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Pre-K Foundations at New Lebanon
This year, our Pre-K classes have started to use the Foundations program. Students, like the ones at New Lebanon School, engage in learning letters and sounds while working within the Pre-K developmental framework.
North Street Coffee - Executive Functioning
This past week, North Street School hosted their third parent coffee. School Psychologist Ms. Jessica Jagde, discussed how executive functioning skills are taught and practiced in the elementary setting, while Central Middle School's principal, Mr. Tom Healy, shared how these skills are reinforced and supported at the middle school.
Topics, skills and concepts embedded within this presentation included inhibitory control, working memory, and mental flexibility. Ms. Jagde and Mr. Healy discussed the value of supporting the students in building independence in using their executive functioning skills to effectively function in settings both in and outside of school.
Universal Design for Learning in Action at CMS
Mr. Pirro and Ms. Berard's sixth grade co-taught English class at Central Middle School has been working on nonfiction. Students practiced their research, reading, and writing skills in a way that is super high interest to them, then shared their research through slides, posters, and books.
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Welcome to CMS
Fifth graders from Cos Cob, North Street, Parkway, and Julian Curtiss Schools joined the sixth graders at Central Middle School to watch the dress rehearsal of “Annie.” The audience was treated to incredible singing and acting !
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Welcome to EMS
Eastern Middle School hosted a Parent Coffee on March 30 for parents of current fifth graders to discuss the bridging process and continuum of services. Mr. Duncan, Mr. Goldstein, Mrs. Cheney, Ms. Musilli, and Ms. Berkoff welcomed parents and shared information.
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Inclusion Corner with Rachel Rubin
In my last “Inclusion Corner,” I shared some information and resources about Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Put simply, the goal of the UDL framework is to break down barriers to create meaningful access, engagement, and learning. It stamps the idea that what is necessary for one will benefit MANY. While UDL does create access points for MANY students, some students may also require accommodations.
What is an accommodation?
Similar to UDL, an accommodation helps to remove barriers without changing expectations or content. Accommodations are tools, supports, or additions collaboratively designed to ensure that a student is able to to fully show what they have learned and what they can do. They are listed in students’ IEPs or 504 plans and may change the way a student gets information presented to them or how they can respond. Some students may have accommodations that help them with organization or time management. Some examples of accommodations include providing extra time, using text to speech technology, or having a scribe to write dictated responses.
What is an accommodation NOT?
An accommodation is NOT a change to the curriculum or to what a student is learning. It does NOT lower expectations. Finally, an accommodation is NOT something to be ashamed of having. In talking more about the concept of neurodiversity, we promote that EVERYONE has differences and may need some different things to learn successfully. The book “Once Upon an Accommodation," written by Nina G, does a great job of explaining disabilities and accommodations in simplified, child-friendly language. It also has some super cute illustrations! Take a look at some excerpts below.
The Office of Special Education and Student Supports
