Welcome!
Welcome to my School Psychologist Page! My name is Mrs. Francine Bifolco and I am the School Psychologist at Holmes Elementary School in the Mount Vernon City School District. This is my 6th year working in the district and my 5th year at Holmes. I live with my husband and two dogs who I love to run, play, and hike with! I also enjoy yoga, reading, and spending time with my family and friends. 
So what is a School Psychologist?
School psychologists are uniquely qualified members of school teams that support students' ability to learn and teachers' ability to teach. They apply expertise in mental health, learning, and behavior, to help children and youth succeed academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally. School psychologists partner with families, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home, school, and the community.
School psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students, consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies, work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies, and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services. They help schools successfully:
1. Improve Academic Achievement
2. Promote Positive Behavior and Mental Health
3. Support Diverse Learners
4. Create Safe, Positive School Climates
5. Strengthen Family-School Partnerships
6. Improve School-Wide Assessment and Accountability Monitor individual student progress in academics and behavior
“Education is the most powerful weapon
which you can use to change the world.”
- Nelson Mandela
What is Response to Intervention (RtI)?
RtI is a three-tiered framework designed to help schools focus on using high quality interventions and carefully monitoring student progress. The information gained from the RtI process is used by school personnel and parents to inform instruction and to determine the educational needs of the child.
Response to Intervention Framework
Resources for RtI:
NYS Dept of Education RtI Pamplet
Special Education
What is Special Education?
Special education means specially designed individualized or group instruction or special services or programs to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities.
What are the steps in the Special Education Process?
Step 1: Initial Referral for Special Education Services
Students suspected of having a disability are referred to a multidisciplinary team called the Committee on Special Education or the Committee on Preschool Special Education.
Step 2: Individual Evaluation Process
The Committee arranges for an evaluation of the student’s abilities and needs.
Step 3: Determining Eligibility for Special Education Services
Based on evaluation results, the Committee decides if the student is eligible to receive special education services and programs.
Step 4: Individualized Education Program (IEP)
If the child is eligible to receive special education services, the Committee develops and implements an appropriate IEP, based on evaluation results, to meet the needs of the student. Based on the IEP, the Committee must determine the student's placement, ensuring that services are provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Placement must be as close as possible to the student's home, and unless the student's IEP requires some other arrangement, the student must be educated in the school he or she would have attended if not disabled.
Step 5: Annual Review/Reevaluation
The IEP is reviewed and, if needed, modified or revised by the Committee at least once a year (annual review). The student has a reevaluation at least once every three years, to review the student’s need for special education programs and services and to revise the IEP, as appropriate. A reevaluation may also occur when conditions warrant or when requested by a parent or teacher.
The process occurs sequentially with each step building on the previous one. In this way, comprehensive information about the student is obtained and considered. Timelines are in place so that delays are avoided. Parents are an integral part of this process, and your involvement is encouraged.
Resources:
http://www.p12.nysed.gov/specialed/