Pupil Services
Colonial students receive a wide array of basic and supplemental services, including special education, counseling and school health programs. More than 800 students qualify for individualized education programs (IEPs) due to specific disabilities, and approximately 200 students have gifted individual education programs. Fourteen school counselors support students in grades K-12, and four community counselors offer additional supplemental services.
School health services are provided by certified school nurses and staff nurses to all Colonial students as well as students attending non-public schools within the District. Routine health services include height, weight, vision, hearing and scoliosis screenings. Dental examinations and physical examinations are also provided according to provisions of the Pennsylvania School Code.
Additional supports to students and families include the services of a home and school visitor and a behavioral health adviser.
Pupil Services News
![Food for Thought Weekend Edition text with lightbulb and dinner plate graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1698421649/colonial/gdqpsc3njunj3twqgswg/FoodForThoughtWeekendThumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1698421649/colonial/gdqpsc3njunj3twqgswg/FoodForThoughtWeekendThumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1698421649/colonial/gdqpsc3njunj3twqgswg/FoodForThoughtWeekendThumbnail.jpg","width":800}])
The Foundation is working with Food Services and Pupil Services to provide weekend meals to needy families.
![Students listen to firefighters talk about their work]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1691434080/colonial/siljdp9ssxn8qjny3dmc/DSC_1434.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1691434080/colonial/siljdp9ssxn8qjny3dmc/DSC_1434.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1691434080/colonial/siljdp9ssxn8qjny3dmc/DSC_1434.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1691434080/colonial/siljdp9ssxn8qjny3dmc/DSC_1434.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1691434080/colonial/siljdp9ssxn8qjny3dmc/DSC_1434.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1691434080/colonial/siljdp9ssxn8qjny3dmc/DSC_1434.jpg","width":2200}])
Summer Literacy Blast, Summer Academy, and Extended School Year blend academics and activities to prep students for a new school year.
![many people in the board room listening to presenter at podium]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1687286716/colonial/xdev5uglrckvpleq7xzq/ThreatAssessmentThumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1687286716/colonial/xdev5uglrckvpleq7xzq/ThreatAssessmentThumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1687286716/colonial/xdev5uglrckvpleq7xzq/ThreatAssessmentThumbnail.jpg","width":800}])
Principals, district office staff, psychologists, counselors, teachers, and nurses took part in professional development to determine if a student is threatening to do harm to themselves or others — and review what to do about it.
![Text reads Be Kind To Your Mind World Mental Health Day Oct. 10]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1665165896/colonial/v3h35me0lvsgkgm2qscn/WorldMentalHealthDayThumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1665165896/colonial/v3h35me0lvsgkgm2qscn/WorldMentalHealthDayThumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1665165896/colonial/v3h35me0lvsgkgm2qscn/WorldMentalHealthDayThumbnail.jpg","width":562}])
Whether a student is experiencing a minor emotional or behavioral issue or a family needs to know where their child can receive treatment, the District has resources to help.
![Text reads Pennsylvania's Children's Health Insurance Program. We Cover All Kids.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1629141382/colonial/o0gc6gzy7ufj9vhy9zof/CHIPHealthInsuranceThumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1629141382/colonial/o0gc6gzy7ufj9vhy9zof/CHIPHealthInsuranceThumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1629141382/colonial/o0gc6gzy7ufj9vhy9zof/CHIPHealthInsuranceThumbnail.jpg","width":562}])
High-quality health care coverage from CHIP helps keep kids strong. No limit on income.
Contact Pupil Services
Karen Berk
Director of Pupil Services and Special Education
610-834-1670, ext. 2111
Click here to email Ms. Berk
Tim Murch
Special Education Supervisor (6-12)
610-834-1670, ext. 2105
Click here to email Mr. Murch
Dr. Caitlin Gilmartin
Special Education Supervisor (K-5)
610-834-1670, ext. 2134
Click here to email Dr. Gilmartin
Dr. Felix Scherzinger
Behavioral Health Adviser/Community Health Liaison
610-834-1670, ext. 2147
Click here to email Dr. Scherzinger
Meghann Radick
Home and School Visitor
Homeless Liaison
610-834-1670, ext. 2108
Click here to email Ms. Radick
Clearances
Are you a community-based mental health professional who will be working with Colonial?
Click here for information and links to required clearances.