Student Support Services

Academic Support

At Mayfield Junior School, each child is challenged to reach their potential and to work independently with grade-level curriculum. We encourage our students to respond to the needs of our time with compassion, integrity, and confidence in God and in their own gifts.

We offer a three-tiered system of support to meet students' academic and behavioral needs. While the overall structure is consistent across both Lower and Middle School, the specific supports may vary by division or grade level.

Decisions on what support will be given are made in collaboration with the classroom teacher, the learning center, administration, parents/guardians (as needed), and a neuropsychologist or psychologist, if applicable.

Tier 1: Universal Support

Provided to all students as part of the general education program.

High-quality, evidence-based instruction in the classroom
Universal curriculum to support students in completing grade-level assignments independently
Academic and behavioral support from the classroom teacher
Parent education sessions offered through the Learning Center

Accommodation Examples:

Extended time on tests, quizzes, or any other assignments
Assistive technology; speech-to-text/text-to-speech
Preferential seating
Specialized formatting according to student visual processing needs
Calculator use for tests and quizzes
Multiplication table use
Use of notes on assessments
Alternate testing environments
Access to Learning Specialist Support

Note: Accommodations do not include modifying expectations: simplifying content, altering pacing, changing learning objectives, exempting students from school expectations, or removing a student from core instruction.

Tier 2: Target Support

For students who:

Are not yet meeting grade-level expectations based on classroom performance or norm-referenced assessments (e.g., NWEA, AIMS WebPlus)
Need more support than Tier One to complete grade-level curriculum independently

Support may include:

Targeted help during teacher office hours
Small-group instruction with a Learning Specialist
Strategies and accommodations (may or may not be documented in an official learning plan)

Note: The Learning Specialist may recommend outside testing (if not already completed) to determine if formal accommodations are needed due to a learning difference.

Tier 3: Individualized Support

For students who:

Have not made adequate progress with Tier One and Tier Two supports
Require a more individualized support plan

Supports will include:

Strategies and accommodations (may or may not be documented in an official learning plan) documented in an Academic Support Plan created in collaboration with parents/guardians.
Outside testing may be recommended to better understand the student's learning needs.

Important Notes

Tier Three supports help students access grade-level curriculum without lowering standards.
Tier Three supports do not include modifications that reduce expectations—such as fewer or easier test questions or assignments.
Tier Three supports are provided in addition to regular classroom instruction, not in place of it. Tier Three is designed to supplement rather than replace Tier One instruction. This ensures all students maintain access to the core curriculum while receiving the additional support they need.
If intense intervention is needed, we may recommend seeking outside services.

Accommodations

In order for a student to receive accommodations, MJS requires full, comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations or a current IEP.

Extended time on tests, quizzes, or any other assignments
Assistive technology; speech-to-text/text-to-speech
Preferential seating
Specialized formatting according to student visual processing needs
Calculator use for tests and quizzes
Multiplication table use
Use of notes on assessments
Alternate testing environments
Access to Learning Specialist Support

Accommodations do not include modifying expectations: simplifying content, altering pacing, changing learning objectives, exempting students from school expectations, or removing a student from core instruction.

The Learning Center

At Mayfield Junior School, our Learning Center embodies the Holy Child philosophy of trust and reverence for the dignity of every person. We are committed to helping all of our students meet their potential and develop as confident, independent learners. Our Learning Specialists work alongside teachers, administrators, parents, and outside educational professionals to fulfill our mission using a strengths-based approach.

Our Mission
To address the individual needs of students so they are able to complete grade-level curriculum independently.

Learning Center Programs

Fifth Grade Skills for Success Program

The Skills for Success Program is designed to help students build on their strengths while developing key skills identified through formal assessments and team discussions. Led by the Middle School Learning Specialist, the program focuses on enhancing executive functioning skill development, including but not limited to organization, planning, time management, sustained attention, self-advocacy, and effective communication with teachers. Positive social skills are also reinforced in Skills for Success. Students in the program also receive regular support and intervention from the Middle School Math Specialist. Skills for Success replaces the World Language class and is scheduled for three one-hour sessions each week. Upon consultation with the Middle School Learning Specialist, students who complete the Skills for Success class have the option of returning to Spanish for their 6th grade year.

