In the Know
Student Support Services Information and News
May 2023
Dear WSD Families and Caregivers,
I hope this finds you and your family well. It's hard to believe that the school year is quickly coming to an end! With only six and a half weeks of schools left, it will be a very busy end of the school year. As we finish up the year, I want to thank some very important people! First, our parents as you have been incredibly supportive of our students. Next, thank you to all of our staff as you have worked so incredibly hard with our students! The energy and the joy that you have brought into our classrooms has truly made for a wonderful year of growing and learning for our students. Thank you again for all that you do as parents and the staff that makes our district such a great place for our students to learn.
As you read through this month's newsletter, be sure to check out the many important dates and events that are listed as we hope you have found them to be informative and worthwhile. As we plan our newsletters for next year, if you have any topics that you would like covered, or if you know of someone who would like to receive the newsletter, please do not hesitate to reach out to let us know.
Sincerely,
Nadine Milostan
May 8th thru May 12th is Teacher Appreciation Week
Spring Special Olympics
Waterford Wildcats are training hard for State Summer Games. The athletes are very excited to attend the Summer Games at Central Michigan University at end of May. The Waterford Wildcats have had their first track meet and first volleyball game this season. The athletes are figuring out what events they want to compete in for the state games. Considering most the athletes never played volleyball or ran track before , they all did so well.
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, Supplementary Aids and Services. The IEP Team then considered where all of this will occur, insuring it is provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE). Our last stop on this journey is the consideration of assistive technology, behavior considerations, and participation in statewide assessments.
Assistive technology (AT) is any kind of technology that can be used to enhance the independence of a person with a disability. AT helps to level the playing field by providing them a way to fully engage in life’s activities. AT devices are tools to help overcome challenges and enable people living with disabilities to enhance their quality of life and lead more independent lives. Michigan Alliance for Families has partnered with Alt+Shift to produce an Assistive Technology Guide for Parents and Educators
If a student’s behavior impedes their learning or the learning of others, the IEP team must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions and supports, and other strategies, to address the behavior. Any needed interventions should be documented in the IEP.
The goal of statewide assessment is to provide all students with an opportunity to demonstrate what they know and have learned. Because students come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse instructional needs, the State has developed different types of assessments to measure student learning. It’s important for parents to question the use of alternate assessments to understand the consequences (access to general education, graduation track vs certificate of completion, etc).
TRANSITION TIPS
As the end of the school year approaches, many parents ask what they can do to help their student maintain or even gain additional skills throughout the summer. The benefit of summer vacation and transition-aged students is that the student can learn, practice, and maintain skills needed for adult daily living in an authentic setting- their home. Please see the attached document titled, Parents of Teenagers Survival Checklist. While this list has some items that are a bit dated, it does provide a comprehensive picture of the tasks your child can develop in order to become as independent as possible. Read through this, and with your student you can identify a skill or two a week for them to learn, practice, and continue doing as part of their daily/weekly routines. Have fun in the process!
Positive Solutions Parenting Series-Oakland County Great Start Collaborative
Is your family looking for resources to help develop and support social emotional learning in your young child? The Oakland County Great Start Collaborative has a Positive Solutions Parenting Series which is pre-recorded and accessible whenever you are ready.
Michigan Alliance for Families-Parent Education Opportunities
June 3 in Livonia Let’s Talk Disability and Inclusion in Early Childhood and Beyond. For parents of children age 0-3, limited spaces available. Apply at https://tinyurl.com/MAFEO.
July 11, 13, 18, 20 Building Parent Leadership Skills in Early Childhood – a leadership development opportunity for families with a child with a disability under age 8, 10:00am-11:00am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ParentLdrshp
Food Truck Lunch Series 2023
The Waterford Township will be having food trucks from April-September located at the Waterford Civic Center Campus if you are interested in attending. For more information please go to www.waterfordmi.gov/specialevents
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.
Community Calendar
Waterford Youth Assistance and Clarkston Area Youth Assistance are offering a Free Workshop for Parents and Students, “Safe Social Media” on May 3rd at Mason Middle School.
Sign up for this free, very informative workshop .
Kids are welcome and encouraged to join!
Register below at:
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
https://www.smore.com/qpjw8 - March, 2023
https://www.smore.com/hnvd7- April, 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/