ACCELL Literacy Groups
Specially trained teachers and aides work with K-5 classroom teachers to support scholars' literacy development. Literacy Groups serve identified scholars through small group and individualized instruction. ACCELL teachers also provide staff development in reading to other campus staff.
Contact person is Lisa Wright, 943-5060. 

Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder (ADD/ADHD) Support Group for GISD Parents and Teachers
The GISD ADD/ADHD Support Group is a family-school partnership program offering parent and teacher support through education on attention deficit issues. Parents and teachers from throughout the district learn together how to better meet the needs of ADHD children and adolescents at home and at school, both in and out of the classroom. All meetings are held at the GISD Administration Building at 603 Lakeway Drive.
Contact person is Stephanie Blanck, Special Education Director, 943-5008. 

Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder (AU/PDD) Support Group for GISD Parents and Teachers
The GISD AU/PDD Support Group, a collaboration between families and school personnel, deals with all areas of the Pervasive Developmental Disorder spectrum. Programs range from behavior in and out of school, to the ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal) process, to the sharing of techniques that have worked for other families. Parents and teachers work together, using effective communication techniques, in meeting the needs of the children in the school and classroom. Meetings are held monthly, September through May at Benold Middle School from 6:30-8:00 P.M. Free babysitting is available with advanced notice.
Contact persons are Patricia Jackson, Senior Behavior Specialist, or
Liz Webb, Elementary Behavior Specialist at 943-5000. 

Behavior Improvement Center (BIC)
The purpose of the Behavior Improvement Center (BIC) is to provide a short-term, highly structured environment which targets inappropriate behaviors that interfere with a scholars' educational progress as they apply to sections VII and VIII of the Georgetown ISD Elementary Student Code of Conduct. BIC is a short duration placement program that principals can use for scholars who have violated Level 1 offenses. At the elementary level, BIC is located at McCoy Elementary School, but serves scholars (K-5) from all GISD elementary campuses.
Contact person is Francis Jackson, BIC teacher, 943-5030. 

Bilingual Education (BEP)
Bilingual education is an instructional program offered in elementary schools for scholars whose native language is other than English (Spanish, German, Vietnamese etc.) and who need to enhance their English language skills. The program provides limited English proficient (LEP) scholars with a structured sequence of basic skills in their native language, as well as gradual skill development in English, beginning at Pre-K, through English as a Second Language Methodology. In bilingual programs, the function of the native language is to provide access to the curriculum while the scholar is acquiring English; instruction in the native language assures that scholars attain grade level cognitive skills without lagging behind.
Contact person is Ralph Campos, Bilingual Director, 943-5060 

Campus Improvement Team (CIT)
The site-based, decision-making committee, or Campus Improvement Team (CIT), helps to develop, review, and revise the campus improvement plan for the purpose of improving scholar performance for all scholar populations, including all special needs populations, based on the academic excellence indicator system. The campus improvement plan assesses the academic achievement for each scholar, sets the campus performance objectives, identifies how campus goals will be met, determines the resources and identifies the staff needed to implement the plan, sets time lines for reaching the goals, measures progress, provides for a program to encourage parental involvement, and includes goals and methods for violence prevention and intervention on campus.
Contact person is Beth Foss, Principal, 943-5060. 

Sail Team (Local Support Team)
The Sail Team is a program designed to identify and intervene with scholars who may be experiencing difficulties at home and/or school which interfere with their ability to be successful at school. The Care Team is comprised of the scholars' teachers and support staff trained in modifications who meet to make recommendations and explore options for the scholar.
Contact person is Julie Petrus, Guidance Counselor, 943-5062. 

The Learning Center (TLC)
The Learning Center, or TLC, is a program designed for all scholars who need additional academic support other than the regular classroom. Scholars are given extra help either within their homeroom classroom or in the TLC room. Help is given if they are below grade level in reading, have skill gaps in math, are behind after an extended absence, need modifications in the regular curriculum that cannot be given in the regular classroom, or need re-teaching in a content area. Stcholars may come at 7:30 A.M. if they did not understand their homework assignment. Consultation between the TLC teachers and the homeroom teachers determines the place of service.
Contact person is Tiffany Pullen, 943-5060. ext. 6601. 

Dyslexia and Related Services
Each campus annually evaluates students using reading assessments. Scholars who are initially identified with potential reading difficulties, such as dyslexia and related disorders, are able to receive supplemental reading support services based on the results of a follow-up screening. Each campus provides identified students with support services and/or modifications according to the appropriate level of intervention needed.
More information about Dyslexia Services may be obtained from Linda Simonson, GISD Curriculum Director, 943-5000 extension 6040. 

