Weekly Special Education and Student Services Newsletter

 
Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for Week of May 9
 
Special Education Dance
We had a great turnout and fun for our special education students in Grades 7 to 12 on Friday.  Students danced, dressed up in costumes, saw magic tricks by Don Houdoni, played plinko, played cards, ate popcorn and drank punch, visited with current friends and former staff, and laughed and had a good time.  Pictures are posted on our Special Education Facebook page. We plan to do again in the 11-12 school year.
 
Prayers and Sympathy
Prayers and sympathy for the family, friends, and former staff of Mike Kiselicka who passed away on Monday as a victim of suicide. Mike was a former Alternative High School Student who currently worked at Black River Industries.  Mike leaves behind a young son.
 
Thank you for all that you provide all of our students especially those with disabilities and at-risk students who have continued learning, emotional, and social needs.  They need and benefit from each of our staff providing them encouragement, love, and support.  Continue to deposit them each day with your teaching and support building them up more and more.
 
I have attached our suicide prevention resources for use as appropriate.
 
Outpatient Services in Schools Referral Packet
We have received copies of the referral packets from Northwest Passage who would provide outpatient mental health services in the schools.  I will send a copy of a packet to each of the following building representatives:
SES = Don Everhard
MAES = Misty Galli
MAMS = Jessica Martin
MASH = Nathan Bluhm
Alternative HS = Cindy Gibson
 
The packet should be filled out with the parent in collaboration with the student’s case manager, and building school psychologist and/or EBD teacher.
 
Special Education School Business
One of my goals for our high school special education program is that we start a school business.  I would like to start this within 2 years.  Here is a link to an article for an example of how some schools started a business:
 
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20110426/NJNEWS15/104260322/Programs-teach-independence-through-job-training
 
FACE teacher Erin Stendahl has forwarded to me a number of resources and ideas to start this program.  More information and planning will be forthcoming.
 
SMART Table
Our trial period with the SMART table will begin when it is delivered on either May 10 or May 11.
 
 
 
Letters of Reference
I have had multiple staff in the past two weeks ask me for a letter of reference.  Please let me know if you will need one.  This will be done on letterhead and can be addressed for specific school district or a general one to use for any district.
 
MAMS Building Special Education Meeting
May 9 at 3:20 in the computer lab at MAMS
 
Child Outcomes
School districts will be required to report on Child Outcomes for all early education students with disabilities.  Sheryl, Eliza, Amber, and Luanne will be attending a conference on Tuesday May 10th to learn more about the requirements.
 
TEACCH Training
TEACCH training will be held on August 4 from 9:00 to 1:00 at the District Office.  CESA 7 Autism Consultant Mandy Jensen will do the training. www.teacch.com
 
Autism Trainings on May 17
Reminder to register with Luanne Olson for the Autism Trainings for First Responders from 10:00 to 3:00 or the Autism Training for Caregivers/Educators/Parents from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.  CLC will be available to provide child care for those in attendance at the training from 4:00 to 6:00.
 
Special Education Alignment
It is challenging to align 11-12 special education certified and support staff with the number of staff retiring, leaving the professional, unfilled positions, and looking for new positions.  I will attempt to align best I can with current projections of staffing and students by Friday May 6 for elementary and Monday May 9 for middle school.