Special Education Newsletter

The focus for the month of April is Alignment.

The student’s entire IEP should be aligned. The FIE drives the PLAAFP. The PLAAFP drives the goals. The student's goals should be aligned with the needs of critical nature that are indicated in the present levels of academic achievement and functional performance (PLAAFP).

Check out our highlights from the month of March!

~Month of April Occupational Therapy Month

~April 7-11, 2025 Assistant Principals Week

All ESY student paperwork is due to your campus facilitator NOW. Please reach out to either your campus facilitator or Staci Belcher (ESY Coordinator) with any questions.

ESY teacher applications are now in the Summer School tab in the SSO. Angela Reagan will be the ESY administrator for the upcoming summer.

A few reminders as we near the end of the school year! These will help maintain a calm and supportive environment as the school year comes to a close.

1. Stay Predictable & Consistent

• Maintain routines as much as possible to reduce anxiety.

• Give clear expectations for schedule changes or special events.

• Use visual schedules or reminders for students who need extra support.

2. Monitor Emotional & Physical Needs

• Recognize signs of stress or frustration in students.

• Offer movement breaks, quiet time, or sensory activities when needed.

• Ensure students have access to support staff if needed.

3. Use Calm & Neutral Communication

• Keep your tone steady and non-threatening.

• Give clear, simple choices instead of ultimatums.

• Validate emotions: “I see that you’re frustrated. Let’s take a deep breath together.”

4. Focus on Positive Reinforcement

• Acknowledge positive behavior frequently.

• Use incentives or rewards to encourage cooperation.

• Celebrate small successes to keep motivation up.

5. Be Aware of Triggers & Plan Ahead

• Identify situations that may cause stress (e.g., transitions, goodbyes).

• Have calming strategies ready, such as fidget tools, preferred seating, or mindfulness exercises.

• Use social stories or role-playing to prepare for changes.

6. Stay in Control of Your Own Emotions

• Take deep breaths and remain composed in tense situations.

• If needed, tag in a colleague to assist with a challenging moment.

• Model self-regulation strategies for students to learn from.

7. Provide Closure & Reassurance

• Acknowledge that transitions can be hard and offer space for reflection.

• Give students an opportunity to express their feelings about the end of the year.

• Remind them of positive memories and what they can look forward to next year.

Your District Transition Specialists:

Check out our recent trainings:

Transition 101

CISD Transition Services & Community Resources

Transition Assessments

Dyslexia Goals should align with the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, 2024 Update, and the needs of the student.

TEA. The Dyslexia Handbook 2024 Update.

Reminders:

• Goals should be clear and identify which PDI (Provider of Dyslexia Instruction) will be in charge of collecting data: Specialized Services or Resource .

• Goal data can also be collected by the classroom reading teacher in addition to the PDI.

• Data that can be collected in the Dyslexia program:

• Phonological awareness (Specifically addressed in the beginning of the program)

• Decoding (there is a continuum that each program follows)

• Fluency (is only on words in isolation or controlled text)

• Collaboration between the Specialized Services PDI and Case Manager should be fluid to develop the PLAAFP and Goals .

• Dysgraphia:

• Goals should address the area of need:

• Penmanship (handwriting -cursive and print), and/or

• Spelling.

Please help us reach our families by sharing event fliers, our monthly newsletters, and our REMIND group.

Summer camp in Katy for kids with special needs

Upcoming Events

**Please send all referrals to parentresourcecenter@conroeisd.net**

• Ensure Alignment of Documentation and Practice: Double-check that behavior plans, accommodations, and services documented in IEPs are consistently implemented in daily routines and classroom practices.

• Collaborate for Consistency: Work closely with general education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers to align behavior strategies and expectations across all environments.

• Align Communication with Families: Maintain clear, consistent communication with parents/guardians regarding behavior goals, progress, and strategies to ensure alignment between school and home support.

• Reflect and Adjust: Review current behavioral interventions and supports to ensure they align with student needs, campus goals, and district expectations — make necessary adjustments for continuous improvement.

Upcoming Trainings:

Happy Occupational Therapy month! Did you know that CISD has 19 Occupational Therapy team members? We provide services to over 700 students and serve every campus in the district. Occupational Therapists also provide campus consultation for a wide variety of needs including equipment, environment modification, and staff training. Thank you OTs for all you do for our students, staff and fellow team members.

This month, we prepare for a critical update that will be occurring with our Assistive Technology student specific iPads. Please take a few moments and review the necessary steps that are required to ensure that student's pages are preserved and continue to be ready for use once the update has been completed. Here is the link to our newsletter:

Congrats to the staff member(s) below on being nominated for a special education shout-out. Your great work does not go unnoticed. Keep being a shining star!

Please fill out the questions below to nominate someone for April.

The focus for the month of April is Alignment. Below are some helpful resources for goal alignment.

Virtual 3:30 PM-4:30 PM

• 4/3/25

• 5/1/25

March Scavenger Hunt Question: What guidance can occupational therapists provide?

Answer: Provide guidance on how students can continue to develop a functional signature

Congrats to Cristina Botnari from Conroe High School on winning the March Scavenger Hunt!! We will send your prize to you on campus!

Are you reading the monthly special education newsletter? Click the link below for a chance to win the scavenger hunt!