Special Services
The Westonka Special Services Department oversees district programs for students at risk or who need specialized support.
Family and Student Support
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
- Special Education
- 504 Plans
- English Learners
- Homelessness
- Mental and Chemical Health Services
- Outside Resources & Support
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)
Westonka Public Schools is committed to providing a high-quality education for all students. To ensure that students receive appropriate support, the district utilizes a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework. This framework emphasizes a proactive and data-driven approach to identifying and addressing student needs.
Tiered Intervention Model
- Tier 1: Universal Instruction: All students receive high-quality, evidence-based instruction in the general education setting. This includes differentiated instruction, small group instruction, and access to core curriculum materials.
- Tier 2: Supplemental Instruction: Students who are not making adequate progress in Tier 1 receive targeted small group instruction.
- Tier 3: Intensive Intervention: Students who continue to experience significant challenges despite Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions may receive intensive, individualized support.
Special Education
Special Education
Westonka's special education department includes an array of programs and services designed to meet the needs of students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Special education and support services are available to all learners ages birth through 21 who have not graduated and who have been identified as needing these specialized instructional services.
Main Contacts
Dr. Emily Rustman
Director of Special Services
(952) 491-8031
rustmane@westonka.k12.mn.us
Adriana Haugen
Special Education Coordinator
(952) 491-8032
haugena@westonka.k12.mn.us
Sally Wulf
Administrative Assistant for Special Services
(952) 491-8030
wulfs@westonka.k12.mn.us
504 Plans
About Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is an anti-discrimination statute that is designed to provide equal access to education programs, services and activities for students with a physical or mental health disability.
A student might qualify for a 504 plan if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity such as thinking, learning or concentrating, to name a few. The goal of a 504 plan is for students to be educated in regular classrooms along with services or accommodations they may need. A student with a mental and/or physical impairment that is progressing in school without modifications and/or accommodations, or with modifications and/or accommodations available to every student, would be eligible for the non-discrimination protections under Section 504 but would not have a written 504 plan.
If disagreements occur regarding Section 504 evaluation, eligibility, or services, please contact your child’s building 504 Coordinator. Refer to your procedural safeguards and grievance protocols for more information.
Section 504 Resources
English Learners
English Learners
English learners (ELs) participate in the language instruction educational program (LIEP). The goal of the program is to help EL students learn English so that they can succeed in school and graduate with their peers.
Learn more about Westonka's English learner services
Main Contact
Dr. Emily Rustman
Special Services Director
(952) 491-8031
Homelessness
Homelessness
- Children and youth who experience homelessness have the right to receive a free, appropriate public education ensured by the The McKinney-Vento Act. The law requires schools to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance and success for homeless students.
- The McKinney-Vento Act sets a high priority on keeping students at their schools of origin (the schools they attended when they first experienced homelessness). This provision provides students some stability when other factors are in flux.
- Children and youth in homeless situations are identified by school personnel and through coordination with other agencies and entities
- Children and youth enroll in, and have full and equal opportunity to succeed in, Westonka Schools
- Families, children, and youth receive educational services for which they are eligible and receive referrals to health, mental health, dental, and other appropriate services
- Parents or guardians are informed of educational and other related opportunities available to their children, and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children
- Parents and guardians, and unaccompanied youth are fully informed of all transportation services, including the school of origin, and are assisted in accessing transportation services.
Main Contacts
Dr. Emily Rustman
Director of Special Services
(952) 491-8031
rustmane@westonka.k12.mn.us
Melissa French
Community Outreach Coordinator
frenchm@westonka.k12.mn.us
Additional Resources
Mental and Chemical Health Services
School-linked Mental and Chemical Health Services
Westonka Public Schools partners with Relate Counseling Center to provide counseling for students at all grade levels. Services are offered on-site during the school day, which is beneficial to students and families who may not otherwise have access to mental health services.
Additionally, Westonka High School partners with Relate to provide chemical health counseling for students in grades 8-12.
Mental Health Services
School-linked Mental Health Services
Students who are referred to the School Linked Mental Health (SLMH) program should display mental health symptoms that are impacting their functioning at school, home and/or peer relationships. They should also be experiencing some barriers to services. Barriers to services are circumstances that prevent a family or student from accessing outpatient mental health services. Relate Counseling Center works with school districts in the Western Metro area, including Minnetonka, Wayzata, St. Louis Park, Orono and Mound.
The SLMH program is partially funded by a grant through the State of Minnesota. Per our contract with the state, we are required to bill insurance first before using the grant to cover individual sessions. This is true in all cases when a student has insurance, even if their insurance does not cover services (e.g., in the case of a high deductible plan). Assistance may be available to families if they do not have insurance or if their insurance does not cover services. Some families that do not have financial barriers will pay co-pays for their child’s sessions.
Main Contact
For more information, please contact your student's school counselor to see if Relate is an option for your student.
Additional Resources
Chemical Health Services
School-based Chemical Health Services
These chemical health services are free of charge to WHS students and families. Information shared with the chemical health specialist is kept confidential and not released to school employees.
Main Contact
Candi Davenport, MA, LADC
Chemical Health Specialist
Westonka High School
davenportc@westonka.k12.mn.us
(952) 491-8174
Additional Resources
Outside Resources & Support
Crisis Intervention Contacts
If you have an emergency, please call 911
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you and your loved ones. Call or text 988.
Anyone in crisis can text HOME to 741741 for English and AYUDA to 741741 for Spanish support. Our service is also available on WhatsApp at 443-SUPPORT for English and 442-AYUDAME for Spanish.
The Cope mobile crisis team can come to where you are. Cope responds to anyone in Hennepin County who needs an urgent response—individuals, families or communities.
We now have one number for all ages. Call 612-596-1223.
Advocacy/Support Organizations
Residential treatment is an opportunity for people with substance use disorder (SUD) to start recovery in a safe environment away from the constant reminders of use.
These unique programs care for adolescents with a dual diagnosis of mental health and substance use disorders.
A program of MN Adult & Teen Challenge, Lakeside Academy is a Christian Behavior and Recovery Center for boys 14-18 years old.
Hazelden Betty Ford is a behavioral healthcare center for teens (ages 12-18), young adults (ages 18-25) and families.
WINGS is a Co-Occurring Disorders treatment center for males and females age 13 to 18 who struggle with both addiction and mental health disorders.