Special Education Highlights
Educational Resources for Panther Valley families
Hello Families,
Here’s a look at upcoming events and dates within the district. We’ll share key updates, upcoming dates, and resources to help you stay informed and support student success.
- End of quarter 1: October 27th
- Parent Teacher Conferences: November 4th and November 5th.
- Thanksgiving Holiday: November 25th Early dismissal; November 26th- 30th No school
Disability History Month
October is Disability History Month
Color/Symbol: Orange Ribbon
The goal is to increase awareness, respect, an acceptance for people with disabilities. Ways to help with this goal can be:
- Teaching the history of disability
- Watching films.
- Focusing on individuals with disabilities
- Providing instruction and events on disability history.
Building Community
October is National Bullying Prevention Month—a reminder that every student deserves to feel safe, respected, and included. This national campaign encourages schools, families, and communities to work together to prevent bullying through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.
For our special education community, this message is especially important. Students with disabilities can face unique challenges when experiencing or reporting bullying. Families and educators play an essential role in listening to students, recognizing concerns, and working together to provide support.
We can all help build a more welcoming school community:
- Invite others to join conversations, games, and activities.
- Model respect for differences in how people learn, communicate, and interact.
- Encourage students to seek help from a trusted adult when they experience or witness bullying.
- Keep communication open between home and school so concerns can be addressed together.
If you have concerns about your child, please contact your child’s teacher, case manager, or school administrator. Together, we can make kindness and belonging part of every school day—not just during October.
PVIS Yenser's CBI Trip
PVIS Life Skills students went to Yenser's on their first CBI trip of the school year. The students always enjoy the train ride, hayride, pumpkin picking, playing on the playground and having a picnic lunch. While on the CBI trip students worked on their social skills by interacting with the other students on the trip and the wonderful staff at Yenser's.
In the Kitchen
Understanding Accommodations vs. Modifications: What’s the Difference?
When you look at your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), you will likely see the terms "accommodations" and "modifications" used frequently. While they sound very similar, they mean two completely different things.
Understanding the difference is a powerful way to advocate for your child and track how they are learning in the classroom.
The Quick Rule of Thumb
- Accommodations change HOW your child learns.
- Modifications change WHAT your child learns.
Accommodations (The "How")
An accommodation levels the playing field. It removes barriers so your child can access the exact same curriculum as their peers without changing the academic difficulty.
- School Example: Your child takes the same math test as everyone else, but they get extra time or a quiet space to finish it.
Modifications (The "What")
A modification alters the curriculum because the standard expectations are currently too high or frustrating for the student. The learning material or test is adapted to match their specific instructional level.
- School Example: The class is learning 20 vocabulary words this week, but your child’s assignment is modified to focus deeply on mastering 5 core words.
Spotlight On Occupational Therapy (OT)
Did you know that a child's "occupation" is simply to learn, play, and grow? In our schools, Occupational Therapy (OT) helps students build the foundational skills they need to feel confident and participate fully in everyday school activities.
From mastering handwriting to managing classroom stress, our school Occupational Therapists work right alongside teachers to set your child up for success.
How does OT Support Your Child at School?
- Fine Motor Skills: Helping your child master pencil grip, neat handwriting, scissor skills, and keyboarding.
- Sensory Support: Finding tools—like wiggle cushions, fidgets, or quiet corners—that help your child stay calm, focused, and regulated during lessons.
- Self-Care Independence: Teaching your child how to manage everyday school routines, from zipping up heavy winter coats to opening tricky lunch containers.
- Custom Workspace Setups: Adjusting chairs, desks, or learning tools so your child can sit and work comfortably without getting frustrated.
Partners in Your Child's Success
If your child receives OT as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP), these services are fully integrated into their regular school day. Our therapists don't work in isolation; they partner directly with your child's classroom teacher. This means the strategies, accommodations, and skills your child learns in OT are practiced all day long in the classroom.
