clarify what to expect.

At Sand Ridge, we are committed to providing the right level of support in the least restrictive environment possible. Whether that means services during Flex, support in a general education classroom, or individualized small group instruction, we are here to help every student grow and succeed.

If you have any questions about your child’s services or placement, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are proud to partner with you and look forward to a great year ahead.

Warmly,
Courtney Hicken
Assistant Principal
Sand Ridge Jr. High School
801-476-5343
cohicken1@wsd.net