In a perfect world, all children thrive from their very first day of school. In reality, it’s not always that simple. Torah Academy recognizes that some children need a little extra support in order to succeed. As a result, this summer TA brought on board a new leader in Support Services, Mrs. Chana Wallach. She will also serve as the learning specialist for the boys’ division.
The school has always offered support services to students. Now with Mrs. Wallach on board, the school is able to provide a dedicated specialist at both the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
“We strive to be proactive,” Mrs. Wallach says. “We seek to identify and serve student needs before they begin to struggle in the classroom.”
Mrs. Wallach sees her role as two-fold. “First,” she says, “we are implementing strategies, creating accommodations, and increasing awareness of specific student needs in the classroom. In addition, we are working to streamline and organize the support available in and out of school, and getting our team of teachers, parents and students on the same page.”
She emphasizes that along with receiving direct services, students need a support team that is united. “ We’re looking at a student’s needs from a professional standpoint, and at the same time we’re doing so with a big heart,’’ she says.
Mrs. Wallach works to build relationships with teachers, meets with them regarding specific students, and implements individual learning plans.
Mrs. Wallach and Mrs. Dina Feldman, Director of Support Services and General Studies Principal at the girls’ school met extensively over the summer to discuss protocols, clarify responsibilities, and to build a strong partnership. Mrs. Wallach has also been working closely with Rabbi Ochs, Menahel, and Rabbi Frohlich, Assistant Principal.
“I’m grateful to be part of such a supportive team of educators,” Mrs. Wallach says. “The parents are excited to have me as a point person in the building. My goal is to implement some new protocols, but also to do it with respect for the school culture.”
Mrs. Wallach is also a TA parent. “I feel grateful to have my own children enrolled at the school,” she says, “because we have a team of people that are dedicated and whom I really respect. Torah Academy wants to grow in the area of support services, and they’re really proactive in making that work.”
“When I look at a student, what I really try to do is to see their strengths and their potential. When you look at anyone like that – a student, a parent, or a staff member – and you see the goodness inside that person. That is the goal – to bring out that goodness to the greatest extent possible.” ■