Biographical Information:
Merritt Waters became Student Services Coordinator for Olmsted Falls City Schools in August 2008 after serving as a School Psychologist in the district for four years. Prior to becoming a Bulldog, Mrs. Waters worked as a School Psychologist for Perkins (Sandusky) Local Schools for seven years.
Mrs. Waters currently is completing the requirements for a license in Educational Administration in Pupil Services through Ashland University. She earned a Master of Education degree in Educational/School Psychology from John Carroll University in 1996 and received her Batchelor of Arts degree in Business Management and Psychology from Marietta College in 1993.
This year, Mrs. Waters is President of the Cleveland Association of School Psychologists, and she is a member of several professional organizations, including The National Association of School Psychologists, The Ohio School Psychologist Association, The Cleveland Association of School Psychologists, The Council for Exceptional Children and The Ohio Association of Pupil Services Administrators. In 2008, she was honored with the Distinguished Service Award from the Council for Exceptional Children (Region One).
Department Information:
It is the first priority of Student Services staff members to support the academic, organization and social-emotional development of students so they may be successful throughout their school careers and their entire lives. The Student Services Department assists families and school team members address the needs of students with a variety of special circumstances (see listings below).
Student Services Coordinator
Merritt F. Waters
26939 Bagley Rd.
Tel 440.427.6140
Fax 440.427.6110
mwaters@ofcs.net
Academic Services Secretary
Pam Manas
pmanas@ofcs.net or 440.427.6530
Special Education
~Evaluations and services for eligible students are provided as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 and the Operating Standards for Ohio Educational Agencies Serving Children with Disabilities ~Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams determine the necessary accommodations, supports and related services needed for a child to make adequate progress in the general education curriculum
Preschool Program/Early Entrance to Kindergarten
Gina Sanfilippo-Coordinator (Assistant Principal of Falls-Lenox Primary School)
gsanfilippo@ofcs.net or 440.427.6403
~Monthly play-based preschool assessments are conducted
~A continuum of preschool special education services is available
Gifted/Talented
Margaret Morris-Coordinator (Gifted Intervention Specialist at Fitch Intermediate)
mmorri@leeca.org or 440.427.6572
~Please refer to the Identification of Gifted Children brochure available in your child’s school office for details about assessment and services available
English Language Learners
~Evaluations are conducted based on information provided on the Home Language Survey completed at the time of enrollment or upon referral by teachers/parents
~Support services are provided during the school day when warranted
Section 504
~Evaluations and accommodations are provided as needed for students with significant impairments through written plans in accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
~Please contact your child’s School Counselor with questions
Home Instruction
~Evaluations and service plans are created as needed for students who are unable to attend school for a short period of time, usually due to a medical condition or injury
~Please contact your child’s School Counselor with questions
Homeless Students
~Every effort is made to remove barriers to the enrollment, attendance and success in school that homeless children may experience in accordance with The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act
~If you need further assistance, please contact your child’s Principal or call the
National Center for Homeless Education toll-free HelpLine: 1.800.308.2145
Title I Federal Grant
~Title I is part of No Child Left Behind and provides funds to school buildings with a certain percentage of low income students
~Students who are failing or are at-risk of failing in reading and mathematics are identified and offered extra assistance before, during and/or after the regular school day
School Psychological Services
Robin Scott~Falls-Lenox Primary School
rscott3@leeca.org or 440.427.6432
Sherry Foulkes~Fitch Intermediate & Olmsted Falls High School
sfoulkes@ofcs.net or 440.427.6532
Shannon Goss~Preschool & Olmsted Falls Middle School
sgoss@ofcs.net or 440.427.6214