Quarterly Newsletter

Dear Parents, Caregivers, and Community Members,

Welcome to the 2025–2026 school year with the Riverside County SELPA Community Advisory Committee (CAC)! This year marks a historic milestone—the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). First signed into law in 1975, IDEA transformed the American education system by guaranteeing that all students with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education. Before IDEA, millions of children were denied access to schooling or placed in inadequate programs that failed to meet their needs. In the 50 years since its enactment, IDEA has opened doors for countless students, helping them access the services and support they need to reach their full potential.

Now more than ever, the CAC remains committed to advocating for and protecting these essential rights. We believe that every child has abilities, and every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

The CAC is a collaborative group of parents, educators, administrators, and community partners. If you are a parent of a child with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), we believe your voice—and your family's experiences—are crucial. Your input helps ensure that every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.

We’ve scheduled our CAC business meetings and workshops for the year, and we encourage you to mark your calendars and join us. These events are designed to inform, connect, and empower our community. When we come together, we can truly make a difference in the lives of students in special education.

New This Year: In addition to our regular meetings and events, we are excited to introduce an informal community gatherings after each CAC business meeting. These will be held at a local restaurant or coffee shop to provide a safe, supportive space where parents can connect, share experiences, and offer each other support that might not be addressed during formal sessions.

We are here for each other. Whether you’re new to special education or a seasoned advocate, there is a place for you at the table. You are not alone—chances are someone in our community has walked a similar path and can offer guidance and support.

As we begin this new school year—one that may come with new challenges and transitions—we want you to know: your voice matters, your child matters, and together, we are stronger.

Wishing you a successful and meaningful 2025–2026 school year.

Warm regards,

Vicky Iqueda
Your Riverside County SELPA CAC President

Southwest Riverside County lit up with joy and pride this spring as three local school districts—Murrieta Valley, Menifee Union, and Lake Elsinore Unified—hosted events that highlighted the talent, spirit, and determination of students with disabilities. From March through May, students took center stage in inclusive, celebratory competitions that weren’t about winning medals but about building confidence, friendships, and memories to last a lifetime.

Murrieta Valley Unified School District: Special Olympics (March 21, 2025)

On March 21, the Murrieta Valley Unified School District (MVUSD) once again partnered with Special Olympics Southern California to host its much-anticipated annual Special Olympics event. Hundreds of students from across the district gathered at Murrieta Mesa High School’s stadium, where the energy was electric and the smiles were contagious.

Athletes participated in a variety of events, including the 50-meter dash, softball throw, and long jump. Unified partners—students without disabilities—cheered and competed alongside their peers, reinforcing the power of inclusion and teamwork.

“It’s a day of pure joy,” said one parent. “You can feel the love and support from every direction.”

Volunteers, staff, and student buddies from multiple schools lined the track to cheer for every participant. The event emphasized ability over disability and showcased how inclusive education is not only possible but powerful.

Menifee Union School District: All Star Field Day (April 9, 2025)

Just a few weeks later, on April 9, the Menifee Union School District (MUSD) hosted its All Star Field Day—a heartwarming celebration of all students, especially those in special education programs. Held at Bell Mountain Middle School, the event brought together students from across the district for a day of games, music, laughter, and connection.

Children participated in obstacle courses, parachute play, bean bag tosses, and other fun-filled stations, each designed with accessibility and joy in mind. The event was sensory-friendly and supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers trained to meet each child's unique needs.

“Our goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where every child can shine,” said one of the event organizers. “This isn’t just about field day—it’s about dignity, fun, and being celebrated for who you are.”

Parents were invited to join the festivities, many capturing tear-filled moments of their children experiencing victory, inclusion, and unfiltered happiness.

Lake Elsinore Unified School District: District Games (May 16, 2025)

Rounding out the season of celebration, the Lake Elsinore Unified School District held its LEUSD Games on May 16 at Lakeside High School. The event served as a culminating celebration of ability and perseverance, bringing together students from across the district for a day filled with athletic activities, encouragement, and empowerment.

Students competed in track and field events and relays, often with support from peer buddies. The day also featured music, food, and performances from student groups, creating a festive atmosphere that extended well beyond the field.

One teacher commented, “These games are a highlight of the school year. They remind us what education is really about—belonging, community, and the belief that every child has something amazing to offer.”

