The Pride » Special Services http://willardr2.edublogs.org Willard R-II School District Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:26:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.2 en hourly 1 RTI – The Next Step http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/11/02/rti-the-next-step/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/11/02/rti-the-next-step/#comments Fri, 02 Nov 2007 19:55:08 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/11/02/rti-the-next-step/ The Special Services Department would like to send out a special thanks to the administrators and CARE teams that participated in the Response to Intervention (RTI) training this week.  We’d also like to thank Conco Quarry for allowing us to use their training center.  Karen Kroh, an RTI trainer from the
Kansas City area, spent two days with our CARE teams, helping them to develop a plan for implementing research-based intervention strategies in our schools.   The teams worked very hard to develop an efficient way of coordinating efforts for at risk and struggling learners.  They established group norms, defined roles and duties for each team member, and developed a plan for marketing this innovative approach to our staff, parents, and community. 

 

We are very excited about the opportunities that RTI allows us.  Other districts who have implemented this approach have seen marked improvement in MAP scores, attendance, student motivation, positive school climate, and community support.    RTI, combined with our already established programs through the Special Services department and alternative school programs, will allow the Willard school system to meet the needs of an ever-growing population of struggling learners more effectively.  We are truly blessed to work in a district with so many faculty members dedicated to improving student achievement; and, we look forward to seeing the positive effect this program has in our district.  Thank you again to all who took part in this ground-breaking endeavor.      

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/11/02/rti-the-next-step/feed/ 0 Master Teacher in Special Services http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/24/master-teacher-in-special-services/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/24/master-teacher-in-special-services/#comments Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:00:17 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/24/master-teacher-in-special-services/ It’s been a busy week in special services classroom across the district as teachers prepare for conferences, IEP meetings and classroom instruction.  While visiting classrooms and observing our teachers in action, I was so impressed with Willard Intermediate teacher Lani Triplett and her gracious manner in dealing with students and staff.  Lani’s Study Skills class was a hive of activity as ten students with a variety of special needs required her constant assistance and teachers brought in missed assignments. Lani’s responses to each of the many demands of her role were consistently calm, positive and in the best interest of her students.  Her skill in pairing higher functioning students together to work, providing one-on-one instruction to others, while tracking completion of work was second to none. Despite the juggling act involved in effectively balancing these demands, signs of frustration or impatience were never shown. It was obvious Lani has earned the respect and love of her students with special needs. One, who required help in completing the district student survey, stated Mrs. Triplett is a “teacher who always cares about me.”   

Lani is a master teacher and we are proud she is a part of our special services staff!

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/24/master-teacher-in-special-services/feed/ 0 Bowling Fun Begins! http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/12/bowling-fun-begins/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/12/bowling-fun-begins/#comments Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:27:16 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/12/bowling-fun-begins/ Practice for “A Sporting Chance” bowling tournament begins tomorrow with over 30 special needs students signed up for participation.  The lanes will be full of activity as our students prepare for the November 17 tournament in Springfield. Two additional practices will be held on Oct. 27th and Nov. 3rd and will provide bowlers opportunities for honing their bowling skills, socialization and earning bragging rights! 

There is no charge to students for the practices or bowling tournament; however, opportunities for fundraising to help with t-shirts and other event expenses include raffling donated quilts and taking pictures with Santa at the Willard Parade. Please come support our students through these events and at tomorrow’s practice which will be held from 12-2:00 p.m. at Sunshine Lanes.

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/12/bowling-fun-begins/feed/ 0 New Ideas on the Horizon http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/04/new-ideas-on-the-horizon/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/04/new-ideas-on-the-horizon/#comments Thu, 04 Oct 2007 20:19:52 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/04/new-ideas-on-the-horizon/ The Special Education Administrative staff have just returned from a very thought-provoking conference at TanTarA.  The Missouri chapter of the Council for Administrators of Special Education sponsor an annual conference to address current and upcoming issues in special education.  Much of the focus of this year’s conference was on the topic of Response to Intervention (RTI).  This three-tiered model involves identifying appropriate scientifically-based interventions needed by at risk learners, the methodical implementation of those interventions, and rigorous record-keeping to determine if progress is being made. 

