Special Education Family Newsletter
April 2022
Dear families
Spring has arrived and with it we have many reasons to celebrate as we get closer to the end of the school year. First, two of our education specialists received VUSD STARS (Selfless, Talented, and Reliable Staff) awards for their great work with our students. Additionally, we are celebrating our newly tenured members and new hires. Finally, we had a successful staff professional development day in March and parent training on "Strengths-based IEPs" earlier this month. We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to your continued participation.
With gratitude,
Nereida Gutierrez
Director, Special Education
Congratulations to our Special Education VUSD STARS
Mrs. Ursula Roberts Education Specialist Mission Meadows Elementary
Mrs. Cindy Manion Education Specialist Monte Vista Elementary
Congratulations to our newly tenured team members!
Rhea Menegon, Adapted Physical Education (A.P.E.) teacher
Sue Dwyer-Voss, Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) Social Worker
Aura Contreras, Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) Social Worker
Welcome to our new hires
Edna Sanchez: Instructional Assistant- Behavioral Intervention Vista Academy of Visual and Performing Arts.
Mojgan Sheikhzadehafshar: Special Education Assistant IV - SH/PH, Rancho Minerva Middle School
Strengths-Based IEPs Parent Training
Steffanie Rupp, Coordinator, Special Education
Upcoming VUSD Parent Training Opportunities
May 17, 2022 - Parents as Partners in the IEP Process (5:30pm - 6:30pm in person at the Vista Innovation Center) Parent Training Sign Up - May 17, 2022
Spring Workshops and Events for Families:
Community Advisory Committee Meeting:
Nereida Gutierrez, Director, Special Education, presented at NCCSEs Virtual Priority Presentation on March 23. Nereida updated the directors and CAC parent representatives on VUSDs priorities. Community Advisory Committee VUSD Priorities
CAC Meeting Agenda (English and Spanish)
Wednesday April 20th
Topic: Executive Functioning-Practical Tips, Tools, and
Strategies to Support in the School and Home Settings
Guest Speakers:
Shauna Schmoke, NCCSE Senior Program Specialist,
Katerina Dewing, BCBA, Behavior Specialist with
SMUSD
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
CAC Business Items: 6:00-6:30 p.m.
CAC Presentation: 6:30-8:00 p.m.
No cost to attend
Attend online: https://sdcoe.zoom.us/j/84942167459 Meeting ID: 849 4216 7459
North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) Resources
Additional Resources
Student Resources:
Free transit for youth is here!
Teen Guide Mental Health & Wellness
Resources for Transition to Adulthood
YMCA Behavior Support Services
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network, (CAPTAIN): CAPTAIN Website
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
Come join us at the 6th Annual Early Education Fair!
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