Dyslexia Department Newsletter
February Edition
Dyslexia Department Overview
Contact List
Fun Facts: February 2025
Black History Month
- February celebrates the achievements and history of African Americans.
Groundhog Day
- February 2 predicts whether spring will come early based on a groundhog’s shadow.
Valentine’s Day
- Celebrated on February 14, it's a day for love and affection.
President's Day
- Federal holiday traditionally celebrated to honor all U.S. presidents.
Shortest Month
- February has 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years.
- Every four years, February gets an extra day—February 29.
Recommended Books
Grade Levels K-2
Grade Levels 3-5
Grade Levels 6-8
Grade Levels 9-12
Parent's Corner
7th Annual Dyslexia Symposium - Blooming Minds
Special Education Referral
Dyslexia Department Events
Parent Educational Meeting
Date: 10.11.2024
Dyslexia Department Shoutout
Promising Practices 2025
Congratulations to our Dyslexia Specialist and Dyslexia Program Assistant Manager for being selected as presenters at the upcoming 14th annual award-winning Promising Practices: Expand Your Playlist Virtual Conference on February 28, 2025!
Kafarra and Nancy will be presenting:
- Understanding the Dyslexia Mindset: Equity and Innovation Part 2
Kafarra will be presenting:
- The Soundtrack of Virtual Leadership: A.C.C.E. Your Strategies to Empower Teams
Padlet
Learning Ally
Learning Ally Advocate - High School Graduate with Dyslexia
Focus on Flavor
Dyslexia Department Digital Recipe Book Coming Soon!
Dyslexia Handbook
Reminders, Helpful Links, and Important Dates
How to Prepare for the STAAR
To prepare for the STAAR, students are encouraged to ...
- Practice: Complete as many STAAR practice test questions as possible to become comfortable with the material.
- Study in chunks: Study in 25–30 minute segments, then take a break.
- Get enough sleep: Most students need about 8 hours of sleep per night.
- Eat a good breakfast: Eat a balanced breakfast and bring healthy snacks for test day.
- Dress comfortably: Wear clothes that are comfortable for long periods and dress in layers.
- Take breaks: The STAAR test is not a race, so take breaks and go at your own pace.
- Have a plan: Plan something special to celebrate after the test is finished.
- Be encouraged: Have confidence that you will do well on the test.
Additional Resources:
- TEA STAAR Accommodations List
- STAAR Stuff by Region 13
- Reading Tips
Free Internet for Students: Project 10 Million
DI Services Moving from 504 to Special Education
Please note that due to changes in recent dyslexia laws from HB 3928, the following, as detailed on page seven of the HB 3928 FAQs document, must occur if the parent wishes for their student to receive Direct Dyslexia Instruction services. In other words, students having accommodations only for dyslexia may remain with 504, but those wanting to continue Direct Dyslexia Instruction services will need to move their student to Special Education.
Dyslexia Student Attendance Policy
As a student identified with dyslexia it is important to receive direct support by attending Direct Dyslexia Instruction classes. Students who receive Direct Dyslexia Instruction must attend class required class connect sessions Monday-Thursday (4 days per week).
Dyslexia Instruction will be a required class on your student’s schedule. The students assigned Dyslexia Teacher will contact the student and family with detailed class instructions. Please direct communication about class absences, assignments, or program materials to your assigned Dyslexia Teacher. You can find your teachers' contact information in the Dyslexia Department Directory.
Important Dates
- President's Day - No class
- State Testing Windows









