GETTING READY — Jaclyn Walters, principal of the Steubenville STARS program at Steubenville High School, prepares for classes. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Students with disabilities will have an opportunity to integrate and become part of the Big Red community through the new Steubenville STARS program.

Located in the former educational STEM wing on the first floor of Steubenville High School, the program will accommodate between 30 and 40 students in grades PreK-12 and provide them with services through teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals to support their individual needs. Officials said students will have inclusion opportunities to meet their least restrictive environment and build peer relations. An open house was held prior to the start of classes on Tuesday to give families a glimpse of the site, which features four classrooms, a sensory room and access to amenities on the SHS and Wells Academy campus such as the pool and gym.

Principal Jaclyn Walters said the concept has been discussed for more than a year and she was excited to see it come to life.

“There was an idea to make sure behaviorally fragile students are being provided inclusive opportunities in their least restrictive environment and we brainstormed. We eventually want to operate as a typical elementary and high school,” Walters added. “They can sit in an academic setting and participate in extra activities such as the music program. We’re going to build peer relations through inclusive opportunities. One of the other opportunities is to use resources such as the pool and gym and have usage of facilities. It comes with therapy and cooperative learning; these are the advantages of us being here.”

The program comes equipped with four classroom units for preschool, grades K-1, 2-5 and high school and employs four teachers, four aides, a nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech therapist and a board-certified behavioral analyst to provide learning and support services for the pupils. Each classroom has a ratio of five students per teacher while a sensory room is onsite to soothe students in need, a lifeskills room to gain lessons on independent living and clinics for speech, physical and occupational therapy. Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities also will offer assistance to help older pupils transition to work. Meanwhile, the students will partner with a “peer buddy” from the high school’s service learning and Educators Rising organizations who will assist them with reading, instruction and other tasks.

“In preschool, there is a cooperative learning environment while kindergarten and first grade have independent learning. Grades 2-5 are a mix and in high school we’re building to independence,” Walters added.

She said the word was out about the program and she was looking forward to the new venture.

“Parents are aware and excited. This will be building relationships with kids who haven’t been part of Steubenville school activities,” Walters continued. “This has always been my passion. It’s one of the milestones to see and be part of the foundation of this and it’s rewarding. This is one of the most important pieces of the puzzle and I’m proud to be part of it.”

Classes have started for grades K-12 with preschool to begin on Aug. 26 or 27 and students will don Big Red uniforms featuring black, red, white and khaki apparel. For information, contact Walters at (740) 284-5711 or e-mail jwalters@scsohio.org.