We were excited to acquire more information about RTI because it is a topic that our department has been exploring in conjunction with the elementary and intermediate administrators for some time now.  We have had two administrative team meetings to brainstorm, several members of our staff attended an RTI informational meeting put on by the Carthage School District, in addition to our recent conference in which we were able to attend multiple break-out sessions discussing different components to this new process.  Our next step is to bring in an RTI trainer to work with our district CARE teams.  It is very exciting to be on the cutting edge of a process that will help us to meet the needs of our ever-growing at risk and special needs population.  We would like to thank those administrators for taking such initiative to explore this new approach with us, and we look forward to seeing how this approach will impact student learning in our district.  

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/10/04/new-ideas-on-the-horizon/feed/ 0 Special Trainings for Staff http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/21/special-trainings-for-staff/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/21/special-trainings-for-staff/#comments Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:00:29 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/21/special-trainings-for-staff/ Lots of activities have occurred this past week for both special services students and teachers.  Trainings on administering the WIAT (individualized assessment), SpedTrack (computer program for special services paperwork), and DRA (directed reading assessment) were attended by many of our staff.  A special thank you goes to Dr. Susan Marcum and Janetta Garton for also providing two trainings on ACUITY.  These comprehensive sessions showed the various ways to analyze data obtained from ACUITY assessments to diagnose and remediate specific areas of academic weaknesses and to design lesson plans based on this information.  Positive feedback indicates our teachers are eager to add this tool to their strategies/methods of instruction.  Thank you also to Janet Simmons, Angela Stevens, Carolyn Nixon and Amy Stroder for helping our teachers, through their workshops, to better educate our students. 

Special recognition goes to high school paraprofessional Abby Fugitt who supports our students working at the Sheltered Workshop in Springfield. I received the following e-mail Wednesday:  “Just wanted to let you know I got the chance to go to the workshop today with the kids and Abby.  It was an awesome experience!!!  I could not believe how all the kids worked so hard at their jobs.  It was amazing to just watch them. Kudos goes out to Abby, she is wonderful with all the kids and they all love her!!”  This was written by fellow paraprofessional Delana Freedle who wanted to share seeing Abby in action with our students.  Thank you to both Abby, Delana and all our students at the Sheltered Workshop! 

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/21/special-trainings-for-staff/feed/ 0 Pride in Every Building http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/07/pride-in-every-building/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/07/pride-in-every-building/#comments Fri, 07 Sep 2007 13:57:26 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/07/pride-in-every-building/ Special Services would like to recognize and celebrate the seven building principals and their assistants for the incredible work they are doing on behalf of the teachers and students in their buildings.  As we have the opportunity to visit the various sites, each principal’s personal touch is evident and reflected in the activities and projects displayed. Artwork, written reports, and club posters line the walls, and classrooms are decorated to demonstrate building and school pride.  The transitioning from ECSE to kindergarten, elementary to intermediate, intermediate to middle school, and middle to high school could not have been so smooth and successful without the dedication of our principals and assistant principals.  Seeing how easily our students with special needs have made the big leap to the next step in their education is an indication of the collaboration that occurs throughout our district and reassures our parents of the long-term picture of education we envision for our special students.  Thanks to each principal for providing a positive climate for learning for all students.

