In the Know
Student Support Services Information and News
March 2023
Welcome Spring!
Dear WSD Families and Caregivers,
Spring is just around the corner as we get ready for spring break and warm weather. The idea of having windows open and being outside is a welcome thought. This is an exciting time of the year as we anticipate the arrival of spring. It's truly hard to believe that we are now heading into the latter part of the school year.
With this month's newsletter, we hope you find it to be informative to specific topics related to special education. Our Student Support Services team of educators, ancillary services providers (Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, School Social Workers and School Psychologists), Teacher Consultants and Special Education Coordinators considers it a privilege to serve you and your children. Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's special education teacher, ancillary service provider or our office if you have any questions or suggestions for future newsletters.
Sincerely,
Nadine
Transportation Tidbits
Don’t forget to spring forward one hour on Sunday March 12th! Speaking of Spring, what March flowers grow on faces? Tulips! (2 lips) 😊. If you are unable to receive your student at the bus stop after school lets out, please be sure to have someone else who is authorized to do so. You can either send in written permission authorizing another responsible person to get your student off the bus, email us at: LaytoT01@wsdmi.org BlackT01@wsdmi.org WrighK02@wsdmi.org or call the Transportation Department so we can document it. Thank You! 248-674-2692
Touring The IEP Process
The IEP journey started with the Present Level Of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance Statement (PLAAFP) which informed the Goals and Objectives. This same PLAAFP informs the Supplementary Aids and Services which are aids, services, and other supports to enable children with disabilities to be educated with nondisabled children to the maximum extent appropriate. Supplementary aids refer to accommodations, modifications, and support to school personnel, families, or a liaison.
Accommodations are changes that help students overcome barriers presented by their disability. They level the playing field. With accommodations, students learn the same curriculum, but their individual needs are accommodated, how the student learns is changed.
Modifications are used when students need more support than accommodations and they change the expectations for learning. They change the playing field. Modifications can impact the ability to receive a diploma therefore accommodations should be fully utilized first. With modifications, the curriculum itself is modified, what the student learns is changed.
Support to school personnel, families, or a liaison includes assistance, consultation, or training, to the adults supporting the student or stipulates the coordination of activities to address a specific need.
Related services means transportation; or other developmental, corrective, or supportive services, that a child needs to benefit from special education, meet goals in their IEP or to provide accommodations to have access to their education. Related services may include resource room, occupational therapy, speech and language services, etc.
All supplementary aids and services are based on student need, discussed by the IEP team, and documented in the IEP. Learn more about supplementary aids and services including samples based on student need from Michigan Alliance For Families by reading their Accommodations and Modifications Overview or Aids and Services Overview. Don't forget to watch the below recorded video all about supplementary aids and services!
Macomb-Oakland Regional Center (MORC) & Easterseals Have Merged
MORC is a human services agency that coordinates long-terms supports for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities as well as for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. MORC coordinates primarily Medicaid funded services that provide support in all areas of life including living arrangements, life skills, education , employment and community integration. Click on the below link to read a letter from Brent Wirth, MORC CEO and Dennis Bott, Chief Transition Officer as to why the transition occurred and what the new partnership brings for the communities that they now serve.
Basketball was a favorite sport among our athletes!
The Waterford Wildcats basketball tournament and awards ceremony was a joy to watch, even though we came in 4th place. Special Olympics has been an amazing experience for our family. For me, it has been a very exciting and heart-warming journey. I have watched these kids grow, and learn the sport over the last few months. The athletes all have amazing personalities. They are kind, caring, and exhibit team spirit. When I asked my son Grant what he likes most about Special Olympics, he says “Everything!” He likes being with his friends, and the new friends that he made. As a parent, you have the opportunity to meet other Special Olympics' parents that may share their insight and guidance.
(Picture and written testimony provided by: Kelly Harned, WSD PAC Member)
Upcoming Spring Sports
Track/Field will begin on March 6th
Volleyball will begin on April 5th
If your child/student is in middle, high or the Lifetracks Program and you are interested in learning more about the upcoming athletic season, please contact Monica Bandlow at: BandlM01@wsdmi.org
Transition Tips
Turning 18 and moving into adulthood is seemingly just a natural progression that we all go through but for parents of a child with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, there are many factors to consider to ensure the child will be entering a healthy and satisfying adult life based on his or her individual needs and interests.
This month, during our virtual Transition Takeaway Tuesday on March 21st from 6:30-7:30 pm, we will present and discuss several factors to consider before your child reaches the age of majority, or 18 years of age. Because a lot of these items require thoughtful and extended consideration, we encourage parents of students of all ages (elementary, secondary, and adult transitions) to join us on March 21st. .
To RSVP and receive a link to this presentation, please contact Matt Lumetta, District Transition Coordinator at lumetm01@wsdmi.org or 947-229-7703 or Kristin Robinson, Lifetracks Program Coordinator at ashlek02@wsdmi.org or 248-673-4549.
