Wednesday, October 5, 2016

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. 

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

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

WhenWednesday 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. 

Thursday, September 8, 2016

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
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
  • chrome-extension://bpmcpldpdmajfigpchkicefoigmkfalc/views/app.html
  • 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

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

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
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:
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
 
"If People with Down Syndrome Ruled the World"
 
Wikipedia extensive information
 
Teaching Students with Down Syndrome
 
Tips for Teaching Students with Down Syndrome
 
National Association for Down Syndrome
www.nads.org

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Common Core Essential Elements

Common Core Essential Elements:

English/Language Arts
http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/assmt-ccee-english.pdf

Mathematics
http://sped.dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/sped/pdf/assmt-ccee-math.pdf

Science
http://dynamiclearningmaps.org/sites/default/files/documents/Science/Essential_Elements_for_Science.pdf

Common Core Essential Elements through Department of Public Instruction
http://dpi.wi.gov/sped/topics/essential-elements

Autism Training on August 17

Wednesday August 17th
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Taylor County Education Center in Medford

Presentation: Using and implementing evidence based practices to assist students to increase their independent functioning including the use of positive behavioral supports and self regulation strategies.  

Goals: 
1) Implementing positive behavioral supports with fidelity (including differences between consequences/punishment), 
2) Independent functioning/balanced programming (why independent functioning and how to "fit it in"/reflect it in IEP's) and
3) A short "refresher" on Zones/implementing regulation stations for all.

Presenter: Autism Consultant Mandy Reinke

If you have not already - please RSVP with me. Lunch will be provided. 

Thanks,

Joseph A. Greget
Director of Special Education for Medford Area Public Schools
President of the Taylor County Autism Support Group

2016-17 Dates for Taylor County Transition Advisory Council

Taylor County Transition Advisory Council for the 16-17 school year will be held on the following dates and times: 
 
September 15th
January 19th
March 16th

12:00 pm to 1:30 pm

We will continue to meet at the Taylor County Education Center. Lunch will be provided. 

Thanks,

Joseph A. Greget
Director of Special Education/Student Services

2016-17 Taylor County Early Childhood Council

Taylor County Early Childhood Council

2016-17 Dates
September 23
January 27
March 24

Time: 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm 

Location: Taylor County Education Center

Monday, July 18, 2016

Mental Health Summit Summer 2016 Institute in Taylor County

Mental Health Summit Summer 2016 Institute in Taylor County 
* RSVP to Joseph Greget at 715-748-2316 ext 324 or gregejo@medford.k12.wi.us is preferred for copies of materials. 

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Mental Health Awareness: Strategies for Special Education Teachers
Presented by John Bemis - DPI Educational Consultant on EBD
Thursday June 23rd
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Taylor County Education Center

As part of the Mental Health Framework developed by DPI, the initial session will focus on dealing with mental healthconcerns for students receiving special education services.  Topics include:
  • understanding mental health
  • awareness of supports for teachers
  • what makes a practice evidence-based
  • cultivating student’s readiness to make changes
  • changes in teacher perspective needed for successful interventions
  • improving teacher practices in working with students with disabilities in need of mental health strategies.
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Reactive Attachment Disorder
Presented by Steve Sawyer of New Vision Wilderness
* Monday July 25
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm 
Taylor County Education Center

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Trauma Induced Care
Presented by Wausau School District Student Services Staff
Thursday August 18
9:00 am to 12:00 pm 
Taylor County Education Center

Suicide Prevention QPR Training
Presented by Taylor County Human Services and Health Department
Thursday August 18
1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Taylor County Education Center

** Lunch will be provided between the Trauma Induced Care and Suicide Prevention trainings for those who attend one or both of the trainings. 

Wilson Language 2016 Mary Anne Bonneau Administrator of the Year Award - Joseph Greget



I was honored and humbled today to receive the 2016 Mary Anne Bonneau Administrator of the Year Award by Wilson Language at their Annual Literacy Conference in Boston. 

