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Director outlines SOAR long-term supports, Bromfield bryt short-term program and DCAP update
Summary
Director of Student Services Michelle DellaValle presented a three-part pupil services update: SOAR (a long-term, inclusive K–12 social-emotional program funded by the override), Bromfield bryt (short-term 6–12 intervention) and a revised District Curriculum Accommodation Plan, with a targeted rollout by the end of October and no budget impact for the DCAP update.
Michelle DellaValle, the district’s Director of Student Services, presented a multi-part update on pupil services on Sept. 22 focused on expanding in-district social-emotional supports and improving accommodations.
DellaValle said the new SOAR program, established with override funding, aims to provide long-term, comprehensive social-emotional support for students with high needs — particularly those who otherwise might require therapeutic out-of-district placements. "We are carefully managing the number of students to avoid overloading the system," she said, describing a full-inclusion model that will deploy special education teachers, counselors, behavior analysts and administrators to coordinate academic support, counseling and learning assistance across buildings.
Dr. Linda Dwight estimated the program would serve roughly three to six students in the current year with a potential cap of eight as administrators refine staffing and supports. At Hildreth, DellaValle said services include counseling and learning assistants; at Bromfield the district will offer skills labs and individual counseling.
DellaValle also described Bromfield bryt, a reboot of the former STAR program, as a short-term, intensive academic and clinical support service for students in grades 6–12 with clear referral processes into longer-term programs such as SOAR. She told committee members that Bryt’s eligibility criteria align closely with the prior STAR program and that it can support students with IEPs and 504 plans.
Finally, DellaValle reviewed the District Curriculum Accommodation Plan (DCAP), which the committee revised to add categories such as cultural, medical and varied-language accommodations and to better align with regulatory requirements. She said the DCAP update is intended to be a practical tool for educators; there are no budget implications associated with the changes, and the plan will be reviewed by school councils and building leaders with a supported rollout expected by the end of October.
What’s next: administrators will continue staff training, finalize entrance and exit criteria, and monitor enrollment to balance student needs with available staffing.
