Support Services
School Based Support Team
The Department of Education is required to provide each student with a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
The School-Based Support Team (SBST) is designed to ensure all students are given the opportunity to be successful in the general education classroom by providing a structured support system for teachers and parents when students are experiencing difficulties.
When a teacher or parent has concerns about a student, they can reach out to the SBST. The school psychologist and social worker handle most initial student evaluations and any three-year re-evaluations of students who are in need of continued support.
After the initial evaluation, SBST members work with the student’s teacher, school staff, and family to develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team outlines what services the student needs and how they will be provided.
SBST Team:
Office Hours: 7:30 am - 2:50 pm
Phone number: (718) 459-1044 Ext: 2000
Anny Diaz
Bilingual School Psychologist
Monday to Friday
Britney Hernandez
Bilingual Social Worker
Monday - Tuesday - Friday
Vivian Diaz
Bilingual Family Worker
Monday to Friday
Learn more about Special Education on the NYCDOE’s - Special Education (nyc.gov)
School Counselor
My name is Justine Bono, and I am the School Counselor at PS 139. My role is to assist students in achieving their highest potential in school. By supporting social emotional, behavioral, and academic needs, I assist students in learning the necessary skills to help them become successful and productive. Some of these skills include coping skills, self-management and regulation, socialization techniques, and self-awareness. This is achieved through individual counseling, group counseling, and classroom lessons and activities.
As the lead for our school’s Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports Committee (PBIS), it was essential to create a tier 1 framework of behavioral expectations and core values. Students are rewarded for displaying these desired positive behaviors, with the primary goal of helping establish a positive and respectful climate and culture. As our school’s Respect for All Liaison, Suicide Prevention Liaison, Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Liaison, and 504 Coordinator, I am here to support students and families in these areas. I work closely with administration, teachers, and parents daily as an advocate for each student. Our main goal is to help create a positive climate of safety, respect, and acceptance to promote the well-being of each student.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy at PS 139 is designed to maintain, improve, or restore function of students in all education-related activities, including neuro-musculoskeletal function; motor function including fine motor, oral motor, and visual motor integration; sensory and perceptual function; cognitive, and psychosocial function. Activities emphasize independence in daily living skills and school participation in various settings including classroom, bathroom, cafeteria, and playground.
The emphasis of school-based occupational therapy is to help students access the academic environment and participate to the maximum extent possible in educationally related activities.
If Occupational therapy services are needed, these services are performed during the school day and all therapists are licensed to practice by the NY State Office of Professions.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy emphasizes physical function of gross motor skills and independence in different settings. Physical therapists increase a student’s ability to participate in various school functions by remediating or compensating for musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, or cardiopulmonary impairments. Physical therapists employ various techniques including addressing deficits in body structure and function, suggesting adaptations to physical tasks, recommending assistive devices, and adapting the environment.
The emphasis of school-based Physical therapy is to help students access the academic environment and participate to the maximum extent possible in educationally related activities.
If Physical therapy services are needed, these services are performed during the school day and all therapists are licensed to practice by the NY State Office of Professions.
ELL/MLL
Our vision is to graduate ELL/MLL students who are autonomous critical thinkers, communicators and innovators. Through our integrated and stand alone modes of instruction we nurture and empower students to take ownership of their own language learning, take pride in their culture and multi-literacy, so that they may become successful citizens in our society.
Speech
Here at PS 139, we have dedicated support staff that work with classroom teachers in providing assistance to children who may have challenges understanding and expressing their thoughts and ideas. Speech therapy is provided here at the school level to assist those students' needs.
Speech and language delays may affect many areas including children’s listening skills, following directions, and learning of concepts related to reading, writing, and the language of math, resulting in academic delays.
If speech services are needed, students receive support during the school day. Our students’ needs and parents' concerns are addressed, speech and language goals are worked on, and students can then achieve their academic needs in the classroom with learned speech skills practiced at home.
