Transition

At PCS, we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition for students and families as they move to their next school. To achieve this, we survey parents and guardians to understand the specific supports they need, and we gather input from students about their high school interests, post-secondary options, and self-advocacy skills. Throughout the year, we host a variety of transition events designed to provide ongoing support. In addition to our teaching and special education staff, Dr. Rachel Owens and Ms. Cynthia Russell are dedicated to assisting families through personalized support, connecting with former families, other schools, and stakeholders to make the transition process seamless. We also offer transition meetings for parents and guardians to address individual concerns and needs.

• • • 8th Grade Parent Survey – We want to ensure that you and your 8th grader are able to choose the best high school that meets his or her unique needs. Please complete this form to help us better guide your child’s transition from middle school to high school.

• • • Virtual Transition Meetings – If you are interested in a virtual meeting with Dr. Rachel Owens to discuss high school options or OVR (see below for information on OVR) please use this calendly link – https://calendly.com/rowens-_pcs/transition-meeting. This is available for parents/guardians of students in any grade level.

What are Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) services?
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) is a state funded agency that helps people prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. Anyone with documentation of a disability or mental health disorder is eligible for OVR and the best part is that these services are lifelong. They are able to help with writing a resume and cover letter, securing accommodations through the College Board or in the workplace, college applications, entrance essays, interviewing, etc.

What is the Early Outreach Initiative through OVR?
OVR has an early outreach program that starts in 9th grade and each PA high school has an OVR counselor assigned to that school. Each school’s involvement with OVR is different. Some schools have the OVR counselor come to the school weekly or monthly, some are by appointment only. Once your child is in 9th grade,  ask the Transition Coordinator or Special Education Case Manager for more information on OVR.