Sierra School at Plano
Predicated on strong collaboration and communication between Plano ISD, Region 10 and our in-district staff, our district programs are designed to achieve their greatest potential. The academic, social emotional, and behavioral needs of each student are met through such means as a high student-to-staff ratio, individualization and small-group teaching approaches and comprehensive behavior management system. Our staff works in unison with district special education and general education teachers to ensure that our students receive the maximum benefits from both district resources and those of our programs.
Contact Us
- (P) 972-905-8260
1300 19th St., Plano, TX 75074
Meet the Team
Emily Wimpee- Director
Emily started with SESI in 2017 as a middle school assistant teacher in Littleton, Colorado where she quickly discovered a deep passion for helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally. In 2018, she became the lead teacher at the high school level in Littleton, where she honed her ability to connect with students at critical stages of their lives. From there, she spent three wonderful years as an elementary teacher in Wylie, Texas working to build meaningful opportunities for young learners. These experiences prepared her for the opportunity to serve as the Program Director for Sierra School at McKinney where she spent time creating a setting that empowered students to thrive in unique and meaningful ways. Today, she is proud to continue this work as the Program Director of Plano, where she is committed to fostering an environment of growth and success for students.
Emily’s “why” as an educator has always been rooted in the passion that educators get to show up for students and be a part of their journey as they unlock their untapped potential. As Sierra educators, there is a passion to build strong relationships, create an unwavering confidence in our students, and stand by their side as they achieve their goals. Moving forward, her goal at Sierra Plano is to build a strong foundation and continue to evolve as a community that celebrates resilience and achievements by continuing to empower students as they overcome challenges, pursue their passions, and realize their full potential. Sierra Plano’s future is bright, and she is excited to be a part of it!
We serve students in grades 6-12. Our classroom is a highly structured, therapeutic environment with a classroom-based behavior management level system to assess student needs and map out the best way to benefit them. Our staff provides a positive and welcoming environment to meet the social, emotional, and academic needs of each student.
Broad-Based Educational Services & Therapies (B.E.S.T.) Program (Grades 9-12)
B.E.S.T. Model of Specialist Instruction: Students receive specialized direct instruction in prosocial skills, sensory regulation, communication, and language development.
- Functions of student behaviors and behavioral goals can be determined by student assessments such as Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs).
- Academic and functional living targets are identified through research-based assessment tools, such as Promoting Emerging Advanced Knowledge (PEAK) or Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program (VB-MAPP).
- 4-Step Plans provide additional layers of instructional assessment and guidance to effectively address each student’s academic needs or skill gaps
- Sierra’s Team works in close collaboration with each student’s home school/district to ensure a more seamless reintegration into or out of classrooms across the continuum.
Academic Rotation Program (Grades 6-12)
Our Academic Rotation program focuses on utilizing academic supports, social and emotional learning, and positive behavioral interventions to assist students in learning, generalizing, and maintaining positive social, emotional, and behavioral skills across multiple learning environments. Students receive specialized direct instruction in pro-social skills so they can learn to effectively identify and self-regulate their behavior in their least restrictive environment. Target skills may include, but are not limited to, being considerate, appropriate, safe, and engaged (CASE). Students learn and practice mindfulness techniques, self-regulation strategies, thought stopping/thought changing strategies, and motivational techniques that will allow them to gain more self-control and improve problem-solving skills.
Sierra Schools have decades of experience in serving students with complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs. We couple our extensive experience with the latest in evidence-based, specialized instruction, positive behavioral supports and interventions, in addition to social skills training. We routinely assess students’ individual skill levels, collect and analyze data, and use this information to design instructional and behavioral plans. Sierra provides an added layer of clinical support and services. Our social worker can provide in classroom and online therapy, in-the-moment teaching and intervention, parent/guardian supports, training, and case coordination for our students. Our clinical staff lead our social/emotional supports and lesson resources to ensure high quality skills training for our students.
Our Students
Students are referred by their school district to attend Sierra School at Plano, and are generally in grades 6–12 facing social and emotional disabilities.
Our Staff
The Sierra School at Plano has an experienced, certified Special Education teacher, social worker, and two teaching assistants. For students requiring additional related services, Sierra School partners with Plano Independent School District (ISD).