remove_red_eye 278
page background

Dyslexia Department Newsletter

February Edition

Dyslexia Department Newsletter February Edition
Dyslexia DepartmentNewsletterFebruary Edition

Dyslexia Department Overview Dyslexia Department Overview

24-25 TXSS Dyslexia Department Program Overview

Contact List Contact List

Dyslexia Department Directory

Fun Facts: February 2025 Fun Facts: February 2025

zoom_out_map

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.
Leap Year
  • Every four years, February gets an extra day—February 29.

Recommended Books Recommended Books

Grade Levels K-2

Dinosaur Lady : The Daring Discoveries Of Mary Anning, The First Paleontologist

Dinosaur Lady : The Daring Discoveries Of Mary Anning, The First Paleontologist

Learning Ally - User Portal

launch portal.learningally.org

Grade Levels 3-5

I Survived The Galveston Hurricane, 1900

I Survived The Galveston Hurricane, 1900

Learning Ally - User Portal

launch portal.learningally.org

Grade Levels 6-8

Dragonslayer

Dragonslayer

Learning Ally - User Portal

launch portal.learningally.org

Grade Levels 9-12

The Glass Castle : A Memoir

The Glass Castle : A Memoir

Learning Ally - User Portal

launch portal.learningally.org

Parent's Corner Parent's Corner

7th Annual Dyslexia Symposium - Blooming Minds

The 7th Annual Dyslexia Symposium, Blooming Minds, is proud to continue its tradition of promoting literacy and raising awareness about dyslexia within the community and beyond. This year’s event is offered free of charge to parents, providing valuable resources and insights to support their children's literacy journeys. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to earn 6 free ALTA CE credits. As the symposium enters its 7th year, it remains a vital platform for education, advocacy, and collaboration, fostering an inclusive environment where individuals with dyslexia can access the tools and support they need to succeed. The event is made possible through the ongoing dedication of speakers, partners, and participants who are committed to creating a more informed and supportive world for all learners.
Dyslexia Department: Parent Experience Survey
Dyslexia and Related Disorders: Information for Parents
Overview of Special Education Process for Parents

Special Education Referral

If a parent would like to submit a referral, please contact your student's teacher.
zoom_out_map

Dyslexia Department Events

Parent Educational Meeting

Date: 10.11.2024

Slide presentations and recording:


  • Parent Education Meeting (English)
  • Parent Education Meeting (Spanish)
  • Parent Education Meeting Recording (10.11.2024)

Dyslexia Department Shoutout Dyslexia Department Shoutout

zoom_out_map

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 Padlet

Dyslexia Shoutouts from Families
Please feel free to share your shoutouts to acknowledge our fantastic Dyslexia Teachers, Diagnosticians, and Leaders!

Learning Ally Learning Ally

Learning Ally Advocate - High School Graduate with Dyslexia

Learning Ally Advocate - High School graduate with dyslexia

Focus on Flavor Focus on Flavor

zoom_out_map

Dyslexia Department Digital Recipe Book Coming Soon!

Here's a taste of a mouthwatering homemade banana bread recipe from Dyslexia Teacher Jeanelle Ward, which will be featured in our Digital Recipe Cookbook! This delightful banana bread is wonderfully moist, with a perfect balance of sweetness and flavor, making it an ideal treat for any occasion.

Dyslexia Handbook Dyslexia Handbook

TEA Dyslexia Handbook 2024 (English)
TEA Dyslexia Handbook 2024 (Spanish)
TXSS Dyslexia Department Handbook

Reminders, Helpful Links, and Important Dates Reminders, Helpful Links, and Important Dates

zoom_out_map

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
Accommodations Available on Online STAAR Tests for Eligible Students
zoom_out_map

Free Internet for Students: Project 10 Million

https://www.t-mobile.com/brand/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.

zoom_out_map

Important Dates

February 17, 2025
  • President's Day - No class
February 18-21, 2025
  • State Testing Windows

Dyslexia Student Resources Dyslexia Student Resources

Talking Book Program

Talking Book Program

The Talking Book Program (TBP) provides free library services to qualifying Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. TBP is part of the National Library Service to the Blind and Print Disabled, a program administered by the Library of Congress.

launch tsl.texas.gov
Audiobooks for Dyslexia & Learning Disabilities | Learning Ally

Audiobooks for Dyslexia & Learning Disabilities | Learning Ally

Learning Ally solutions help struggling readers through audiobooks & support services for educators, parents, and students dealing with dyslexia. Reading accommodations

launch learningally.org
Bookshare | An Accessible Online Library for people with print disabilities

Bookshare | An Accessible Online Library for people with print disabilities

Bookshare makes reading easier. People with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral palsy, and other reading barriers can customize their experience to suit their learning style and find virtually any book they need for school, work, or the joy of reading.

launch bookshare.org

Past Newsletters Past Newsletters

Dyslexia Department Newsletter

Dyslexia Department Newsletter

Dyslexia Department Newsletter - January Edition by Winter Cason

launch secure.smore.com
Dyslexia Department Newsletter

Dyslexia Department Newsletter

Dyslexia Department Newsletter - December Edition by Winter Cason

launch secure.smore.com
Dyslexia Department Newsletter

Dyslexia Department Newsletter

Dyslexia Department Newsletter - November Edition by Winter Cason

launch secure.smore.com
pdf
insert_drive_file
Dyslexia Department Newsletter - October
Download
6.5 MB
pdf
insert_drive_file
Dyslexia Department Newsletter - Septemeber
Download
1.3 MB
Winter Cason
Winter is using Smore to create beautiful newsletters
Loading indicator

close
Powered by