Student Services
The Student Services Office provides appropriate and comprehensive programming through the use of local, state, and federal funding and grants. Educational programs for students Pre-K to age 22 ensure high standards and expectations for both staff and students through quality training, research-based instruction, and data driven decisions. The Student Services Office is responsible for Special Education students ages 3 to 22, Child Find, students on 504 Plans and McKinney Vento. A range of programs and a continuum of services are available to all our learners and can be viewed on our website. Our goal is always to provide services for student’s success, achievement, and transitions throughout their school years so they have every opportunity to become independent, lifelong learners, and productive citizens in a global, competitive society.
Special Education Child Find Notice
Under federal and state special education regulations, Hopkinton Public Schools has a duty to locate, identify, refer, evaluate and, if eligible, provide a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities who reside in the town of Hopkinton. For parents or guardians of children ages 3-21 years of age who have a disability or developmental delay, and who would like more information, please contact Abigail Hanscom, Director of Student Services and Child Find Coordinator, at 508.497.9850.
Abby Hanscom has worked in the field of special education for the past thirty years. Currently the Director of Student Services for the Hopkinton Public Schools, she has also held positions as a learning center teacher, curriculum specialist, special education administrator at the middle school level, and Assistant Director of Student Services at the District level. For the last twelve years, she has worked as the Director of Student Services in the Westwood Public Schools. She holds a CAGS in Educational Administration, an MSW (clinical focus) and M.Ed. in Special Education, and a BA in Elementary Education.
Abby is certified in Massachusetts as a Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent, Special Education Administrator, Middle School Principal, Special Educator (Moderate N-9) and Elementary Education Teacher (K-6). Her educational interests include co-teaching, training of aspiring administrators, inclusive practices, collaboration and consultation, and effective communication. Abby is an adjunct faculty member at Lesley University and Stonehill College teaching in the Special Education program at the graduate level. She also co-hosts a podcast on special education that aims to make special education issues engaging and entertaining.