Special Education News

Dear Parents and Staff -

As we approach the end of another school year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible dedication and resilience demonstrated by our students, parents, and staff members. Together, we have navigated through challenges and celebrated numerous achievements along the way.

In our data-driven world, numbers often take the spotlight. Yet, as we navigate through complexities and uncertainties, it's crucial to remember that numbers only paint part of the picture. Let's dive deeper, beyond the surface of numbers, to uncover the stories, motivations, and contexts that shape our understanding. Included in this newsletter are just a few of those!

To our remarkable students: Your determination and perseverance inspire us every day. Your unique talents and perspectives enrich our school community, and we are privileged to be part of your educational journey.

To our dedicated parents: Your partnership and support are invaluable. Thank you for entrusting us with the education and care of your children, and for your ongoing collaboration in fostering their development.

To our exceptional staff: Your passion, expertise, and unwavering dedication to our students are truly commendable. Whether in the classroom, online, or through virtual platforms, you have consistently gone above and beyond to provide personalized support and meaningful learning experiences.

To all: I wish you a strong finish to the school year and a wonderful summer break. We look forward to seeing everyone in August!

Warm regards,

Emily Scott

Director of Special Education

LSACE Completion Ceremony will take place in the Main Street School auditorium on Wednesday, May 22 at 9:30am.

On April 1, Unified athletes and mentors from area high schools came together for a Silent Disco where students enjoyed pizza and ice cream and danced to personalized music while wearing headphones.

Students were able to dance and join in the way they wanted to without worrying about sensory overload, which is especially important for some Significant Support Needs (SSN) students. They could customize the volume on the headphones and select music from three different genres of music.

Special thanks to Cam Miller and Young Life for sponsoring the event by providing the pizza, ice cream and headphones.

At Spark! Discovery Preschool, the commitment to embracing diversity in early childhood education is paramount. Blair Hunter, the Special Education Teacher in the Significant Support Needs (SSN) classroom, exemplifies this commitment through her dedication and compassion. Read More>>>

It's amazing to see so many schools and staff members participate in the Special Olympics "Spread the Word" campaign on March 6 by wearing their red t-shirts to help convey the message of inclusion.

St. Vrain’s Unified Athletes from all eight high schools will be coming together for a fun-filled day of outdoor activities during the 4th Annual Unified Day of Champions. The event will take place on May 13 from 9:15am - 1:00pm at Everly Montgomery Stadium in Longmont. Family members of athletes are welcomed to attend and cheer on students.

Mead High School's Unified Percussion Ensemble performed at the Innovation Center's first Inclusion Night on April 11.

The School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) will be busy with their summer workshop series, which kicks off May 29 and runs until June 26. Students will engage in a variety of summer workshops and tours and have opportunities to volunteer and work on interviewing skills.

SWAP is a collaboration initiative between the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and local school districts/ Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and is supported by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

The purpose of SWAP is to assist young adults in making the transition from school to employment, provide successful employment outcomes, and increase community linkages and new patterns of service for young adults with disabilities.

Click here to learn more about SWAP.

Questions? Contact Ryan Burch, School to Work Alliance Program Coordinator

burch_ryan@svvsd.org, 303-772-7700

• Join us at St. Vrain Valley Schools’ Resource Fair, where families of students with disabilities can connect with over 25 community resources and external agencies, fostering valuable opportunities for support and collaboration.

  Date: 5/1/24, 5pm-7pm

  Location: Skyline High School

• CDE provided modules with the goal of having parents/families understand transition planning as it relates to transition goals, services, and activities to improve their child’s success as an adult. The 10-part training series and supporting documents will cover the transition requirements and process in detail. Also included is a variety of information and resources on the parents role and responsibility in connecting with agencies resources and programming. We want to equip parents, students, and staff to design and implement a meaningful transition plan to successfully launch their teen into adulthood with the needed support and services to achieve their dreams! Link to the Website & Video Modules

• An 8-Module Parent Training Series designed to support parents in understanding the importance of high expectations for Competitive Employment, as well as resources and supports related to achieving employment for their student with a disability.
  

CU Anschutz is offering a training program for Spanish speaking families of students grades 3-5 who have signs of autism. Haga clic aquí para más información

• Resource Fair - Supporting families of students with disabilities
• May 1st, 5pm-7pm, at Skyline High School - Cafeteria
• Niwot High School's Unified Theater Production of Descendants the Musical
• May 3, 1:15 - 2:45pm, at Niwot High School Auditorium
  
• Unified Day of Champions
• May 13 from 9:15-1:00pm at Everly Montgomery Field in Longmont