Exceptional Children

Programs for Exceptional Children focus on ensuring that children with disabilities develop mentally, physically, socially, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. To be responsive to student needs, schools provide a broad range of educational services for students with disabilities, ages three to twenty-one. Approximately 400 Newton-Conover students are served in programs for exceptional children while an additional 100 or more students across Catawba County are served in joint programs administered by Newton-Conover City Schools. Service options for students vary based upon individual needs, however; most students are provided services in regular classroom settings. Other service options include resource settings, separate settings, separate school, home, hospital and residential settings.

Students referred to exceptional children's programs go through classroom interventions developed through the school level Individual Student Problem Solving team. If there is evidence that the student would benefit from special education services, the student is then screened, evaluated, and if eligible, placed in an appropriate program in accordance with state and federal guidelines as determined in an individualized education plan (IEP). In compliance with Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), student records compiled for evaluation purposes cannot be released to third parties without written consent of the parents. Throughout the placement and programming process, schools involve parents as participants.

Special education services are provided at each school in Newton-Conover. In some cases, classes for more specialized preschool or school age services are clustered at one school. Transportation is provided for all students with disabilities.

New to Newton-Conover City Schools

If you are new to Newton-Conover City Schools and have questions about special education, please visit our parent resources link or contact your child's school directly or the Exceptional Children's office at 828-464-3191.

  • In order to make your student’s transition into Newton-Conover City Schools go smoothly, it is very important to provide your student’s new school copies of the following information during registration:

    • Most recent psychoeducational report, eligibility, evaluation and/or reevaluation report;

    • Current individualized education program (IEP); and

    • Contact information for your student’s previous school and school district.

Exceptional Children's Department Team

  • Jessica Sherrill

    • Director of Exceptional Children, Pre-K, EC Homebound Services

  • Jennifer Heath

    • Administrative Assistant

  • Heidi Caldwell

    • Program Specialist

  • Jennifer Gosnell

    • Behavior Support

  • Samantha Jolly

    • Behavior Support

  • Hollie Kilby

    • Program Specialist

  • Jennifer Morgan

    • Program Specialist: Preschool Services

  • Stephanie Washington

    • Program Specialist