Resource Room
Mission Statement
The mission of the Bishop Dwenger Resource Department is to provide a positive, developmentally appropriate learning environment where students can achieve SUCCESS.
Special Education
Bishop Dwenger's Special Education program is a continuation of the ongoing movement in the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend that instills the belief that all students, regardless of their ability, have the right to experience a Catholic education. Through the development of special education programs and the expansion of our resource room staff, it is our goal to meet the ever-evolving academic, social, and behavioral needs of ALL students.
Services
Resource Room
The Resource Room at Bishop Dwenger is open to ALL students. It is a safe environment where students can get help with study strategies and other study and organizational skills. Students who need more intense help may be assigned to a Resource Period during their school day if they need additional help being organized, relearning concepts, or help studying.
The Resource Room is staffed by a full-time lead resource teacher and two instructional aids. Our staff is available to answer questions and help students be successful.
Classes
Bishop Dwenger's curriculum offers a number of classes for students of all abilities.
For those students that struggle, teachers may recommend that they be placed in the Basic Level class. Currently, Basic Level Classes are offered for: Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2, English 9, American Literature, English Literature, and Biology. Basic Level classes are designed to help students that traditionally struggle with the pace and workload of a regular academic class.
Before and After School Assistance
National Honor Society tutors are available for walk-in tutoring at 7:20am every morning in the Resource Room. Students can bring in their homework to ask questions about material they might not understand. The time can also be used to review for tests.
After-school study tables are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays until 4:00pm. Resource teachers and instructional aids are available to help students with homework, organization, and test preparation.
St. Mother Teresa Program
The Saint Teresa Program at Bishop Dwenger, established in 2020, is aimed to maximize academic, social, emotional, and physical skills for students with moderate needs. Our goal is to help our students become successful in all aspects of life. Students will gain critical thinking skills and further develop their independence in school and daily life, all under the teachings and guidance of our Catholic Faith. This program meets students where they are, in math, reading, writing, and life skills to aid in their growth as young adults. Our lead teacher for the Program is Andrea Wolfe. She can be reached at awolfe@bishopdwenger.com or by phone at 260-496-4718.
Staff
The Special Education Department is blessed to have a large variety of staff members, including: a special education coordinator, lead resource teacher, and instructional aids. Each individual has a unique role, specific to his or her skill base.
Special Education Coordinator
The Special Education Coordinator oversees the entire Resource Department. Job duties include but are not limited to: teacher communication, student communication, parent communication, course research, disability best practice information, and more. The Special Education Coordinator runs all IEP/ISP conferences for students with special needs and serves as the liaison between Bishop Dwenger and Fort Wayne Community Schools. The BD Coordinator is Lauren Slater ('97). She can be emailed at lslater@bishopdwenger.com or reached by phone at 260-496-4740.
Lead Resource Teacher
The Lead Resource Teacher is the anchor of the resource room. This professional is in charge of making sure the resource room is functioning daily. This role includes but is not limited to: monitoring student progress, reteaching students various material, communicating with teachers and the Special Education Coordinator, and more. The BD Lead Resource Room Teacher is Emma Ankenbruck. She can be emailed at eankenbruck@bishopdwenger.com or reached by phone at 260-496-4727.
Instructional Aids
The instructional aids work both in the Resource Room and in the classroom. Aids support the classroom teacher in any tasks and accommodations that need to be met in the classroom for identified students. While in the Resource Room, aids assist students in a variety of strategies to help them find success including those modifications/accommodations found in ISP and CAP plans. Such strategies include: organization, study help, monitor levels of performance, reteach concepts, assist in homework/projects, read/monitor assessments, etc..
Steps to Take if My BD Student Needs Help
- Reach out to the classroom teacher of the subject area your student is struggling with. Teachers can share insight on what they see in the classroom, analyze grades, and give helpful tips within their class. Open lines of communication between school and home are critical to address concerns.
- Have your child attend study tables before or after school for extra help (M-F 7:20am or T/TH 3-4pm in Room 140). These are open to all BD students to get extra support.
- Get a 1:1 NHS (National Honor Society) Student Tutor for a specific subject area. Tutoring is arranged through the Resource Room personnel.
- Reach out to SPED Coordinator if the above have not worked to discuss other options.
Resources
Indiana Resource Center for Autism
www.AskRose.org - The Homework Hotline is ready to provide free help to students in math and science. Our tutors are trained Rose-Hulman students, available Sunday-Thursday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. (EST) to take student calls, chats, and emails.
