• MERSD Problem Solving Process Quick Guide

    MERSD is committed to meeting the needs of all of our students and promoting student self-advocacy at developmentally appropriate ages.  If a situation arises where a student or parent/guardian has an academic, social-emotional, or behavioral concern, the following Problem Solving Process should be followed:

    Elementary Level

    STEP ONE:  When a parent has a concern, it is important that the parent first begin with the staff member most closely associated with the situation.  By placing a phone call to the main office, the parent can leave a message with the appropriate staff member.  Details are listed below:

    • Academic or social concern – Classroom Teacher
    • Social/Behavior concern (within the classroom) – Classroom Teacher
    • Behavior concern (recess) – Classroom Teacher
    • Bus concern – Bus Driver / Adjustment Counselor
    • Lunchtime/recess concern – Adjustment Counselor
    • Specialist class concern – Specialist Teacher: Art, Foreign Language,  Library, Music, PE/Health, Technology

    STEP TWO:  After meeting with the appropriate staff member, most situations can be resolved or explained.  If the parent continues to have concerns, the next step would be to meet with the next tier of support as outlined below.  By placing a phone call to the main office the parent can leave a message with the appropriate staff member.

    • Academic or Social Concern – Adjustment Counselor
    • Behavior concern (within the classroom) – Adjustment Counselor
    • Behavior concern (Recess) – Adjustment Counselor
    • Bus concern – Principal
    • Lunchtime/recess concern – Principal
    • Specialist class concern – School Adjustment Counselor

    STEP THREE:  If steps one and two are unsuccessful at rectifying the situation satisfactorily, a phone call or meeting with the principal may be necessary.  Parents should contact the school secretary to schedule a time to speak with the principal on the phone or in person.

    Middle School Level

    STEP ONE: When a parent has a concern, it is important that the parent first begin by encouraging his/her child to speak with the staff member most closely associated with the situation. If this is unsuccessful at rectifying the situation, the parent may address the staff member most closely associated with the situation.  Parents should expect a response within two school days.   Details are listed below:

    • Academic or Social Concern (Classroom) – Classroom Teacher
    • Social/Behavioral (Outside of Classroom) – Adjustment Counselor / Dean of Students
    • Bus concern – Bus Driver//Dean of Students
    • Lunchtime Concern –Adjustment Counselor / Dean of Students
    • Exploratory Concern – Art, Foreign Language, Library, Music, PE/Health, Technology Teacher

    STEP TWO:  After communicating with the appropriate staff member, most situations can be resolved or explained.  If the parent continues to have concerns, the next step would be to meet with the next tier of support as outlined below.  By placing a phone call to the main office the parent can leave a message with the appropriate staff member.

    • Academic or Social Concern (Classroom) – Department Head
    • Social/Behavioral (Outside of Classroom) – Dean of Students
    • Bus concern – Dean of Students /Principal
    • Lunchtime concern – Dean of Students / Principal
    • Exploratory Concern – Dean of Students / Principal

    STEP THREE:  If steps one, two and three are unsuccessful at rectifying the situation satisfactorily, a phone call or meeting with the principal may be necessary.  Parents should contact the school secretary to schedule a time to speak with the principal on the phone or in person.

    High School Level

    STEP ONE:  When a student has a concern, it is important that the student first begin with the staff member most closely associated with the situation. Details are listed below:

    • Academic Concern (Classroom) – Classroom Teacher
    • Social/Behavior Concern (Outside of Classroom) – Guidance Counselor / Dean of Students
    • Bus concern – Bus Driver/Dean of Students/Guidance Counselor
    • Lunchtime Concern – Guidance Counselor / Dean of Students
    • Athletics Concern – Coach/Athletic Director

    STEP TWO: When a parent has a concern, it is important that the parent first begin by having his/her child speak with the staff member most closely associated with the situation (step one, above). If step one is unsuccessful at rectifying the situation, the parent may address the staff member most closely associated with the situation.  Parents should expect a response within two school days.   Details are listed below:

    • Academic or Social Concern (Classroom) – Classroom Teacher
    • Social/Behavioral (Outside of Classroom) –Guidance Counselor / Dean of Students
    • Bus concern – Bus Driver//Dean of Students
    • Lunchtime Concern – Guidance Counselor / Dean of Students
    • Athletics Concern – Coach/Athletic Director

    STEP THREE:  After communicating with the appropriate staff member, most situations can be resolved or explained.  If the parent continues to have concerns, the next step would be to meet with the next tier of support as outlined below.  By placing a phone call to the main office the parent can leave a message with the appropriate staff member.

    • Academic or Social Concern (Classroom) – Department Head
    • Social/Behavioral (Outside of Classroom) – Dean of Students
    • Bus concern – Dean of Students /Principal
    • Lunchtime concern – Dean of Students / Principal
    • Athletics Concern – Coach/Athletic Director

    STEP FOUR:  If steps one, two and three are unsuccessful at rectifying the situation satisfactorily, a phone call or meeting with the principal may be necessary.  Parents should contact the school secretary to schedule a time to speak with the principal on the phone or in person.