It is my honor to thank and accept the award on behalf of the following: 

Janet Lorenz and Katharine Campbell for all the trainings they did in our school district. 

Kris Brandner for her nomination and being our Wilson In District Trainer 

The five staff who were leaders in our schools by completing their 3-4 year long Level II Certification - Kathy Schumacher, Joyce Woletz, Ann Jochimsen, Kris Brandner, and Misty Galli.

Our 20 staff who have completed their year long Level I Certification back in 2009, 2014, and 2015.

Mary Fliehs and all her work with Fundations especially with parents, staff, and students 

Al Leonard and Dan Miller for their work with Wilson staff and students. In particular Al Leonard and his collaboration in selecting Wilson back in 2008.

Laura Lundy and her work with exit and entrance criteria 

Special education teachers and support staff who help our LD and special needs students in pullout and inclusion settings and strive to learn more about reading disabilities. 

Medford Area Public School District BOE and Admin support by Mr Sullivan of Wilson curriculum and staff development

Dr Cathy Reuter and Dr Susan Messerly for teaching us about Dyslexia, parent training, and working with us in screening and referring students to our RTI model. 

Taylor County Literacy Council and their Big Picture Rethinking Dyslexia Presentation and Panel Discussion, 1:1 adult tutoring, ELL classes, Little Free Libraries, book donations, and reading classes for adults. 

Aimee S for being our first student to get through step 12

Josh R and his excitement of being able to read books like Children of the Holocaust and WWII

The students in Amy Wildberg and Kim Fechhelm's class and getting a Little Free Library at MAES. 

Charlie and writing his prayers at night for his Wilson Teacher Ms Galli

The successes of all our other Wilson students and the support of our parents. 

In the words of Cathy Mayrer - "It takes a village to raise a child with a disability" and it is my honor to lead in part our village in the area of Wilson Reading and accept the Mary Anne Bonneau Administrator
Of the Year Award on behalf of all our students, staff, Literacy Council, and school district. 

Thank you to all the staff, students, and parents who watched the ceremony through video from Medford
 and those who could be here in person. 

Wilson reps expressed interest in having us present on our Community Collaboration model between our school district, Aspirus, and the Taylor County Literacy Council at an upcoming Wilson Literacy Conference. 

Barbara Wilson also expressed interest in having our Little Free Library at MAES story in their upcoming edition of the Decoder. 

Great work everyone in coming together. I could not be more proud of each and all of you. 

Joseph A Greget
Director of Special Ed/Student Services for Medford 
President of Taylor County Literacy Council 

Thursday, April 21, 2016

Community Conversation on Employing People with Disabilities on May 12th in Medford, Wisconsin

Community Conversation on Employing People with Disabilities
Thursday May 12th
9:00 am to 11:30 am
Taylor County Education Center - 624 College Street in Medford

* We are only 3 weeks away - Please RSVP by Friday May 6th if you plan on attending. 

Our community conversation will help educate and inform local businesses and employers on the value and importance of hiring people with disabilities and with special abilities that would benefit your workforce.  

The Taylor County Transition Advisory Council membership in strong partnership with the Medford Area Public School District through an Employment First Partnership Grant will be offering this opportunity. Student ambassadors are trained and have been presenting to organizations in preparation.  

Here is a video link that was developed for this event. 

