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SPECIALISTS

by Janet Fick

No operation needed

s some doctors are specialists, so are some teach­
A ers. Our students have for their benefit five special
teachers. Their job is to provide the necessary aid for a
well-rounded education.
Speech therapist Linda Schaefer says the tape
recorder plays an important role for her students in cor­
recting their speech patterns and hearing losses.
“They develop reading and speaking skills by listening
to themselves on the recorder. They also gain skills they
will need as an adult.’’
The same applies to students in Mr. John Vacanti’s
class.
“To find their likes and dislikes, they work individually
in realistic career settings such as a plumber or jeweler.”
Students trying to find jobs go to the Career Develop­
ment Center. The Center works with the Nabraska Job
Service in contacting employers as to what jobs are avail­
able for students.
Handicapped students that aren’t able to attend regular
high school go to the new Vocational Rehabilitation
Training Center at Hillcrest shopping center.
While in school, students having difficulties with their
studies are offered help through Mr. John Morrissey,
resource teacher.
“ Receiving help in reviewing for tests is one thing the
students do in my class,” Mr. Morrissey said. “ If they
don’t have any tests they get help with homework. Finally,
they work on a preplanned program called remediation.
“ In remediation, the students work on a certain area or
subject that they can’t understand; one which their
teacher might not have time to help them with.”
Helping any student with reading and writing skills in
about every subject except math is what Reading IMC
teacher Mrs. Sandy Heater does.
“ Most students think the IMC is just for problem stu­
dents, but it’s not,” said Mrs. Heater.
"The students can come in to take tests they need help
interpreting, or homework they need help with."
“ Mrs. Heater and the Reading IMC help me with my
grades and study habits,” said junior Chris Dreith.
The students Mrs. Patricia Cortese works with can’t
successfully participate in the mainstream of academic
work.
“ Some have a very short attention span and it’s hard
for them to pay attention in class, but when they find
something they’re interested in it helps them build from it.
“ The students do mostly crafts which they sell and
make a 60% profit from. They keep a record of the sales
and earn spending money,” said Mrs. Cortese.
“ Mrs. Cortese helps me with my homework and special
projects during my two study halls,” said junior Jimmy
Connor.