CCISD Special Services

March 2023

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A message from Dr. Staley

Spring break is just about here. I want to thank each of you for your continued hard work and dedication to our students. For those who will have time off next week, I wish you a safe and restful holiday. As the weather gets warmer, outdoor activities increase, so please remember to be safe and enjoy time with your family and friends.

I want to recognize all of the our parents, teachers, educational assistants, para educators and administrators who work together to improve student achievement. I have seen your dedication firsthand, and I greatly commend you for it.

Thank you so much for taking advantage of the support that we offer at The Parent Resource Center. Our workshops are booming, and I am so happy that we are working together to support all of our students and families.

As always, if we can be of service to you, please reach out via the link in the newsletter, by emailing sped@ccisd.net, or contacting us through our Parent Resource Center Specialist (Penny Sweeney) at 281-284-0751. We are here for you!

***The information provided in this newsletter is gathered from a variety of sources and is not sponsored by, nor affiliated with CCISD. The information is provided for your information and review.

If translation is needed for the Newsletter:

On the right-hand column under Accessibility, click on Translate and choose desired language.

Si se necesita traducción para el Boletín:

En la columna de la derecha, abajo en donde dice Accessibility, haga clic en Traducir y elija el idioma deseado


Dr. Michele Staley

CCISD Executive Director of Special Services

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Transition 101 (This is an evening event)

Monday, March 27th, 5-6pm

2903 Falcon Pass

Houston, TX

How often do you think about what comes next? When school is over, what then? If this consideration weighs on you as a parent – let us talk transition. That is what it is all about – planning and preparing for what’s next. Come dip your toes in the water and learn about the basics of the transition process in the IEP. We will do a basic overview of the Transition Supplement and discuss the intent and purpose behind its components.

Guest Speaker: Kim Rodgers Transition Specialist


Park in the back parking lot. This will be held in the Commons. Enter through the back doors.

RSVPs are enabled for this event.

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Autism 101 & Mix and Mingle (This is an evening event)

Monday, April 3rd, 5-7pm

2903 Falcon Pass

Houston, TX

Penny Sweeney (Parent Resource Specialist) will be leading this session on Autism Spectrum Disorder, also known as ASD, which refers to a range of conditions characterized by a person’s challenges with speech, social skills, sensory, repetitive behaviors, and nonverbal communication. In this session we will review key features of ASD. We will also review supports and how to implement behavior strategies in the home. After the presentation, for those who want to stay, parents will have the opportunity to mix and mingle and share experiences with others.

Park in the back parking lot. This will be held in the Commons. Enter through the back doors.

RSVPs are enabled for this event.

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Coffee Chat: Brain Skills (All About General Intelligence Scores )

Thursday, April 6th, 9-10am

2903 Falcon Pass

Houston, TX

What is a G- score and how does that align with the Full Individual Evaluation (FIE)?

General intelligence can be defined as a construct that is made up of different cognitive abilities. These abilities allow people to acquire knowledge and solve problems. This general mental ability is what underlies specific mental skills related to areas such as spatial, numerical, mechanical, and verbal abilities. The idea is that this general intelligence influences performance on all cognitive tasks.

Guest Speaker Janae Foster, LSSP (Licensed Specialist in School Psychology)


Please enter through the main doors. Provide your state ID for entry to the building.

RSVPs are enabled for this event.

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Dyslexia

It’s important to recognize the social and emotional needs of students identified with the condition of dyslexia. Although your child may adjust well to having dyslexia, they may also become frustrated as they develop and realize the impact their dyslexia has on real-life applications of reading and writing. Children with dyslexia may feel inadequate as they watch their peers understand concepts easily while they work harder but struggle more. Children with dyslexia may experience anxiety that often appears to be avoidance of work or tasks. They may also struggle to have relationships with peers due to struggles with communication and memorization. Since children with dyslexia may be potentially struggling with academic tasks, it’s especially important to also support them with their social and emotional needs. To do this, teachers and parents should listen to children and help them speak through what they’re feeling. Children with dyslexia may also benefit from understanding dyslexia and what challenges they may face. Teachers and parents should acknowledge the child’s effort and not just the outcome. Recognizing success is an important aspect of building self-esteem. Helping children advocate for themselves is also important. To learn more about supporting the social and emotional needs of children with dyslexia, the International Dyslexia Association provides great guidance here.
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Assessment and Evaluation

Texas Educational Diagnostician's Week 2023

March 6-10, 2023 is designated as Educational Diagnosticians Week in Texas. Clear Creek ISD is proud to have 35 diagnosticians serving our students, staff, families, and community. All of our Educational Diagnosticians once served in the classroom, and now share their expertise and knowledge to isolate factors that require individual support to allow all students to grow.

Educational Diagnosticians are special educators who assess students suspected of disabilities and collaborate with key stakeholders to analyze data to provide students with the appropriate education they deserve.

At this time, I invite our community to recognize the invaluable contributions of Educational Diagnosticians to our education system. If you'd like to get a message of thanks to your child's/school’s Educational Diagnostician, click here to complete a short form.

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Early Learning

Exciting new PK guidelines have been released from TEA.

PK 3 English Spanish

PK 4 English Spanish

Other developmental guidelines are available from the state of Texas as well. This is from the website attached below.

“The Texas Infant, Toddler, and Three-Year-Old Early Learning Guidelines are designed to assist caregivers in understanding early childhood development and in making the most of each day during the early years of growth. Although no two children are expected to follow the exact same pattern of growth, the Texas Infant, Toddler, and Three-Year-Old Early Learning Guidelines are meant to provide an outline of the developmental skills young children are working on at a given stage. The Texas Infant, Toddler, and Three-Year-Old Early Learning Guidelines were created to move Texas forward in ensuring that all children have the high-quality early experiences needed for optimal brain development. “

Click HERE for additional guidelines that might help in thinking through stages your child is going through.

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SEPTA NEWS

WE WANT YOU! All new members joining SEPTA in March, will have a chance to win a Bay Area Food Lovers Card. Watch our Facebook page Wednesday, March 8,15, 22, 29th in the evenings for winners!

To join SEPTA, go to www.joinpta.org.

We are also wrapping up our fundraiser- BAHFL cards can still be purchased for $25. and $11 goes straight to supporting SEPTA. While supplies last. Contact Kim at kimgkimg31@gmail.com to purchase.

Do you know an outstanding teacher, para, therapist, or other staff member that works within CCISD Special Services? What about a PTA member or school volunteer who goes above and beyond for our students receiving special services. NOMINATE them for a SEPTA Star Award!

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