Joseph Greget's Special Education and Student Services Blog: April 2012

Friday, April 20, 2012

Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for April 20, 2012

Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for April 20, 2012

I. SPRING CONCERTS
I would like to thank all the staff for your extra help with the students and their Spring Concerts. You help prior to and during the concerts are appreciated and means so much to the families in the audience.

II. WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD
Thank you to the Early Childhood Sub-Committee for promoting Week of the Young Child in Taylor County. Highlighted features will include:
* Monday April 23 - Colleen and Uncle Squaty Live! at MAES with shows at 1:00 and 4:30
* Thursday April 26 - Beach Party Potluck Dinner (5:00) and Dance (6:00) at MAES
* Saturday April 28 - Pirates Band of Misfits! 11:00 am at Broadway Theatre with tickets only $5.00 and 50% off popcorn and soda
* Child Care Resource Placements in restaurants in Taylor County
* Dress up days each day
* Donated Tombstone pizzas for early education classrooms

III. EARLY RELEASE DAY
There is no scheduled activity for paraprofessionals on Early Release Day. You can contact your cooperating teachers for work they need help with, talk to your principals about some work, and/or may leave when the students are gone.

IV. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS UPDATE
We have posted for an elementary school psychologist position which closes at the end of the month. We would plan to do interviews early May with offering the position to someone prior to end of the school year.

The Board of Education voted last night to have the Director of Special Education/Student Services assume the primary school psychologist responsibilities at MAMS and MASH for 12-13. There will be additional part-time (10 hours per week on average) school psychologist support contracted through private people and/or CESA allowed. Some of the Director of Student Services responsibilities will be shared among other administrators in 12-13. This will save the school approximately $56,000 up to $96,500.

V. SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFFING ALIGNMENT
The Board of Education voted to hire a social studies licensed teacher to teach three sections in 12-13. This will allow us to not reduce three special education teacher sections.

VI. READ 180/SAM TRAINING
There will be a Read 180 SAM training on Monday April 23 at 3:30 at MASH. Thanks to Oralee Dittrich for training the staff.

VII. WILSON JUST WORDS TRAINING
July 30 and 31 in Medford at the D.O. Contact Luanne Olson for registration as space is limited. This is sponsored by the Taylor County Literacy Council thanks to a grant through NTC.

VIII. TAYLOR COUNTY LITERACY COUNCIL
Monday April 22 at 7:00 pm at NTC.

IX. SCHOOL BASED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING
There will be a meeting with the Coordinator of the Northwest Directions School Based Mental Health Counseling on Wednesday May 2 at 11:30 am at MAMS. We will be having discussion on whether to continue this program through the summer and in 12-13.

X. TAYLOR COUNTY EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBCOMMITTEE
Friday May 4 at 1:30 at the District Office.

XI. SUMMER SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION
I will be meeting with staff and finalizing plans for our summer school special education course offerings by end of this coming week.

XII. SPECIAL EDUCATION and PRESCHOOL ENTITLEMENT BUDGETS
I will be finalizing the special education and preschool entitlement budgets for 12-13 this week. If you have not submitted the budget or new items have come up, please let me know.

XIII. IPADS AND ITUNES
Dennis H is working on setting up group special education staff iTunes username and passwords. You would then order applications through the Volume Purchasing Pricing. We would not order anymore through the district special education account. Your iPads would be cleared of all applications. We would then reinstall them and purchase applications individually.

XIV. IPAD/EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TRAINING
Dennis H will be sharing more information with staff about this new process at our iPad/Educational Technology training on Tuesday April 24 at 4:00 pm.

