Educational Support Services and Parent Relations (ESS&PR)
The Educational Support Services & Parent Relations (ESS&PR) Department is committed to fostering student success by providing a wide range of support services for students in grades K-12. Our mission is to help students reach their full academic and personal potential by addressing barriers to learning and promoting well-being.
In partnership with families and school staff, we ensure that students receive the assistance they need to thrive in school and beyond. The department also plays a vital role in equipping parents and guardians with the tools, information, and resources necessary to support their child’s educational journey.
SCHOOL COUNSELORS
School counselors are integral to our support system, offering comprehensive, developmentally appropriate programs that enhance student achievement and well-being.
Through a blend of prevention, early intervention, and individualized support, school counselors address a variety of student needs that may impact learning and development. Their work includes:
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- Individual and small-group counseling
Classroom lessons and school-wide programming focused on:
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- Social-emotional learning
- Conflict resolutionCareer exploration and readiness
- Post-secondary planning
- Mental health and wellness support
School counselors serve as a vital link between the school, home, and community. They collaborate with teachers, administrators, families, and community partners to ensure students receive the appropriate support and referrals when needed.
By cultivating strong relationships and fostering open communication, our counselors help students navigate challenges, set goals, and grow into confident, capable learners.
SAFE AND DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS PROGRAM
The Safe and Drug-free Schools Program is grounded in evidence-based practices that emphasize prevention, early intervention, and education. Through age-appropriate instruction, staff training, student support services, and community collaboration, the program works to cultivate a culture of accountability and care.
Key components include:
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- Curriculum Integration: Embedding substance abuse prevention education into the broader school curriculum to reinforce healthy decision-making and life skills.
- Professional Development: Providing educators and school personnel with the tools and training necessary to identify warning signs, intervene appropriately, and foster supportive learning environments.
- Student Support Services: Ensuring access to counseling, mentorship, and peer support programs for students at risk or impacted by substance use.
- School-Community Partnerships: Collaborating with local agencies, health professionals, and law enforcement to create coordinated prevention and intervention efforts.
TEMPORARILY DISPLACED/HOMELESS STUDENTS
The East Orange School District is committed to ensuring educational stability for all students, including those experiencing homelessness or temporary displacement. In alignment with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, the district works to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success for students in transitional living situations.
Eligible students include those who are:
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- Living in shelters, motels, or temporary housing
- Doubling up with other families due to loss of housing or economic hardship
- Residing in cars, parks, or public spaces not intended for regular housing
To support these students, the Enrollment Support Services & Pupil Registration (ESS & PR) department facilitates streamlined enrollment regardless of documentation status or proof of residence. Once enrolled, students will be promptly placed and are entitled to services such as transportation, access to free school meals, academic support, and counseling, in accordance with the Education Stability Law and McKinney-Vento guidelines.
Families who become displaced over the summer may keep their children enrolled in the originally selected school to maintain continuity. New families entering the district under displaced circumstances will have the option to select a school of choice, pending seat availability.
The district is dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive educational environment, ensuring that every student, regardless of housing status, has equal access to academic opportunities and the support necessary to succeed.
PARENT RELATIONS
The East Orange School District’s Parent Relations program is designed to foster strong partnerships between families and schools to support student success. The program focuses on equipping parents with effective parenting strategies, enhancing communication between home and school, and actively involving families in school life. Key goals include strengthening parental understanding of child development, supporting academic and social-emotional growth, increasing family participation through volunteerism and decision-making opportunities, and connecting families to valuable community resources and services. Through these efforts, the district aims to create a collaborative educational environment where every student can thrive.
EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES & PARENT RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
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Corey Smallwood
Supervisor
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Chrystalene Ogle
Assistant Secretary |
Leigh Garwin, C.T
Educational Support Specialist
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Elizabeth Fallon Counselor Trainer Send Email |
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Demetrisha Barnes
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ESS&Parent Relations Specialist
McKinney-Vento/DCP&P Liaison
Educational Stability Liaison
KSA Dual Enrollment Liaison
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