Monday, March 12, 2012

Taylor County Interagency Communications Committee on March 15

Taylor County Interagency Communications Committee

Date: Thursday March 15.
Time: 9:00 am to 11:30 am
Location: Medford Area Public School District Office.


Agenda:

1. Wisconsin Act 309 update - Steven Fernan from Department of Public
Instruction


In May 2010, Wisconsin passed Act 309 which mandates that schools take some action on separate and distinct school safety issues: 1. Anti-bullying efforts 2. School safety drills 3. School safety plans and 4. The sharing of information between schools, law enforcement etc. While certain requirements in the law took effect immediately, schools were given up to three years to respond to the other sections. Nearly two years into the law, with only a year or so remaining to complete the required tasks, many schools find themselves unprepared. Steve Fernan, who has followed this law from the start, will review the entire Act, and explain where schools should be in this process and how to finish on time.


2. Carrying Concealed Weapons Law in Schools - presentation by Donald Everhard


3. Cyberbullying/social networking/bullying & girls and legal implications - Round Table discussion


4. Child Abuse and Neglect Mandatory Reporting Training Requirements for School Personnel - presentation by Joseph Greget


5. Truancy updates


6. Round table updates


Joseph A. Greget
Director of Student Services/Special Education
Medford Area Public School District

Friday, March 9, 2012

Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for March 9

1. Best Wishes for Staff and their Families
We have a number of staff whose family member are experiencing some
health related issues.  I would like to express my best wishes and
prayers for full recoveries and support for the family members at this
time.


2. Child Development Day Numbers
At our annual Child Development Day we screened 142 children between
the ages of 2-4 years of age.  Approximately 5 children will be
referred for special education evaluation by the school district.
Several more will be evaluated by Birth to Three.


3. Pre-Kindergarten Registration
94 children registered for pre-kindergarten for 12-13 at CDD.  This
number does not include any retentions, ECSE students age eligible for
pre-kindergarten, or those who have not signed up yet.


4. Child Development Day Change for 12-13
One change we will be making in 12-13 is the end of Child Development
Day.  We will be waiting to start cleaning up until all children are
done being screened and parents met with.  Staff who are not screening
or meeting with parents will be able to eat some dinner until we can
clean up.


5. Child Development Day Staffing
I would like to thank again all of the staff and volunteers who helped
at our Child Development Day.  It would not be possible without all of
the extra work and time from all of you.  Special recognition to
Luanne Olson for all of her hard work and efforts in organizing this
event.  It is truly Luanne Development Day.


6. Child Development Day Collaboration
Child Development Day is a collaboration between the Taylor County
Human Services, Taylor County Health Department, and Medford Area
Public School District.  We are fortunate to be in a county where
these is such active collaboration between stakeholders.

Thank you to all of our early education providers who had booths at
our CDD like Holy Rosary, Head Start, Health Department, Parent
Resource Center, Immanual Lutheran, Sand Box, UW Extension, Abiding
Care and Pregnancy Resource, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and others.


7. Taylor County Interagency Communications Committee
We will meet on Thursday March 15 from 9:00 to 11:30 at the District
Office. Agenda will include:


I. Wisconsin Act 309 update - Steven Fernan from Department of Public
Instruction

In May 2010, Wisconsin passed Act 309 which mandates that schools take
some action on separate and distinct school safety issues: 1. Anti-
bullying efforts 2. School safety drills 3. School safety plans and 4.
The sharing of information between schools, law enforcement etc. While
certain requirements in the law took effect immediately, schools were
given up to three years to respond to the other sections. Nearly two
years into the law, with only a year or so remaining to complete the
required tasks, many schools find themselves unprepared.


Steve Fernan, who has followed this law from the start, will review
the entire Act,
and explain where schools should be in this process and how to finish
on time.