XV. WILSON JUST WORDS ACADEMY ONLINE SUPPORT
Wilson Just Words Academy Online Support:
www.wilsonlanguage.com/academy
Username: gregejo@medford.k12.wi.us
Password: Medfordsf10

You will have access to:
InterActivities Whiteboard Application
Video Demonstrations
Printable teaching aids
Fillable Lesson Plans
Discussion Board
Measuring of Student Progress

XVI. DR. LAURA SHANK PRESENTATION
Our Special Education Advisory Council and Autism Resource Team are excited to announce that Laura Shank, Psy D. will be in Medford to present on "Current research providing new ideas for behavioral interventions in children with developmental disorders." All staff and parents are invited to attend.

Date:               Wednesday May 2
Time:               4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
Location:         Medford Area Elementary School Media Room

Laura Shank is a rehabilitation psychologist and neuropsychologist at the Achieve Center in Wausau. She completed her post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Michigan, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation where she provided assessment and treatment services to a variety of patients with developmental disabilities and neurocognitive conditions, including cerebral palsy, autism, downs syndrome, brain injuries, and spina bifida. Additionally, during her time at the University Michigan Health Systems, she published several journal articles on the use of adaptive neuropsychological measures for children with speech and motor impairments as well as a book chapter on the neuropsychological correlates of spina bifida.

Dr. Shank's clinical interests include developmental disabilities, congenital neurocognitive disorders, and adjustment to chronic illness and pain. Her research interests include creating accessible neuropsychological measures, evaluating primary care psychology models, and assessing factors influencing quality of life and compliance to medical care.

Dr. Laura Shank's expertise in assisting children faced with complex diagnosis and health issues is a valuable addition to the medical community and a welcome resource for families.

XVII. WISCONSIN ACT 165
Wisconsin Act 165 was recently signed into law allowing the use of law enforcement or juvenile court records to take disciplinary action against a student under a school district’s athletic code. https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/acts/165

XVIII. FACEBOOK FOR SCHOOL COUNSELORS
Facebook has released a new resource: Facebook for School Counselors - which is intended to help counselors use the social-networking website and teach students how to use the site responsibly. The resource was released in collaboration with The Internet Keep Safe Coalition and The American School Counselor Association. The guide includes information about school policies, responding to online incidents and identifying risky online behavior. U.S. News & World Report (4/16). This was emailed out to all of the school counselors and school psychologists.

XIX. SCHOOL PERMISSIONS FOR FOSTER CARE
State Superintendent Tony Evers’ focus has been on increasing Wisconsin’s high school graduation rate. Wisconsin youth in foster care graduate at a much lower rate than their peers. Recognizing this, the Departments of Public Instruction (DPI) and Children and Families (DCF) are collaborating with the goal of improving educational outcomes for children living in foster care.

Students living in foster care are often excluded from participation in school activities outside the classroom because the school is unable to obtain consent from the parent. The Department of Children and Families recently issued a memorandum to counties that clarifies a foster parent or other individual with physical custody of a child under the child welfare system has the authority to give permission for school activities such as field trips, sports activities, and clubs. Decisions regarding educational placements (e.g., special education) continue to be the responsibility of the parent/guardian as delineated in state and federal law.

Many Wisconsin school districts have granted partial credit to students who had to transfer mid-semester, because a parent in military service was deployed overseas. This same strategy can be used to increase the educational success of students who enroll mid-semester because they are placed in foster homes.

Information on how schools and child welfare agencies can work together can be found in the joint DPI/DCF publication Educational Services for Children Living in Foster Care, This document explains the responsibilities of both schools and child welfare agencies in serving children living in foster care, including the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008.

Questions can be directed to the School Social Work Consultant Nic Dibble or at (608) 266-0963.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

DPI Suicide Prevention Resources Annual Notice for Professional Staff

Suicide Prevention Resources Annual Notice for Professional Staff

Wisconsin law requires public and private schools to annually inform their professional staff of the resources available from the DPI and other sources regarding suicide prevention (WI. Stats. sec. 115.365). To assist in this, DPI has updated its model notice for schools, which is available for download, at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/spwilaws.html. Many other resources on suicide prevention are posted at http://dpi.wi.gov/sspw/suicideprev.html. For more information, contact Brenda Jennings at (608)266-7051 or brenda.jennings@dpi.wi.gov.

