Special Education Family Newsletter
December 2021
Happy Holidays
Wishing you all the joys of the season and happiness throughout the coming year. I am grateful for our family support and collaboration to serve our students. I hope that you have a wonderful and relaxing holiday season and I look forward to continuing the collaborative efforts to support our students in the New Year.
With gratitude,
Nereida Gutierrez
Director, Special Education
Congratulations to Our Special Education VUSD Stars
Ed. Specialist
Parent Resources
Thank you to those of you who attended the Parent Learning Opportunity on Inclusion. There was some great dialogue and we appreciate the opportunity to hear your thoughts.
Here are some inclusion strategies utilized in the classroom:
Environmental supports:
Clear boundaries
Opportunities for flexible seating
Calming corner (for students to use when they are
Visual Supports:
Written schedules/task lists
Reward chart
Instructional Strategies:
Provide choice (ex. menu of tasks)
Present information in a variety of ways (text, videos, live examples, hands on activities)
Provide opportunities for students to show mastery in a variety of ways
Social Emotional Support:
CASEL Social Emotional Resources for Families
California Autism Professional Training and Information Network, (CAPTAIN ):
North Coastal Consortium of Special Education (NCCSE), Regional Center, FRC/FEC 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
Engaging Students in Learning Around the District
Parent Training Opportunities
Upcoming VUSD Parent Learning Opportunities:
February 8, 2022 - Understanding the Transition Process (Preschool - Adult Transition)
April 5, 2022 - Strength Based IEPs
May 17, 2022 - Parent as Partners in the IEP Process
Community Advisory Committee (CAC): is made up of parents, educators, and community members who are involved in special education. The CAC of the North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) provides meetings and special events throughout the year and advises the superintendents of the 14 school districts about special education services. Each meeting includes information on a special education topic, resources for families, and opportunities to meet with other parents to exchange resources, information, and ideas.
Whether you are a student who qualifies for special education services, a parent or family member of a student, or a district teacher or staff person, the CAC can help!
Next Meeting Jan 19, 2022
Looking for a job while your kids are in school?
For more information, click below:
Instructional Assistant II - LH/CH/SP
Special Education Department Contact Information
Nereida Gutierrez, Director, Special Education, nereidagutierrez@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
Special Education Department: specialeducationdept@vistausd.org