Stay Connected & Informed
Beginning of Year "Frequently Asked Questions"
Welcome back to School! We are all anxious and excited to once again be back together. As we start the 2022-23 school year with in-person instruction on Monday, August 8th, we know some of our families may have questions so we have created this "Beginning of Year FAQ" to address what we think you may want to know.
We encourage you to review the questions and resources in this newsletter to help you prepare for the school year. We remain committed to partnering with our families to provide each student the best learning experience possible this school year. As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the special education department at 281-498-8110 ext. 83228.
Nicole Roberts
Director of Special Education
When Does School Start?
Pre-K & ECSE 1/2 Day Morning: 7:55 am - 11:30 am
Pre-K & ECSE 1/2 Day Afternoon: 11:45 am - 3:20 pm
Pre K & ECSE Full Day: 7:55 am - 3:20 pm
Elementary: 7:55 am - 3:20 pm
Intermediate: 8:35 am - 3:50 pm
Middle School: 8:40 am - 4:00 pm
High School: 7:10 am - 2:35 pm
We can't wait to see our students!
Transportation Questions
What bus does my child ride?
Alief ISD Special Transportation is committed to providing safe and timely transportation for your child. Together with your assistance and cooperation, we can make this happen. If your student has special education transportation, you should have received a letter stating:
- The Bus #,
- The Bus Stop location, and
- The estimated time of pick-up/drop-off.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes before your estimated pick-up/drop-off time. For special education transportation questions, please call (281)983-8490.
REMINDER
If your student is in kindergarten OR the ARD/IEP paperwork indicates an adult MUST be present for drop-off, an authorized adult must be at the designated drop-off location for the student to exit the bus. If an adult is not present to receive the student, the bus driver will complete their route and then take the student back to their campus where you will need to pick them up.
What if I need to change the way my child will be getting home?
Contact the campus special education department for special education transportation changes. Depending on your child's ARD/IEP paperwork, an ARD/IEP meeting may be needed to start and/or stop special education transportation.
ARD/IEP Questions
What do I do if we moved this summer?
- If you moved within the Alief ISD boundaries, please contact your campus immediately to update your address.
- If you have a question about the schools associated with your new address, simply type your new address into this Zoning By Address Link for a list of eligible Alief ISD schools and general education bus information.
- If your child receives special education transportation, please call the campus AND the special transportation offices immediately to update their route with the new pick-up/drop-off location (281) 983-8490.
Can my child's IEP be changed?
Yes. At least once a year a meeting must be scheduled with you to review your child’s progress and develop your child’s new annual ARD/IEP. However, you don’t have to wait for this annual review. You (or any other team member) may ask to have your child’s IEP reviewed or revised at any time.
The meeting to revise the IEP will be similar to the ARD/IEP meeting described above. The team will talk about:
- your child’s progress toward the goals in the current IEP;
- what new goals should be added; and
- whether any changes need to be made to the special education and related services your child receives.
This annual ARD/IEP meeting—or any periodic ARD/IEP review you might request—allows you and the school to review your child’s educational program and make adjustments as necessary.
Who is my child's case manager?
Case managers are assigned at the campus level. If you have not connected with your special education case manager within the first few weeks of school, reach out to the campus or special education department to facilitate the contact.
(ARD) IEP Case Managers: A guide for parents (understood.org)
How can I help my child make progress towards their IEP at home?
During the ARD/IEP meeting, discuss strategies on how to support your child to make progress on their IEP goals while at home. This can be done while working on homework, conversations before and after school, or during common activities such running errands and grocery shopping. Be sure to share any schedules, routines, or strategies that support your child at home with their academic and functional needs. If you notice that your child is becoming overwhelmed with assignments or tasks, ask your child’s general education teacher or special education case manager for some possible solutions to help in that situation.
General School Questions
Where Do I Find the School Supply Lists?
Is Breakfast free this year?
All Alief ISD students will continue to receive a universal free breakfast during the 2022-23 school year. The 2022-23 breakfast pricing for adults is to be announced at a later date.
Is Lunch free this year?
Parents Should:
Complete the Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals and return it to the
school office. Schools will notify families if they are eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
Schools Will:
Review applications and notify families of eligibility status.
Automatically qualify students based on the household's participation in other state or
federal programs such as SNAP.
Check with your campus's Nutrition Department to see if you automatically qualify.
Can I meet with my child's teacher?
Each campus selects their dates. Contact your campus or visit your campus website to learn more about these special events. Go to the Aliefisd.net homepage and click on "Schools" in the upper right corner.
Do you have a question?
Questions about Special Education in Texas?
Do you have questions about special education in Texas? SPEDTex can help! They provide information and resources that can help you understand your child's disability, your rights and responsibilities under Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and facilitate collaboration that supports the development and delivery of services to children with disabilities in our State.
For more information, CLICK HERE.
I need some help!
Parenting a child with a disability can be challenging under normal circumstances. During this time of "special circumstance", we are ready and willing to support our families while you are providing academic, behavioral, communication and functional supports to your child at home. If you would like someone from the Special Education Department to contact you, simply complete this "Request" form indicating your need and we will contact you directly.