IEP Forms and Communication Options for Parents – Spanish Translations Online from DPI

IEP Forms and Communication Options for Parents – Spanish Translations Online

Spanish versions of all Model Forms are available on the DPI website at http://dpi.state.wi.us/sped/form_int.html. The Department recently posted a new or revised Spanish version of the following five forms:

IE-1, “Notice of Receipt of Referral and Start of Initial Evaluation” (revisions)
ER-2, “Additional Documentation Required When Child is Evaluated for Specific Learning Disabilities” (revisions)
I-7-B, “Guidelines for Oral Test Administration to Students with Visual Impairments on the WKCE or WAA-SwS” (newly translated)
EE-1, “Data Worksheet for Determining Environment Codes” (revisions)
M-5, “Consent to Bill Wisconsin Medicaid for Medically-related Special Education and/or Related Services” (revisions)

DPI also posted translations of the eligibility criteria worksheets for Specific Learning Disabilities (initial and reevaluation). These newly translated documents are online at http://dpi.state.wi.us/sped/eligibility.html.

In addition, the Department posted a Spanish version of “Communication Options for Families” (http://dpi.state.wi.us/sped/agreement.html) and the cover sheet for the Procedural Safeguards (http://dpi.state.wi.us/sped/pcrights.html). Both of these documents are newly translated, not revised versions

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Traumatic Brain Injury Resources from DPI

http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sped/tbi.html

Resources

Helpful Tools/Forms

For questions about this information, contact Wendi Dawson (608) 266-1146

Educational Services for Children Living in Foster Care

Email from Department of Public Instruction on 4-12-12

Educational Services for Children Living in Foster Care

Wisconsin youth in foster care generally have poorer outcomes, including much lower graduation rates than their peers. Recognizing this, the Departments of Public Instruction (DPI) and Children and Families (DCF) are collaborating with the goal to improve educational outcomes for children living in foster care.

Students living in foster care often are excluded from participation in school activities outside the classroom because the school is unable to obtain consent from the parent. DCF has issued a memorandum to counties that clarifies a foster parent or other individual with physical custody of a child under the child welfare system has the authority to give permission for school activities such as field trips, sports activities, and clubs. Decisions regarding educational placements (e.g., special education) continue to be the responsibility of the parent/guardian as delineated in state and federal law. This memorandum is at http://dcf.wisconsin.gov/memos/num_memos/DSP/2012/2012-03.pdf.

Many LEAs grant partial credit to students transferring mid-semester because a parent in military service is deployed overseas. This strategy also may be used for students who transfer due to placement in foster homes.

Information on how schools and child welfare agencies can work together is available in the joint DPI/DCF publication Educational Services for Children Living in Foster Care, at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/sspw/fostercareedu.html. This document describes the responsibilities of both schools and child welfare agencies in serving children living in foster care, including the federal Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoption Act of 2008.

Questions should be directed to Nic Dibble, Consultant, School Social Work, at (608) 266-0963 or nic.dibble@dpi.wi.gov.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Wilson Just Words Training in Medford on July 30 and 31

Wilson Reading Updates

JUST WORDS TRAINING
There will be a Wilson Reading Just Words training on July 30 and 31
in Medford. We can have up to 30 people at the training. 10 of these
will be reserved for NTC staff. 5 of these will be reserved for Adult
Literacy Tutors. If you are interested in attending, please reserve a
spot with Luanne Olson at the D.O. This training is available thanks
to a grant for the Taylor County Literacy Council written by
Northcentral Technical College. Katherine Campbell will be our
trainer.

