Elevate Student Support Services

Each student shows up, learns, and navigates through the world differently.
Every student is capable of growth.

ELEVATE provides coaching, intervention, and professional development to support our teachers, parents, and students in achieving their full potential along the academic and social emotional continuum.

We operate on the fundamental belief that through an intentional, student-centered, strength based approach, we can create a paradigm shift in the way we support and empower each and every learner within our community.

Aspen Academy’s ELEVATE program takes a three-tiered approach. By doing so, we honor, cultivate, and celebrate strengths in all learners. Services include:

Tier 1 (Universal)

Elevate’s primary role is to support and enrich the knowledge of teachers, as they have the primary and most consistent contact with students. All core instruction also includes the following:

A Personalized Instruction Profile (PIP) for each student
High quality research-based curriculum to all students
Differentiated instruction through flexible small groups and learning methods
Consistent and regular progress monitoring of student progress against grade level benchmarks
Integration of technology as a means of reaching all varying learning styles and interests

TIER 2 (Targeted)

Elevate offers necessary supports and intervention to students with a higher level of need, with the emphasis of early intervention. Targeted instruction also includes the following supports:

Small group, evidence-based targeted intervention
Personalized accommodations implemented both in class and in small group sessions
Consistent progress monitoring to reach academic, social emotional and behavioral goals
Support in and out of the classroom from our Learning Specialist, School Psychologist, and/or Student Success Coach.

Tier 3 (Intensive)

Students who qualify for intensive support are connected with industry specialists who can provide individualized and intensive 1:1 intervention, including:

Partnership with academic and developmental specialists to provide 1:1 support during school hours*
Consistent progress monitoring to meet established academic, social emotional or behavior goals
Accommodation Plan for students with a diagnosed academic, social emotional or behavior need

*Psycho-educational evaluations required for Tier 3 level of support. Additional tuition or fees may apply.

Aspen Academy is committed to the expansion of services to enrich all learners in our community:

Providing Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity screenings
Offering Speech, Occupational Therapy, and Hearing screenings
Onsite Tutoring Available Student (Additional fee required)
Expanded Enrichment services

Resources

Books

download the Elevate Brochure

ELEVATE TEAM

Jessie Skipwith

Director of Elevate & Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Student Success Coach, Licensed School Counselor

M.Ed., Counselor Education, University of New Orleans
B.A., Justice, American University

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Cindy Hewatt

School Counselor, LMFT

B.S., Psychology, Colorado State University
M.A., Clinical Psychology, LMFT, Chapman University

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Megan McKnight

Lower School Learning Specialist

BA, Elementary Education, University of Arizona

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Justin Wimbish

Middle School Learning Interventionist

B.S., Management Information Systems, University of Wyoming
Staff Sergeant (E-6), US Army Reserve (2003-2011)
(In Progress) M.S., Education and Human Development

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Elevate Blogs

Understanding Your Middleschooler And The Challenges You May Be Facing

Cindy Hewatt, School Counselor, LMFT

”While tweens and young teens are growing in all areas, in none is it more obvious than their social/emotional development. These changes coincide with the transition to middle school, which demarcates the shift to adolescence as we think of it. Understanding this complicated time will help you best guide your child through it.

Cindy Hewatt addresses some of the common challenges for middle school students and how parents might respond to support their students during tough times.

Combatting Cabin Fever With Students of All Ages Over Winter Break

Theresa Letman

With the Winter Break upon us, parents often look for ways to keep their students entertained and productive! Need a break from your cabin fever? The game suggestions below come from our Middle School Interventionist, Justin Wimbish.

ELEVATE is Here for YOU!

Jessie Skipwith

Following the love, care and invitation for continued partnership during this week's Town Hall with Ms. Scala, we would like to reiterate some thoughtful considerations to all of our families as we continue to confront head on the variety of unknowns before us. The Mental Health and Wellness of our community remains a priority, and in this time of heightened stress and anxiety, we are here for you.

How to Cope With Back to School Stress

Cindy Hewatt

This is a year of new challenges for students and families and can lead to an increase in stress for both. An important thing for parents to remember is that our kids are often mini mirrors of ourselves. If we become stressed and anxious we can pass this on to our kids. So first and foremost, our primary job as a parent is to be aware of and to cope, as best we can, with our own stress. Read on for 12 strategies for managing stress as caregivers.

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Jessie Skipwith

School is underway and in full swing! Certainly emotions are high.Yes, excitement, wonder and joy are abundant! At the same time, nerves, stress and anxiety are also at heightened levels. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is a time when professionals in schools and the mental health community recognize the importance of providing information and support in identifying appropriate signs and symptoms for students at risk. Read on for more...