Hannah More at Severn River Middle School is a Type II School program developed to assist students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger’s Syndrome or Pervasive Developmental Disorders) transition to a less restrictive setting.  The program is a collaborative effort between Hannah More School and the Anne Arundel County Public School System (AACPS).  Hannah More School provides classroom and related service staff. AACPS provides classroom space, materials and access to the general and special education resources of Severn River Middle School. The Anne Arundel County curriculum is used as the basis for instruction.

 

Hannah More full-time staffing consists of two teachers, two teaching assistants, a part time speech pathologist and a social worker.  The Educational Director and the Instructional Coordinator for Hannah More Type II Programs in Anne Arundel County supervise and assist as needed.  Other related services (e.g. occupational therapy) are provided as needed by Anne Arundel County.

 

Students typically begin taking all classes within the self-contained Hannah More classrooms.  As students progress academically and socially, they are mainstreamed into a Severn River Middle School class that is consistent with their skill set. Typically by the 8^th grade, students are “mainstreamed” in 2 or 3 out of 4 classes.  Students are encouraged to be part of activities such as Band, Orchestra and after school groups.  Hannah More staff (teacher assistants) provides support to the students in outside classes.  Support can range from 1:1 assistance in the classroom to daily or weekly teacher check-ins.

 

The program is linked to the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Program where students are involved in environmental projects, learn water safety, operate canoes and experience the Initiative and Confidence Course.  The Initiative and Confidence Course is a series of team building activities leading up to working as a team to complete a low ropes course.  The team building philosophy is built around the fundamentals of risk, responsibility and respect.  These concepts are reinforced back in the classroom as they are infused into the overall program as part of social skills training.  Students go to the 30-acre waterfront program approximately 1 day every two weeks. The Extended School Year Program is held at the site during the summer.

 

The cornerstone of the Hannah More at Severn River Middle School program is the social skills group that is held for 90 minutes two out of every three days.  This group is led by a social worker and speech pathologist.  Students learn social skills that will enable them to navigate within society and lead to increased adult and peer communication abilities.  An example of a skill learned within the group is reading non-verbal cues and working as a team to learn the skills improves overall self-confidence.  Skills learned in the group are reinforced with the classroom.

 

Hannah More staff work closely with Severn River academic and administrative staff on behalf of all students within the school building.  For example, Hannah More staff conducted a social skills group for several Severn River students that was very successful.  Hannah More staff collaborates with Severn River staff on a regular basis with regard to non-Severn River Middle School students who may be struggling.