Special Services Connection
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Special Services Department
Spring/Summer 22
Exceptional Children's Committee- ECC

Parent Portal
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Parent Portal works best with the following Web Browsers: Chrome or Fire Fox. Internet Explorer does not display the reports correctly. The reports in the Parent Portal are not easily viewed on Cellular Phones.
1ST EMAIL
The first email that you receive from portal@eSped will contain the website link that you go to, to view the document. It also contains your user name.
2ND EMAIL
This email will immediately follow the 1st and it also has the website link. Your temporary password is found in this email.
ACCESSING THE DOCUMENT
To access the document, click on the website link and enter the username and password they have sent you.
After you have gotten logged in, be sure and change the password. Please choose something that you will remember, as this will become the password that you will need to use each time you receive an email.
SIGNATURE REQUIRED
You may be sent documentation that says a signature is required. You will not be physically signing the documents. It will be an electronic signature and you will see a dialogue box that reads “ Clicking the ‘Commit’ button below will submit this document as an official electronically signed original. By clicking the ‘Commit’ button, you acknowledge and understand that your electronic signature on this document is legally binding to the same extent as a hand written ink signature on a paper document”.
You can review the documents before clicking the ‘Commit’ button.
DOCUMENTS THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE VIA PARENT PORTAL
- Notice of Meeting – please print, sign the signature page and return it prior to the meeting. It can be returned electronically with signature or returned to school.
- ARD and FIE/ASSESSMENT Documentation
- Consents to be printed, signed and returned
- Progress Reports
GCISD Special Services Website
We believe it is important to integrate community services with special education to offer families of children with special needs a more well-rounded approach to helping their children.

We hope you enjoy your summer break!
Below are some community events that have come across our desk that we wanted to share.
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Special Needs Screenings
The sensory-friendly screenings are free for children with special needs and their siblings. Adult tickets are available at before-noon price. Special Needs Screenings are shown at 12:00pm at all SMG locations.
June 25th - Jurassic World: Dominion (PG-13)
July 1 - Lightyear (PG)
July 16th - Minions: The Rise of Gru (PG)
July 23rd - Thor: Love and Thunder (PG-13)
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
IDD Council Create for a Cause, Summer Camps, & More
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Special Needs Gymnastics
SNG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering year-round programs and classes for children and young adults with special needs and disabilities. Based in Texas, SNG has expanded its reach to touch thousands of individuals annually. Our programs have been implemented throughout the United States and internationally.
We are committed to strengthening the physical, mental, emotional, and social skills of our athletes and students through a variety of programs that promote a lifetime of achievements. SNG offers programs and classes in gymnastics, swimming, cycling, fitness, art, music, and life skills.
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Sound Starts Music Therapy Summer Camps
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
TEXAS ELKS CAMP 2022
Texas Elks Camp provides special needs and foster children an opportunity to try new things, meet new friends and make memories that will last a lifetime. Campers are encouraged to make their own decisions, become more independent and accept new challenges. Any child with special needs or in foster care age 7 to 15, who is a resident of the state of Texas is eligible for admission to the Texas Elks Camp. No child is denied acceptance based on his or her income level, ethnic origin, race, color or religion. There is no fee. Campers are accepted on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
2022 CAMP DATES
Session 1: June 12 - 17, Ages 7 to 11
Session 2: June 19 - June 24, Ages 12 to 17
Session 3: June 26 - July 1, Ages 12 to 17
Session 4: July 3 - July 8, Ages 18 to 21
Session 5: July 10 - July 15, Ages 12 to 17
Session 6: July 17 - July 22, Ages 12 to 17
Session 7: July 24 - July 29, Ages 7 to 11
ONLINE CAMPER REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Sensory Sensitive Sundays
First Sunday of every month
9:00 am to 11:00 am
2755 E. Grapevine Mills Circle
Grapevine 972-874-8713
Recognizing that the Chuck E. experience can be very stimulating for any child but especially for kids with autism or other special needs, they've made it their mission to create a time to ensure everyone has a fun-filled visit.
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Summer Earn & Learn
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announces the kickoff of this year’s Summer Earn and Learn (SEAL) program for students with disabilities aged 14-22. Through work-based learning, youth earn a paycheck while learning new skills and gaining professional experience. Employers participating in SEAL benefit from the addition of engaged and enthusiastic team members.
Students interested in participating in SEAL should contact their local TWS-VRS office:
Visit: twc.texas.gov/VRNearMe
Call: 512-936-6400
Summer Camps & Activities
FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
Please open link to find a camp
Call and check with provider for current prices and information.
**FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY**
GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs
Community Resources
The ARC DFW: A Look Ahead Online Conference Series
The A Look Ahead Conference Series brings together expert speakers for training focused on improving the lives of individuals with disabilities, the people who support them, and the community at large. Topics will vary quarterly. Conference participants will leave with information and resources they can use now and in the future.
November 13th, 9:30am - 1:00 pm
Breakout Sessions Explore:
- Best Practices
- Possibilities
- The importance of Early Planning
- Real life experiences of Individuals with Disabilities and their Families
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Grapevine Public Library
Fact: one in six individuals have a sensory need in the US today. These individuals are diverse and represent all age demographics. This includes those who experience: Autism, PTSD, Dementia, AD/HD, Anxiety, Down Syndrome, Parkinson's, and more.
Grapevine Public Library proudly partners with KultureCity on its sensory awareness initiative to improve its ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Their objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests with sensory needs. They strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying their library team with continuous training and by offering resources to their guests.
- Sensory Bags Available Here - Sensory Bags (with noise-canceling headphones, fidgets, and other resources) are available at the check-out desk. Check out their FAQs for more information about what guests can use while visiting the library.
- Weighted lap pads are also available.
- Quiet Zones, typically low-traffic areas of the Library, are designated in the library via special signage.
- Grapevine Public Library’s Social Story is available on their webpage
- Their trained staff is ready to make your experience at your sensory-inclusive Grapevine Public Library a great one!
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas
The Down Syndrome Partnership of North Texas supports individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers in achieving the universally desired goals of self-fulfillment, pride in one's achievements, inclusion in the community, and reaching one's fullest potential through social and educational activities.
Our mission is to provide support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families through awareness and engagement, advocacy and outreach, education, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.
Check out their website for recurring events, such as the Get Moving Club and the Next Chapter Book Club, as well as individual and annually held events, such as self-advocate coffee & chat, new parent meet & greets, Step Up for Down Syndrome 5K & Walk, teen activities, and more!
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Texas Parent to Parent: Conferences
TxP2P is planning on its 17th Annual Statewide Parent Conference in Austin, July 22-23, 2022.
Regional parent conferences are one-day events offering attendees a variety of breakout sessions, child care, and outstanding resource fairs. Regional Parent Conferences are currently offered in East Texas, South Texas, and the Panhandle.
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
MHMR: My Health My Resources of Tarrant County
For over 50 years, MHMR has provided community-based services for youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, as well as babies and young children with developmental delays. MHMR employees use a person-centered approach to fulfill the mission: We Change Lives! Using innovative approaches, MHMR partners with community organizations to provide services and a hopeful future.
MHMR provides a wide variety of information and services to people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and their families. Disability Services serves as the first point of contact for publicly funded IDD programs, whether the program is provided by a public agency or private entity. Additionally, some direct services are provided for those who are eligible.
If you have any questions, contact the ICARE Call Center at (817)335-2465.
www.MHMRtarrant.org contains resources and information as well.
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **
Partner's Resource Network
Partners Resource Network is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers.
Visit the events page of their website (www.prntexas.org) for upcoming webinars and the resources page for additional information.
** For informational purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these programs **

