R.E.A.D. Initiative (Research, Educate, and Advocate for Dyslexia) A Series on Dyslexia for Parents and Educators on January 17 in Medford

R.E.A.D. Initiative (Research, Educate, and Advocate for Dyslexia) 

A Series on Dyslexia for Parents and Educators 

Tuesday January 17th 

Taylor County Education Center - 624 East College Street in Medford

4:00 pm = Pre-Workshop

4:45 pm = Dinner

5:00 pm = Webinar Seminars

6:30 pm = Panel Discussion

4:00 pm = Pre-Workshop on Dyslexia - Educational Keynote

“Why Spelling Counts in the 21st Century Classroom” by Louisa Moats Ed.D. 

4:45 pm = Dinner through Evening 

Dinner will be available to eat 

5:00 pm = Workshop on Dyslexia 

5:00 pm to 5:45 pm = * “Understanding ADHD, Executive Function Disorder, and their Relationship with Dyslexia” presented by Roberto Olivardia, Ph.D. 

5:45 pm to 6:30 pm = * “Critical Components of Literacy Instruction for Prevention and Early Intervention” presented by Barbara Wilson, M.Ed. 

6:30 pm = Panel Discussion 

6:30 pm to 8:00 pm A special round table panel discussion on Dyslexia with local and statewide experts from: 

● Wisconsin Branch of International Dyslexia Association ● Individuals with Dyslexia ● Wilson Dyslexia Therapists ● Reading Teachers and Specialists ● Behavioral and Developmental Pediatricians ● Taylor County Literacy Council ● Medford Area Public School District ● Postsecondary Education - NTC 

Handouts at our Event will include: 

Knowledge and Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading and Dyslexia Specialists

https://dyslexiaida.org/knowledge-and-practices/

International Dyslexia Association Fact Sheets

https://dyslexiaida.org/fact-sheets/

Perspectives on Language and Literacy

https://dyslexiaida.org/perspectives/

IDA: What Every Family Should Know About Dyslexia

https://dyslexiaida.org/ida-dyslexia-handbook/

Dyslexia Toolkit by National Center for Learning Disabilities

Critical Components of Literacy for Prevention and Intervention Presentation

Dyslexia and ADHD Presentation 

Beyond Decoding - Fluency and Comprehension Presentation

Why Spelling Counts Presentation

• Why Spelling Counts (main presentation)
• 10 Ways to Help Your Child With Spelling
• Spelling

Wilson Reading

• Wilson Reading System for Parents
• Wilson Literacy for Life
• Wilson Reading Teacher Certification
• Wilson Effectiveness Research

* Featured national speakers are through recorded webinars from the 2016 Learning Ally’s Spotlight on Dyslexia Series.

** R.E.A.D. Initiative is provided by the Taylor County Literacy Council and the Medford Area Public School District Special Education Advisory Council

Amazing Race to Employment on October 12th in Medford

Amazing Race to Employment on Wed October 12th

What is it: a fun and effective way to connect with employers while building student confidence and communication skills

Purpose: The purpose of the 'Amazing Race to Employment' is to expose students with and without disabilities to local businesses where they might seek employment, while also exposing as many businesses as possible to students who want to work.

Objective of the 'Game': This game-like atmosphere involves small groups of students competing with one another to approach the most employers and gather the most business cards and job applications. Points are awarded for each employer contact, business card, and application. The team with the most points within the given time frame wins the game!

Who is Involved: 5 small groups of students with and without disabilities (3-5 students in each group make a team) and an adult chaperone/driver for each group.

When: Wednesday, October 12, 2016 7:45am-12:45pm

Where: Medford Area Community in Medford, Wi in Taylor County

This Amazing Race to Employment is possible thanks to an Employment First Grant from the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Recognition to our special education teachers Beth van der Berg and Nikki Gripentrog for their organization and help. 

Child Development Day on October 12 in the Medford Area Public School District

What: Child Development Day for the Medford Area Public School District

Who: All children in the Medford Area Public School District who will be at least 2 years of age by October 12, 2016 but will NOT be 5 years of age by September 1, 2017. 

When: Wednesday October 12, 2016 from 8:00 am up to 6:00 pm.  Scheduled times will vary. 

Where: Medford Area Elementary School Gymnasium

How: Make your appointments by contacting the Medford Area Public School District Office at 715-748-4620 ext 534. Registration is open at anytime. 

Why: 

• Developmental readiness screening for your child(ren)
• Community early education and development resources available for your family
• Dental, Hearing, and Vision Checks
• Resource bag for each child
• Free books sponsored by the Taylor County Literacy Council
• DNA Safety Kits sponsored by the Medford Police Department
• Child Care Agencies Registration

Child Development Days is organized by the Medford Area Public School District, Taylor County Human Services, and Taylor County Health Department. 

