No Child Left Behind, the Federal Education Law mandates that all students participate in the general education curriculum. Special Education's mission is to provide the support services that will enable students with disabilities to participate and progress in the general education curriculum with their peers. The Special Education Department accomplishes this by providing a continuum of services and programs for students from ages three to twenty-two in all schools and throughout the community.

Students are determined eligible to receive special education and or related services through the Team Evaluation process. A Team, made up of professionals and the parent or guardian of the student must determine three critical pieces of information in order for a student to receive services. First, the Team must establish that the child does in fact have a disability. (There are 13 disability areas identified by the state and federal governments.) Second, just having a disability does not qualify a child for special education the Team must establish a relationship between the student's disability and the student's inability to progress effectively in regular education and last, the Team must determine that in order to progress in the general education curriculum the student requires specially designed instruction.

Parents and or guardians concerned about their student's progress should always contact their child's teacher and principal with their concerns. Each school has programs and interventions available to all students that can be accessed which may provide the supports and accommodations necessary for success. The Special Education Department is always available to answer any questions and assist families in supporting their student(s).
The Special Education Department is located at the:

Filmer Administration Building
41 E. Main Street
Webster, MA 01570
Telephone Number: (508) 943-3646


Special Education Administrator: Joan Dio ext. 22
School Psychologist: Alicja Czerwinska ext. 23
Autism Specialist: Lori Piniarski ext. 19
Secretary to the Director: Maria Santerre ext. 21
Secretary for Team Evaluation Chairpeople: Jane Konicki ext. 20
Secretary for Data Information Services: Barbara Jourdenais ext. 25
Evaluation Team Chairperson, Preschool - grade 4: Judy Hegarty ext. 24
Evaluation Team Chairperson, Grade 5 - 12: Cindy MacDonnell (508) 943-8552 ext. 19


The system wide integrated preschool program is located at Bartlett Jr. / Sr. High School. The program enrolls 3 and 4 year old students with disabilities and typically developing children who turn 4 prior to September 1, of the current school year. Typically developing students are selected for fall admission in the spring. A lottery is held if the number of applicants exceeds the number of open slots. Parents wishing to enroll their typically developing 4-year-old preschooler should call (508) 943-2951 or (508) 943-5055. Parents who suspect their child (ages 2.5 - 5) might have a disability to should contact the Preschool Evaluation Team Chairperson.