Extended School Enrichment (ESE)
Before and after school care is available at all grades for a fee. A few scholarships are sometimes available. ESE students have access to some school facilities, such as the library, in supervised situations. Selected scholars are also receiving tutoring from certified teachers during their ESE time.
GISD contact person is Jan Williams, Director of ESE, 943-5087.
Cooper ESE can be contacted at 943-5066. 

Free and Reduced Lunch Program
Scholars who turn in applications and qualify (based on family's income and number of people in the home) receive free or reduced price lunch and breakfast every school day.  

Gifted and Talented (G/T)  Program
The G/T program in grades 3-5 provides enriched homogeneous instruction in math and language arts with an accelerated curriculum in math (one grade level). Heterogeneous cluster grouping in science and social studies provides a differentiated curriculum through enrichment, acceleration, or both. Academic competitions (e.g., Math Olympiads, Future Problem Solving, Imagination Destination, and Olympics of the Mind, etc.) are encouraged, and grade level acceleration (credit-by-examination) is an option in very unique cases. Please refer to the information posted on the GISD website and the "links" on this Cooper website.  The contact person at Cooper is Carol Dunk 943-5060, ext. 6637. The GISD contact is Sharon Hesser, G/T Program Coordinator, 943-5000.  

Guidance and Counseling
Scholars receive counseling through groups, individual play therapy, crisis counseling and classroom guidance.
Contact person is Julie Petrus, Counselor, 943-5062. 

Intervention Services Unlimited (ISU)
Intervention Services Unlimited is a private, social service agency with therapists and counselors on each of the GISD campuses, as well as at other school districts in Central Texas. Therapists at ISU provide a broad range of mental health services and referrals for students, families and Cooper employees. ISU staff work with clients individually and in groups to address psychological/emotional issues affecting individuals at home, work, and at school. Scholars receive parental permission to participate.
Contact person is Julie Petrus, Counselor, 943-5062. 

Library Services
GISD libraries are state-of-the-art libraries. Each Library/Media Center offers an extensive collection of print and non-print resources including books, magazines, newspapers, online reference sources, CD-ROMS, video tapes, and more. All library collections have been specifically selected to support the school's instructional program. Each campus has a certified librarian and belongs to the Texas Library Connection. GISD libraries strive to be an integral part of the school's total instructional program. All libraries are designed to provide support, instruction and materials to GISD scholars so that they learn to access, evaluate and use information from a variety of sources. All scholars and staff are invited to use the library for academic, curricular, and instructional support, as well as for recreational reading in books and magazines.
Contact person is Sheila Gaunt, Cooper Librarian, 943-5063. 

Nursing Services
GISD employs a school nurse at each GISD campus to assist with scholar and faculty physical health and wellness needs. The nurse provides: health counseling; health education; emergency care; supportive care for minor illness/injury; blood pressure, vision, and hearing screenings; and assistance to scholars needing access to glasses, hearing aids, or emergency dental care. The nurse is the liaison between health care and education, linking school, home, and community.
Contact person is Debby Brogan, R.N., Cooper Elementary Nurses, 943-5061. 

QC2R (Quality through Cooperation, Respect and Responsibility)
This Campus Wide Behavior Plan is designed to provide consistent expectations for appropriate behavior and safety on campus. Scholars are taught guidelines for each area of the campus and common terminology. Staff participate in ongoing inservice and supported by a grant through the Educational Service Center. Cooper serves as a model school for the region. 

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Historically strong advocates of parental involvement in public school, local PTA chapters are an integral part of all GISD elementary and middle school campuses. They work to strengthen the connection between home and school, provide parent education and leadership training, and assist school faculty and staff in providing an enhanced school environment. Each campus PTA chapter is represented on the Georgetown Council of PTAs, an affiliate of both the Texas and National PTAs, which strives to improve the lives of all children by advocating for their health, safety, welfare, and education. Call the Cooper office at 943-5060 for more information. 

