The Scoop
LISD Special Education
A word from....Dr. Kathy Talbert, Executive Director
Dear Staff,
My heartfelt thanks go to everyone for a great start to the school year!
We all share the belief that public education is important for our local community and democracy, education is our calling, and our actions and work changes lives. This month, our district leaders are meeting with legislators to advocate for Lewisville ISD and for Texas public schools across the state. LISD is an exceptional organization to work for, and we need to be good ambassadors for our District and public schools. As we continue to work on making a difference in the lives of our students, let’s always strive to focus on the positives.
I want to update you on some important happenings in the District. Our District formed a Facility Advisory Committee that consists of approximately 90 community members and district staff to make recommendations on facility needs in preparation for a possible bond election. As the District’s immediate and upcoming facility needs are discussed, the future of the Purnell Support Center building will be part of the discussion. While no decisions have been made, there will be many more discussions and options considered. I will keep you updated as decisions are made.
Last month Dr. Rogers shared some areas of reorganization within the District, and Special Education is now under the Division of Teaching and Learning. We are very excited to be part of Teaching and Learning under the leadership of Lori Rapp, Assistant Superintendent.
The Directors and I continue to provide guidance to Principals and staff on the implementation of BASE and SDI. We spent a lot of time developing the Q &A document for a clear and consistent message, and here is the link to the revised document: https://docs.google.com/a/go.lisd.net/document/d/13VMuGUhRNapJl6hIA4070cQtzc1QInV3fl8D-XzOdb8/edit?usp=sharing As you are on campuses and hear questions regarding BASE or SDI, please be sure to assist us in sharing accurate information. We value your feedback; so if we need to add additional information, please let us know.
Mark your calendars for Friday, October 21st at 11:00 for an opportunity to meet with me to discuss any questions you have and give me feedback on any concerns. I will be in the small gym, and look forward to seeing you then!
You are an incredible staff, and I am honored to work with you each and every day. THANKS for all that you do for our students!
Kathy
A Growth Mindset
We learned about the importance of having a growth mindset at our Welcome Back meeting. It is the understanding that we can develop our qualities and abilities by --
Being open to new ideas.
Reframing challenges into opportunities.
Continuing to learn.
A BIG thanks to our Special Education Counselors for working with students in having growth mindset to overcome obstacles!!!
Support Breast Cancer Awareness and Wear Jeans
October 21st - Early Release
This is the first early release of the school year for our itinerant exempt employees and diag clerks. Our non-exempt non-campus based employees had their early release on Oct. 7th.
Please watch for change in school zones and plan accordingly.
Elementary School 11:45
Middle School School 12:45
High School School 12:10
October 22nd - Transition Fair
October 24th - Meet The Authors
November 3rd - Baby Shower for Jacque Fauver
Please see link below to RSVP & for more shower details.
November 21st and 22nd - Trade Days
Need Trade Day?
Special Education is offering several trading for curriculum, SEAS, new teachers, co-teaching, zone meetings and many more. Click the link below to see a list of trainings.
https://www.schoolobjects.com/wshop/
https://www.smore.com/v8b7k-sept-oct-saturday-online-classes?ref=email
November 21st - 25th Holiday
Kudos
Jim Domer, APE - DOUBLE Awards
Read more on the Special Olympics Website:
http://www.sotx.org/news-events/blog/2016-blogs/jim-domer-honored-as-sotx.html
Joann Short
LEF Grants
Beth Chapin, speech therapist, Bekah Jansen ALS teacher and Jill Clayton, AVLS teacher, were awarded a $1,000 grant for "Never Too Many Cooks in the Kitchen". This grant will equip the life skills kitchen at Southridge Elementary to support speech and essential life skills for all three life skills classrooms!
Bergen Bartram, Communication Teacher at Independence Elementary, received the Jo Haney Special Ed Teacher Grant.
Congratulations to all!