Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for September 14

Thank you
There were staff left with bruised arms, scratches, soreness, and pulled hair this week after several incidents with a student.  Even while staff were left sore, they continued to help and support each other and the student showing him kindness and love even when he was most angry. Everyone continued to work together to try to help the student and each other as well.

After 6 plus years in the district I continue to be amazed at what an excellent staff we have teaching and supporting our students with disabilities. Words can not adequately express how lucky we are to have both our veteran and new special education staff who have chosen to work here in Medford.  Thank you for all that you provide all of our students and each other. You do make a difference every day helping a student or each other through a kind word, action or support.

Early Release Day
Early Release Day is being held on Thursday September 29.  Don Everhard will conduct our annual training on Safety for Staff and Students.  Support Staff from 2:15 to 3:30 and for interested certified staff or community members from 4:00 to 5:00. These are held in the MAES media room.

Sign Language Class for Educators
This class will be taught by NTC and is being run through our CLC Community Education Program.  There is no cost for those in attendance.  Community, staff, and parents are welcome to attend.  Contact Luanne or I for registration which is limited. Classes will start on October 3 and run until November 14.

AIMS Web Overviews
AIMS Web overview tonight September 14 at MAES in the computer lab from 3:30 to 4:00 or Monday September 19 at MAMS  from 3:30 to 4:00   I can help you set up your progress monitoring and benchmark students and schedule for the year.

Northwest Passage - Mental Health Services
Marjorie Marksteiner will be our school based Mental Health Provider.  She will be in district on Tuesday September 20 starting at 9:00 am.  I will be taking her to the buildings to meet our student services, sped, and administration.

Audiology Services
Melinda Brahmer will be in district on Friday September 16 at 9:00 am at MAES and then MAMS.

Community Outings at MAES
Cathy Venzke will be organizing and planning community outings for students at MAES.  These will begin in early October.

Speech Language RTI
We have aligned several special education staff to help with the implementation of Speech Language RTI activities.  Kari Dahlby will help at SES.  Marla Hemke will provide 1 hour of support each day.  Tammy Damm will be used on Fridays.  Pre-K assistants will be trained in those classrooms.

Attendant Care Services Sheets
Reminder that Attendant Care Services Sheets need to be completed on students with these type of needs through Medicaid Billing.

RTI at MASH
State LD technical assistance guide has been updated.  A paraprofessional can implement RTI activities at the HS level under the direction of a certified staff member.  Previously it had been only a licensed staff member.

iPad/Educational Technology Overview
Our first one of the year will be held on Tuesday September 27 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm at the D.O.

Wilson Reading
We had 11 Medford and 3 Wisconsin Rapids staff trained to teach Wilson Reading this week.

Just Words
Carol Wieman, Chuck Prihoda, Jill Chasteen, and Judy Mader are attending Just Words training in Eagle River today and tomorrow.

My Cat
Sounds like Renni is winning over her mom Carol Wieman.  Renni has agreed to many of the contract terms over the span of her lifetime that Mom has set aside.  Looks like Renni might be adopting "Caddy" my cat from my car engine who is currently at Humane Society.

AIMS Web Benchmark Testing Dates
September 1 to October 15.


RTI Students Referred for LD
RTI students referred for a learning disability under special education should be progress monitored on a weekly basis.  This will help us get in compliance with upcoming RTI model in each of our school buildings. We are still under the IQ-Academic Discrepancy Model.  I would like to adopt the RTI model at MAES, MAMS, and SES either prior to or at the start of the 11-12 school year. I would like to wait for MASH until certified staff and support staff are aligned to deliver services.

Medford Adult Diploma Academy
This is a partnership between Medford Schools, CLC Community Education, and NTC.  Classes run on Tuesday-Thursday Nights from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at NTC in Medford. Anyone over 18 who needs a HS diploma is eligible.  Contact Cindy Gibson or I for more information.

NWEA Testing
NWEA testing began this week at MAES, MAMS, and SES.  We will need to do NWEA testing for special education students in Grades 9-10 at MASH. Students should be receiving accommodations in accordance with their IEP.

Read Write and Gold
We will be purchasing Read Write and Gold as assistive technology support for students at MAMS.  This will be installed and used to help students with reading challenges prior to start of Winter testing period for NWEA. This will be our pilot and then look to install at MASH in 12-13.

Blogs and Websites
Recognition to Brenda Ann McNary, Brittany Zenner, Albert Laverne Leonard III, and Jill Chasteen who all have either new blogs or websites.  Nice work.