Middle School Program

Our LABBB program for middle schoolers is located at Belmont, Bedford, and Arlington Middle Schools. Most students in our program have the opportunity to interact with developmentally-typically peers through Best Buddies or PALS. They can also participate in fine arts and our expansive after-school recreation program.

Chenery Middle School

Grades: 5–8

Based on Massachusetts learning standards, we modify academic content at Chenery Middle School to meet the needs of each student. Using rule-based reading and writing programs, graphic organizers, and writing templates in the classroom helps address executive functioning and organizational needs. We also provide speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling services, and behavior consultation according to each student’s IEP. Some students in this program take the standardized MCAS with accommodations, while others will participate in the MCAS Alternate portfolio.

Our program provides speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and behavioral consultations on an individual basis according to IEP specifications.

Executive Functioning
Students with mild to moderate intellectual and/or neurological disorders develop independence by focusing on executive functioning skills. With the support of LABBB staff, students in this program are included in specials and elective courses according to their abilities.

Guided Instruction
For students with autism spectrum disorders and intellectual and/or health impairments, our teachers offer guided instruction and visual support to address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. When needed, we provide significant modifications to the curriculum to address student entry and access points, connect student learning to life application, and embed social skills and communication practice throughout the day.

Adaptive Skills
Our program focuses on the development of life application and independent living skills for students with moderate to severe special needs. In addition to the general curriculum, we provide access to adaptive physical education, community skills (social, communication, and behavioral expectations), and a weekly meal preparation class. Students may also participate in an inclusive art class.

John Glenn Middle School

Grades: 6–8

Students with specific learning disabilities, high-functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), mild to moderate social and emotional disorders, and anxiety disorders who struggle with social pragmatics, executive functioning, and other neuro-cognitive challenges benefit from our strong focus academic skills, social-emotional learning competencies, and pragmatic language development. Our end goal for these students is the fostering of personal responsibility, social awareness, and independence across all academic settings.

Students in this program may participate in inclusion classes for both academic and non-academic (elective) courses and extracurricular activities, while those who require social-emotional support receive individual counseling.

Ottoson Middle School

Grades: 6–8

At Ottoson Middle School, students receive specially designed services to address their academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Using the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior Therapy, our highly individualized instruction is delivered one-on-one or in small groups. We embed social and communication skills into the curriculum and focus our activities on developing independent and community life skills, including those that transfer to job-related tasks.

Our team includes speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and BCBA consultations. And all students may interact with their typically-developing peers by participating in Best Buddies.

Specialized Instruction & Related Services
For students who are experiencing global delays, neurological impairments, and/or significant medical challenges, we offer specialized instruction and services to accommodate their needs. Our team consists of a classroom teacher, nurse, and specialists in behavior analysis, orientation and mobility therapy, a vision and/or hearing therapist, and others as needed. We utilize teaching methods, such as PECS, and communication and assistive technology devices.

Therapeutic Support
Students experiencing social/emotional and behavioral challenges but otherwise performing at or close to grade level benefit from our therapeutic support. Our team of teachers and specialists works together to help students discover strategies for self-regulation, effective communication, and academic success. With appropriate structures and adult support, students acquire skills to transition into the general education setting when they are ready to meaningfully participate.