WILSON READING STEPS 1-6 ONLINE TRAINING
We will be continuing our Wilson Reading Steps 1-6 online training on
Wednesday April 18 at MAES in the computer lab. We will start at 4:00
pm due to Mr. Sullivan's meeting with MAES staff. We will plan to go
from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Any staff who are not Level I or Level II
certified are encouraged to attend. Level I and Level II staff will
be there for support and review.

WILSON READING LEVEL II CERTIFIED STAFF
We are looking at having a Level II Certified Staff teach at least 1
section in each building during the 12-13 school year. This will help
provide opportunities for other staff to consult with them, observe,
and/or be coached by them.

WILSON FUNDATIONS REVISED
Fundations is being revised for 2012. If you would like the new
materials, now would be the time to talk with your building principal,
Director of Curriculum/Instruction, or myself for these new
materials. http://www.wilsonlanguage.com/FUN_SE_HOME.html

AIMS Web Benchmark Testing Window for 11-12

Fall: Sept 1- Oct 15
Winter: Jan 1-Feb 1
Spring: May 1- June 1

Week of the Young Child - April 23 to April 27

Week of the Young Child

April 23 to April 27

Highlights:

Monday April 23 = Live with Colleen and Uncle Squaty! Shake it Down
and Turn Around!
Performances at 1:00 and 4:30 in the Medford Area Elementary School
Gymansium. All children and parents are encouraged to attend.

Thursday April 26 = Beach Party Potluck Dinner and Dance
Dinner at 5:00 and Dance at 6:00 pm at Medford Area Elementary
School. DJ Scott Woller will be providing the tunes for the children
and parents to dance along with.

Saturday April 28 = Pirates: Band of Misfits at Broadway Theatre
11:00 am
$5 admission per person
50% off fountain soda and popcorn

Themes of the Day:
Monday = Crazy Clothes Day
Tuesday = Sports Day
Wednesday = Pajamas Day
Thursday = Beach Wear Day
Friday = School Colors Day

Pizza Pizza
Tombstone has donated 3 cases of pizza for child care providers to use.
as snacks with their children.

Child Care Resource Placemats
Taylor County Health Department will be putting Child Care Resource
Placemats in restaurants across the area.

Pictures in Downtown Businesses
Sand Box Day Care children will be drawing and painting pictures to be
placed in downtown businesses.

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Wisconsin Educators on Twitter

You can find WI educators to follow on twitter at http://t.co/t0uAUScH

Child Mental Health Awareness Week Resources for May 6-12

Child Mental Health Awarness Week May 6 - 12
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and NASP encourages school psychologists to share information and resources with parents, teachers, and students. To support your ability to raise awareness, NASP is teaming up with the Child Mind Institute’s Speak Up for Kids, a free nationwide public education campaign to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental health and learning disorders in children and teens. During National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week (May 6–12, 2012)—or any time this spring—NASP members are encouraged to give talks at their schools or other work locations as part of this national effort to raise awareness about the importance of student mental health. Take advantage of the free PowerPoint presentations and resource materials to plan a talk on topics including: ADHD, childhood trauma, anxiety, depression, bullying prevention, difficult behavior, cyber safety, and school–family partnerships. NASP has worked with Child Mind to adapt the presentations for appropriate use in schools.
(from DPI School Psych Consultant Kathryn Bush)

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Addressing The Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint in Schools 2011 Wisconsin Act 125 Requirements

Department of Public Instruction staff have developed an overview of Act 125 requirements addressing the use of seclusion and physical restraint in public schools. The overview is available at http://www.dpi.wi.gov/sped/doc/secrestwiact125.doc.

Addressing The Use of Seclusion and Physical Restraint in Schools

2011 Wisconsin Act 125 Requirements

Coverage

Applies to both special education and regular education students.

Applies to school staff, including independent contractors and their employees, and student teachers. Does not apply to law enforcement officers working in the school.

Definitions

Defines “physical restraint” as a restriction that immobilizes or reduces the ability of a student to freely move his or her torso, arms, legs, or head.