II Carrying Concealed Weapons Law in Schools - Donald Everhard


III. Cyberbullying/social networking/bullying & girls and legal
implications - Round Table discussion


IV. Child Abuse and Neglect Mandatory Reporting Training Requirements
for School Personnel - Joseph Greget


V. Truancy updates


8. Building Special Education meetings in March
MAES was on March 6th = Teachers should review the students on their
caseload and develop a list of what pullout classes they will need for
12-13. Please forward to me.


MAMS is on March 13 = We will review pullout classes for 12-13. Please
bring with you a list of students and classes they will need.


MASH is on March 20 = We will review scheduling for 12-13 and entrance/
exit testing criteria


9. Taylor County Early Childhood Sub-Committee
We will have a meeting on March 16 at 1:30 at the D.O. The purpose
will be to prepare for Week of the Young Child activities in April.


10. Autism Resource Team
We will meet on Thursday March 22nd in the MAES media room. We will be
reviewing Apps for Students with Autism.


11. Wilson Reading Level II Certification
We are scheduled to meet on March 28 from 3:45 to 5:30 in the MAES
computer lab. We will review the final examination requirements.


12. Wilson Reading Level II Certification Video Taping
Congratulations to each of the Level II staff who have recently
submitted their video tapes to their Level II Practicum Supervisor.
The feedback from the Supervisor has been excellent. We are so
fortunate to have such quality and excellent staff teaching our
reading programs for our students.


13. Private Duty School Nursing
DPI is recommending that school districts contract with parents who
provide private duty school nursing services for their child in a
school.  We have developed a template and will be working with parents
on this agreement.


14. Schoolwide Title I Services
We are discussing implementing a Schoolwide Title I Services model in
our eligible schools (MAES, SES, and MAMS) in 12-13. We learned more
about this model at the Federal Funding Conference. Here is the link:
http://dpi.wi.gov/titleone/schoolwide.html


We would be able to use IDEA special education funds to help provide
RTI supports through a Title I schoolwide model.  This would allow
less staff salaries taken out of our IDEA budget and keeping them in
the general education fund which allows for categorical aid revenue to
increase for subsequent school years. Let's say we take $100,000 of
salaries out of our IDEA budget. If we move that to the general fund,
then we can categorical aid of 28% back from the State. This means an
extra $28,000 in revenue.  We would also have more flexibility to use
RTI programs and services out of IDEA which are already funded through
other budgets.


15. School Psychological Services in 12-13
If the district were to receive a resignation or retirement from an
existing school psychologist at end of 11-12 - the district is
discussing not filling that position. With my school psychologist
licensure, those responsibilities would be added to my position. The
other school psychologist and myself would collaborate to provide the
school psychological services for the district.


16. Section 504 and RTI at MASH
I am considering the potential of having a MASH special education
assistant provide supports for Section 504 students and those students
identified under a Response to Intervention Model for Learning
Disabilities. This would be an existing position to be transferred
which would only be possible if we can meet the needs of our special
education students and their IEPs.


17. Adaptive Physical Education
We will be looking at offering Adaptive Physical Education again at
MAES, MAMS, and MASH for 12-13. I am working in collaboration with the
building principals to schedule this offering again.


18. Medford Adult Diploma Academy
Medford Adult Diploma Academy has run the course of the school year
and not in the summer.  Based on feedback from our adult students - we
will be looking at offering MADA during Summer 2012.  MADA is run
through Northcentral Technical College and our CLC Adult Education
Program.  This is for adult students 18 and older who want to earn a
traditional high school diploma.


Cindy Gibson and I have met with District Attorney Karl Kelz and
Probabation/Parole Department Officials about our Adult Diploma
Academy.  This was to inform them about our program which might help
their clients.