Number of Businesses/Employers registered as of April 21:
1. Taylor Credit Union
2. Medford Cooperative
3. Dixon Greiner Realty
4. Medford Area Public School District
5. Colby School District
6. Manpower
7. Aspirus of Medford
8. Broadway Theatre
9. Peterson Concrete
10. ICAA Food Pantry
11. Nicolet Bank
12. Taylor County Buildings and Grounds
13. Our House Senior Living
14. Weathershield
15. Ace Hardware - Medford Cooperative
16. Black River Industries

Area Agencies or Community Members also Registered:
1. Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
2. Employment First
3. Taylor County Human Services
4. Northcentral Technical College
5. Medford Alternative High School
6. SOAR 18-21 year old program
7. Aging and Disability Resource Center
8. Opportunity Development Center
9. Star News
10. Midstate Independent Living Consultants
11. Heidi Hill
12. Ann Goodrich
13. Medford Area Public School District
14. Maryann Dubois
15. Darlene Nowak
16. Mark Temme

Thanks,

Joseph A. Greget
Director of Student Services/Special Education for Medford Area Public Schools
Chairperson for Taylor County Transition Advisory Council
715-748-4620 ext 324

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Kids in Mental Health Crisis - 5 Ways to End Teen Suicide

5 Ways to End Teen Suicide
http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/2016/03/17/5-wishes-healing-wisconsins-kids/81123546/

Here is how we are addressing Teen Suicide issues in Medford Area Public Schools and in Taylor County: 

1. Get more help
  • Formation of Taylor County Mental Health Awareness Council
  • Discussion between Medford Schools and Taylor County Human Services on a collaborative School Social Worker
  • Look into telepsychiatry services in our area (Wausau and Marshfield currently have)
  • Expansion of School Based Mental Health Services
  • Discussion with area providers on Day Treatment Services
  • Observed the Wausau Schools and Marathon County Journey Bridges Program
  • Middle School discussion with Aurora Health Services for CCS and Day Treatment options
  • Psychiatrist Dr. Jenna from Marshfield will be giving a presentation in May in Medford at our Taylor County Autism Support Group meeting. 
  • We have students attending Mikan Day Treatment in Marshfield.
  • We have had students attend Marathon County Journey Program in the past
2. More Support, Less Restraint at School
  • Recommendation is more training for teachers to catch and respond to mental illness in students
  • Thanks to a grant from the Taylor County Health Department we will have multiple special education teachers along with student services staff from across the school district attend a Train the Trainer on Suicide Prevention in April 
  • We will hold a Suicide Prevention QPR Training on August 18th conducted by Jen Meyer from Human Services and Michelle Armbrust from Health Department for any school staff or community members who are interested
  • Recommendation is that schools do not suspend for more than 1 day without looking at underlying mental health issues
3. Teach Trauma Induced Care 
  • On August 18th - a team of Wausau School District staff who have given presentations on Trauma Induced Care will be here in Medford from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm to do a presentation for any interested staff or community members
4. Provide Wraparound Care
  • Taylor County Human Services now have Coordinated Service Teams to help with wraparound services
  • The potential addition of a School Social Worker will help bridge services and communication between school and human services. 
  • Increase wraparound services meetings at schools where School Based Mental Health Counselor, Social Worker, IEP case manager, Administration, and Student Services staff join together to update/discuss/plan services for individual student
5. Don't Avoid the Problem
  • Multiple stakeholders from the medical, human services, counseling agencies, school districts, and community members came together to join the Taylor County Mental Health Awareness Council to address these problems
  • Stakeholders are working together to offer up guest speakers and trainings to benefit everyone
  • School Based Mental Health Counseling has been in affect in Medford Schools for the past 5 years
  • Youth Risk Behavior Surveys are administered at MAMS and MASH
  • Taylor County Mental Health Summit - Summer 2016

Any and all are invited to attend: 

Taylor County Mental Health Summit - Summer 2016 open to everyone: 
  • Mental Health Strategies for Special Education Teachers by DPI Consultant John Bemis on June 23rd, 
  • Reactive Attachment Disorder by Steve Sawyer from New Vision Wilderness on July 25th,
  • Trauma Induced Care by Wausau Schools on August 18th in the morning, and Suicide Prevention QPR overview on August 18th in the afternoon. 
For more information on the Taylor County Mental Health Awareness Council or Mental Health Services here in the Medford Area Public School District - please contact me. 

