Student Support at JCHS

JCHS values diversity in the classroom in a variety of ways — including actively embracing and supporting the range of learning differences from one student to the next.

Our robust academic college prep program is strengthened by integrated support programs that allows us to welcome students with a range of learning differences.  

Inclusion at JCHS means valuing the unique gifts and supporting the distinct challenges of each student in order to deepen the vitality of our community. In the Jewish tradition, universal access to learning means that we embrace each member the community regardless of financial resources, physical abilities, or learning differences. 

For these reasons, we agree that “inclusion assumes that living and learning together benefits everyone, not just children who are labeled as having a difference.” (Falvey and Givner, 2005)

Our program includes specialized training for all our classroom teachers to ensure they are sufficiently educated on how to best support and celebrate the learning of each individual student. We also offer supportive resources through the FreshSem program, in addition to teacher availability for one-on-one support, and regular sessions with a learning specialist.

Our Learning Specialists provides educational support to students, whether they are experiencing specific difficulties or just need a space to help practice developing their organizational and learning skills. The Office is staffed by two onsite learning specialists, experienced in special education, who collaborate with classroom teachers.

Led by our Co-Deans of Learning Support, our learning specialists work closely with students who can benefit from support outside of the classroom, students who need increasingly challenging material, teachers who embrace strategies of differentiation to meet the needs of their students, and parents who want to better understand the learning needs of their children.

Students are also welcome to use The Study, a quiet and beautiful space for students where they can work on homework, study and also take tests under the supervision of a rotating roster of ProCom staff.

At JCHS, each student is assigned to an advisor in order to enhance their educational experience. The advisor’s role is to provide overall support and guidance to students and parents; act as a liaison between students, teachers, and parents as needed; work with students to set goals for the year; help students selecting courses for the upcoming year; support students through their challenges; and celebrate students’ successes.

By helping students to navigate their JCHS experience, and assisting students in making the most of the JCHS resources and programs that align with their interests and goals, our advisors prepare students for success in high school, college, and beyond.

Students with documented learning needs, as identified through educational testing with specific recommendations for accommodations or modifications, will work closely with our Director of Learning Support to create individualized learning plans that promote their academic success.

The Director of Learning Support and the learning support team will:

  • Develop a student’s self-advocacy skills by helping students understand their academic strengths and challenges
  • Support teachers in providing appropriate classroom accommodations, modifications, and supports
  • Work closely with parents regarding student learning needs and differences
  • Provide resources about specific learning disabilities
  • Facilitate teacher-family meetings to review outside psychoeducational testing results and discuss recommendations
  • Give referrals for tutors, educational therapists, and psychoeducational/neuropsychological testing
  • Submit requests for ACT and College Board accommodations

JCHS provides a unique level of support for students as they navigate the first year of high school. FreshSem, a team-taught regularly scheduled class, helps students learn how to build relationships, make healthy decisions, manage stress, and improve executive functioning and study skills. 

The program also provides an opportunity for the Student Support team to personally engage with every individual in the 9th-grade class. The experience helps students create a lasting relationship with these key JCHS professionals, so that they may feel comfortable using them as resources throughout their years at the high school.

Our School Counselor provides confidential and individualized support for students’ emotional, social and mental health, while working collaboratively with parents, teachers, and advisors to explore the best ways to support students. In addition, the School Counselor offers short-term counseling, and can provide referrals and resources to families whose students are in need of long-term support.

Additionally, our School Counselor supports students in navigating their first year of high school by working with the 9th grade class one day per week.

Counselor Julie Beck on the JCHS Culture of Care

co-Dean of Learning Support Ellen Castillo on Supporting Neurodiversity

  • Photo of David Neufeld

    • Julie Beck, LCSW
    School Counselor & Director of Advising
    415.694.5772 x107
    jbeck@jchsofthebay.org

    Rabbi Josh Buchin
    Dean of Students for Eleventh and Twelfth Grades
    415.694.5772 x204
    jbuchin@jchsofthebay.org

    Ellen Castillo
    Co-Dean of Learning Support
    415.694.5772 x131
    ecastillo@jchsofthebay.org

    Michelle Matz
    Dean of Students for Ninth and Tenth Grades
    415.694.5772 x160
    mmatz@jchsofthebay.org

    Dr. David Neufeld
    Co-Dean of Learning Support
    415.694.5772 x110
    dneufeld@jchsofthebay.org