If you are unable to join us for this month's Transition Takeaway Tuesday or if you would like to begin reviewing some of the topics ahead of our presentation, please take a look at the attached TURNING 18 CHECKLIST. As always, you can reach out to either one of us with any questions or concerns you might have.
Waterford Fire Local 1335 Autism Fundraiser
Help support your Waterford Local 1335 in their quest to raise awareness for Autism. Get your gear to show your support for Autism Awareness month in April. Proceeds will benefit Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) classrooms within the Waterford School District and the Pontiac School District. To purchase your gear, go online to https://wfdautism1335.itemorder.com/shop/home/ For additional information, please contact Tim Green, Waterford Regional Fire Department at: TGreen@waterfordmi.gov
OU Cares Family Fun Day
Enjoy a day of fun for families impacted by Autism Spectrum Disorder. All ages are welcome to attend. There is no cost and no registration needed. Activities include: Information Fair, Art Projects Bouncy Inflatables, Swimming (bring your own towel).
For additional information please contact: oucares@oakland.edu
North Oakland Miracle League Summer Ball Registration
It is hard to believe it is almost time for baseball! Registration for the North Oakland Miracle League is now open! Open to all abilities, ages 4 and up. Non-competitive teams play 10 weekend games. Please see the linked flyer regarding how to register your child for the team. For more information, visit https://www.michiganmiracle.org/ or contact: Christy Knight at: cknight@eastersealsmorc.org
Early On Oakland Family Support Series
FREE Educational Workshops for parents of toddlers and preschoolers!
Read with Me Series-Next Workshop on March 6, 2023
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Register at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeqZAXjHv2LY49bVE-kGwJKWW1wKo2jJBYKjYDoFoUx52rE-Q/viewform?usp=share_link
This is a 7 week workshop series that will help parents and caregivers develop the skills needed to create a supportive literacy environment at home. We will share ideas and strategies to work on your baby's or toddler's Emergent Literacy Skills while reading and participating in daily routines.
Other upcoming free workshops include:
Toddler and Preschooler Nutrition – March 9th, via Zoom at 7pm – presented by Oakland County Health Division’s Nutrition Program
Music and Movement – March 11, April 22 and May 20 – in-person at Ferndale Public Library at 3:30pm – space is limited!
It Takes A Village Shout Out
Each month families and students will have the opportunity to give a shout out to the people that partner with them to reach their greatest achievements! Simply use the below form to let people know they shine. Each month a Shout Out will be recognized in our next newsletter.
Every year The Arc of Oakland County holds an Awards Presentation and Online Auction where they recognize the efforts of individuals within our community and state that, through their dedication and commitment, have enhanced the lives of persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Waterford’s very own Melissa Morse, Social Worker, Waterford Kettering High School, has been awarded the Educational Service Award!!
Upcoming Informational Planning Opportunities
Are you interested in learning more about Estate Planning or about Special Needs Trusts? The Arc of Macomb County is offering these two workshops that you might find helpful. By clicking on the link at the bottom of this article you find additional details regarding how to register for these events.
Michigan Adaptive Sports next Adventure at iFLY
Come join Michigan Adaptive Sports next Adventure at iFLY – indoor skydiving https://www.iflyworld.com/programs/all-abilities
April 23, 2023
Two sessions 9 am and 12 PM
Limited number of slots
• $71.49/per flight participant - $0/cost per spectator!
• Extra flight staff to accommodate
• Digital photo & video for each participant
• Personalized flight certificate of achievement
• Complete gear rental (suit, goggles, helmet, shoes, earplugs)
• Pre-flight training video and class with your instructor
• High flying instructor demonstration after your flight session
To reserve your spot contact Kathy De Baker 586-772-8213 or kdebaker@aol.com
Payment must be received by check before April 5,2023. Send check to
Michigan Adaptive Sports
23158 Doremus
St. Clair Shores, MI 48080.
We will be having a pot luck lunch so please come and join us.
Community Calendar
A bounty of activities and learning opportunities are taking place across the community, this month and beyond. Here are a few highlights!
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! Our Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. https://www.amctheatres.com/programs/sensory-friendly-films
Links to Previous In the Know Editions
Did you miss a previous edition of In the Know? You can check them out by clicking the following link:
https://www.smore.com/bmxqkp - October, 2022
https://www.smore.com/g1rpc - November, 2022
https://www.smore.com/jsp5q - December, 2022
https://www.smore.com/jsp5q - January, 2023
https://www.smore.com/vzuj1 - February, 2023
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
The Waterford School District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is made up of parents of children with disabilities. The PAC meets on a regular basis with the Executive Director of the Student Support Services Department to discuss, give feedback and advice on the special education programs and services with the district. The purpose statement of the PAC is, "Collectively grow a family and school partnership that fosters mutual capacity, involvement, communication, relationship, and collaboration around students with disabilities." The members of the PAC work hard to stay knowledgeable about changes and issues in special education.
Contact Us
Nadine M. Milostan, Executive Director
Website: https://www.waterford.k12.mi.us/our-district/administration-departments/student-support-services/
Location: 501 North Cass Lake Road, Waterford Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 682-3242
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WSDStudentSupportServices/