Defines “seclusion” as the involuntary confinement of a student, apart from other students, in a room or area from which the student is physically prevented from leaving.

Seclusion

Prohibits use of seclusion in public schools, including charter schools, except when:

· A student’s behavior presents a clear, present and imminent risk to the physical safety of the student or to others, and it is the least restrictive intervention feasible;

· Constant supervision of the student is maintained;

· The student has adequate access to the bathroom, drinking water, required medications, and regularly scheduled meals; and

· Seclusion is used no longer than necessary to resolve the risk to the physical safety of the student or others.

A room may not be used for seclusion unless:

· The room or area is free of objects or fixtures that may cause injury,

· There are no locks on the door, including hold down type mechanisms that immediately release when pressure is removed, and

· Meets all applicable school building code requirements.

What is not considered seclusion?

Directing a disruptive student to temporarily separate himself or herself from the activity in the classroom to regain control is not considered seclusion unless the student is confined to an area from which she or he is prevented from leaving.

Directing a student to temporarily remain in the classroom to complete tasks while other students participate in activities outside of the classroom is not considered seclusion unless the student is confined to an area from which she or he is prevented from leaving.

Physical Restraint

Prohibits the use of physical restraint in public schools, including charter schools, except when:

· A student’s behavior presents a clear, present and imminent risk to the physical safety of the student or to others, and it is the least restrictive intervention feasible;

· There are no medical contraindications to its use;

· The degree of force and duration used do not exceed what is necessary and reasonable to resolve the risk to the physical safety of the student or others; and

· No prohibited maneuver is used.

Prohibits maneuvers or techniques that:

· Do not give adequate attention and care to protecting the pupil’s head;

· Cause chest compression by placing pressure or weight on the student’s chest, lungs, sternum, diaphragm, back or abdomen,

· Place pressure or weight on the student’s neck or throat, on an artery, or on the back of the student’s head or neck, or that otherwise obstruct the student’s circulation or breathing; and

· Constitute corporal punishment

The Act prohibits mechanical or chemical restraints. Supportive equipment that properly aligns a student’s body, assists in maintaining balance, or assisting in mobility under the oversight of appropriate medical staff is not mechanical restraint.

What is not considered physical restraint?

Briefly touching a student’s hand, arm, shoulder or back to calm, comfort, or redirect the pupil is not considered physical restraint.

Individualized Education Program (IEP) Requirements

The first time that seclusion or physical restraint is used on a student, the student’s IEP team must meet as soon as possible after the incident.

The IEP team must review the student’s IEP to make sure that it contains appropriate positive behavioral interventions, supports, and other strategies to address the behavior, and revise if necessary.

At anytime if the IEP team determines that the use of seclusion or restraint may be reasonably anticipated for the student, the IEP must include:

· Appropriate positive interventions and supports and other strategies that address the behavioral concerns based on a functional behavioral assessment; and

· Clear statements that the use of restraint and/or seclusion may be used as an intervention.

Notification and Reporting Requirements

If seclusion and/or physical restraint is used on a student at school, the principal or designee must:

· As soon as possible, but no later than 1 business day after the incident, notify the student’s parent of the incident and of the availability of the written report.

· Within 2 business days after the incident, after consulting with school staff present, prepare a written report containing all of the following information:

o The student’s name,

o The date, time, and duration of the incident,

o A description of the incident including a description of the student’s behavior before and after the incident, and

o The names and titles of school staff present during the incident.

· The written report must be kept at the school and made available for review by the student’s parents within 3 business days of the incident.

Each year, by September 1, the principal or designee must submit to the school board a report:

· on the number of incidents of seclusion and physical restraint in the previous year,

· the total number of students involved in the incidents, and

· the total number of students with disabilities involved in the incidents.