Joseph A. Greget
Director of Student Services/Special Education for Medford Area Public Schools
Chairperson for the Taylor County Mental Health Awareness Council
715-748-2316 ext 324
gregejo@medford.k12.wi.us 

Kids in Mental Health Crisis - Links to a Groundbreak Series


Kids in Mental Health Crisis from a series from the USA Today: 
http://www.postcrescent.com/story/news/local/2016/01/13/guide-full-kids-crisis-coverage/78738532/
Looking to make sure you're not missing a post in our Kids in Crisis series? Here's a guide to everything we've got.
Kids in Crisis is USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin's groundbreaking series on youth mental health. Wisconsin ranks among the worst states for rates of youth depression, youth suicide, and shortages of care providers. A team of 25 journalists throughout the state have spent months reporting on the topic and we hope you will join us in finding solutions.
Chapter 1: Kids falling through the cracks
In the first chapter of Kids in Crisis, we ask why youth in Wisconsin experience mental health challenges and die by suicide at higher rates than in most other states.
Chapter 2: Exploring solutions
In the second chapter of Kids in Crisis, we find ways to improve youth mental health. We highlight the most successful initiatives in the state and explore how to bring help to more kids and teens.
Before writing the final chapter of Kids in Crisis, we held a series of 10 town hall meetings around the state to hear from experts and residents on what should be done to improve youth mental health. See the coverage and replays of the meetings:
Chapter 3: Action
In the final chapter of Kids in Crisis, we take what we learned from our reporting and town hall meetings, and translate it into action. We enlist experts from around the state to give recommendations, we travel to Minnesota to highlight a model for school-based mental health, and finally we offer our own ideas for action in an editorial.
As part of this chapter, we asked readers to submit their own stories about mental health in their own words. Read the submissions from youth, parents and caregivers:
Share your story Submission guidelines
Follow Kids in Crisis on Instagram | Post-Crescent or Green Bay Press-Gazette
Share the Kids in Crisis series with others | Pinterest

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Helping Children, Families, and the Community through the Taylor County Education Center

Helping Children, Families, and the Community through the Taylor County Education Center

Taylor County Education Center
The Taylor County Education Center (TCEC) building has a rich history dating back to 1957.  It has been a Teacher's College, held University of Wisconsin classes, been the home for Medford Schools Kindergarten through 3rd Grade classes, and was a Northcentral Technical College regional campus for over 25 years. 

Over the past two years - one of the most unique partnerships for the Medford Area Public School District has been our increased participation in the Taylor County Education Center.  

Thanks to the support of the Taylor County Board of Directors and Taylor County Director of Building and Grounds Jeff Ludwig we are able to rent space to hold multiple programs in the building helping children, families, and the community.

Current Medford Schools programs in the Taylor County Education Center include: 

Medford Alternative High School
The Medford Alternative High School (formerly called the Taylor County Alternative HS Partnership) was started through a Department of Public Instruction Grant which was written by Medford Schools in partnership with Rib Lake Schools. We are now in our 16th year of providing alternative education options for Grades 11-12 students at-risk of not graduating from high school with all the years in the TCEC.   

From 2000 to 2015 we had 166 students graduate with a traditional or equivalency diploma. Students have two options to earn a high school diploma. They can achieve a high school diploma by meeting the current established credit standards and other courses or a pass a series of tests through the GED Option 2 waiver in the State of Wisconsin. 

All students attend classes in either the morning or afternoon sessions.  They are also required to perform 15 hours a week of volunteer or paid work experiences.  Students have performed thousands of hours of volunteer work, held jobs in the community, gone onto post-secondary education and enlisted in the military.  

Primary Alternative HS teacher is Kellie Keene, paraprofessional Gail Hoffman, and Principal Donald Everhard.  Contact number is 715-748-4620 ext 550. 

