Special Education Connections
May 2026
What is Special Education Connections?
Closing the Year and Looking Ahead
As we approach the close of the school year, we want to take a moment to reflect on the growth, and accomplishments of our students and the collective efforts that have supported their success. This season also marks important transitions within our community. We extend our warmest congratulations to our youngest learners as they complete their early childhood programming and prepare to enter kindergarten, and to our sixth-grade students as they move forward to middle school. These milestones represent meaningful progress in each student’s educational journey. We recognize that such transitions are made possible through the collaboration and dedication of students, families, educators, and support staff working in partnership throughout the year. We are grateful for the shared commitment to creating inclusive, supportive learning environments and look forward to continuing this work in the year ahead.
Trimester Three - Progress Notes
Your child’s case manager will provide a copy of the third trimester progress notes aligned to your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives no later than May 29, 2026. These progress notes are intended to offer a clear update on your child’s progress toward identified goals. We encourage you to review this information carefully. If you have questions after reviewing the notes, please plan to follow up with your child’s case manager at the start of the 2026–2027 school year, as staff are not available during the summer recess.
As many of you know, SDUHSD hosted an Elementary-to-Middle School Transition presentation, focused on supporting families as students prepare for this important next step. The video recording and presentation slide deck are available for families to review on the SDUHSD Family Resources webpage, and these materials are also posted to the SDUHSD District Special Education. Families who were unable to attend, or who would like to revisit specific details, are encouraged to use these resources as you plan for a smooth and successful transition to middle school.
Thank You To Our Community
As we conclude the school year, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the many individuals who have contributed to strengthening our special education community. Our Special Education Parent Liaisons have played an important role in enhancing communication and collaboration between families and schools. We are grateful for the time, care, and commitment they have brought to this work.
We also extend our appreciation to our Community Advisory Committee (CAC) representatives for their ongoing partnership, advocacy, and dedication to supporting students with disabilities and their families.
Finally, we thank all of the families who participated in community events throughout the year. Your engagement and collaboration are essential to building a strong, connected, and supportive school community.
Community Advisory Committee (CAC)
A Community Advisory Committee (CAC) is made up of parents, educators, and community members who are involved in special education. The CAC of the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) provides meetings and special events throughout the year and advises the superintendents of the 14 school districts about special education services. Each meeting includes information on a special education topic, resources for families, and opportunities to meet with other parents to exchange resources, information, and ideas.
CAC Meetings, Agenda and Handouts
To keep families informed and engaged, we want to share the progress our district has made in response to the Community Advisory Committee’s (CAC) priority actions. The information below outlines specific steps taken to address areas identified by our CAC Parent Representatives to support a sense of community and belonging.
NCCSE Parent Workshops and Family Events
Although in-person learning opportunities will be paused over summer recess, you still have an opportunity to participate in on-demand workshops. See below for a list of current workshops.
On Demand
We Want Your Feedback
We value your input as we reflect on this year’s community engagement and learning opportunities, including Picnic and Play, Bagels and Belonging, and our family learning sessions. Your feedback is important in helping us evaluate what has been effective and identify areas for growth so we can better meet the needs of our students and families.
We respectfully ask that you take a few moments to complete our survey by June 8. Your responses will directly inform planning for the upcoming school year and support our continued efforts to strengthen meaningful family engagement.
Gallop and Go - Fueled by Friendship
Our Functional Life Skills teachers, Kendra Damodaran and Alaina Despars, support staff, and our speech-language pathologist, Jenna Solares, have continued to strengthen meaningful learning opportunities for students through the Gallop and Go program at Sycamore Ridge. Throughout the year, students operate a small on-campus store where staff can purchase items such as cold drinks, snacks, and sweet treats. Students engage in functional tasks that include sorting inventory, collecting payments, and distributing purchased items to staff, allowing them to practice communication, vocational, and social-emotional skills in authentic ways.
We are grateful to Sycamore Ridge PTA for supporting this hands-on learning opportunity, and we appreciate the Principal for fostering an environment in which this program can thrive. This collaboration ensures that all students are seen, valued, and provided with experiences that promote independence and connection within the school community.
Activities to Enjoy With Your Child This Summer
Accessible Playgrounds and Inclusive Playgrounds
Tecolote Shores North Playground
Description: An inclusive playground with wheelchair-accessible equipment and sensory playareas.
Location: 1740 E Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109.
San Dieguito County Park – Inclusive Play Space
Description: Features a 5,600-square-foot all-accessible playground with various playelements.
Location: 1628 Lomas Santa Fe Dr, Del Mar, CA 92014.
Lawrence Family Jewish Community Center Playground
Description: San Diego's first fully adaptive, accessible playground.
Location: 4126 Executive Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037
Museums with Sensory-Friendly Programs
Several local museums host inclusive events designed with children’s sensory needs in mind. The Fleet Science Center and The New Children’s Museum both offer accessibility programs, and the San Diego Children’s Museum of Discovery provides hands-on learning that is both engaging and adaptable. Visiting these environments can help children generalize skills such as, following directions, asking questions, or practicing turn-taking, in real-world settings.
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum offers a fun and engaging opportunity for families to explore together this summer. Children ages 12 and under receive free admission, making it an accessible outing for families looking to enjoy a community-based experience.
Sensory-Friendly Events and Entertainment
Local theaters and organizations host sensory-friendly performances and movie showings, such as AMC’s Sensory Friendly Films and productions at some community theaters. These events are designed so children can move, make noise, or take breaks without worry.
There’s nothing quite like a glorious day at the beach, and thankfully, San Diego goes out of its way to make it easy for wheelchair users to enjoy the sand and surf.
Accessible Trails:
Trail For All People is a fully ADA accessible 1,100 linear foot loop in the Black Mountain Regional Park, the Jas Arnold Trail For All People offers amazing views in a quiet contemplative area with an emphasis on providing an inviting park space to people with mobility issues.
In-and-Out Cover to Cover Reading Challenge:
Read and log 5 books or 300 minutes online here or on a paper log available at any of our 37 San Diego Public Library locations to receive your certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger.
Free 2026 summer movies in the park for kids are packed with family-friendly entertainment, featuring popular titles like A Minecraft Movie, Lilo & Stitch, and The Sandlot in cities like San Diego and Los Angeles. Events frequently include pre-show activities, games, and food trucks starting around 6:00 PM.
From Our Directors
As we close out the school year, we extend our appreciation for the continued partnership and trust you place in our schools. We wish all of our students and families a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer. Please note that our teachers will begin their well-earned summer break on May 30, 2026, and will be unavailable until school resumes in the fall. Should you need assistance during the summer months, please contact the Student Services Department directly, as school sites will have limited availability. We look forward to welcoming students back in the fall and continuing our work together in support of each child’s success.