19. Dr. Laura Shank - Behavioral Interventions for Students on the
Autism Spectrum

Dr. Laura Shank is a psychologist at the Achieve Center in Wausau.
She will be our featured speaker on Wednesday May 2nd from 4:00 to
5:30 at MAES in the media room.  The Autism Resource Team is excited
to have Dr. Shank present here in Medford. Everyone is invited to
learn more about behavioral interventions and the Achieve Center.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Medication Administration Resources

Medication Administration Resources
Following recent changes to 118.29, Wi. Stats., regarding medication administration at school, DPI has updated the following resources:
 
http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pdf/sndrugscomplete.pdf describes medication administration laws, required and recommended training, and related issues.

http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/medtraining.html provides access to various training resources to help support safe administration of medications at school.
 
Questions and comments may be directed to Marcia Creasey, RN, DPI School Nursing and Health Services Consultant at marcia.creasey@dpi.wi.gov or 608-266-8857.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

"Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children From Birth through Age 8."

National Association for the Education of Young Children
and the Fred Rogers Center
Release Joint Position Statement


Dear Friends of the Fred Rogers Center,

     I'm happy to let you know about the release of the joint position statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Fred Rogers Center, on "Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children From Birth through Age 8."  The statement is posted today on the NAEYC website at  http://www.naeyc.org/content/technology-and-young-children, which also includes a pre-recorded webcast highlighting key messages.  

     Thanks to so many of you who have contributed comments and suggestions over the nearly three years that the statement was researched and written.  I hope that we can continue to count on your support as we all work together to advance the statement's principles and recommendations. 

     The statement document acknowledges the contributions of the writing team co-chairs and Fred Rogers Center Senior Fellows, Roberta Schomburg from Carlow University and Chip Donohue from the Erikson Institute. Throughout the process of developing the position statement, Roberta, Chip, Madhavi Parikh from NAEYC, and other members of the writing group were guided by Fred Rogers' request of all of us--to "think of the children first."

     Please let us know what you think.  NAEYC and the Rogers Center invite the submission of questions to TechnologyandYC@naeyc.org.  And, we're especially interested in hearing from you with examples of developmentally appropriate uses of technology and interactive media.

     All the best for your own work in support of children, families, and early childhood professionals.

Rita's Signature

Rita Catalano
Executive Director 

Monday, March 5, 2012

Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media Class Agenda


Facebook, Twitter, and Other Social Media Class

March 5, 2012
4:00 to 5:30
MASH PC Lab
Sponsored by CLC Adult Education

Agenda

  1. Welcome and Introductions

  1. What do you hope to learn today?

  1. Did You Know?

  1. Social Media Revolution

  1. 50 Facebook Facts and Figures

  1. Blog of Social Media Resources/Links

  1. Facebook Pages

  1. Set up your Facebook account and/or page

  1. Twitter Overview

  1. Set up your Twitter account

  1. Questions and Answers

Facebook, Twitter and Other Social Media Class

Here is a link to information from our CLC Adult Education Class on Facebook and Other Social Media: 

Social Media Overview

Did You Know 4:0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ILQrUrEWe8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Social Media Revolution 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SuNx0UrnEo&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Social Media Revolution 2010
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB_P-_NUdLw&feature=youtube_gdata_player


Facebook Facts and Figures

50 fascinating Facebook facts and figures
http://www.jeffbullas.com/2011/04/28/50-fascinating-facebook-facts-and-figures/

Average Day on Facebook
http://socialmediatoday.com/tmonhollon/440122/facebook-facts-whats-average-day-facebook


Facebook Obsession
http://www.onlineschools.org/blog/facebook-obsession/


Strategies for Using Facebook

101 Tips for Using Facebook
http://www.dohack.org/facebook/the-ultimate-guide-to-facebook-part-3/353/


Parents Guide to Safety

FBI Parents Guide to Safety
http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide


Facebook Help for Parents and Educators

Facebook and Twitter Guides for Educators:
http://smartboardgoodies.com/2011/11/16/facebook-twitter-guides-for-educators/

Parents Guide to Facebook
http://www.connectsafely.org/pdfs/fbparents.pdf

Facebook Help for Parents
http://www.facebook.com/help/parents

Facebook Family Safety Center
http://www.facebook.com/safety


Facebook for Business Owners

Facebook 101 for Your Business Guide
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/facebook-101-business-guide/