IEP Goals and Objective Writing Resources

IEP Goals and Objective Writing Resources

Measurable Annual IEP Goals - Wisconsin DPI 2016

http://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/rda-ccr-iep-measurable-annual-goals-self-check.pdf

School Psych Toolbox

http://behaviorpsych.blogspot.com/p/goal-bank.html

IEP Goals and Objectives for Autism

• http://www.cesa7.org/sped/autism/05/g_o.htm
• http://www.naset.org/fileadmin/user_upload/Autism_Series/Examples_IEP_Goals_Objectives_for_ASD.pdf

IEP Goal and Objectives Banks

• Illinois - http://www.thegoalbank.com/
• IEP Goal Bank for Speech Language - http://www.speakingofspeech.com/IEP_Goal_Bank.html
• IEP Goal Bank for each SLD area, Adapted PE, OT, PT, and Functional Academics: http://www.usd320.com/programs/specialed/documents/IEP%20Goal%20Bank.pdf
• Medford Schools:  https://sites.google.com/a/medford.k12.wi.us/specialed/home/iep-goals-and-objectives

IEP Goal and Objectives Extensive Bank

• http://www.bridges4kids.org/IEP/iep.goal.bank.pdf
• Areas include: English, Functional Academics, Independent Living, Mathematics, Motor, Recreation and Leisure, Social Emotional, Speech and Language, Study Skills, and more

Guide to Connecting Academic Standards and the IEP by DPI

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• https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/iepstandardsguide.pdf

Intervention Manuals

Here is the information from the Intervention Manuals (with the IEP goals and objectives also included).  If you need copies of these for your reference, then please complete a purchase order. http://www.hawthorne-ed.com/. Samples of these are available in my office (and some other sped teachers) if you want to see them as well. 

• Emotional Behavioral Disabilities Intervention Manual
• Learning Disabilities Intervention Manual
• Early Childhood Behavior Intervention Manual
• Attention Deficit Disorder Intervention Manual
• Adaptive Behavior Intervention Manuals

Grades PK-8 Report Cards

• I have a contact into Mr. Miller and Mr. Leonard to obtain copies of report cards from each grade level.  Once obtained I will share each of these with you to help connect academic standards with IEP goals

ACT College and Career Readiness Standards for HS

• English: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/CCRS-EnglishStandards.pdf
• Math: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/CCRS-MathStandards.pdf
• Science: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/CCRS-ScienceStandards.pdf
• Writing: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/CCRS-WritingStandards.pdf
• Reading: https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/CCRS-ReadingStandards.pdf

Common Core Essential Elements for English, Math, and Science: 

• http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/assmt-ccee-english.pdf
• http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/assmt-ccee-math.pdf
• http://dynamiclearningmaps.org/sites/default/files/documents/Science/Essential_Elements_for_Science.pdf
• Department of Public Instruction has extensive resources related to the Common Core Essential Elements: http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/topics/essential-elements

Suicide Prevention Resources

Annual Notice on Suicide Prevention

This coming Saturday September 10, 2016 is World Suicide Prevention Day. September is recognized as SuicidePrevention Month. 

Suicide Prevention Training on September 14th

On Wednesday September 14th the Medford Area Public School District in collaboration with the Taylor County Health Department will be offering Suicide Prevention trainings for staff and community members. 

• 2:15 pm to 3:30 pm for all districtwide paraprofessionals
• 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm for all certified staff, community members, and parents
• Both trainings will be held in the MAES Library
• Michelle Armbrust from the Health Dept will be the lead speaker
• Nancy Hemmer will be a guest speaker on her personal involvement

Suicide Resources

• Taylor County Crisis Line: 1-866-317-9362
• Taylor County Sheriff: 715-748-2200
• Text "hopeline" to 741741
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Wisconsin DPI resources: http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/mental-health/youth-suicide-prevention
• Youth Suicide Prevention Resources: http://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sspw/pdf/spmodelnotice2016.pdf

Suicide Facts

(www.save.org - Suicide Awareness Voices of Education)

• Suicide takes the lives of nearly 40,000 Americans every year.
• Many who attempt suicide never seek professional care.
• For 15-24 years olds, suicide is the second leading cause of death.
• 80% of people that seek treatment for depression are treated successfully.
• 15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide.
• There are an estimated 8 to 25 attempted suicides to 1 completion.
• 1 in 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 die by suicide each year.
• In 2011, 39,518 people died by suicide. (CDC)
• Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. (homicide is 16th). (CDC)
• An average of one person dies by suicide every 13.3 minutes. (CDC, AAS)
• There are four male suicides for every female suicide. (CDC, AAS)
• Research has shown medications and therapy to be effective suicide prevention.
• Suicide can be prevented through education and public awareness.
• In 2004 it is estimated there were 811,000 suicide attempts in the US. (AAS)

District Annual Notice on Suicide Prevention

This is our Annual Notice on Suicide Prevention to all school staff which helps provide further education and resources to help staff who support our students and families. It is our hope these resources will help prevent victims of suicide or help those who are impacted by it.

