Principal Walder's Monday Memo
For the week of March 18th
World Down Syndrome Awareness Day
As you know, it wasn't many years ago that students with learning, behavioral, or physical differences were not included in public school systems. Students were labeled by their disability and sent to different schools. Now, we see the strong push for "people-first" language is continually made throughout school systems along with the goal to educate students with their non-disabled peer group.
With IDEA in the United States only being 45 years old, the concept of inclusion and awareness days (like this Thursday) has not been embraced worldwide until much more recently. This history seems so short to me and makes me really think about what inclusion looks like in public elementary schools. Is inclusion a trend of our educational era? Or is the current research that lends itself to supporting inclusion for all students with differing abilities going to last the test of time?
As you think about this, consider what your classroom has looked like throughout the years. How have you accommodated students in your classrooms? What does inclusion look like to you? What prevents us from being more inclusive? Even though much research supports an inclusive environment for all learners, is this is what is best for all kids to learn to their greatest ability?
When you think of the students in your classroom now or those that you have had throughout your years, what is the Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) for all students in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for each child? How did it look different?
I invite you to think about inclusion this week and your diverse-ability learners in your class this year. How do we make sure all students, regardless of ability, are able to excel in the classroom?
Thank you for all you do for all our students. Have a great week!
Optional: Wear Blue (jeans) and mismatched socks on Thursday
Teaching Students About Disabilities
Again, nothing is required, but it is an option if you would like to use this is your week.
Reminder for 3rd Quarter Grades:
Schedule for Grades for Third Quarter:
March 18th by 8:00 am -- Grades Due
March 19th -- Reports Cards given back to teachers to double check for accuracy
March 20th -- Report Cards mailed home to parents
Mrs. Walder's Schedule
All teachers: Please bring computers to PLC this week. Thank you!
Monday:
- 9:00 am Technology Meeting at DEC
- 2:00- 9:00 pm Interviews
- 3:30 pm Parent Meeting at Legacy
Tuesday:
- 7:40 TAT in Mrs. Westhoff's Room
- 9:30- 10:15 4th Grade PLC at Mrs. Rhead's Room
- 10:20- 11:05 3rd Grade PLC at Mr. Westhoff's Room
- 1:00 Instructional Leaders Meeting at DEC
- 3:35 Girls on the Run in Legacy Gym
Wednesday:
- 9:00- 9:30 JK PLC
- 12:30- 1:15 2nd Grade PLC in Mrs. Underberg's Room
- 2:00- 9:00 pm Interviews
Thursday: World Down Syndrome Awareness Day- Rock Your Socks and Blue (jeans)
- 7:40- 8:05 Teacher Meeting in Ms. Rederth's Room (all staff, no materials needed)
- 1:20- 2:05 1st PLC in Mrs. Westhoff's Room
- 2:10- 2:55 Kindergarten PLC in Mrs. Snell's Room
- 3:35 Girls on the Run
Friday: Mrs. Walder Out of Office
Contact Mrs. Walder
Email: Samantha.Walder@k12.sd.us
Website: https://www.teaschools.k12.sd.us/
Location: Tea, SD, USA
Phone: 6058817381
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeaAreaLegacy/
Twitter: @swalder7