Greer Gazette
McKinney ISD Special Populations - May Issue
SUMMER CAMPS
Dallas Museum of Art
The DMA offers an annual, weeklong Summer Art Camp co-taught by an autism specialist, a music therapist, and a DMA educator. Hands-On Summer Art Camp for Children with Autism provides an experience for children on the autism spectrum that integrates sensory elements and fosters social integration among participants while focusing on works of art from the DMA Collection.
Registration for Hands-On Summer Art Camp for Children with Autism (offered in either June or July each year) is available each spring online and is open to approximately 15 students, ages 7-12 years old. Camp fees vary.
Super Owls
Delta Airlines
DETAILS:
Event schedule includes a mock check-in, security escort, pre-boarding announcements, mock take-off and landing, as well as beverage and snack service.
RSVP to Christine.Travis@Delta.com by May 11th.
After RSVP is received, more information will be shared.
Thank you Tena Worthy for sharing this information!
Parent Night Out
Every Month: Monthly Parent Night Out
Sponsored by the First Baptist McKinney: "Incredible Fridays " will be held one Friday of each month. This FREE respite program is for kids with special needs and their siblings. We will have lots of fun activities planned and the parents can get a well deserved night out. Time is from 6-9. Contact Kari Loth for more information and pre-registration.
Respite Care for Special Needs Children
Friday NITE Friends Meets 6-10 p.m. on Friday nights at Custer Road United Methodist Church Plano (972) 618-3450
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Thank you to our Sponsors
Chic-Fil-A - Hank Durbin
Chic-Fil-A - Neil Brown
Harvey and Rebecca Oaxaca
Aramark
Philips & Epperson
El Dorado Chevrolet and Mazda
Baylor Scott and White Medical Center
Super1 Foods
Mend
All about Children Pediatrics
Pat Lobb's Toyota of McKinney
Binford Supply, LLC
ICandy Grafix
Fiat of McKinney
Dr. Lauren Standifer
Turrentine, Jackson, Morrow
Your Enchanted Face LLC
Blue Collar Balloons
Honorable Angela Tucker and James Tucker
Veterans of Foreign War
Firefighters Combat Challenge Team of McKinney
Packard Family Orthodontics
And another Thank you to everyone who contributed!!
STUDENTS IN THE NEWS
Visually Impaired Technology Olympics
Visually Impaired Technology Olympics
For Students with Visual Impairments
This event is designed to provide students in first through twelfth grades the opportunity to compete using the latest technology equipment available for blind and visually impaired individuals. The event allows students the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities using unique equipment efficiently and effectively at their individual skill levels.
Both Kelly Caver (6 Faubion MS) and Jarred Duran (11 MNHS) competed using low vision technology accommodations that are part of their daily lives.
Kelly earned a 1st place in TABLET 1, using her I Pad, Bookshare membership and the Read2Go app.
Jarred earned a 2nd place in Telescope 2 using his to locate and record distance information as requested.
Congratulations to both Kelly and Jarred for their successful participation in Technology Olympics 2016!!
Pictured below L-R: Adrian Martinez (TVI), Kelly Carver, Jarred Duran, Peggy Abernathy (TVI)
Character Counts
Congratulations to Merek Maloney who was selected and recognized during the April Pack Rally for the Character Counts Pillar of Responsibility. Derek was chosen for demonstrating exceptional responbibility for the month. Derek was awarded a 'brag tag,' certificate and a special lunch on the stage with counselor Nelson. Way to Go, Merek!!
Student Success at Boyd HS
Isiah Ponse has made a ton of progress this year! He went from a beginning reader to a 233 lexile and therefore increased his phonics and decoding skills!
Read 180 and System 44 really does work!! The data proves it!! - Christina Abalos
Way to go, ISIAH! Keep up the hard work.
CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT
Evans Middle School
Germs and Poison
Two McKinney High School nursing students came and taught us about what to do about Poisons and germs!
They were so sweet- the students loved the high school kids coming in and learning from them. We also used the time to discuss the different programs and opportunities in the high school.
Faubion supports Relay for Life
What is Relay for Life?
- Organized, overnight community fundraising walk
- Teams of people camp out around a track
- Members of each team take turns walking around the track
- Food, games and activities provide entertainment and build camaraderie
- Family-friendly environment for the entire community
Press Elementary
Quiz Show
Ms. Leslie and Mrs. Crider's classes practiced their social skills with a friendly game of "Quiz Show."
Looks like fun!
McKinney North HS
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
McKinney Boyd's Carla Atkinson
Carla Atkinson sets example by doing, not just telling! Here she is working with students in Social Skills. Carla has mad "headbands" skills and is not afraid to use it!
Light it Up Blue!
Light It Up Blue autismAutism SpeaksWorld Autism Awareness Day is observed annually on April 2nd, and is dedicated to raising awareness of autism.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Appreciations
Way to Go!
I personally appreciate Katie Moyle for her trainings, as well as candid and direct realism spoken to address the issue of gaps versus curriculum (STAAR readiness) this year. Jennifer Hise for her direct support and encouragement, and Kim Wornhor for her guidance and expertise! Thank you ladies for your time and energy spent with me!! Gratefully --Marcus
Jennifer, Thanks for all your help and support this year!! I appreciate helping me help our kids!!!
EVERYDAY, the INCREDIBLE Faubion SpEd TEAM, WORK together to get what needs to be done, done! Tirelessly, in good humor and without argument. All for one and one for all!!
