Exceptional Student Services

  • Need help?

    For questions, please contact Amy Kalcic, Administrative Assistant to ESS at 623-772-2326 or akalcic@pesd92.org.

    Gwendolyn Parker, Director of Exceptional Student Services
    Phone: 623-772-2332
    Email: gparker@pesd92.org 

    Rae James, Assistant Director of Early Childhood and Exceptional Student Services
    Phone: 623-772-2360
    Email: rjames@pesd92.org

    Katie Kallstrom, Coordinator for School Climate and Culture
    Phone: 623-772-2317
    Email: kkallstrom@pesd92.org 

    Amy Kalcic, Administrative Assistant
    Phone: 623-772-2326
    Email: akalcic@pesd92.org 

    Jacqulyn Blaise, Office Technician/Records
    Phone: 623-772-2338
    Fax: 623-877-1028
    Email: jblaise@pesd92.org  

    Abrianna Perez, Preschool Scholars Office I
    Phone: 623-772-2341
    Email: abperez@pesd92.org

    Areas of Responsibilities

    Exceptional Student Services  is responsible for the identification and placement of all students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment with the provision of specialized instruction. Student support that is overseen by Exceptional Student Services includes: Special Education Services, Gifted Services, Section 504 accommodations, health services, homebound services, voucher placements, Early Childhood Services, positive intervention behavior supports, counseling, assistive technology, school psychology services, related services, Medicaid billing, program implementation and monitoring, the provision of FAPE for all students receiving special education services and adherence to IDEA.

    Strategic Plan Goals

    1. Increase the understanding and practices of staff to educate and provide rigorous instruction for our neurodiverse students.

    2. Support inclusive classroom practices to be utilized in all classrooms for all students

    3. Developing community partnerships are developed and nurtured to support students and families through collaborative efforts.

    4. Ensure equitable educational opportunities for our neurodiverse students.

    Our Mission

    The mission of the Pendergast Exceptional Student Services Department is providing access to all educational needs by embracing dignity, equity and opportunities for all.

    Points of Pride

    • Early Childhood Programming, Developmental and Community

    • Assistive Technology Coordinators

    • Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS)

    • Continuum of Inclusive and Equitable Practices

    • Compliant audits from the Arizona Department of Education and Medicaid