Letter from the Editor
As we approach the end of the school year, it's a perfect time to reflect and celebrate growth. Our students have achieved many goals and have worked incredibly hard this year! Whether big or small, each accomplishment deserves recognition. I encourage families to engage in conversations together. Here are some prompts to kickstart your discussions:
- What were my top three achievements this year? How did they make me feel?
- What was the most valuable lesson I learned?
- What was the most significant change I experienced?
- What was a challenge I faced? How did I handle it?
- What goals I want to pursue moving forward? What specific steps can I take to achieve each one?
It's been inspiring to witness students connecting with their peers, producing excellent work, and enjoying their learning experiences. Thank you for your ongoing support and for entrusting us with your students. Special Programs & Services is eager to see you next School Year!
Kimberly Waltmon
Assistant Superintendent of Special Programs and Services
24-25 Special Programs Parent Advisory Council
We are excited to announce our 2024-2025 School Year Special Programs Parent Advisory Executive Council parent representatives. The Vice President, Secretary, and 504 Parent Representative were nominated and voted in during the April 8th general meeting.
- President - Jason Miller
- Vice President - Desaray Granzow
- Secretary - Brittany Seyb
- Communications - Stephanie Higgins
- Inclusion & Diversity - Laura Marques
- 504 Parent Representative - Deac Michelsohn
Summer Break Tips
Here are some tips to help your child during the summer break:
- Maintain a Routine - Routines help our students know what to expect throughout the day and feel secure. Let your child know of any changes ahead of time to help them prepare for the shift in schedule.
- Visual Supports - Utilize visuals! Work with your child to create a school break schedule with preferred activities and breaks built in. You can create checklists of activities that you want to accomplish or utilize some first then boards. Here's a short YouTube video on how to create your own visuals at home.
- Sensory Boxes - Check out these summer sensory box ideas that can help get your child engaged in learning and play over break.
- Have Fun- This is the most important part of a school break!
Summer Camp Guide
In case you missed it, the 2024 Recreation & Camp Guide for Students with Special Needs is here! This is a great resource for finding ways to engage your students over the summer break. This guide is alphabetized and covers all of our surrounding areas. There are daily programs, specialty programs, and overnight camps listed. If you have any questions, please contact the program directly. We have copies of the guide in English and Spanish.
LISD Summer Learning Opportunities
Family Workshop Archives
Have you missed any of the Family Workshops from this year or want to review the information that was discussed? You can visit the archive and find presentations that cover topics from behavior, building structure, utilizing AAC at home, supporting neurodiversity and more!
Think College
Think College is a great resource that gathers information about all of the college experiences available across the United States for people with disabilities. Think College is dedicated to developing, expanding, and improving inclusive higher education options for people with intellectual disabilities. They have tons of resources to assist your family in planning and finding the right college for your student. Please visit the Think College website to browse their resource library, see upcoming events, and connect with other families on the path to college.
Post-Secondary Accomodations
Have you ever wondered what accommodations will be available to your student either in a post-secondary training opportunity or the workplace? Check out these resources to find out what may be available:
CPATH
As children can quickly outgrow equipment, Cerebral Palsy Awareness Transition Hope (CPATH) is a Central Texas program that redistributes outgrown or no longer needed pediatric equipment to families in need, free of charge. By providing a platform for exchange, CPATH's goal is to ensure that every child has access to the equipment they require. Once no longer needed, equipment can be returned to CPATH for further redistribution.
Partner's Resource Network Webinars
Partner's Resource Network is a non-profit that empowers families and children with disabilities. Every month they host a variety of free webinars that focus on IEPs, Section 504, assistive technology, sibling support and more Click here to learn more.
LISD Special Programs & Services
Website: Leander Special Programs & Services
X (formerly Twitter): @LISD_SPROG