Project Mentor
Project Mentor, a Partners in Education sponsored program, pairs scholars with an individual mentor to offer ongoing guidance for their academic and personal growth. Mentors meet with their student on a weekly basis on the school campus. Mentors are asked to commit to a minimum of 30 minutes per week. This program is open to all students, K-12.  Contact person is Julie Petrus, Counselor, 943-5062.  Laura Antoine and Donna Covey are the GISD contacts.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 states that No otherwise qualified person with a disability in the United States shall, solely by reason of a disability, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participating in, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving financial assistance. In order to meet eligibility for accommodations under Section 504, an enrolled scholar must currently have:
a physical or mental impairment which cannot be explained by developmental/age appropriate reasons, environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage or caused by limited English proficiency; which causes a substantial limitation to a major life activity;
and an educational need for instructional modifications or support.
For more information contact Julie Petrus, Cooper 504 Coordinator, 943-5062, or Stephanie Blanck, GISD 504 Coordinator at 943-5000 extension 6043. 

Services and Projects for Students and Families in Need
Service organizations, churches, and other provide assistance to underprivileged students and their families, especially at Thanksgiving, Christmas and during the summer. Organizations and individuals may also assist in providing needy scholars at other times during the school year enabling these children to participate more comfortably in the education process. In addition, a clothes closet is maintained on campus for emergencies. A resource guide of community services is maintained.
Contact person is Debbie Brogan, R. N., 943-5061 or Julie Petrus, Counselor, 943-5062. 

Social Skills Training
Social skills are needed to be successful in the world today. These skills include such things as problem solving, avoiding distractions, and using self-control. A different social skill is taught each week and emphasized by all staff. When behavior problems occur, scholars are referred back to the social skill they should have used to make a better choice. The Social Skills Curriculum is a part of the overall Campus-Wide Behavior Plan.  Contact person is Beth Foss, Principal, 943-5060. 

Southwestern University Cooperative
Southwestern University students train and student teach here at Cooper in a real working setting.  Contact person is Beth Foss, Principal, 943-5060. 

Special Education
Special Education Services (K-5) are available to any child with a disability who has been evaluated in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act ë997 as having mental retardation, a hearing impairment including deafness, a speech or language impairment, a visual impairment including blindness, serious emotional disturbance (hereafter referred to as emotional disturbance), an orthopedic impairment, autism, traumatic head injury, an other health impairment, a specific learning disability, deaf-blindness, or multiple disabilities, and who, by reason thereof, needs special education and related services.

Special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability, including (i) instruction conducted in the classroom, in the home, in hospitals and institutions, and in other settings; and (ii) instruction in physical education.

 Specially designed instruction means there need to be changes in the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction to (i) address the unique needs of the child that will result from the child's disability; and (ii) ensure access of the child to the general curriculum, so that he or she can meet the educational standards within the jurisdiction of the public agency that apply to all children.

 At Cooper, Supported Education Classes allow the vast majority of special education students to receive their education in the least restrictive environment possible. At each grade level, Cooper's regular education teachers co-teach with special education teachers so that the scholars identified as special education students receive support throughout the school day without being pulled from the general education classroom.

Cooper contact person is Lindy Frazer, 943-5068, or contact Stephanie Blanck, GISD Director of Special Education, at 943-5000 extension 6043. 

Special Opportunity School (SOS)
SOS is the state-mandated AEP (alternative educational placement) for all GISD elementary scholars (K-5) needing a long-term disciplinary placement. The purpose of the Special Opportunity School (SOS) program is to provide the behaviorally at-risk scholar with an alternative and innovative instructional environment which helps motivate the scholar to develop appropriate self-discipline and coping skills. The program is designed to challenge scholars academically and socially by using problem solving instructional strategies and a strong behavior management system. The target population for the SOS program is scholars who commit habitual and major violations outlined in sections VII and VIII of the Georgetown ISD Elementary Student Code of Conduct. SOS is located at The Village Elementary School, but serves scholars from all GISD elementary campuses.  Contact person is Francis Jackson, 943-5030. 

Student Originated Academic Responsibility (SOAR)
SOAR is for special education scholars whose primary need is to gain control of their own behavior which is not necessarily primarily driven by emotional disturbance. Scholars who may benefit from the unit are children who have mild, moderate or severe emotional disturbance, but who are more behaviorally than emotionally disturbed; children who have neurological or neuropsychological deficits of a strong nature which make it difficult for them to control their behavior; and other special education scholars with significant behavioral difficulties. The class is specifically designed to provide a comprehensive academic/therapeutic setting for those scholars unable to function successfully on a full time basis in regular or other special education programs. Goals for the program: development of school adaptability, behavioral control, social skills, and appropriate handling of crisis situations. All GISD SOAR scholars in third through fifth grades attend the SOAR classroom located on the Village Campus.  Contact person is Francis Jackson, 943-5030.