Sullivan Middle School

5th - 8th grade

CSA Program 

Adjustment Program

Special Education Team

Evaluation Team Chairperson (ETC) - Kristin Weigold

Psychologist - Marin Cleary

Special Education Social Worker - Michele DerVartanian

Special Education Social Worker - Courtney Lanier

Speech Language Pathologist - (SLP) - Leslie Kulpinski

Occupational Therapist - (OT) - Angel Richmond

Physical Therapist - (PT) - Deborah Webster

Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - (BCBA) - Mikaela Keefe

Board Certified Behavioral Analyst - (BCBA) - Beth Nolan-Stack

CSA Program

Program Components: The Program for Children with Autism (CSA program) is a full day, five-day a week program during the school year with extended year services available with the team's recommendation. Instruction takes place in a small, highly structured environment with integrated therapeutic instruction embedded within the curriculum with goals established through assessment and data collection to reflect the individual needs of students. The program offers a small staff to student ratio where students are taught using a combination of small group and individualized instruction. Related support services include Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational and Physical Therapy as recommended by the Educational Team. Related service providers, building based teams (social worker, psychologist, ETC), BCBAs, District Behavior Specialists and the Autism Support Specialist collaborate with classroom staff to support the development and integration of skills throughout the school day. 

The District Autism Support Specialist and the BCBA/District Behavior Specialists consult to our programs, attend IEP meetings, provide home support, and consult with parents and outside providers, as needed. They provide on-going staff training and in class support through modeling and coaching techniques. 

Home component services can be provided using a consultation or direct in home service method. Staff work collaboratively with families to determine which method of home component services will best meet the needs of the family and student to provide the greatest benefits. 

Adjustment Program 

Mission Statement: The mission of the Adjustment Program of Lowell Public Schools, in partnership with parents and the community, is to provide students with an array of supports that allow each individual to succeed within the school environment and generalize these skills across all settings, including their home and the community. The end goal is for students to reintegrate into the mainstream environment and become successful learners. The teacher/student relationship and the promotion of adult/student trust is a cornerstone of the program. 

Through a rigorous and supportive educational program, we strive to motivate each student to develop socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically. We recognize that students need to have their social and emotional needs met in order to be ready to learn. We use positive behavior support as a means to encourage mutual respect and a safe learning environment. 

Program Description: The Adjustment Program provides students with a structured, safe, and consistent environment that  incorporates a therapeutic approach. Each classroom is staffed with a highly qualified teacher, providing students with rigorous academic instruction. Classroom supports  include a full-time paraprofessional, Special Education Social Worker, and a Behavior Specialist. The program is also supported by the building based Special Education Team, which includes a School Psychologist and Evaluation Team Chairperson. In addition to academic support, students receive direct and explicit social skills instruction by a social worker and consultation from the Behavior Specialist. A behavior modification system is utilized in the classroom. 

The foundation of our adjustment program is centered and grounded on procedures based upon the principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). Applied behavior analysis is the science of human behavior. ABA improves important behaviors. Important behaviors are behaviors that are of social significance, and that we target to change.