Training Requirements

Except as discussed below, no school staff may use physical restraint unless he or she has received training that includes:

· Methods of preventing the need for physical restraint;

· Instruction in the identification and description of dangerous behavior indicating the need for physical restraint, and in methods of evaluating risk of harm to determine whether physical restraint is needed;

· Experience in administering and receiving various types of physical restraint;

· Instruction on the effects of physical restraint on the person restrained, methods of monitoring signs of physical distress, and techniques for determining when medical assistance may be needed;

· Instruction in documenting and reporting incidents of physical restraint; and

· Demonstration of proficiency in administering physical restraint.

Each school where physical restraint may be used must have at least one staff member who has received training.

The school must keep a record of the training received by the staff member(s) including information regarding how long the training is considered valid by the training program.

Unforeseen Emergency Exception:

School staff who have not received the prescribed training in physical restraint may use physical restraint on a student at school:

· only in an emergency, and

· only if school staff members who have received training are not immediately available.

Authority under other statutory provisions

Nothing in the Act affects the ability of school staff to remove a student from class under current law (section 118.164 (3) (b) of the Wisconsin Statutes).

Nothing in the Act affects the ability of school staff to use the exceptions to the prohibition on corporal punishment under current law (section 118.31 (3) of the Wisconsin Statutes).

Special Education and Student Services Newsletter for April 6, 2012

I would like to start by wishing all of you and your families a very Happy Easter! I hope that you have a nice time with the few days off. May your Easter baskets be filled with many good prizes and good times.

1. School Psychological Services
We have now had a retirement (Barb Krenz) and resignation at end of the 11-12 school year (Jessica Martin) from our school psychologists.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jessica Martin for all of her school psychological services, counseling, and work with our animal advocates program. Sitting in her shoes over the past few weeks provides new perspective to the great work she had done over the years.

Jessica will continue to provide school psychological services for students in special education through the Rural Virtual Academy starting in the 12-13 school year.

The school district will be posting for a full time school psychologist position to be placed at the elementary level in 12-13. I will be filling the school psychologist responsibilities at our middle and high school. There may be some budget money allocated for any additional as needed or part time school psychologist support in 12-13. There may be transferring of some Director of Student Services responsibilities due to increase in school psychological services responsibilities. This new alignment of services will help save the school district up to $96,500 for 12-13 and in future years.

2. Spring Fling Dance
This is a reminder about our Spring Fling Dance! This is our second annual dance sponsored by the Medford Morning Rotary Club and MASH Club DART. It will be held on Friday April 13 from 12:30 to 2:30 in the MASH Sands and Gym areas. Any grade 7-12 students in special education plus a guest are invited to attend. Music will be performed by Shelley Johnson. Magic tricks will be provided by the Great HouDoni. There will be prizes, games, and treats for each of the students.

Set up will begin at 11:00 in the MASH Sands and Gym area. Bus transportation will be provided for students from MAMS to MASH for the dance from 12:30 to 2:30.

3. Dr. Laura Shank presentation on May 2
There will be a presentation by Dr. Laura Shank from the Achieve
Center that will focus on "Current research providing new ideas for
behavioral interventions in children with developmental disorders."
It will be held on Wednesday May 2 from 4:00 to 5:30 in the MAES Media
Room.

4. CPR Re-Certification Training
There will be recertification CPR training scheduled on April 25. It will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at MAMS. If you are interested please contact Jill Koenig - School Nurse at MASH extension 432. We can have up to 18 people enroll in the class. Registration is due by Friday April 13. Registration cost will be $25.00 per person. This training will be through the CLC Adult Education Class. Registration costs will be covered by the district for staff requested to attend due to student health concerns.

5. Teacher Recommendations for 12-13
Please send to Mr. Miller your regular education teacher recommendations for 12-13 by May 11, 2012.

6. Live! with Colleen and Uncle Squaty
There will be performances on Monday April 23 at 1:00 and 4:30 pm at MAES. Fun performance for children and parents. All are invited to attend this event at no cost.

