Special Education Family Newsletter

We are so excited to kick off the 2025–2026 school year with you and your family! 🌻

This year, we’re focusing on connection, support, and making sure every student feels successful.

👉 In this newsletter, you’ll find:
✔️ Back-to-school reminders
✔️ Parent workshops & resources
✔️ Transportation updates
✔️ Tips for transitions

We are excited to welcome two familiar faces into new leadership roles in our Special Education Department!

Jennifer Gruman – Director of Special Education
Jennifer has been a dedicated member of Vista Unified for an incredible 28 years, serving as School Psychologist, Supervisor, Interim Coordinator, and now Director. Her deep knowledge of our district, programs, and students makes her an invaluable leader. Jennifer is excited to continue collaborating with our amazing staff and building on our strong foundation of support for students and families.

Renee Hasan – Coordinator of Special Education

Renee joins the leadership team as our new Coordinator of Special Education. She began her career in education in Las Vegas with the Clark County School District as an elementary general education teacher for four years before transitioning into special education upon returning to California.

This is Renee’s fourth year in Vista Unified, where she has served as Assistant Principal at Rancho Minerva Middle School and Roosevelt Middle School. Before joining VUSD, she spent 12 years in San Marcos Unified as a SEAS teacher, middle school Education Specialist focused on co-teaching, and Program Specialist supporting behavior and mental health programs, NPS, and residential placements. Renee values collaboration and is eager to partner with our team to support students and staff.

Please join us in congratulating Jennifer and Renee on their new roles. We look forward to a fantastic school year ahead with their leadership, collaboration, and dedication guiding the department!

This newsletter will land in your inbox every month and includes:

• Department updates
• Parent training sessions
• Reminders and resources

Take a moment to read each month—it’s quick, helpful, and keeps you in the loop!

Starting middle school can be exciting and a little overwhelming. Here are 3 quick tips to support your child:

1. Encourage them to explore new clubs/activities.

2. Help set up a simple homework routine.

3. Talk about any worries — remind them it’s normal!

The North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) SELPA is excited to host the Parent Academy — a 6-part workshop series designed to empower parents and caregivers in supporting their child’s educational journey.

Through this series, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the IEP process, your role as a parent, and the importance of communication and teamwork.

✨ Topics Include:
1️⃣ Referrals, Assessments, Eligibility & Timelines
2️⃣ Present Levels, Transition Planning & Special Factors
3️⃣ IEP Goals & Statewide Assessments
4️⃣ Offer of Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
5️⃣ Parent Engagement & Participation
6️⃣ Deep Dive Into Procedural Safeguards

📅 Dates: September 11, 18, 25 & October 2, 9, 16, 2025
🕛 Time: 12:00 – 1:00 PM (PT)

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect, learn, and feel more confident navigating your child’s IEP. 💡

Join other parents and staff to share ideas and strengthen special education in Vista!

• Next meeting: Oct 28 @ 6:00 PM, 255 Pico Ave, San Marcos, 92069

All parents welcome!

We’re excited to share that VUSD now has its very own Special Education PTA (SEPTA)!
This group is open to families from all schools and all grade levels — and it’s all about building community, having fun, and supporting our students together.

💡 SEPTA hosts family-friendly evening and weekend events where you can connect, learn, and celebrate with others.

📅 Upcoming Events:

• 🎶 Welcome Back Bash & Family Dance — Sept. 5 at 6:00 PM at Madison

✨ Don’t miss out — it’s a great way to get involved and meet other families!

Families, self-advocates, and community members — come explore services and supports for people with intellectual disabilities!

San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101

October 4, 2025, 9 am – 3:30 pm

As we move toward a more efficient, paperless system, we’re updating how we handle Special Education Transportation for the upcoming school year.

If your child qualifies for transportation services, you should have received an email with a link to the new online transportation form. To complete it, you'll need your child’s 9-digit student ID number (found in Aeries - Parent Portal).

Already submitted the form? Please note that it may take 5–10 business days for your child to be assigned a bus route. During this time, we kindly ask that you arrange transportation to and from school.

Once your child is ready to be routed, the Transportation Department will call you the day before to confirm the bus details.

Thank you for helping us make this transition smoother for everyone!

Our office is open and ready to support you and your family. 💙

📍 Location: 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA 92084
🕗 Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

📞 Phone: (760) 726-2170
📧 Email: specialeducationdepartment@vistausd.org

No question is too small — please reach out anytime. We’re here to help! 🌟

Did you know? Our Special Education Department has a bilingual Family and Community Liaison here to support you! 🌟

Whether you have questions about VUSD programs or need help finding community resources for your student, we’re here for you.

📌 Contact Doris Cruz for assistance:
📧 doriscruz@vistausd.org
📞 (760) 726-2146 ext. 92914

We truly value your partnership and commitment. Together, we make a meaningful difference for students every day—and we’re excited to continue working alongside you in 2025–26!

— The Special Education Department

From top left to right: Yvonne Fortin, Renee Hasan, Dafnee Ramirez, Casey Lynn, Jennifer Gruman, Bill Foley. Bottom left to right: Kinga Nagory, Joe Garza, Jonathan Friessz, and Doris Cruz.

🔗 To view VUSD and community links please click on each blue hyperlink.

• VUSD Special Education
• VUSD California Avenue School - Parent Resources
• VUSD Vista Adult and Transition Center - Community Resources
• VUSD Family Engagement Network
• VUSD Student Support Services
• VUSD Transportation Services
• VUSD Adult School
• Contact Your SpEd Supervisor
• Exceptional Family Resource Center, EFRC
• 2025-26 NCCSE Workshops and Events for Families
• San Diego Regional Center SDRC