Welcome to Special Education

Central Administrative Office location: 167 Holland Street, Somerville, MA 02144

The Special Education Department is responsible for ensuring all students who require special education services in order to maximize their learning are identified and their individualized learning needs are met in the least restrictive environment possible. Special Education Department staff work with teachers, administrators, and families to ensure Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students are implemented with integrity.

• Learn more about the Special Education process: 2022-2023 Somerville Special Education Procedural Manual 
• Special Education Programs and Services
• Special Education Resources and Sites for Content Area Practice - The Special Education Department staff have compiled and organized a comprehensive list of resources and sites to support families and students. We invite you to explore the site for a great list of resources, activities, and information on topics that include accessibility, art, executive functioning, communication, literacy, sensory, and more. Information is available in multiple languages
• Parent and family technology resource page
• Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Schedule - Resources and information from the Department, the U.S. Department of Education, and other sources regarding special education.

Special Education Staff

Capuano Early Childhood Center

• Susan Gibbons, SE Department Coordinator, Capuano School, 617-625-6600 x3624
• Laura Walley. SE Program Director - AIM 617-625-6600 x6730

Arthur D. Healey School

• Siobhan Aberdale, SE Department Coordinator 617-625-6600 x6798 

Benjamin G. Brown School

• Dorothy Scally, SE Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6835

East Somerville Community School

• Marianna Stewart, SE Department Coordinator  617-625-6600, x3754

Albert F. Argenziano School

• Dr. Iris Miller, SE Department Coordinator 617-625-6600 x6534

John F. Kennedy School

• Will Verbits, SE Department Coordinator 617-625-6600 x6619

West Somerville Neighborhood School

• Dr. Iris Miller, SE Department Coordinator 617-625-6600 x6536

Winter Hill Community Innovation School

• Siobhan Aberdale, SE Department Coordinator 617-625-6600 x6798 

Winter Hill Community Innovation School AIM Program

• Laura Walley. SE Program Director - AIM 617-625-6600 x6730

Somerville High School

• Konstantina Kalogridis, SE Department Coordinator 617-625-6600 x615122
• Marianna Stewart, SE Department Coordinator for Specialized Programs 617-625-6600

Next Wave / Full Circle Schools

• Jack Haverty, SE Department Coordinator / Assistant Principal 617-625-6600 x610770

Out of District Programs

• Dorothy Scally, SE Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6835

Parent Advisory Council

Join the Somerville Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) and connect to other families whose children receive special education services in the Somerville Public Schools. SEPAC meets regularly for community-building events and organizes informational workshops.

Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards

If a student is eligible for special education, the school district must provide a free appropriate public education, commonly referred to by the acronym FAPE, working in partnership with the student's parents / guardians. Please read the Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards, available on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's website in multiple languages.

Child Find

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004) and Massachusetts Special Education regulations 603 CMR 28.00, the Somerville Public Schools provides screenings and evaluations for all children residing in Somerville, MA between the ages of 3 and 21 to determine eligibility for special education services. Any parent, caregiver, or teacher may refer the student for evaluation if they suspect the presence of a disability that may preclude the child from progressing effectively in a general education program. This notice applies to all children residing in Somerville, MA who attend either public or private schools. If you believe your child may be in need of special education services, please contact your child's principal or a special education department head or facilitator as listed below.

Child Find Notice in: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole

• Argenziano School: Dr. Iris Miller, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6354
• Brown School: Dorothy Scally, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6688 x6835
• ECIP / Capuano Early Childhood Center: Susan Gibbons, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x3624
• East Somerville Community School: Marianna Stewart, Department Coordinator 617-625-6688 x3754
• Healey School: Siobhan Aberdale, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6536
• Kennedy School: Will Verbits, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6619
• Full Circle and Next Wave Schools: Jack Haverty, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x610770
• Somerville High School: Konstantina Halas, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x615122
• West Somerville Neighborhood School: Dr. Iris Miller, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6458
• Winter Hill Community Innovation School: Siobhan Aberdale, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6798
• Out of District Programs: Dorothy Scally, Department Coordinator, 617-625-6600 x6835