7. Laws of Life Essay Contest
The Laws of Life essay contests recognizes that families help children learn valuable lessons that cannot be acquired from books alone. The essay contest allows students to write and reflect about their own values that will guide them the rest of their lives.

This will be held on Thursday April 12 at 7:00 pm at MAMS. If you have never attended, this is a powerful event for the students, families, and the school.

Thanks to Jackie Strick, other school staff, and Medford Kiwanis who are involved in helping organize and plan.

8. Happy Birthday to Luanne Olson!
Please send your Happy Birthday wishes to Luanne on April 10!

9. Building Special Education meetings in April
April 10 - MAMS
April 17 - MASH

10. Read 180/SAM training
April 16 at 3:30 in the Read 180 room

11. Wilson Reading Steps 1-6 Online Training
We will be reviewing Wilson Steps 1-6 online assessment on April 18 at 3:45 at MAES in computer lab. All Wilson staff are invited to attend.

12. Taylor County Reality Fair
We had another successful Reality Fair this past week. Thanks to Louann Stanton, Kathy Danen, and Lisa Porten for their help in organizing this event. Thanks to the Taylor County Transition Advisory Council, community members, and other school staff for their help as well.

13. Student Teaching
Cathy Venzke - special education paraprofessional - will be doing her regular education teacher and special education teacher student teaching in Fall 2012.

14. Wilson Reading Level II Certification
We will be looking at having a Wilson Reading Level II Certified Staff at MAMS for 1-2 periods per day in 12-13 similar to 11-12. This helps provide additional consultation and supports for staff teaching the program and students to receive services. There has also been some discussion of having a Level II Certified Staff teach a section at MASH in 12-13.

15. Wilson Reading Just Words Training on July 30 and 31
This will be held on July 30 and 31 all day at the District Office in Medford. Register with Luanne Olson if you are interested in attending. Katherine Campbell is our trainer. This is available through the Taylor County Literacy Council thanks to a grant which was written by NTC.

16. Extended School Year Services
Please send to me a list of the students that will need Extended School Year Services during Summer 2012 so staff can be arranged.

17. Early Childhood Special Education
There is an expected 18-21 students who will be receiving Early Childhood Special Education services in 12-13. There may need to be a re-alignment of certified and support staff person to the ECSE program due to the number and severity of needs of students.

18. Social Studies Teacher
There will be a recommended alignment of a regular education teacher to the RVA during the school day. This would leave three periods per day that a Social Studies Teacher is needed at MAMS. This could result in realignment of a special education staff member to cover those responsibilities which would be a reduction of a part time special education teacher in 12-13.

19. Taylor County Transition Advisory Council
Thursday April 12 from 12:00 to 1:30 at the District Office. We will be planning a Transition Night and Special Health Care Needs Overview trainings in Medford in 12-13. Here are similar upcoming trainings for anyone interested:

Transition Fair in Merrill
The Lincoln County Transition Advisory Council is presenting their 4th
Annual Transition Fair, “Life in the Real World – Planning for Life
After High School”, on Wed., April 25, 2012.   The target audience for
this year’s fair is the mildly to moderately disabled special
education students in the Merrill and Tomahawk School Districts.

The fair this year will be at the Merrill High School, 1201 N. Sales
St. Registration and dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the evening
should come to a close around 7:30 p.m. Presenters will each have
their own table where parents and students can come to obtain
information and have their questions answered.

"Did You Know? Now You Know!" Presentation on April 11
Wednesday April 11, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
At Ministry Health Care in Rhinelander
Contact NRCCY at 1-866-640-4106 or email
Julia.Stavran@co.marathon.wi.us
Training is free and a resource binder/meal is provided

This is a training that provides a comprehensive overview of health
care, community supports and services and resources for children and
youth with disabilities and special health care needs from birth
through young adulthood.

