Blackhawk High School is dedicated to supporting the success and well-being of every student. Our Student Services team offers a wide range of resources designed to meet diverse needs—whether academic, emotional, physical, or social. From gifted enrichment and English language support to special education, mental health services, and assistance for students experiencing housing instability, we work to ensure that every student has the tools and support they need to thrive. Our holistic approach reflects our belief that all students deserve a safe, equitable, and empowering school experience.
The Blackhawk School District offers a full continuum of special education programs and services to all students eligible for such services. Special education programs and services are available for eligible children ages three to school entry age and may be requested by contacting the Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit at (724) 774-7800. Services for eligible students of school entry age through twenty-one years of age may be requested by contacting Dr. Trisha Huston, Director of Special Education services and programs, at (724) 843-1005.
Special Education programs available include services for eligible students who are identified under one or more of the following disability categories:
- Developmental Delay (Preschool only)
- Autism
- Specific Learning Disability
- Emotional Disturbance
- Other Health Impairment
- Speech and Language Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Visual Impairment
- Deaf-Blind
- Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
The Blackhawk School District has an on-going screening process to identify students in need of special education services and specially designed instruction. The screening process is conducted in each building throughout the school year by the Academic Intervention Model Team (AIM), Student Assistance Program (SAP), School Counselors, School Psychologists, and Principals. Screening assessments and processes used to identify students include, but are not limited to the following: Kindergarten screening, Parent/Teacher consults, Review of group achievement tests results, and Individual screening as needed.
A collaborative effort to provide the child with the least restrictive environment from kindergarten through graduation. This will be a comprehensive effort, involving all the people familiar with the child including parents, regular and special educator, counselors, administrators, outside consultants, and the student, when appropriate. Special Education paraeducators provide support in all school environments as determined by the IEP team. Teachers utilize modifications and adaptations to ensure effective instruction for all students that address the wide range of student learning styles and individual needs.