The goal of our instructional support program is to make Catholic education accessible to all learners, including children who learn differently. We service children in grades K – 8 in the following areas:
- Reading/Language Arts
- Math
- Academic Support in the Content Areas
Cupertino Program: Instructional Support Program
Support Services
In accordance with the 2025 Diocese of Harrisburg Student Support Handbook, Saint Leo the Great has created an Academic and Behavioral Concerns (ABC) Council, led by Mrs. Jennifer Miller, and a Student Support Team (SST), facilitated by Ms. Michelle Navickas.
When a student demonstrates an ongoing need for academic, emotional, or social support, the ABC Council and SST collaborate closely with families to initiate the SST process to ensure appropriate interventions and resources are provided.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, the patron of our Cupertino Program, was an exemplary saint, despite his difficulties in studying and learning. After trying to join various religious communities, he became a stable-hand for a Franciscan monastery. Eventually he was able to study for the priesthood, and although his time proved difficult, during an examination, the examiner happened to ask him the one thing he knew well, allowing him to receive ordination as a Deacon and Priest, causing him to become the patron of test takers. As a priest, he would experience visions of union with God, along with levitation during mass, also causing him to become the patron of pilots.
Levels of Support
Itinerant Support: Itinerant support means your child spends most of their school day (at least 80%) learning alongside their classmates in the regular classroom. During this time, they receive extra help tailored to their needs, either from the classroom teacher or a specialist who provides additional instruction and support. This approach helps your child stay included in the general education setting while getting the specific help they need to succeed.
Supplemental Support: Supplemental support means your child spends part of their school day (50%-80%) learning with their classmates in the regular classroom and part of the day receiving extra help outside the classroom. This extra help focuses on specific skills or areas your child needs to work on, based on their Learning Plan . The goal is to give your child targeted instruction to build their skills while still being part of the regular school classroom.
Speech and Language Support: Students who qualify for speech and language services receive support through IU 13.
Social and Emotional Support: Students who are in need of social and or emotional services receive support through IU 13.
Compliance and Nondiscrimination
The Harrisburg Diocesan Compliance Officer oversees our commitment to nondiscrimination practices and coordinates compliance efforts in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Families may contact this office with any concerns or questions regarding these policies.
Prayer of St. Joseph of Cupertino
O Great St. Joseph of Cupertino who while on earth did obtain from God the grace to be asked at your examination only the questions you knew, obtain for me a like favor in the examinations for which I am now preparing. In return I promise to make you known and cause you to be invoked. I will also imitate your life of prayer and devotion, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
St. Joseph of Cupertino, Pray for us.
