Editor's Note
Dear Families,
Thank you for taking the time to open and read this newsletter. There are so many celebrations happening around our district. I am thrilled to share some wonderful highlights happening in our #1LISD community. Recently, I got the opportunity to visit the Braille center at Wiley Middle School. This small and mighty team is doing an amazing job preparing materials for our students across the district. This resource is invaluable for our students with visual differences, ensuring they have the tools they need to succeed.
Our first-ever Reverse Job Fair was a great success, with 26 students with disabilities and 14 local employers connecting. Instead of students navigating the fair to seek out employers, employers came to meet our students, providing a unique opportunity for interviews at their own tables. Feedback from employers was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the impressive talent of our students showcasing their employability skills.
We partnered with surrounding school districts to engage in the 26th Destination Life Conference, held at McNeil High School. This event, which we have been part of since 2001, attracted 613 attendees and featured a vibrant panel of successful former students who shared their journeys.
130 of our LISD students in their Junior and Senior years attended the Austin Community College Neurobats presentation around a "College Going Mindset" encouraging our students to dream big and plan for their future.
Just a reminder that April is Autism Awareness Month. Our campuses are celebrating the strengths and unique perspectives of our students in authentic ways. We are excited to share their celebrations in our future newsletter.
Thank you for your ongoing support in these initiatives that enrich our students' educational experiences. Your involvement is crucial as we strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Sincerely,
Paige Collier
Assistant Superintendent of Special Programs and Services
Don't miss the latest episodes of the Collaborative Partners Podcast, where Leander ISD’s Special Programs Parent Liaison, Ashley Anderson, sits down with Child Find Coordinator, Monica Kaloustian, for an insightful discussion on Child Find. Monica shares her role in the district before diving into key topics, including common parent questions, the importance of student involvement in meetings, and strategies for family collaboration. Tune in now to learn how families can work together for student success!
Join us for two exciting events in April designed for AAC users and their families! On April 19, enjoy Storytime with AAC at the CP Library, where we’ll share stories and fun in an inclusive environment. Then, on April 26, don’t miss AAC Out & About at Safe in Austin, a special day of connection and adventure with rescued animals. Register today and be part of the fun!
Thrive Fest is a free, family-friendly community event celebrating Children's Mental Health Acceptance Day. Families can enjoy live performances, hands-on activities, and connect with local mental health exhibitors and resources. The event promotes open conversations about mental health, challenges stigma, and ensures families are aware of the support available to them. Hosted by Texas System of Care in partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area and local mental health organizations, Thrive Fest takes place on April 26th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 6648 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin, TX 78723.
Partners Resource Network (PRN) is a non-profit organization that empowers parents of children with disabilities (ages 0-26) and youth self-advocates (ages 14-26). Each month, they offer a variety of free webinars covering topics like IEPs, Section 504, assistive technology, sibling support, and more—designed to help families better understand disabilities, navigate services, actively participate in IEPs, and build strong advocacy skills.
Young Readers
Social Studies at Home
Did you know that the skills your student's use in Social Studies extend far beyond the classroom? From critical thinking to empathy, social studies equips our students with tools to navigate the world around them. Here are some fun and engaging ways to cultivate these skills at home:
Family History Exploration: Dive into your family's past together. Encourage your children to interview relatives, explore old photographs, and trace your family's journey through history. This not only strengthens their research skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of personal identity and heritage.
Current Events Discussions: Make discussing current events a regular family activity. Encourage your children to share their perspectives, analyze news articles, and consider different viewpoints. This helps develop critical thinking skills and promotes empathy by understanding diverse perspectives.
Cultural Celebrations: Explore different cultures and traditions through food, music, art, and festivals. Cook traditional dishes together, listen to music from around the world, or participate in cultural events in your community. This promotes cultural awareness and appreciation, fostering respect for diversity.
Community Involvement: Get involved in your local community by volunteering, attending town hall meetings, or participating in community events. This instills a sense of civic responsibility and teaches children the importance of active citizenship.
By incorporating these activities into your family routine, you not only reinforce social studies skills but also foster curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of learning.
