The SESS Spark 🐉💫✨

Dear ISD Families,

Welcome back! On behalf of our entire Special Education & Student Supports (SESS) team, I want to extend a heartfelt greeting as we begin a new school year together. We are so excited to partner with you and to work closely with your children, celebrating their growth, and supporting their unique journeys each step of the way.

This newsletter is the first of four you will receive from me this year. Each edition will share updates, resources, important dates, and highlights from our community. Our goal is to keep you connected, informed, and inspired.

I’m thrilled to introduce myself as the new Assistant Principal at ISD. This is my 19th year in education, with most of my career spent in private schools as an elementary educator. Most recently, I served as Assistant Division Head for Upper Elementary (Grade 3-5) at Greenwich Country Day School. At GCDS, I also taught 4th and 5th grade and worked closely with our Student Support Team as an administrator. I am passionate about building inclusive, supportive school communities where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered. I look forward to getting to know you and your children this year.

We are delighted to welcome Ms. Julianna Roma as ISD’s new School Psychologist. Julianna brings with her a wealth of expertise in child development, assessment, and counseling. She is eager to connect with families and provide support for our students’ social, emotional, and academic needs. (Please check your inbox for more about Julianna in an email that she sent out to families previously!)

We are also excited to welcome Dr. Debbie Perry, who will be working with ISD as one of our district’s Special Education Coordinators. In her role, Dr. Perry will help plan, coordinate, and supervise special education services while partnering closely with our team to ensure high-quality instruction for students with disabilities in both general and special education settings. We are thrilled to have her expertise and leadership supporting our students, families, and staff this year.

Lastly, we are so grateful to Karen Soler, 4th grade parent, who will serve as ISD’s Special Education Parent Liaison. In this role, Karen will connect our families to district resources and ensure that parent voices remain central in our work. To help build a more connected SESS family community, Karen will be sending occasional community-building updates and opportunities, separate from the confidential correspondence I send. If you prefer not to have your contact information shared for this purpose or wish to opt out of Karen’s messages, please let us both know at kevin_thompson@greenwich.k12.ct.us and karenasoler@gmail.com.

We would be remiss if we did not also recognize Mr. Phil Hammack, ISD’s new Principal. In just a few short weeks, his leadership has already left an indelible impact on our school community. Principal Hammack’s vision, energy, and commitment to building strong relationships with students, staff, and families are already shaping a positive and inspiring start to the year. We are grateful for his leadership and excited to continue this journey together under his guidance.

We are fortunate to have an incredible group of professionals serving our students. Here’s a quick look at the team you’ll see around the building:

• Lindsey Babyak – Special Education Teacher (Grade 5) | Years at ISD: 22

• Sue Coyle – Special Education Teacher (Grades K, 1, & 2) | Years at ISD: 2

• Marlene Fernandez – Special Education Teacher (Grades 3 & 4) | Years at ISD: 25

• Mackenzie Cobb – Occupational Therapist | Years at ISD: 5

• Theresa McElroy – Speech & Language Pathologist | Years at ISD: 9

• Randi Price – Social Worker | Years at ISD: 2

• Julianna Roma – School Psychologist | 1st year at ISD

• Julia D’Andrea (Ms. D) – Paraprofessional | Years at ISD: 4

• Pamela Lamanna – Paraprofessional | Years at ISD: 17

• Navneet Lamba – Paraprofessional | 1st Year at ISD

• Stacey Turpin – Paraprofessional | Years at ISD: 3

• Alison Tepper – ESOL Teacher | Years at ISD: 2

• Jen Murphy – ESOL Paraprofessional | Years at ISD: 10

• Jessica Gentile –School Nurse | Years at ISD: 2

• Dr. Debbie Perry – Special Education Coordinator | 1st year in the district

While our special education teachers may be assigned to specific grade levels, their caseloads do vary, and you can expect them to be working across all grade levels with all of our students. This is a team of dedicated, experienced, and passionate educators who care deeply about your children.

☕ SPED Parent Coffee

• Friday, October 10th at 9:00 a.m.

• A casual opportunity to connect, share ideas, ask questions, and plan for the year. We hope you’ll join us!

📅 Planning & Placement Team (PPT) Meetings

• ISD’s designated PPT day is Thursday.

• Annual meetings will be scheduled by our Special Education Clerk, Liz Goggins.

• If you have questions, please contact me or Liz at: elizabeth_goggins@greenwich.k12.ct.us.

🗂️ Procedural Safeguards & CT-SEDS 💻

Below you will find your procedural safeguards, along with instructions to sign up for the CT-SEDS portal.

• Procedural Safeguards
• Restraint & Seclusion Laws
• Section 504 Notification of Rights
• CT-SEDS Parent Portal Directions

• A Parent's Guide to Special Education 2021 (ct.gov)

"The procedural safeguards explain student and parent rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) and identify dispute-resolution options, including the right to voluntarily engage in mediation.”

In future newsletters, you can expect:

• Spotlights on staff and student successes

• Resources & tips for supporting your child at home

• Upcoming events & workshops for families

• Celebrations of the incredible work happening across ISD

Together, let’s make this a year filled with growth, connection, and joy.

In partnership,
Kevin