Learning Resource Collaborative FAQs

The Learning Resource Collaborative (LRC) is a partnership of professionals at Sandy Spring Friends School committed to the competency, success, and joy of all learners in the SSFS community. It is a comprehensive, multi- disciplinary student support system that serves as an expanded program for supporting student learning in both the day and boarding programs to empower students for college and beyond. The LRC is comprised of six cross-divisional Learning Specialists \including specialists in expertise in math, literacy, and executive functioning.

Each division provides developmentally appropriate support through programming and individualized attention. Programmatic supports include small class sizes, intimate advisory groups, academic help and tutorial times built into the daily academic schedule, peer writing and peer counseling support, and multifaceted, individualized college counseling support. Licensed counselors and learning specialists in each division also provide a variety of services to individual students including in-class accommodations and support for standardized testing accommodations.

What additional resources are provided by the Learning Resource Collaborative? The Learning Resource Collaborative provides the following core services to all SSFS students and their families: 

• Consultation with parents, students, teachers, and outside professionals about learning needs 
• Assistance with the identification of learning differences 
• Collaboration with students and families to develop learning strategies that leverage strengths and mitigate challenges.
• Referrals to outside resources (tutors, speech and language therapists, psycho/educational testing services, etc.) as needed 
• Support for teachers for implementing recommendations and accommodations 
• Planning and administration of ongoing faculty/student/family workshops and training on how students learn and study

Regardless of division, it is always best to start with your child’s teacher or advisor (middle/upper school). They will share their observations with you and help you decide whether or not to call/email the Learning Specialist. Contact information for each division’s Learning Specialist is listed below. 

• Lower School Learning Specialist: Bela Meghani, bela.meghani@ssfs.org, 301.774.7455 x311 
• Middle School Learning Specialist: Patti Lemere, patti.lemere@ssfs.org, 301.774.7455 ext. 116 
• Upper School Learning Specialist: Shannon Needham, shannon.needham@ssfs.org, 301.774.7455 ext. 122
• Upper School Learning Specialist: Ebe Behnia, ebe.behnia@ssfs.org, 301.774.7455 x173 
• Cross Divisional Learning Support Administrative Assistant: Jenai Bell, jenai.bell@ssfs.org 

Please contact the Learning Specialist in your division to determine which accommodations are routinely provided at SSFS. The Learning Specialist will most likely want to meet with you about the information and discuss setting up an Accommodation Plan (Upper School) or Learning Profile (Lower and Middle school) to make sure your child’s needs are met during the school day.