10 Facebook Marketing Tips for Small Business
http://www.allfacebook.com/facebook-marketing-tips-2011-02

10 Top Facebook Applications for Engagement and Building Community
http://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/top-10-facebook-apps-for-fan-engagement-and-building-community/


Twitter

The Essential Twitter Dictionary:
http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/the-essential-twitter-dictionary_b1205

Twitter in the classroom http://bit.ly/sGhxjg

To Tweet Or Not To Tweet for Educator's http://bit.ly/tmo8sl
World's best way to explain Twitter to not-yet-tweeters.

Suggestions for teachers using #Facebook for classroom instruction:
http://on.mash.to/uI3qnB

The Ultimate Twitter Guidebook For Teachers ->
http://edudemic.com/2010/06/the-ultimate-twitter-guidebook/

Twitter, Facebook, RSS feeds, Email, Google+ - why/when use each one.
http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2011/12/twitter-facebook-rss-feeds-email.html

Escaping your Educator Island through Twitter:
http://www.slideshare.net/curtrees/slate-2011-twitter-island

Facebook and Twitter Guides for Educators:
http://smartboardgoodies.com/2011/11/16/facebook-twitter-guides-for-educators/

An Educators Guide to Twitter: http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=34291

8 Videos to Help Teachers Get Started on Twitter:
http://davidwees.com/content/eight-videos-help-teachers-get-started-using-twitter

Twitter Quick Guide for Teachers and Districts:
http://www.teachhub.com/twitter-quick-guide-schools-districts

50 Essential Special Education Twitter Feeds:
http://teachingall.blogspot.com/2011/08/special-education-advisors-50-essential.html

Getting Started with Twitter:
https://docs.google.com/a/medford.k12.wi.us/document/d/1g_KXRC-1ndy-PL4xpcpmhQrxOZG0fRC80a-MX1Ptxyw/edit?hl=en_US

Friday, March 2, 2012

Special Education and Student Services Newsletter on March 2

1. Prayers and Best Wishes
There are several staff whose children are struggling with health and medical issues.  On behalf of myself and our Special Education and Student Services Department - I would like to wish their child, them and their families all of our prayers and best wishes for upcoming successful surgeries and full recoveries. 

2. Child Development Day
Child Development Day will be held on Thursday March 8 from 8:00 to 6:30 pm. We hold developmental screenings for children ages 2 to 4 years of age, Pre-Kindergarten registration for 12-13, and Kindergarten registration for 12-13. Set up for CDD will be Wednesday March 7 from 3:20 to 4:15 for anyone who can help.

3. School Shootings
I recieved the information below from CESA 10 in regards to the recent school shootings in Ohio and situation in Sparta, Wisconsin. 

In light of the tragedy this week in Chardon, Ohio, SAMHSA has sent out this resource. SAMHSA also has evidence based practices on their site. http://blog.samhsa.gov/2012/02/29/copingwithtragedy/

This school shooting, coupled with the information about a student in Sparta, Wisconsin who had a list of students he wanted to harm due to alleged bullying he had endured, has many adults on edge. Those of you in schools know how bullying affects our students. While I don’t think we should use these situations to advance our cause, it does seem ill advised for our government to continue defunding Safe and Drug Free Schools. Let your elected officials know now is not the time ignore school safety. We need to advocate for our students and our schools.

Carol Zabel: AODA, GT and School Counseling Consultant

4. Student Services Team
The Medford Area Public School District maintains a Student Services Team to help provide safety, psychological, counseling, mental health, nursing, and other resources.

