Hanover Middle School RISE
Program Description
The Reaching Independence through Support and Education (RISE) classroom at Hanover Middle School provides comprehensive programming where students learn skills that will help them to live and function in their multiple roles as members of a family, community, and the student body while building independence and self-determination.
The staff personalizes opportunities in the areas of academics as determined by the Massachusetts State Standards, functional academics, and social communication. Students access instruction and activities in both the small group setting of the RISE classroom and in the larger general education setting. Each student’s schedule is determined by the Team process considering the need for any specially designed instruction. The curriculum is heavily modified and is presented using multiple modes of instruction paired with positive reinforcement and manipulatives through the use of authentic and real-life experiences when possible.
A speech and language therapist works with students according to their services and consults with the program staff. A (Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) completes observations and meets with the special education teacher on a regular basis to review and create support plans. Social Thinking and Coping strategies are implemented throughout the day by all program staff.
Music therapy, consumer education, and pre-employment training are also incorporated into the students’ week. Related services such as occupational therapy and physical therapy are provided to the students as determined by their Individualized Education Plans.
- Ages Served: 10-14
- Grades Served: Grades 5-8
- Population/Disability: Intellectual disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Traumatic Brain Injury, or other syndromes that significantly impacts the student accessing the general education curriculum due to the student functioning well below grade level in all academic areas ( more than 3 + years)
Calendar
- School Year: 180 days, 6.5 hours per day
- Extended School Year: Programming, days, and hours vary by student and are scheduled as documented by each student’s Individualized Education Plan
Service Providers
Special Education Teacher, Speech/Language Pathologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) as well as related service providers as documented by each student’s Individualized Education Plan
Contact Person
Stephanie Murphy, Special Education Administrator
Email: smurphy@hanoverschools.org
Phone Number: 781-871-1122, ext. 5158
Address: 45 Whiting Street, Hanover, MA 02339