Parents in attendance were visibly moved as they watched their children beam with pride, wave to cheering crowds, and cross finish lines—some for the first time in their lives.

These events reflect a growing commitment within local schools to foster inclusivity, break down barriers, and celebrate every student’s potential. For families of children with disabilities, they are more than just one-day events—they are powerful affirmations that their children are seen, valued, and championed. As one parent shared through tears: “This is what hope looks like.”

To all the students, parents, teachers, and volunteers who made these events possible—thank you. You’ve not only lifted up children with disabilities, you’ve lifted an entire community.

My name is Tammie Webb, and I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Ramon, for 18 years. My greatest blessing in life is being a mom to our two boys, Kruz and Kane.

Kruz is 14 and just started 9th grade at Liberty High School. His journey has been different from many of his peers, as he lives with Autism and Type 1 Diabetes, and was recently diagnosed with Epilepsy this summer. Despite these challenges, Kruz is such a trooper—resilient, easygoing, and strong. As a family, we work together every day to support him and meet his needs in every way possible.

Kane, our youngest, is 4 and recently started Transitional Kindergarten. He is the best special-needs sibling—loving, helpful, and proud to take care of his big brother (while still managing to annoy him like any younger brother should!).

Professionally, I am a Speech and Language Pathology Assistant and currently serve as a substitute speech therapist and teacher with the Romoland School District. Over the past several years, I’ve become increasingly involved in the Special Education program at RSD, and I’m excited to begin building new connections with the SPED departments at Liberty High School and PUHSD.

I deeply value opportunities to grow my knowledge of special education, build meaningful relationships, and advocate not only for my son but also for other families and children in the special needs community.

I currently serve as the Coordinator of Professional Learning and Development at the Riverside County SELPA, where I lead the design and facilitation of professional development for special education administrators, teachers, and paraeducators across the county. In this role, I support districts in strengthening instructional practices, ensuring compliance with IDEA, and building collaborative systems that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Before joining RC SELPA, I spent 26 years with the Lake Elsinore Unified School District, where I had the privilege of serving as an administrator, high school special education teacher, and elementary teacher in both general and special education. These experiences shaped my deep understanding of special education from multiple perspectives and continue to guide my approach to leadership and professional learning.

I am passionate about creating training and resources that are both practical and inspiring. Over the years, I have developed and facilitated sessions on IEP compliance, effective goal writing, inclusionary practices, parent engagement, and transition planning. I take pride in helping educators and administrators translate complex policy and legal requirements into strategies that directly benefit students.

On a personal note, I have been married for 26 years to my husband, who is also an educator and a middle school PE teacher. Together we are raising our son, Atlas, who is 7 years old and receives special education services as a result of Dup15Q syndrome. Because of him, I understand special education through both a professional and personal lens, which deepens my commitment to supporting students with disabilities and their families every day.

CAPTAIN X is the Region 10 California Autism Professional Training and Information Network which is a group of professionals from SELPAs, Districts, Regional Centers and Higher Ed. whose goal is to increase knowledge about autism and Evidence Based Practices (EBPs).

The Evidence-Based Practice of the Month is Visual Supports (VS)

A visual support is a visual display that supports the learner to engage in a desired behavior or skill, independent of additional prompts. (National Clearinghouse on Autism Evidence and Practice Review Team, 2020)

• Visual Boundaries

• Visual Cues

• Visual Schedules

To learn more about VS, please access this free module

In the Classroom:

• Visual Boundaries- Partitions, furniture, table

• Visual Cues- Touch Points, Sentence frames, break cards, I need help cards

• Visual Schedules- For related services, changes in the schedule

Did you know that about 60% of your body is comprised of water?

All organs and tissues depend on water, and it plays numerous roles in your body, including:

• Nutrient transportation. Water allows blood circulation, which transports nutrients to your cells and removes waste from them.
• Thermoregulation. Due to water’s large heat capacity, it limits changes in body temperature in both warm and cold environments.
• Body lubrication. Water helps lubricate joints and is an essential element of your body’s lubricating fluids, including saliva and gastric, intestinal, respiratory, and urinary mucous.
• Shock absorbency. Water acts as a shock absorber, protecting your organs and tissues by helping maintain cellular shape.

It’s been scientifically shown that water intake first thing in the morning allows for rehydration, energy boost, improved performance, and promotes digestion.