Belchertown Public Schools (Swift River Elementary)

 57 State St, Belchertown, MA 01007
https://www.belchertownps.org/swift-river-elementary-school/

Populations Served

Swift River Elementary School encompasses grades 1-3, and beginning in the Fall of 2026, will also host kindergarten. This school has a specialized classroom for students with cognitive disabilities and a separate one for students with behavioral needs.

Location(s) of internship sites

Swift River is located in Belchertown, about 20 minutes from campus.

Accessible by Public Transportation?

Not directly

General job description of what an intern might do

Interns are most needed for inclusion recess settings both indoors and outdoors. This would include games and other activities that are accessible to students with physical or developmental/intellectual disabilities.
Interns are also needed for our “Place for Peace” program, which supports inclusion and acceptance with first and second grade students. Interns are welcome to come up with projects or sessions to lead with students as well.
Interns may also be able to spend time in general education classrooms to support students who need a little extra support during the day.

The types of professionals you’ll work with

Interns will work directly beneath the school social worker/behavioral specialist/autism specialist and have support from social work interns. Students receive support from speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, special and general education teachers, school counselors, and other support staff.

Expected Availability

School runs from about 9:00am to 3:00pm Monday through Friday. Recess spans from 11:50 to 1:25, separated by grade level. Interns can discuss scheduling with the supervisor and can choose one or multiple days a week to volunteer.

Interns are required to complete a CORI background check and fingerprinting before starting at Swift River.

Agency Contact

Johanna Hammer, LICSW
jhammer@belchertownps.org