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/09/07/pride-in-every-building/feed/ 0 Early Childhood Special Education- A Special Place! http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/29/early-childhood-special-education-a-special-place/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/29/early-childhood-special-education-a-special-place/#comments Wed, 29 Aug 2007 18:19:58 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/29/early-childhood-special-education-a-special-place/ If you need a lift in your spirit, drop by the Early Childhood Special Education classrooms at either Willard North or Willard South.  Wonderful learning opportunities are happening and lots of love and care are evident by the interactions of the teachers and paraprofessionals who daily work with our 3-5 year old children with developmental delays.  ECSE teachers Stacey Wade and Colleen Appleby, and Process Coordinator Susie Thieman, are the foundation for this outstanding program and collaborate constantly with paraprofessionals Sarah Pringle, Melissa Freeze, Beverly Dela Torre (North), Connie Bohr, Kari Sealine, and Stephanie Koenemann (South) to ensure students are given abundant opportunities to explore, learn, interact with others and play. The genuine love and care for each child is evident as teachers and paras assist with eating, activities and even tears. 

Currently, both North and South ECSE programs have morning and afternoon sessions where children are provided speech/language therapy with Susan Shikany, occupational and/or physical therapy (Angie Havens and Maria Harless), library time, center time and other scheduled activities.  Each student receives individualized instruction and opportunities to best support their needs.  These environments are rich with learning, excitement, wonder, and friendships that are amazing to observe. Stop by and see what our ECSE programs are about! 

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/29/early-childhood-special-education-a-special-place/feed/ 0 Fabulous First Day!!! http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/16/fabulous-first-day/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/16/fabulous-first-day/#comments Thu, 16 Aug 2007 21:22:58 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/16/fabulous-first-day/ “It’s goin’ be a hot time in the old town tonight!” has been the theme for students and staff across the district!  Despite the incredible heat-wave, excitement has been abundant as special services teachers prepared for the arrival of students on Thursday. And despite the heat-wave and because of much planning, it was one of the calmest “first day” I have seen. 

There are several new faces in the special services department this year and, to make them welcomed, a cook-out for staff and their families was hosted on August 6th, another especially hot evening.  Assistant Director of Special Services, Amy Stroder, graciously took on the grilling in the heat and still managed to meet and greet old and new friends.  Process coordinator Janet Turner grilled along beside her and kept the burgers going for the approximately 80 people in attendance. Process coordinators Janet Simmons and Susie Thieman, along with our wonderful secretary Melissa Baker and daughter, Shelby, helped make this special evening a success. As we worked side-by-side preparing the meal, it was an indictor of the teamwork that is being demonstrated daily from this office on behalf of staff, parents, and, especially, our students with special needs.  It is going to be a great year! 

Teamwork and trust are the priorities for our department and both have been abundant as I visited classrooms.  Experienced special services teachers mentoring our “newbies” was observed throughout the district as IEPs were reviewed, schedules made, and nerves calmed.  Relationships are being formed which will support student learning.  It is going to be a great year!!

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/08/16/fabulous-first-day/feed/ 0 Animal Kingdom http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/24/animal-kingdom-2/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/24/animal-kingdom-2/#comments Thu, 24 May 2007 14:25:05 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/24/animal-kingdom-2/ Willard High School Special Services would like to thank Mike Crocker, Zoo Director, and Angela Gibson, zoo keeper, from Dickerson Park Zoo.  Mrs. Poulson’s Transition Class has been participating in a community-based program with the zoo and with the support of both Crocker and Gibson.  Students have been helping with clean-up of ice storm debris, trash pick-up and cleaning of various buildings at the zoo.  Each week when the duties have been completed, Angela Gibson provided our students with a zoo enrichment activity which included feeding lemurs and giraffes, observing monkeys being fed, and a very special visit to the lion’s den.  We appreciate the special treatment given to our students, which will contribute to the many wonderful memories from this zoo experience.  Five students from Mrs. Stonebarger’s Life Skills class also had animal experiences this past Tuesday as they visited the Gold home where they met Penny, a thirteen year old palomino Fox Trotter mare and Spunky, her four-year old offspring.  Learning hands-on how to pet and groom a horse while remaining safe, were components of this visit.  Mrs. Stonebarger and paraprofessionals Aimee Sims, Mitzi Albert, and Jenifer Irwin had instructed students by reading books about horses and reinforcing safety issues.  The students were well-prepared for their visit and used their newly-acquired skills with Penny.  Sounds of laughter and even groans were heard as  students hand-fed carrots to Penny and watched as horse-slobbers and carrots were flung everywhere.  This horse visit was such an enjoyable event for students, staff and parents who attended, and even for Penny.  She hasn’t been spoiled so thoroughly in a long time!