Medford Adult Diploma Academy
The Medford Adult Diploma Academy(MADA) opened its doors in September of 2010.  The goal is to offer adults in our community the opportunity to go back to school in a helpful, nonthreatening environment.  Our first year, two adults completed the requirements and earned their high school diploma.  Since then, we have had 86 adults enroll at the Medford Adult Diploma Academy and 20 adults have earned a Medford High School Diploma.

MADA is open from 1:00 - 8:00, Monday through Thursday.  We are located in Room 112 of the Taylor County Education Center, 624 College Street. Students each have an individualized pathway to graduation; they set their own schedule and work at their own pace.  There is always at least one certified and licensed instructor working with students.  We also provide individual tutors through the Taylor County Literacy Council, if students need extra help.

MADA is a collaborative partnership between the Medford Area Public School District and Northcentral Technical College. Administrative leadership is provided by Director of Student Services Joseph Greget and Instructors include Cindy Gibson (primary coordinator) and adjunct faculty Beth van der Berg, Kellie Keene, Misty Galli, and Tasha Mallak. Primary phone number is 715-748-4620 ext 552. 

Students Open to Achieving Reality (SOAR) for 18-21 year olds
SOAR is entering our 4th year of providing special education services for 18-21 year olds at the TCEC. Students with an Individualized Education Plan who have met graduation requirements, but still have IEP goals and objectives to work on are eligible for this placement.  We offer schooling Monday through Thursday and students attend Daily Living Classes in the morning, make their own meal for lunch, and then go to paid or volunteer work experiences in the afternoon. Students learn pre-vocational skills, vocational skills, and daily living/independent living skills.

New this year is a collaboration with Northcentral Technical College.  Students with an IEP can take select classes through NTC and earn certificates in the areas of Employability and Living Skills Certificate (Track 1), Pre-College Course Certificate (Track 2), and Program Specific Course Certificate (Track 3).  We have multiple students who attend these NTC classes and then receive tutorial support from SOAR instructors in those classes.  

SOAR instructor is Nicole Gripentrog and primary paraprofessional support is Janet Jurgens. Phone number is 715-748-4620 ext 551

Rural Virtual Academy
Rural Virtual Academy (RVA) is our fastest growing school in the Medford Area Public School District.  RVA provides families with a virtual online charter school options for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 10th grade.  The acronym for RVA stands for Relationships, Values, and Academics. RVA is consortium of 15 area school districts and the Medford Area Public School District is the lead school in the consortium.  RVA has been offering services for 10 years and continues to grow at a rapid rate.  

Principal Charles Heckel and Dean of Students Sara Holewinski provides the exemplary leadership under a Governance Board. RVA employs multiple teachers, special education staff, and paraprofessional support to help deliver services for students across Wisconsin, U.S., and abroad.

RVA has over 300 plus students that receive year round educational services.  All of the RVA students and their families visit the TCEC at least annually for statewide testing and other events. RVA has a main office in the TCEC.  Contact information is 1-888-801-2666 or visit their website at www.ruralvirtual.org.

Medford Schools Early Childhood and Speech Language
Due to shortage of available space in school buildings - we have been able to rent a room that is used for primary and itinerant 3 and 4 year old early childhood and speech language services.  Our EC/Speech Language classroom is taught out of by SLP Sheryl Balciar, Early Childhood Special Education Teacher Amber Fettes, and SLP Ann Jochimsen which helps them provide quality speech/language therapy and early education services for some of their students with disabilities. 

Taylor County Literacy Council
Taylor County Literacy Council offers Adult Tutoring, English Language Learner classes, Little Free Libraries, Reading Classes for Parents, Evidence based reading instruction classes/training, Early Head Start Parent Education classes, Reach Out and Read at Aspirus in Medford (books for each child 6 months through 4 years of age at well-child checks by pediatricians), Newborn Project partnership with Taylor County Health Department, and monthly book donations.  

Taylor County Literacy Council recently became a non-profit 501 C 3 tax status. Board of Directors include: President Joseph Greget, Vice-President Kathy Stamos, Secretary - Misty Galli, and Treasurer Chuck Prihoda.  Cindy Gibson is the lead coordinator. We have active membership from other council members in the planning and implementation of our activities.  

