Mr. Theo L. Cramer
St. Mary's County Public Schools
Director of Student Services and Academic Support

Department Overview

The Student Services Department works to provide a systematic and integrated program to enhance student achievement by promoting safe, orderly, nurturing, and healthy learning environments. The goal of assisting students to achieve academic, health, career, personal, and interpersonal competencies is accomplished through the support for and implementation of: research-based, effective programs,. school, family and community partnerships; and targeted professional development.

The primary purpose of Academic Support is to increase academic achievement, with a special focus on closing the achievement gap, by providing support to schools in the areas of: After School Programs, Adult Education, Parent and Community Involvement, Cultural Diversity, Mentoring, and support for Transitioning Students.

Primary Responsibilities

• Student Services & Academic Support (DSSAS) work to provide a systematic and integrated program to enhance student achievement by promoting safe, orderly, nurturing, and healthy learning environments. The goal of assisting students to achieve academic, health, career, personal, and interpersonal competencies is accomplished through the support for and implementation of: research-based, effective programs; school, family and community partnerships; and targeted professional development. 
• As well, to work to increase academic achievement, with a special focus on closing the achievement gap, by providing support to schools in the areas of: After School Programs, Adult Education, Parent and Community Involvement, Cultural Diversity, Mentoring, and support for Transitioning Students.
•  Provides a developmental program for all students to maximize their personal and social skills as well as identify career goals.
•  Analyzes, integrates, and reports psychological and educational information about students.
• Consults with school personnel in planning, implementing, and evaluating school programs to meet educational, behavioral, or emotional need of students.
• Supports the health education instructional program and consults with parents, students, and staff on health issues. 
• Provides first aid and emergency services and promotes a healthful school environment.
• Coordinates mandated health screening programs.
• Functions as a liaison between the school, the home, and community agencies.
• Ensures appropriate application of laws, regulations, and local policies related to students.
• PBIS
•  Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
• Home/Hospital Teaching
• Home Instruction Monitoring
• Maryland Student Assistance Program
• Suicide Prevention
• Staff and Student Safety
• Coordinating after school intervention and mentoring programs
• Coordinating ABE and GED programs for the school system and the community.
• Involving parents and community stakeholders in school and system activities.
• The implementation of cultural diversity efforts in the school system.
• Support students who are transitioning to special programs.
• Manages the Safe and Drug Free Schools mentoring program (FLOW) for the school system.
• Outreach to parent, businesses and military.