Student Services
The Student Services department supports students, parents, and school personnel in ensuring that each student has the opportunity to mature to his or her full potential. The department provides comprehensive assistance so that all students will come to school, stay in school, engage in learning, and demonstrate appropriate behavior.
Registration & Enrollment services include student enrollment, online registration, accurate student records, and support for families as they begin their WCPS journey. Staff also help connect families with needed community resources.
Through School Assignments and Special Permission, the department coordinates the placement of students in appropriate schools and manages requests for special permission. In addition, staff oversee the Home Schooling program and the Home & Hospital Teaching program for students who are ill and cannot attend school.
Support extends to students in unique circumstances. Students in Transition services focus on those experiencing homelessness. Kinship Care helps families caring for children who are not their own. Dropout prevention and Community Schools initiatives also ensure that students have access to the supports necessary for academic success.
Specialized staff, including Pupil Personnel Workers (PPWs), are assigned to each school to promote daily school attendance and facilitate student success. They consult with staff and families, identify challenges, develop interventions, make referrals to community resources, and serve as the system’s liaison to juvenile court and other agencies.
Every school has a Student Support Team (SST) that meets regularly to develop interventions and strategies for students who are experiencing academic, behavioral, or attendance difficulties that interfere with success.
Mental health is supported through the coordination and provision of services necessary to meet the needs of all students. The Coordinator of Mental Health Services collaborates with community providers to ensure access and supports mental health services provided by school-based staff.
Finally, state law and Washington County Public Schools (WCPS) policy and regulation require that all WCPS employees immediately make a report to the Washington County Department of Social Services (DSS) if they suspect that a student has been the victim of abuse (physical abuse, mental injury, sexual abuse, human trafficking or neglect).
Others who suspect child abuse or neglect are also encouraged to report their suspicion to the DSS at 240-420-2222 (24 hours a day).