Sixth-Eighth Grade American Sign Language/X Period (ASLX) Program

The purpose of ASLX is to offer the experience of learning another language while providing additional support to meet the short-term and long-term goals set by the Learning Center Team. The emphasis is on developing independence, self-advocacy and metacognition. Students are supported as they learn to prioritize, plan for and complete homework assignments and participate in an asynchronous ASL class. As students mature, the program scaffolds to slowly release responsibility to them so they are more equipped to handle academic challenges. Students in ASLX also receive regular support and intervention from the Middle School Math Specialist. ASLX is offered in lieu of World Language class, meeting for three one-hour sessions each week.

Lower School Academic Support

Lower and Middle School Parent Support

The Learning Center staff are available to speak with and provide support to any parent/guardian, not limited to parents and guardians of students with formal accommodations. The staff is able to answer questions and discuss concerns about a student's academic progress, the comprehensive neuropsychological or IEP assessment process, accommodations, and academic support at Mayfield. The staff is also able to provide educational consulting and connect parents with appropriate community resources.

Lower School Lunch Bunch

We understand that some students may prefer a quieter space during lunch recess instead of playing on the field or play structure. The Lower School Learning Specialist offers the Learning Center open area as a restful alternative three days a week for students in grades 1–4. Here, students can color, draw, play board games, or simply relax. The space also features a calming corner with comfy pillows and fidgets for students who need a little extra comfort or a break during the school day.

Middle School Homework Club

Homework Club is an after-school program designed to support new Middle School students and students who receive services from the Learning Center who would benefit from some extra homework support. The Learning Center Teacher provides on-the-spot tutoring and organizational skill support as students work on their homework twice a week after school. Attendance may be recommended by the Learning Center team as part of a student's support plan.

Middle School Math Specialist Office Hours

Morning Support

Morning Support is offered daily beginning at 7:30 a.m. and runs until the start-of-day bell. Attendance may be recommended by the Learning Center team as part of a student's support plan.

Wake Up and Make Up

A before-school program available to all Middle School students. It provides a quiet, structured environment where students can complete homework, receive academic help, study for upcoming assessments, or start their day calmly and confidently.

Morning Bunch

Starting the day with support and community! The Morning Bunch, hosted by the Lower School Learning Specialist, offers open office hours in a calm and welcoming environment before school each morning. From 7:30 am to 7:55 am (until the first bell rings), students in grades 1–4 are invited to drop in—no appointment needed. Students can receive assistance with assignments, get organized for the day, or ask questions about anything they're working on. It's a relaxed, encouraging space designed to help every student begin the day feeling confident and prepared.

Counseling

At Mayfield Junior School, we promote the personal growth and development of all who participate in the life of the school. We support our students through social and emotional learning and have a Kindergarten - 8th grade Wellness program that explores interpersonal relationships, promotes inclusivity and belonging, and instills healthy attitudes and behaviors for student emotional, psychological, spiritual, social, moral, and physical development.

Wellness classes are taught by our two full-time school counselors. Lower School classes focus on the development of emotional regulation skills, communication and problem solving skills and the ability to collaborate well with others. Middle School classes continue to build on these skills and also include a component of puberty education.

Our counselors are available to provide support to all students and parents. Students are welcome to drop in the counseling office during recess or lunch to play or talk with school counselors. They may also request to meet with a counselor to discuss a concern they have. Parents, administration and teachers may also request a counselor to check in with a student to provide support. Concerns may be related to school or home life. If a student would benefit from formal, ongoing counseling, referrals will be made to parents for outside providers. Our school counselors, with parent permission, will work together with outside providers to provide continuity of care for students and families.