Learning Supports

Learning supports are the resources, strategies and practices that provide physical, social, emotional and intellectual support, enabling students to have an equal opportunity for success at school. Learning supports address barriers to and promote engagement in learning and teaching.

 

Learning Supports Speaker Series

Our free Learning Supports series offers information and helpful tips on timely and relevant parenting topics. Sessions are held at Valley View Middle School from 6-7:30 p.m. with live interpreters available for most sessions. 

Upcoming topics:

  • Sexting and Online Sextortion, Feb. 13, 2024
  • Family Technology Use and Abuse, March 18, 2024
  • Understanding AI for Teen Users, April 15, 2024
  • Keep Connected Seminar, May TBD

View previous sessions

Programs and Services

The 504 Plan is a plan developed to ensure that a child who has an identified disability but doesn't qualify for Special Education services receives accommodations to support their learning.

504 Plan Information for families

The Indian Education Program is committed to working together with parents and families in order to meet the unique educational and cultural needs of students of American Indian heritage.

Indian Education

We know that regular school attendance is linked to academic success, benefits students socially, establishes good habits and provides opportunities for communication between teachers and students.

When should I keep my child home?

Attendance Summary 

Staff Attendance Resources

School counselors are vital members of our middle and high school teams. Counselors help all students with academic achievement, personal/social development and career development.

Jefferson High School Counseling     Kennedy High School Counseling

Bloomington Public Schools prepares all learners to thrive in a rapidly changing world by aiming to provide them with equitable access to high quality and culturally relevant instruction, curriculum, support, facilities and educational resources.

Office of Educational Equity

Students in foster care often require additional support. We work with child welfare agencies, communities and families to reduce educational disruptions and provide specialized services often essential for students in foster care to be successful in school and in life.

Fusion is a free program offered through Targeted Services for middle school students. This programming provides students with experiences that support academic progress, social-emotional well-being, and a sense of belonging within the school community. 

Fusion is offered Monday-Thursday from 2:45-4:45 p.m at all three middle schools. Activity buses are available after programming to those who are bussed to school regularly. Students may also walk home or be picked up after programming. 

Fusion activities vary slightly by school and include; academic support, musical theater, robotics, executive functioning support, arts, gym games and leadership opportunities. 

Register for Fusion

Summer Galaxy

Summer Galaxy is a program for students entering grades 7-8 the following school year. Students are empowered to work together and serve the community through service learning projects, recreation, arts, crafts, field trips and other daily activities. Programming runs Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m at Valley View Middle School.  A free bag lunch is provided daily with snack bar items available for purchase. The $500 fee for the summer includes field trips. Fee assistance is available for those who qualify.

Registration: Begins April 1, 2024 at bloomington.ce.eleyo.com

Contact Mike Bornetun at mbornetun@isd271.org for more information about Fusion and Summer Galaxy.

Summer Quest

Summer Quest is a free summer learning experience for current BPS students entering grades 1-6 who are recommended by their teachers. Families select their Quest preferences based on needs and interests and students then engage in hands-on activities, field trips and more! Participants attend programming at the Oak Grove campus, Monday-Friday from 8-2pm. Breakfast, lunch and transportation are provided. 

Contact: Maria Carvente Lopez at 952.681.6512 mcarventelopez@isd271.org for more information about Summer Quest.

We provide an array of services for students experiencing homelessness from birth through adulthood under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, with programs fitting within general, special or community education.

Contact

Carol Nannemann
952-681-5779
cnannemann@isd271.org

We offer instruction for students who are unable to attend school due to prolonged illness, disability, suspension or expulsion.

Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) is an instructional framework that includes universal screening of all students, multiple tiers of instruction and support services, and an integrated data collection and assessment system to inform decisions at each tier of instruction.

PAUSE is a program that provides an alternative to out-of-school suspension.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior. PBIS schools teach kids about behavior, just as they would teach about other subjects like reading or math. The focus of PBIS is prevention, not punishment.

Learn more about PBIS   PBIS Resources for Staff

Contact

Heidi Agee
hagee@isd271.org

Transformative SEL is about developing our skills across the 5 competency areas.  This work supports us in staying centered, navigating relationships, adapting to dynamic situations, staying organized, and cultivating the agency that promotes educational equity and excellence.  In BPS we support both students and staff in developing our SEL capacities. 

Virtual Calming Room   SEL Training Resources for Staff

Contact

Heidi Agee (Elementary)
952-681-5500
hagee@isd271.org

Susan Bianchi (Secondary)
952-806-7864
sbianchi@isd271.org

Targeted Services offers additional learning opportunities to targeted K-8 students who may be performing below grade-level expectations or are at risk of failing to meet standards. Students are selected for before- or after-school or summer programs designed to build academic skills and help students develop organizational and social/emotional skills.

Certified therapy dog teams provide social, emotional and physical health benefits which boost student confidence, improve attendance and increase test scores. 

See district Policy 899 for more information.

Please reach out if you are interested in learning more about therapy dogs or to schedule a team visit at your setting.

Contact

Carol Nannemann
952-681-5779

cnannemann@isd271.org

The largest federal program aiding elementary and secondary education, Title I provides supplemental funding to ensure students from low-income families succeed academically.

Title II aims to improve teacher and principal quality through recruitment and professional development.

Title III aims to improve and enhance the education of English language learners (ELLs) and immigrant students by helping them attain English proficiency and meet state academic achievement standards.

Also called the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, Title IV provides academic enrichment opportunities to complement regular academic programs.

Title VI prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin in any program or activity that receives federal funds or other federal financial assistance.

Contact

Dr. Molly Coyne
Director of Learning Supports
mcoyne@isd271.org