Our team:
* Joseph Greget: Director of Student Services/Special Education
* Donald Everhard: Associate Elementary Supervisor and School Safety/Crisis Plan Coordinator. He is also a licensed social worker, guidance counselor, and police officer
* Rich Burghaus - Police Liaison
* Jessica Martin - MAMS/MASH Dual Licensed School Psychologist/Guidance Counselor
* Barb Krenz - MAES/SES School Psychologist
* Jill Koenig - School Nurse
* Marjorie Marksteiner - Mental Health Counselor
* Louann Stanton - High School Counselor
* Terry Lybert - High School Counselor
* Jackie Strick - Middle School Counselor
* Jan Farmer - Middle School Dual Licensed Guidance Counselor/Special Education Teacher
* Sue Eloranta - Elementary Counselor
* Richelle Woller - PBIS Internal Coach/Special Education Teacher

5. Early Childhood Student Teaching
Megan Budgreau will be completing her pre-student teaching through the University of Wisconsin Stout at MAES.  The dates Megan will be here are: March 2, March 16, April 13, and April 27.  She will be here from 7:45 to 3:30.  Megan will work under Amber Fettes and Tasha Daniels. There will also be time and lessons taught in a Kindergarten classroom. Megan can be contacted at the following email address if needed: budreaum@my.uwstout.edu

6. Special Education Student Teaching
Kellie Keene will be starting her special education student teaching on March 5. Her schedule will include: 1st hour - Wilson Reading with Kathy Schumacher. 2nd hour - History with Paul Boettcher. 3rd Hour - Inclusion support with Roger Poulter. 4th Hour - Math with Nathan Bluhm. 5th Hour - Western Civ with Nathan Bluhm.  6th to 8th hour at Alternative HS.

7. Facebook and Other Social Media Class
We have 16 school, community, and business people signed up for our Facebook and Other Social Media Class.  This will take place on Monday March 5 from 4:00 to 5:30 in the MASH PC Lab. 

8. March Building Special Education meetings
March 6 = MAES (review best practices in writing IEPs)
March 13 = MAMS (review scheduling for 12-13)
March 20 = MASH (review reading/math programs and scheduling for 12-13)

9. Speech Language

Eliza Decker will be returning to her normal schedule on Tuesday March 6th.  I would like to thank Mark Arndt for filling her position during the interim.  Mark's last day will be Monday.

10. LTS School Psychologist
We were not able to find a long term substitute school psychologist for MAMS/MASH School Psychologist Jessica Martin.  I will be fulfilling those responsibilities in her absence.  As such it might be better to reach me at her extension 226 at MAMS or calling/texting my cell phone 715-560-0171.  I still don't have the hours set up specifically when I will be at MAMS vs. DO. Majority of time will be at MAMS. I will be starting to test students during and after-school starting March 5th. 

Best wishes to Jessica Martin and her daughter for a safe birth.

11. Taylor County Interagency Communications Committee on March 15
This is our annual meeting of county wide judicial, district attorney, police/sheriff, school district, human services, student services and county wide professionals. Here is the agenda:

* Wisconsin Act 309 update - Bullying, School Safety Plans, School Safety Drills, and Sharing Information Across Systems - presentation by Steve Fernan from DPI

* Carrying Concealed Weapons Law in Schools - presentation by Donald Everhard

* Cyberbullying/social networking/bullying & girls and legal implications

* Mandatory Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting training

* Truancy

* Round table updates

12. Taylor County Early Childhood Sub-Committee
Friday March 16 from 1:30 to 3:30 at the D.O. We will be discussing Week of the Young Child

13. Federal Funding Conference
Jeff Albers, Laura Lundy, and I attended the Wisconsin Federal Funding Conference.  Handouts from the conference are available on flashdrive if you are interested in seeing any of them.  We learned more about: IDEA Funding and School Wide Title I Services, Maintenance of Effort, IDEA, Title I, High Cost Special Education Aid, Categorical Aid, Coordinated Early Intervening Services, and more.

14. Expert 21 Curriculum

I will be looking at scheduling a training on the Expert 21 curriculum during summer 2012. Expert 21 is our curriculum at MASH which is used for students once they exit out from Read 180.