The Scoop
Special Services Update - May 9, 2022
Challenge Day 2022 Was A Success Thanks to ALL of You!!!
"Since joining #TeamTomball I have been able to participate in so many amazing events...but this one will be hard to top. Taking part in my first Challenge Day was amazing and inspriing in so many ways. Thank you @TStudentsupport for the BEST Day!" - Justin Pluckhahn
"My Tigers said this was "the best Challenge Day ever!!!" We loved the extra field events, what a great surprise! Special Thanks to TMHS cheerleaders for insipiring my girls to try out in a couple years! My hear is full!" -Christina Tomec
"I had the pleasure of attending @TomballISD Challenge Day with the TISDCES Unity Club. Feeling down about the state of the world? Come visit us and see the relationships these kids are forming. It was a great day!" - Amy Rauscher
" Glad the rain stopped & the sun came out so we can celebrate Challenge Day today with so many of our @TomballISD students! I love being a part of an activity that brings students and staff from across the district to celebrate inclusion and individual differences!" - Dr. Martha Salazar Zamora
" Proud mom!!! Thank you @TStudentsupport for another AMAZING event!" - Amy Green
Encouragement, Inclusion, Celebration!
2022 Team! #Ubuntu
Hats off for the National Anthem!
Finalize ESY and compensatory ARDs. Also, HELP still needed! Spread the Word.
ESY and Compensatory Lists are Past Due. Thank you for completing this informaiton so we are able to staff, plan, build classes, and provide transportation and child nutrition with accurate information.
Please make sure that you have updated the spreadsheet with students ARDed for Compensatory. We need this information in the spreadsheet, regardless of when they were ARDed or will be ARDed for this service. We cannot run a report to see who is ARDed for compensatory, so please make sure that if there is a student you know has been, they are added.
As a reminder, ESY will run from June 13 – 23rd and July 11th – 21st from 8:30 – 11:30. Compensatory services will be offered the same weeks but in the afternoons from 11:30 – 3:30 PM.
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The pay for summer positions has been increased by 20% for this year and is now open to outside applicants!
If you are interested in working or have questions about ESY/Compensatory positions, please email Kalli Wakefield kalliwakefield@tomballisd.net
REMINDER - COVID-19 SPECIAL EDUCATON RECOVERY ACT (SB 89) SUPPLEMENT
Amendments Without a Meeting Operating Guideline Update
EOY Cross Talk - Wednesday, May 18th
We can't wait to see everyone for our last group get together of the year on Wednesday, may 18th from 8:30 - 12:30 a the Tomball Event Center.
There will also be a baby shower for Alicia immediately following.
We Need to Hear from You!
We value your feedback. You can find the survey HERE.
Seclusion, timeout, cool-down: Know these terms
Seclusion, timeout, cool-down: Ensure staff know these terms
In states that permit seclusion, a school district may still end up in legal disputes if its staff confuse seclusion with terms such as "timeout," or "cool-down." This is because the use of seclusion generally triggers various state law obligations for a district, such as the obligation to report the details of the incident to parents within a certain period of time.
Have staff review this chart for the different aspects of the three techniques so staff members know what does, and doesn't, constitute seclusion versus "timeout" and "cool-down."
From LRP, Special Ed. Connection
Don't Lose Sight of Criticial Piece of LRE Puzzle
EXPERT INSIGHT: Don't lose sight of critical piece of LRE puzzle
"Have we made more than a cursory attempt to accommodate this student in the general education classroom?"
A recent ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals suggests that district members of IEP teams should ask themselves this question each time they consider a more restrictive placement -- especially if the district is in Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana, or any other state that follows the 5th Circuit's least restrictive environment test.
Find out more and how the court ruled HERE
We love our SLPs! Happy Speech and Language Month!
Click HERE to view a video just for the SLPs.
Student Support Shout Outs
Donna and John have been instrumental to supporting GOES and GLJH.
Donna has graciously accepted responsibility for 99% of staffings and ARDs and GOES. The only ones she isn't taking are for kids other LSSPs have tested.
John has taken it upon himself to check on with PALS teachers, is taking an FBA there, and is covering ARDs. He is also in contact with Nydia to help with her caseload.
They are both incredible LSSPs and more importantly incredible puerile and teammates!
More Information
Be sure and check out and read the other Smore Newsletters being produced by Student Support Staff: