Special EDge

“A good [educator] isn’t someone who gives the answers out to their kids but is understanding the needs and challenges and gives tools to help other people succeed.” - Justing Trudeau

It’s amazing how we can help kids (and young adults) create the mindset that they are capable of hard things. One of my personal goals is to model this by really reflecting on and seeking feedback so that I can continue to grow.

Welcome back to Campus Kudos, where we will be celebrating ways that a school’s Student Services team has been working to promote inclusion, belonging for students, and working as a team to support each other. Stay tuned each week to see which school is highlighted and what kinds of amazing work they are doing to support students.

This week we are celebrating Ponderosa and Mountain View!

PONDEROSA

Megan Knoster (Student Success Coach) shares that “at Ponderosa Elementary, the boundary between "Special Education" and "Student Success" isn't a wall—it’s a bridge. By weaving together specialized instruction and intensive mental health supports, the team creates a safety net that allows students with complex needs to not just survive the school day, but thrive within their community. The magic of this partnership is most visible in the shared environments where learning meets life-relevant skills. The team co-plans and facilitates unique groups like Cooking Group, where a recipe becomes a canvas for practicing executive functioning, sensory regulation, and social communication.

This partnership doesn't just benefit the students; it sustains the staff. By sharing the heavy lifting of intensive mental health and special education services, the team prevents burnout and fosters a culture of mutual professional respect. At Ponderosa, student success is a collective achievement.”

Trede Gutierrez (Autism Consultant) adds that “the Ponderosa team is a rock star team. They truly embody what it means to utilize neuro-affirming strategies. They embrace each student for who they are and meet them where they are at. They make sure that each student's sensory needs are met, that accommodation and modification are in place, and incorporate special interests into their learning . Furthermore, they lean into student strengths and incorporate those into their program planning.”

MOUNTAIN VIEW

Ashley Ellsworth (Occupational Therapist) shares that “the EAs at Mountain View are all so on top of it! They know their students well and have such meaningful, caring, and fun relationships with them! The EAs positive relationships with one another also help make MVHS a welcoming and supportive environment.

Ashley also celebrates that “the MVHS Life Skills class has recently started incorporating more opportunities for students to go out into the community to practice functional life skills in real settings! The peer mentors are also so awesome with the Life Skills students, you can see how much the students value their relationships with one another :)”

Megan Knoster (Student Success Coach) highlights the way that Student Success and SPED work together, sharing that “at Mountain View High School, the "Oasis" isn't just a room—it’s a philosophy. This partnership for students serves as the heartbeat of equity and emotional resilience for the MVHS community.

In the high-pressure environment of high school, students often face hurdles that transcend the classroom. Together, the Mountain View team collaborates to ensure that a student’s toughest moments do not define their educational journey.”