Exceptional Insights

We may be a little late getting our first edition of Exceptional Insights out this school year, but we're excited to be back and reconnecting with all of you!

We hope you enjoyed a wonderful fall break and found some time to relax, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. It's hard to believe we're already well into October, with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner! 🦃🎄

As we settle into the rhythm of the school year, we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work happening across our district. Each day, you bring patience, compassion, creativity, and dedication to the students and families we serve. Whether you're working directly with students, collaborating with colleagues, supporting families, or keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes, your efforts matter, and they do not go unnoticed.

We know this time of year can be busy, and we hope you'll take a moment to recognize the difference you make each and every day. Your commitment to our students and to one another is what makes Fairfield such a special place.

Thank you for all that you do! We are grateful for each of you and look forward to another great year together! ❤️

The end of the first quarter is almost here! As we wrap up the first grading period, please remember that IEP Progress Reports for all students in grades K–12 are due Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Important Dates to Remember:

• October 21: End of the first quarter

• October 28: IEP Progress Reports due

• October 29: Final printing of report cards and progress reports

• October 30: Report cards and IEP Progress Reports sent home

Please make sure all progress reports are completed and finalized by the deadline so they can be printed and sent home with report cards.

Thank you for staying on top of these important timelines and for keeping families informed of their child's progress!

• As part of Fairfield's 2026–2027 ODEW Special Education Desk Review and Monitoring process, staff who are not serving on the Internal Monitoring Team (IMT) or Cross-Functional Team (CFT) are required to complete an assigned Special Education Essentials training module based on their role.

  November 3 In-Service Day: Beginning at 10:30 a.m., staff will have dedicated time to complete their assigned training. Staff may also choose to complete the training independently prior to winter break and use that time for other professional responsibilities.

  A Few Important Reminders:

  • Log in early! Access Ohio Learn through your OH|ID account at least 24 hours before beginning your training, as modules may take time to become available.

  • Complete your assigned module, including the required quiz and survey.

  • Submit your certificate of completion using the Google form located on the Special Services HUB, even if you have previously emailed your certificate.

  • Deadline: All training and certificate submissions must be completed prior to winter break.

  Visit the Desk Review tab on the Special Services Hub for training assignments, instructions, resources, and the certificate submission form.

  Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to strengthening our special education practices across the district!

The Special Services Hub is your go-to resource for all things Special Services! From forms and procedures to training opportunities, helpful resources, and important updates, the Hub is designed to make your work easier by keeping everything in one convenient location.

New this year! We've added a dedicated Desk Review & Internal Monitoring tab to support our district's 2026–2027 monitoring process. This section includes important resources, guidance documents, training materials, and updates to help keep everyone informed and prepared throughout the process.

Take a few minutes to explore the Hub, check out the new tab, and bookmark the page for easy access. We will continue adding resources and updates throughout the year, so be sure to check back often!

We're excited to bring back our Staff Spotlight feature in Exceptional Insights! We know there are amazing things happening across Fairfield every day, and we want to celebrate the people who make them happen!

Do you have a colleague who goes above and beyond for students, families, or fellow staff members? Someone who makes a difference through their kindness, dedication, teamwork, or willingness to lend a helping hand? We want to hear about them!

Take a moment to nominate a colleague by submitting their name and a brief description of what makes them special. Your nomination could be featured in an upcoming edition of Exceptional Insights!

Let's celebrate the incredible people who make Fairfield such a wonderful place to learn and work! ❤️

We’re here to help—whether you have a quick question, need clarification, or just want to talk through a situation. Don’t hesitate to reach out anytime.

Jennifer Skirvin - Director of Special Services skirvin_j@fairfieldcityschools.com

Teresa Sunderman - Elementary Supervisor/Butler Tech sunderman_t@fairfieldcityschools.com

Samantha Mundey - Secondary Supervisor mundey_s@fairfieldcityschools.com