Taylor County Literacy Council meets the 4th Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in Room 112 at the Taylor County Education Center.  Contact Cindy Gibson at 715-748-4620 ext 552 for more information. 

Taylor County Autism Support Group
Taylor County Autism Support Group provides resource, information, and support services for families, school staff, and community members who are involved with children or adults on the autism spectrum. 

We meet the Third Monday of each Month at 6:00 pm at TCEC.  Our meetings include parent chats, specialized trainings, coordination and collaboration with outside agencies, and questions/answers for those wanting to learn more. 

During the 15-16 school year we have or will be offering First Responder, Law Enforcement, and Caregiver Trainings on Keeping Kids with Autism Safe (October), Asperger Syndrome and High School training (February - presentation by Dr. Jodi Nuernberger), Dental Care for Special Needs children (November - presentation by Dr. Hager), and more exciting events coming up. 

Board of Directors include: President Joseph Greget, Vice-President Diane Messman, Secretary - Ann Goodrich, and Treasurer - Kris Brandner. We have active involvement from other parents, school staff, and community members. 

For more information - contact President Joseph Greget at 715-748-2316 ext 324. 

Other Agencies
The Medford Area Public School District enjoys the collaboration of shared space and services in the TCEC to help better serve our students, families, and the community.  In addition to our programs the following agencies also have space in the TCEC: 

Indianhead Community Action Agency
Indianhead Community Action Agency (ICAA) is one of Wisconsin's 16 Community Action Agencies in Wisconsin and one of approximately 1,100 CAA in the United States. Created in 1966, with its corporate offices in Ladysmith, ICAA covers six counties in Northwest Wisconsin including Taylor County. ICAA's primary mission is to assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency by providing the resources, education, and services necessary to develop healthy families, sustainable communities, and strong local business. 

ICAA currently has two primary programs housed in the TCEC:  

The largest of these is the Head Start program which provides early education services for 3-5 year old students.  Head Start is a federal program that provides quality early childhood services to low-income and at-risk families. Parent education is a component of their quality program as well. Contact information is 715-748-7936.

ICAA operates a Food Pantry that provides free food for families in need.  For more information and available hours contact 715-748-3063. 

Division of Vocational Rehabilitation 
The Division of Vocational Rehabilition (DVR) is part of the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. Contact information is 715-748-6120 or 1-877-387-3879. 

DVR helps implement Title I of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to provide "comprehensive, coordinated, effective, efficient, and accountable programs of vocational rehabilitation that are designed to assess, plan, develop, and provide vocational rehabilitation services for individuals with disabilities, consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice, so that such individuals may prepare for and engage in gainful employment." P.L. 105-220 s. 100 (a) (2)

DVR can provide active services for children with disabilities as young as 14 years of age up through adulthood.  

Taylor County W-2 Forward Services
Forward Service Corportation is a non-profit employment and training organization. Founded in 1979 they have more than 35 years of experience in helping low income Wisconsin adults and youth begin their careers. Forward Services offer education, training, career guidance, and support services. 

Conference Rooms
Taylor County offers large and small conference rooms available for rent by anyone in Taylor County.  This allows the TCEC to offer rental room space for conferences, meetings, or training.  On a regular basis the Taylor County Transition Advisory Council, Special Education Advisory Council, Taylor County Early Childhood Sub-Committee, Taylor County Transition Night Event and Taylor County Interagency Communications Committee have used these conference rooms. 

In conclusion - we are fortunate to have the Taylor County Education Center being used by the Medford Area Public School District and the other multiple agencies and councils which help service our youth, families, and community. Not every community has this option, but I am glad here in Taylor County that we do.  

Joseph A. Greget
Director of Student Services/Special Education
Medford Area Public School District
715-748-2316 ext 324