Thank you Brenda Allred, Rachel Greenroy, Kris Toombs, Vickie Spann, Heather Stevens, Erika Hernandez, Susan Mahadi, Linda Luke, Danice Farrar, Renee Wrenwood, Gracie Fuentes and Caitlin Rose!! You are the BEST team of individuals that a person could hope to work with and to serve for!! I have great respect and appreciation for each and all of you!! Thank you! --Marcus
I want to thank my Walker SPED team for making my first year back in Texas great! Thank you Angela, Patty, and Caitlyn for always being willing to help me out when I am trying to figure out what is best for kids! We are a great TEAM (time ;)) I am looking forward to another great year with you all!!- Michelle
There are many wonderful special education teachers in this district but none better than Nancy Crain. Nancy is turning in her McKinney ISD badge and walking head held high into the expansive world of RETIREMENT. Although I realize that her grandchildren look forward to this phase of her life, as well as her husband, I for one will miss her and her heartfelt interaction with each of her students and the staff at Wilmeth. Nancy embodies all the characteristics that make a fantastic TEACHER - heart, desire, care, compassion, empathy, knowing how to balance a student’s accommodations with his/her need to know grade level curriculum!! Thanks Nancy!!! Charlotte
Thanks to Pam Jones for offering to cover an ARD for me just so I wouldn’t have to go out of my way. Such a small thing- but it really meant a lot to me. Thank you! --Maria
A shoutout to the amazing Cockrill SPED Team. They work together everyday to make Cockrill the Flagship under the leadership of Captain Gore! They make work an entertaining and fun place to spend 180 days!! They all take care of each other daily and are always ready to lend a helping hand. You guys are the best :)
HUGE LOVE for my North team! I am very proud of what we were able to accomplish, overcome, and achieve this year!! #bulldogfamily ~Annie Smith
A huge thank you to my para’s Tameka Jones, Beth Stom, David Dutze and Abi Adologiogie, at Evans MIddle School, for their patience and compassion when dealing with a very difficult situation involving a student. Also a thank you to Roy Farrow for stepping in and helping.~Kristi Beckner
A big thanks for my fellow autism team members for being such a great team! I really appreciate each one of you guys! xo --Maria
A big shout out to Carla West, Sped. Team Leader at MHS! Thank you for all of the years you supported our team with your sage advice, humor, and most excellent proofreading skills! Wishing you the most amazing retirement - Karen Scheidhauer
Nancy Crain you are @$$#** amazing and I will miss you!!! Also can I still use your Reading A-Z password :) -Trey
Hugs and kisses to MHS STC and FAC !! You are all rock stars! <3 Danielle
Shout out to Evans MS teachers, paras, Nurse, Candace, Kari, Colleen, Mrs.Johnson, Kim, admin and anyone else that works here. Everyone always shows up to help when needed, someone is always donating their time and items to our classes, and smiles all the time! WE ARE BLESSED! Thank you for such a great year!! Valarie Long
Thank you to Tyler Jones for all of your help this year with paperwork and being such strong leader! Thank you Tammy Grossman for being a huge support to me and keeping the humor alive! We have had so much fun this year! And of course thank you Kathleen Briones and Missy Kundee for always stepping in and making things on the fly when I got crazy ideas. Your positive “can do” attitude made the days so much brighter! I think we rocked it this year!
Thank you to Colleen, Kari, and Candace for being a wonderful team to work with at Evans! Ya’ll are the best!!
I’m going to miss going to trainings with you, Nancy Crain. I will miss our conversations and laughs. You are a great Sped teacher! Are you sure you aren’t the lead???? ~ H.Tambasco
Eddins SPED team has really pulled through another great year with AWESOME test scores and student progress! I work with some hard working staff with BIG hearts! Thanks for always wanting the best for our kids and high expectations! ~H. Tambasco
A huge bulldog THANK YOU to our fearless leader, Annie Smith, for everything you have done this year for our entire SPED Department and MNHS! We couldn’t have done it or made it through without you! #youmatter -Lisa Sadosky & the MNHS SPED team
Thank you to Jennifer Hise for being so helpful with questions and so prompt with requests! We appreciate you so much:) - Janina, Crystal & Jenn
Thank you to our middle school campuses who have accommodated elementary parents with classroom observations for students in centralized programs. It goes a long way in building relationships and trust.
Thank you to Crystal Stephens for everything! Too much to list but you are an amazing mentor, teacher and person and I appreciate all your help and guidance more than I could express. -Jenn
A special THANK YOU to Jarred Duran for all the shredding you did at Greer this year. We appreciate you and thank you for your service to our building!
Thank you to the whole SPED team at Bennett for stepping in when help is needed. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of ladies to work with! Leigh, Nora, Kisha, Tamara and Susie you ROCK! -Nichole T
Thank you to the CAP students who sold snacks and beverages one day a week at Greer this year! We love seeing you come and are appreciative of your service to our building!
Thank you to Janice Morriss for your help with the MHS Baseball event that got rained out 3 times. I appreciate your time and effort and hopefully next year the weather will cooperate. -Jennifer M
Thank you to the Boyd Triad campuses for great year! I enjoyed getting to know new faces and re-acquainted with faces I’ve worked with in the past. Enjoy your summer and I hope to see some of you at summer staff development. Sally
Thank you to Lynda Batson, Carlynn Gardner & Ryan Stephens. I learned so much from all of you and wouldn’t be where I am now without your guidance and support. I love that I can still count on any of you if I have a question and know you are always happy to share your knowledge -Jenn
Thanks to Colleen Aungst and Kris Toombs for helping with ELM training- Katie M.
Carla West I'm wishing the coming years to be filled with love, peace, health, and happiness! Enjoy your well deserved retirement. XO Sally
Thank you to Lisa Sadosky for pulling together a great nomination for Special Olympics Athlete of the Year for MNHS student Jarred Duran. Fingers crossed!!
Thanks to Tiffany Shoemaker and Kris Toombs for taking the lead on Math PD summer EXPO- Katie M.
Thanks to my Greer team for coming to my rescue while I am out with dad!- Katie M