Learning Resource Center

Learning Resources

The Learning Resource Center supports students who would like to expand their learning through the development of improved study skills, organizational skills, and time management. Learning specialists are available during designated office hours or by appointment.

Students Helping Students

Students Helping Students is staffed by a Learning Specialist and peer tutors trained through the National Honor Society. During the support hours, peer tutors work with students on homework questions, projects, essays, as well as test preparation. Students may sign up to work with a tutor by registering on the Learning Resource Center Powerschool page.

Academic Accommodations

Archbishop Spalding supports the varied learning styles of individual students. Any student requesting academic accommodations must complete a formal request (see below) for review by the Learning Specialists. Once a student is approved, the family will meet with the Director of the Learning Resource Center to create an official Academic Accommodations Plan which will be provided confidentially to the student’s teachers each semester. During the meeting, the Director will explain uses of the plan and responsibilities of the student (and teachers) in implementing specific accommodations. Please see the Request for Accommodations document for more detailed information.

Academic Mentoring

The Academic Mentoring Program is designed to closely coordinate the efforts of administrators, counselors, teachers, and parents to meet specific needs of students facing academic challenges. Students considered for the Academic Mentoring Program have already obtained support from the classroom teacher, the Counseling Department and other school services. These students are recommended by school administrators for the program.

Aquinas Program

The Aquinas Program offers enhanced academic services for an additional fee. Admission is limited in each grade. Families must apply for the program separately. Admission to the program requires documentation of the student's learning needs. Students within the scope of the program are individually monitored on a daily basis. Extended Learning Resource Center hours are available to these students. Please contact the Director of the Learning Resource Center for more information.

The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students diagnosed with a learning disability and/or ADHD.
The program focuses primarily on challenges with executive functioning, working memory, and processing.
Separate courses available within program include English, Science, Social Studies, Math, and Spanish.
Courses offer alternative teaching strategies and assessment techniques to meet the learning needs of the students. The curriculum content goals match those of the College Prep curriculum.
Program courses provide and teach strategies to support students in utilizing strengths and navigating challenges.
Students receive additional education in advocacy, academic independence, and self-esteem.
Transitions Courses are available first semester each year. These courses focus on time management and proactive productivity skills, communication skills, growth mindset, college search process, career exploration, and college success strategies.
Students are continually evaluated to determine proper placement. Many students enrolled with the Aquinas program will also take Honors, AP, or IB courses throughout their years in high school.
The Learning Support Staff consists of five educators who work with students through the program, tutoring, mentoring, and other support services.
Teachers in the program are trained and qualified to work with students who have been diagnosed with a learning disability or/or ADHD.
Students receive training in technology resources such as audio books, e-books, organizational systems, and other learning systems.

Director of LRC/Aquinas Program

List of 1 members.

Dr. Jeanine Kandrac

Director - Aquinas Program & Learning Resource Center

(410) 969-9105 Ext. 264

kandracj@spaldinghs.org
Bio
Jeanine Kandrac is in her 19^th year here at Archbishop Spalding High School. She holds a Doctorate in Education from Johns Hopkins University. Jeanine is committed to delivering the most current research and evidence-based practices in education to teachers and students. She views her position in Catholic Education as a calling and a mission to serve others. Her hope is that her students will be leaders and advocates in their future successes.

Learning Specialist

List of 1 members.

Mrs. Shelby Smith

Learning Specialist

(410) 969-9105 Ext. 209

smiths@spaldinghs.org
Bio
Shelby Thibeault is a proud alumni of Archbishop Spalding High School, class of 2010. She graduated from Towson University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and composition. Shelby became an employee of Spalding in 2014 and currently serves as a learning support coordinator in the LRC and teaches English in the Aquinas Program.

Academic Mentoring Program

List of 1 members.

Mr. Troy Gibson

Learning Resource Center Support Staff

(410) 969-9105 Ext. 279

gibsont@spaldinghs.org
Bio
Troy Gibson graduated from Bowie State University with a Bachelor Degree in Child and Adolescent Studies. He has worked in the Howard County Public School System as a Paraeducator for four years. He also serves as one of the football coaches at Archbishop Spalding High School.

Learning Support

List of 1 members.

Mr. Brian Phipps

Teacher

(410) 969-9105 Ext. 427

phippsb@spaldinghs.org
Bio
Brian Phipps works in the Learning Resource Center and teaches World History and US History. He is a native of Annapolis, MD where he lives with his wife, Caitlyn. Brian is a graduate from the University of Maryland, with a degree in History. He is currently in his fifth year at Spalding, where he is also the Head Boys Lacrosse Coach. He also plays lacrosse for the MLL team the Chesapeake Bayhawks.