Student Services

At Snowflake Unified School District #5, our faculty, staff, and administration dedicate themselves to helping and ensuring student success in the classroom. Please utilize our Student Services page to learn about the different services our district offers to improve student success.

Educational Services
The Educational Services Division is committed to achieving our District Vision through implementation of our strategic plan and Local Education Agency (LEA) Plan. Our focus is ensuring all students graduate ready for successful entry into higher education and careers by implementing a rigorous curriculum, making relevant connections, establishing relationships of mutual respect, and maintaining an emphasis on results.

Educational Services Staff

Hollis Merrell - Superintendent of Educational Services,
ext. 7717, email: hollism@snowflake.k12.az.us
Tohna Rogers - Administrative Assistant, ext. 7710, email: tohnar@snowflake.k12.az.us

Special Education
The Special Education Department provides leadership and support to special education students, staff, and families. The department facilitates intervention, assessment, and educational placement for students with disabilities.
To request special education records, please fax your request to (928) 536.4246 or email your request to Melody Betancourt, melodyb@snowflake.k12.az.us.

Special Education Staff

Cindy Peterson - Director of Special Education,
ext. 7728, cindy@snowflake.k12.az.us
Kelly Hatch - Administrative Assistant,
ext. 7726, kellyh@snowflake.k12.az.us
Marcelene Camou - Psychologist (students with last names M-Z),
ext. 7723, marciec@snowflake.k12.az.us
Scott Flake - Psychologist (students with last names A-L),
ext. 7724, scottf@snowflake.k12.az.us
Melody Betancourt - Psychologists Secretary,
ext. 7722, melodyb@snowflake.k12.az.us
Sandi Ferrell - Related Services Secretary,
ext. 7734, sandif@snowflake.k12.az.us
Karen Hernandez - SLPA, karenh1@snowflake.k12.az.us
Dan Rowles - Speech Pathologist/Assistive Technology,
ext. 7117, danr@snowflake.k12.az.us
Leticia Taylor - Mental Health Counselor,
ext. 7738, leticiat@snowflake.k12.az.us
Terry Lacey - Occupational Therapist, ext. 7627, terril@snowflake.k12.az.us
Stacia Flake - Mental Health Counselor, staciaf@snowflake.k12.az.us
April Williams - SLPA ext. 7228, aprilw@snowflake.k12.az.us
Mary Jo Oechslin - Physical Therapist ext. 7239, maryjoo@snowflake.k12.az.us
Donna Hipps - PTA ext. 7239 donnah@snowflake.k12.az.us

Special Education Programs
The delivery of support and services varies from student to student. Some children are provided special education services in a general education classroom while others are provided services through a “pull out” model where they are taken out of the general education room for specialized academic instruction. Some have a blended program in which services are provided in a variety of creative ways. Parents are integral members of the IEP team and participate in decisions regarding the identification, placement, and services to be provided for their children.
Specialized Academic Instruction and Related Services are available at each elementary, middle school, and high school in the district. Self-contained classes for students with moderate to severe disabilities are available at Snowflake Intermediate, Taylor Elementary, Snowflake Jr. High School, and Snowflake High School. Services for emotional disabilities are provided at Taylor Intermediate. When reviewing service delivery options, the consideration of “inclusion” is often discussed. This term refers to children receiving supports and services in the general education classroom with their non-disabled peers.
Children qualify for special education services by meeting eligibility criteria set forth by state and federal laws. Each child is unique, and the concept of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is truly realized when a program is specifically designed to meet the needs of the child. If a student is not making adequate progress on IEP goals, even when all supports and services are in place, the placement needs to be examined.
Special Education teachers serve students whose IEPs indicate specialized academic instruction in the form of collaboration, pull out, or consultative services.
Please take time to review the Special Education Programs listed below:

Elementary School Programs

Highland Primary: SAI-Mild-Mod, Related Services
Taylor Elementary: Preschool, SAI-Mild-Mod, Related Services, SC-Mod-Severe
Snowflake Intermediate: SAI-Mild-Mod, Related Services, SC-Mod-Severe
Taylor Intermediate: SAI-Mild-Mod, Related Services, SC-ED CBI

Middle School Programs

Snowflake Jr. High School: SAI-Mild-Mod, SC-Mod-Severe, Related Services, CBI

High School Programs

Snowflake High School: SAI-Mild-Mod, SC-Mod-Severe, Related Services, YTP,

SAI - Specialized Academic Instruction
CBI - Community Based Instruction
PK - Preschool
SC - Self-Contained Class
ED - Emotional Disability
YTP - Youth Transition Program

Native American Education Services Staff