This week we’d like to highlight a not-often talked about, but absolutely vital department here at ISD - the Elementary Student Support Department. The Student Support Department, led by Ms. Adja Sakho, works with many members of the ISD community from admissions to counselors to teachers and more all with the goal of creating an inclusive learning environment for our students.
Who We Are
The Student Support Department within the Elementary School supports ISD’s commitment to sustaining an inclusive and differentiated learning environment. It serves a diverse population of learners.
What We Believe
All children have the right to progress academically, emotionally, and socially in a diverse and inclusive community. The ES Student Support program recognizes that students come from diverse backgrounds and varied experiences, and through a multidisciplinary approach aims to remove barriers to learning so that all students experience success and are empowered to exercise their rights and accept their responsibilities as global citizens.
What We Do:
Support students with specific academic, language, and/or behavioral challenges through an inclusion model
Collaborate with the faculty, Counseling Department, and Admissions Department to identify and serve an ever growing population of diverse learners
Administer academic and benchmark assessments
Social-Emotional Learning at ISD
Social and emotional well-being at the elementary school level is approached from a child-centered view. Students receive biweekly in-class instruction on mindfulness, managing emotions, stress, and anxiety. Some children also receive group or individual counseling support.
The support department understands that the overall health and well-being of a child is essential for their growth. The team works diligently to support students, staff, and families in a variety of ways.
Have a question for the Student Support Department? You can contact us at:
Adja M. Sakho
Head of ES Student Support Department
Student Support Specialist
Student Support Staff Members
Adja M. Sakho - Head of ES Student Support Department & Student Support Specialist
Sedina Mupeso - Student Support Specialist
Elizabeth Hollister - Language Acquisition Specialist
Monica Yu - Language Acquisition Specialist
Estrellla Abraham Fernandez - Student Support Specialist
Amelia Drummond - Interventionist
Jessica Whitten-Preciado - Interventionist
Oumou Gueye - Interventionist
Annie Neill - Elementary Counselor
Lori Nellor - Student Support Specialist (2020 - 2021)
Kristi Belete - Language Acquisition Specialist (2020 - 2021)
Paula Traore - Elementary Counselor (2021)
Lara Ageros - ES Assessment Coordinator and All School Counselor (2021)