Special Education News
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
As we approach the much-anticipated winter break, I wanted to take a moment to express my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. The holiday season is a time for reflection, joy, and connection and I hope you take the time for each one of these.
Reflecting on the past semester, our collective dedication to providing exceptional support for students with diverse needs has truly made a positive impact. The commitment and passion demonstrated by our exceptional staff have created an environment that fosters growth, learning, and inclusivity. We've actively embraced professional development, fostered team collaboration, celebrated student progress, and all while sprinkling in some genuine moments of joy! I want to express my gratitude for the ongoing collaboration of parents and guardians and our dedicated staff. Each conversation contributes significantly to the success of our students.
As we embark on the winter break, I would like to bring your attention to a few important upcoming and current events :
Open Enrollment, kindergarten registration and preschool pre-registration have all started - please check our website here for more information or to complete any of these processes.
Non-Student Contact Days: December 22, 2023, January 5, 2024 (Split Day)
Winter Break : December 25 - January 4.
Unified Basketball season will start up in the new year with the end of the season Unified Basketball Tournament taking place on February 24th.
Please check out the Special Education website here for lots of information, community partnerships, events and more!
In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation for your ongoing support and dedication to the success of our students. May this winter break bring you cherished moments with loved ones.
Emily Scott
Director of Special Education
PHOTO SPOTLIGHT
Main Street School's student-run print shop, PrintStorm, is officially open for business! Staff can contact Emily Lewis for printing requests.
Students were featured in a Longmont Times-Call article for this exciting initiative.
INSPIRATION STATION
Cooking for Learning: Special Education Staff Using Food to Connect With Students to Encourage Functional Skills and Foster Independence
Food is a part of our everyday lives and it’s a powerful way to connect with students. There are so many skills that can be learned from cooking and exploring food. From fine motor and language skills, to math and functional skills. Cooking and trying new foods creates a shared experience and forms an instant bond between staff and students. Read More>>>
Student Learning Is Getting A More Personalized Approach With AI Tools
St. Vrain Valley School Special Education Staff are exploring Artificial Intelligence (AI) to personalize educational content in order to create a more inclusive learning environment that empowers students with disabilities to thrive academically and socially. Read More>>>
Mead Middle School Students Are Having Fun And Building Friendships With Their Best Buddies Program
Lasting friendships between students with intellectual disabilities and those without are being formed at Mead Middle School through their Best Buddies program. Read More>>>
UNIFIED GENERATION
Unified Sports Are Helping To Create a Positive School Culture That Promotes Inclusion
Elementary school is a time for learning, growth, building friendships, and having fun. Staff and students at Centennial Elementary are working together to create an inclusive environment for all students through their Unified Sports Program and other school activities. Read More>>>
Trail Ridge Middle School Unified Bowlers Win Top Spots at State Tournament
Two Trail Ridge Middle School (TRMS) Unified Bowling teams won the gold and silver medals at this year’s Special Olympics State Bowling event. Read More>>>
Unified Bowling Season Ends on a High Note
Bowlers from Silver Creek High School took home the 2nd place trophy in the CHSAA State Unified Bowling Tournament and were featured in an article from the Longmont Leader.
SWAP NEWS
SWAP Receives Grant To Help With Transportation Barriers
SWAP was recently awarded a grant by the SVVSD Education Foundation to fund transportation for students to explore post-secondary opportunities. Read More>>>
UPCOMING EVENTS
St. Vrain Parent University (click here to sign up for upcoming sessions)
- February 27, 2024 - Adolescent RISE; the development of adolescence 10-25 (presented by Nick Thompson) - Virtual via Zoom (link will be available closer to date
- March 11, 2024 - The Student Perspective: The Power of Self-Advocacy (presented by Yes! Ambassadors) - Westview Middle School, 1651 Airport Rd., Longmont