Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for May 4

Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for May 4


Retirements
Congratulations and thank you to Joyce Woletz for teaching and leading
in our school district for the past 31 years.  Our students, staff,
and reading programs are better because of her efforts and passion for
this area.  We are not only losing a Reading Specialist, Reading
Teacher, Literacy Coach, Wilson Reading Level II certified teacher,
and Certified Fundations Trainer, but most importantly a friend,
colleague, and advocate for children's reading skills.


Teacher Appreciation Week - May 7-11
I would like to take a minute and thank all of you for choosing a
career dedicated to helping our students in special education and
those at risk.  You each have tremendous gifts, skills, passion, and
experience which helps our children in life saving ways.  You can not
be thanked or appreciated enough.  http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/eis/pdf/teacherweekproc2012.pdf


School Psychologist Interviews
We held school psychologist interviews this morning.  There were two
very qualified and excellent applicants.  A reference check will be
made on Monday followed by a recommendation to Mr. Sullivan to offer
her a contract proposal for 12-13.  Our primary candidate has
experience working in elementary schools, specializes in autism and
social skills, serves on district RTI Leadership Team, and has
experience working in RTI and PBIS schools.


Kellie Keene
Congratulations to Kellie Keene who has completed the requirements
necessary for her regular and special education teaching certification
at the end of today!


Kindergarten Literacy Screener
Wisconsin Deputy Superintendent Mike Thompson announced the selection
of the statewide, universal kindergarten literacy screener required by
Wisconsin Act 166. This will be the Phonological Awareness Literacy
Screener (PALS).


Dr. Laurie Shank Presentation
Thank you to the 51 staff, students, parents, and community members
who attended the presentation by Dr. Laurie Shank on Wednesday.  A
copy of her power point presentation is available for staff and
parents.

Dr. Laura Shank presentation was on "Current Research Providing New
Ideas for Behavioral Interventions in Children with Developmental
Disorders" and was well received. The presentation included specific
information on Behavioral Interventions and Autism; Neuropsychological
Assessments (processing speed, executive functioning, and memory); and
Cerebral Palsy.


Speech and Language
Speech Language Pathologists and I met on Thursday to discuss
caseloads, duties, and alignment of SLPs to better meet needs of
students.  Items discussed: realignment of staff in buildings, school
psychologist picking up some EW-1 responsibilities for initial and re-
evaluations of speech only students, special education teachers being
the case manager for speech students who also receive academic
support, contracting with MHC speech to help with diagnostic testing,
and outside of school day medicaid billing.


School Nurse Definition Memo
Please see the memo regarding the DPI’s interpretation of recent
statutory changes regarding the definition of “school nurse” in
Wisconsin at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pdf/snnewdefcstapr2012.pdf.


CATT
Our school district has been fortunate to have a Core Assistive
Technology Team in our district for around 10 years.  Staff take hours
each month to talk about assistive technology and how to meet the
needs of students. Thank you to Speech, OT, and PT for their service
on this team.


iPad/Educational Technology
There will be new iTunes accounts and passwords used for all iPads in
the district.  The existing district wide username and password will
be discontinued.  Contact Dennis for your new username and password.
Contact Caroline Radlinger or technology person in building to
download itunes on your computer to start adding paid and free
applications to your wish list. This process can start happening
immediately.


Child Development Day in 12-13
We held a Taylor County EC sub-committee meeting this afternoon.
Discussion was on our annual Child Development Day being held in Fall
with October 18 as the tentative date.  Feedback will be gathered from
other screeners and community members before a final decision is
made.  We will also be looking at using the Ages and Stages screener
to replace the CDI.  Health Department would schedule a training which
staff could attend.


Taylor County Early Childhood Sub-Committee
EC Sub-Committee has asked me to remain as the Chairperson for 12-13
even if pre-kindergarten responsibilities are reassigned to someone
else in the district.  They feel it is important to have the school-
community connety cn, my experience, and leadership on this
committee.


Human Growth and Development Advisory Council
Contact School Nurse Jill Koenig for the minutes.  New Human Growth
and Development legal requirements were forward to Human Resources and
Jill for their review.


Taylor County Transition Advisory Council
Thursday May 17 from 12:00 to 1:30 at the D.O.  We will be discussing  Transition Night for Students with Disabilities in 12-13.


Birth to Three Interagency Agreement meeting
Thursday May 17 from 1:30 to 2:30 at the D.O.


Medford Morning Rotary Club Auction
Thank you to the all the school district staff who attended the
Medford Morning Rotary Club Dinner and Auction this past week.  Your
attendance and donations go towards helping many youth, community, and
international projects.