Special Education Family Newsletter
May 2022
This month we celebrate our teachers and classified staff members
We are saying 'thank you’ this week, and throughout the year, to the extraordinary educators who have worked tirelessly with students and families to keep things moving forward, despite such an unpredictable year.
Classified Employee Week: May 15-21
From our Instructional Assistants to the bus drivers, data technicians, community liaisons and our district interpreters, these employees are the dedicated workers who play key roles in creating a school environment that contributes to the whole child by promoting student achievement. The Special Education Department proudly recognizes our classified staff.
Congratulations to our Special Education VUSD STARS
Irine Arrieta, Education Specialist, Vista Adult Transition Center
Naomi Hayes, Education Specialist, Maryland Elementary
“Naomi is an outstanding resource for Maryland, and all staff members are lucky to have her onsite."
On April 20th we had a productive Professional development day
Welcome to our new hires
Wendy Conlee, Instructional Assistant II - LH/CH/RSP, Lake Elementary
Vanessa Esparza, Instructional Assistant - Behavioral Intervention, Monte Vista
Sinnia Cordova, Special Education Assistant IV - SH/PH, Alamosa Park Elementary
Asher Lutz, Educationally Related Mental Health Services Social Worker
Workshops and Events for Families:
Upcoming VUSD Parent Training Opportunities
Parents as Partners in the IEP Process
Tuesday, May 17th
(5:30pm - 6:30pm in person at the Vista Innovation Center)
Friday, May 13th, 10am - 12pm
Viernes, 13 de Mayo, 10am - 12pm
Additional Resources:
Teen Guide Mental Health & Wellness
Resources for Transition to Adulthood
YMCA Behavior Support Services
Understanding Different Types of Learning Disabilities
Support and Resources for Adults with LD
Famous People with Disabilities [a list of 650+]
What is the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA)?
"Special Needs" vs "Disabled" Perspectives
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network, (CAPTAIN):
North Coastal Consortium for Special Education SELPA is proud to partner with the California Autism Professional Training and Information Network, (CAPTAIN ) by promoting the use of evidence- based practices for students with Autism.
CAPTAIN is part of the California Department of Education Statewide System of Support in collaboration with Marin County SELPA
Interested in working in VUSD?
Vista Unified continues to look for dependable people that are excited about working with our students. Vista has a need for both permanent and substitute employees! We can get you working immediately! Come work with a district that is making a difference in the lives of children!
For more information, click below:
Instructional Assistant II - LH/CH/SP
Special Education Supervisor Site List
Special Education Department
Nereida Gutierrez, Director, Special Education, specialeducationdept@vistausd.org
Steffanie Rupp, Coordinator, Special Education, steffanierupp@vistausd.org
Chris Altona, Principal, Vista Adult Transition, chrisaltona@vistausd.org
Rachel Schmidt, Principal, California Avenue School, rachelschmidt@vistausd.org
Katherine Abraham, Program Supervisor, katherineabraham@vistausd.org
Tracy Zachry, Program Supervisor, tracyzachry@vistausd.org
Jennifer Gruman, Program Supervisor, jennifergruman@vistausd.org
Kursten Carlson, Program Supervisor, kurstencarlson@vistausd.org
Jean Potter, Administrative Secretary, Special Education, jeanpotter@vistausd.org
Araceli Sanchez, Community Liaison, Special Education, aracelisanchezmart@vistausd.org
Doris Cruz, Community Liaison, Special Education, doriscruz@vistausd.org
Special Education Department: specialeducationdept@vistausd.org