Topics will include:
Medicaid
How to appeal a Medicaid/BadgerCare Plus denial
Prior Authorizations and medical necessity
Katie Becket (a doorway into Medicaid for children with disabilities)
Family Support Program
Children's Long Term Support Waivers
HealthCheck and HealthCheck "Other Services"
Health insurance and how health care reform may impact your plan
Partnering with your doctor
Establishing a Medical Home

This is sponsored by Family Voices in Wisconsin, Northern Regional
Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Parent
to Parent of Wisconsin, and Ministry Medical Group - Northern Region.

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Week of the Young Child on April 23-27 in Taylor County

Week of the Young Child

April 23 to April 27

Highlights:

Monday April 23 = Live with Colleen and Uncle Squaty! Shake it Down
and Turn Around!

Performances at 1:00 and 4:30 in the Medford Area Elementary School
Gymansium. All children and parents are encouraged to attend. I have
posters to copy or hang up in your setting if wanted.

Thursday April 26 = Potluck Dinner and Dance
Dinner at 5:00 and Dance at 6:00 pm at Medford Area Elementary
School. DJ Scott Woller will be providing the tunes for the children
and parents to dance along with.

Saturday April 28 = Movie at Broadway Theatre
Special movie for early education children and families at Broadway
Theatre in Medford at 11:00 am. $5.00 admission and 50% off soda and
popcorn. Kid Friendly Movie to be determined.

Themes of the Day:
Monday = Crazy Clothes Day
Tuesday = Sports Day
Wednesday = Pajamas Day
Thursday = Beach Wear Day
Friday = School Colors Day

Pizza Pizza
Tombstone has donated 3 cases of pizza for child care providers to use
as snacks with their children. Contact Brittany Zenner at MAES if you
would like some. Availability is limited.

Child Care Resource Placemats
Taylor County Health Department will be putting Child Care Resource
Placemats in restaurants across the area.

Pictures in Downtown Businesses
Sand Box Day Care children will be drawing and painting pictures to be
placed in downtown businesses.

Radio Interview
I will be interviewed about Week of the Young Child on the local Radio
station about our events this whole week. If you are interested in
being in the radio interview with me, please let me know.

Flyer
I will be making a Week of the Young Child Flyer with this information
on it. You can send home the flyer to your families.

“Life in the Real World – Planning for Life After High School”

The Lincoln County Transition Advisory Council is presenting their 4th
Annual Transition Fair, “Life in the Real World – Planning for Life
After High School”, on Wed., April 25, 2012. The target audience for
this year’s fair is the mildly to moderately disabled special
education students in the Merrill and Tomahawk School Districts.

The fair this year will be at the Merrill High School, 1201 N. Sales
St. Registration and dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the evening
should come to a close around 7:30 p.m. Presenters will each have
their own table where parents and students can come to obtain
information and have their questions answered.

The coordinator for this event is Gwen Schmidt, Special Education/
Pupil Services Secretary. She can be reached at Merrill Area Public
School

715-536-4581 ext. 10006

"Did You Know? Now You Know!" Presentation on April 11

"Did You Know? Now You Know!" Presentation on April 11
Wednesday April 11, 5:30 to 8:30 pm
At Ministry Health Care in Rhinelander
Contact NRCCY at 1-866-640-4106 or email Julia.Stavran@co.marathon.wi.us
Training is free and a resource binder/meal is provided

This is a training that provides a comprehensive overview of health care, community supports and services and resources for children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs from birth through young adulthood.

Topics will include:
Medicaid
How to appeal a Medicaid/BadgerCare Plus denial
Prior Authorizations and medical necessity
Katie Becket (a doorway into Medicaid for children with disabilities)
Family Support Program
Children's Long Term Support Waivers
HealthCheck and HealthCheck "Other Services"
Health insurance and how health care reform may impact your plan
Partnering with your doctor
Establishing a Medical Home

This is sponsored by Family Voices in Wisconsin, Northern Regional Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs, Parent to Parent of Wisconsin, and Ministry Medical Group - Northern Region.

Pages