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/24/animal-kingdom-2/feed/ 0 Busy, Funfilled Week http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/17/busy-funfilled-week/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/17/busy-funfilled-week/#comments Thu, 17 May 2007 16:53:37 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/17/busy-funfilled-week/ What an exciting week this has been for our special services students! Around 35 students from Mrs. Shikany and Mrs. Stonebarger’s Life Skills classes were treated to a very special day at the Andy Dalton Conservation fishing ponds and archery range. On hand to assist our students with handling bait worms, staying out of the ponds, taking needed breaks and a variety of other activities, were several HS alternative school students and teachers, special services staff and volunteers from the community.Many perch, catfish, largemouth bass, turtles and even sticks were caught with much enthusiasm. We all enjoyed grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, while visiting, before heading to the archery range. We want to thank our physical therapist, Maria Harless, for making this special outing possible. Maria’s grant-writing provided funding from Bass Pro’s Larry Whiteley. Thank you Maria and Larry for this very fun day! Our fourth-graders are one step closer to making the transition to Willard Intermediate School. Special needs students from the four elementary, along with special services teachers and paras, visited Willard Intermediate Friday, where they had the opportunity to meet principal Julie Germann, counselors Melissa Skaggs and Lonnie Compton, special services teachers Cindy Kisling and David Anderson, as well as other staff. A complete tour of the building ended with refreshments in the cafeteria where students were given the opportunity to ask questions and hear about life at Willard Intermediate. We feel this is an important event for our students, and feedback from students and parents indicate appreciation. Thanks goes to Melissa Baker for her organizing, refreshments and all other duties which contributed to the morning.

]]> http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/17/busy-funfilled-week/feed/ 0 Animal Kingdom http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/11/animal-kingdom/ http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/11/animal-kingdom/#comments Fri, 11 May 2007 14:09:41 +0000 sgold http://willardr2.edublogs.org/2007/05/11/animal-kingdom/ Willard High School Special Services would like to thank Mike Crocker, Zoo Director, and Angela Gibson, zoo keeper, from Dickerson Park Zoo.  Mrs. Poulson’s Transition Class has been participating in a community-based program with the zoo and with the support of both Crocker and Gibson.  Students have been helping with clean-up of ice storm debris, trash pick-up and cleaning of various buildings at the zoo.  Each week when the duties have been completed, Angela Gibson provided our students with a zoo enrichment activity which included feeding lemurs and giraffes, observing monkeys being fed, and a very special visit to the lion’s den.  We appreciate the special treatment given to our students, which will contribute to the many wonderful memories from this zoo experience. Five students from Mrs. Stonebarger’s Life Skills class also had animal experiences this past Tuesday as they visited the Gold home where they met Penny, a thirteen year old palomino Fox Trotter mare and Spunky, her four-year old offspring.  Learning hands-on how to pet and groom a horse while remaining safe, were components of this visit.  Mrs. Stonebarger and paraprofessionals Aimee Sims, Mitzi Albert, and Jenifer Irwin had instructed students by reading books about horses and reinforcing safety issues.  The students were well-prepared for their visit and used their newly-acquired skills with Penny.  Sounds of laughter and even groans were heard as  students hand-fed carrots to Penny and watched as horse-slobbers and carrots were flung everywhere.  This horse visit was such an enjoyable event for students, staff and parents who attended, and even for Penny.  She hasn’t been spoiled so thoroughly in a long time!

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