STUDENT SERVICES
The Student Services department at Northwest Yeshiva High School provides academic, social-emotional, and behavioral support to students.
Student Services Coordinator
Ben Legel | blegel@nyhs.org
Mr. Legel oversees NYHS’s multi-tiered systems of support process, which identifies students with learning needs beyond universal instruction. He coordinates with the Mercer Island School District to support students with IEPs and evaluations. For students with documented disabilities, Mr. Legel works with the Student Services team to develop Student Support Plans – these plans outline individualized accommodations designed to help students succeed. He provides case management services for students with Student Support Plans to help them advocate for their needs and support teachers in implementing accommodations effectively. In addition, Mr. Legel oversees school-wide MAP testing and helps teachers differentiate instruction to meet students’ learning needs. If you are concerned about your child’s learning, please reach out to Mr. Legel.
School Psychologist
Sivan Komatsu | skomatsu@nyhs.org
Ms. Komatsu provides mental health and social-emotional support for students, including regular counseling sessions and as-needed drop-in services. She is available to help any student struggling with anxiety, stress, grief, sadness, interpersonal difficulties, and more, whether or not they are diagnosed with a mental health condition. Students in need of support are encouraged to email or message Ms. Komatsu on Schoology, and parents/guardians can also reach out to Ms. Komatsu with any concerns about their children’s wellbeing. Ms. Komatsu also conducts psychoeducational evaluations and functional behavior assessments for students with suspected disabilities or learning challenges. Based on the results of these evaluations and assessments, Ms. Komatsu works with the Student Services Team, student, and family to determine how to most effectively support the student.
Learning Support Specialist
Madison Holt | mholt@nyhs.org
Ms. Holt utilizes a strengths-based approach that leverages individual talents to enhance learning experiences while fostering students' confidence and ownership in their educational journey. When students elect to come to the Student Success Center to work with Ms. Holt, they receive a highly individualized approach tailored to their needs, including support in developing executive functioning skills. She collaborates with students, teachers, and parents to establish differentiated academic strategies. Ms. Holt raises awareness about various learning disabilities and challenges, providing ongoing education about best practices. Additionally, she equips teachers with valuable resources and strategies to create inclusive, supportive classroom environments that promote academic growth for all learners.
Israel Gap-Year Guidance
Rabbi Naftali Rothstein | rrothstein@nyhs.org
Experiencing the land of Israel first-hand through a gap year between 12th grade and college is something that we expect all of our students and parents to seriously consider. There are a variety of programs for high school graduates to choose from. Our Israel Guidance Department, led by Rabbi Rothstein, assists our students and parents along the journey from getting to know the different options, through the application process, and checking in with our alumni while they are in Israel.
Our students receive individualized counseling and coaching to help them match their interests and needs with the right program. In addition, our Guidance Department organizes meetings and visits with different institutions from Israel and their representatives who travel to the U.S. While the process is primarily for Seniors, our Juniors are invited to start meeting with our Israel Guidance Department and/or join presentations as well, so that they can start learning about the process and begin to explore their post-high school options.