Honeoye school social worker and psychologist outline on‑site dental, counseling and crisis supports

The Honeoye Central School District’s mental‑health team briefed the board on Oct. 25 about services designed to reduce barriers to care for students and families, including an on‑site dental partnership and plans to host county behavioral health services in the building.

Molly Perrin, the district’s school social worker, said the team maintains a community resource guide, connects families to counseling and medical providers, helps students access food and clothing, and has been working with Mosaic Health to bring school‑based dental screenings, cleanings, x‑rays, fluoride treatments and sealants to UPK–12 students. Perrin said notices about the dental services will go to families this week.

"A lot of my work is developing the community resource guide … and continuing to keep that updated and also really supporting families in connecting with and accessing resources," Perrin said. She added that the district is pursuing a satellite arrangement with Ontario County mental‑health services so families can receive clinical care in the school building rather than travel to county clinics.

Rachel Davis, the school psychologist, outlined the team’s testing and special‑education responsibilities, including evaluations for the Committee on Special Education, three‑year reevaluations required by New York state, 504 case management and functional behavior assessments leading to behavior‑intervention plans where needed. Davis described both the lengthy statutory basis for IEPs under IDEA and the separate federal basis for 504 accommodations.

Board members asked about the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP; Davis explained the regulatory distinction and use cases. Several board members urged the administration to distribute the team’s slide or a short flyer to families so parents know the services available in the building.

The presenters noted one ongoing concern from students and staff: the number of staff expected to retire in the next three to four years and potential staffing challenges that could affect service delivery. The board thanked the mental‑health team for the overview.

The presentation included curriculum updates such as the districtwide rollout of "zones of regulation" in elementary classrooms and training expectations for staff in therapeutic crisis intervention for schools.