(Suicide Prevention Policy JHH and JHH-R)
The Medford Area Board of Education recognizes that suicide and suicide tendencies among youth are continuing problems in the schools and communities of the nation.  The board also recognizes that it is not a problem that it can deal with alone.  Communication and cooperation within the school district and between the home, school, and community is crucial. 

The Board of Education has established Suicide Prevention Policies (JHH and JHH-R) in an effort to take positive steps toward preventing childhood/adolescent suicide and to outline procedures by which students can receive professional help and support.

Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Rules Related to School Based Suicide Prevention:

http://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sspw/pdf/spwiscstats.pdf

Suicide Prevention QPR Trained Staff

• MADA and Alternative HS: Kellie Keene
• MASH: Beth van der Berg
• MAMS: Jackie Strick
• Elementary: Tasha Mallak, Misty Galli, Richelle Woller
• District: Jill Koenig
• Community: Michelle Armbrust (Health Department), Jen Meyer (Human Services), and Sue Eloranta (retired counselor)

Student Services Team 

• Joseph A. Greget = Director of Student Services/Special Education
• Don Everhard = School District Safety and Crisis Coordinator and Human Services Suicide Support
• Kathy Alexander = MAMS/MASH School Psychologists
• Stefanie Eggert = MAES/SES School Psychologist
• Jessica Martin and Sam Penry = RVA School Psychologists 
• Terry Lybert and Tolea Kamm-Peissig = MASH Guidance Counselors
• Jackie Strick - MAMS Guidance Counselor
• Jill Koenig - School District Nurse
• Jason Lang - School District Police Liaison Officer
• Kylie Weiler - School Social Worker
• Richelle Woller - Guidance Counselor and PBIS Internal Coach
• Kelly Schultz - School Based Mental Health Counselor

For more information or support - please contact a Student Services Team member.

Closing Thought

Thank you for providing students with encouragement, kindness, and support to meet their learning, emotional, and social needs. Continue to deposit them each day as this helps build them up more and more both now and in the future. You can and do make a difference for them. Leave them feeling better about themselves then when they came into your classroom, lunchroom, or even passing you in the hallway.  The more deposits you can leave the better they will be. Let's hope that no one is a victim of suicide in the 16-17 school year.

Thank you,

Joseph Greget
Director of Student Services and Special Education

715-748-2316 ext 324

Down Syndrome Resources

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Listed are recommended resources on Down Syndrome:

My Great Story

http://ndss.org/index.php?view=article&com=com_content&id=252&option=com_content&Itemid=146s

 

"If People with Down Syndrome Ruled the World"

http://www.nads.org/pages_new/news/ruletheworld.html

 

Wikipedia extensive information

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_syndrome

 

Teaching Students with Down Syndrome

http://specialed.about.com/od/disabilities/a/downs.htm

 

Tips for Teaching Students with Down Syndrome

http://www.ndss.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=58&Itemid=83&limitstart=2

 

National Association for Down Syndrome

www.nads.org

Child Development Day in the Medford Area Public School District on October 12, 2016

What: Child Development Day for the Medford Area Public School District

Who: All children in the Medford Area Public School District who will be at least 2 years of age by October 12, 2016 but will NOT be 5 years of age by September 1, 2017. 

When: Wednesday October 12, 2016 from 8:00 am up to 6:00 pm.  Scheduled times will vary. 

Where: Medford Area Elementary School Gymnasium

How: Make your appointments by contacting the Medford Area Public School District Office at 715-748-4620 ext 534. Registration is open at anytime. 

Why: 

• Developmental readiness screening for your child(ren)
• Community early education and development resources available for your family
• Dental, Hearing, and Vision Checks
• Resource bag for each child
• Free books sponsored by the Taylor County Literacy Council
• DNA Safety Kits sponsored by the Medford Police Department
• Child Care Agencies Registration

Child Development Days is organized by the Medford Area Public School District, Taylor County Human Services, and Taylor County Health Department. 

An official flyer to send home to your families will be forthcoming. 

* If a community organization is interested in having a booth, then please contact Cheryl Ketelhut at Human Services at 715-748-3332. 

For more information contact: 

Joseph A. Greget

Director of Special Education/Student Services

Medford Area Public School District

715-748-2316 ext 324