The Scoop
Special Services Update - May 23, 2022
Summertime is Almost Here!
- ALP ARDs, find the updated Guidance HERE
- Ensuring ALL ARDs are archived
- EOY Check-out - ensure transportation is accurate, AM/PM students are clear and next years campus is completed. Ensure all evaluations due are completed and all students have the SB 89 Covid Supplements. Please leave a summer contact number with your lead.
- Get with Beth Darbe or your lead regarding your availability for summer testing
Enjoy your summer and get some much deserved rest and relaxation!
Close Out Procedures for Assistive Technology
The TEF Grant is open again SOON!
Let's get some Special Services love and apply for some innovative solutions for our students! Let the creative juices flow!
NVCI Dates
An additional training was also added on May 31st for those that did not get exchange day credit, including paraprofessionals.
ESY/Compensatory
It is crucial ALL ESY supplements are completed and all students ARDed for ESY or Compensatory are known by Kalli Wakefield. If you have any students that may be ARDed for ESY or compensatory that do not currently have a current ESY supplement or are placed on the compensatory list, please let Kalli Wakefield know immediately.
Please follow the guidelines for qualifying for ESY and Compensatory. There are specific rules and guidance regarding these services.
As a reminder, ESY will run from June 13 – 23rd and July 11th – 21st from 8:30 – 11:30. Compensatory services will be offered the same weeks but in the afternoons from 11:30 – 3:30 PM.
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The pay for summer positions has been increased by 20% for this year and is now open to outside applicants!
If you are interested in working or have questions about ESY/Compensatory positions, please email Kalli Wakefield kalliwakefield@tomballisd.net
TIP OF THE WEEK
Include rationale for rejections in prior written notice
"A district must provide parents with prior written notice whenever it proposes or refuses to initiate or change the student's identification, evaluation, or educational placement or the provision of FAPE to the student. 34 CFR 300.503 (a).
It's often the last part of this requirement that leads to liability. So, it's good practice to review with the IEP team, which ultimately makes the decision prompting the required notice, what the contents of a legally defensible PWN includes."
Find the full article HERE
From LRP, Special Ed. Connection
YOU BE THE JUDGE
Is parent who impeded delivery of online services entitled to comp ed?
A district was providing virtual services to a student via zoom. The parent requested a new teacher and told the district the student would not attend any reading sessions with that teacher. See how the court ruled...
Find out more HERE
Congratulations to our New Program Specialist for Assessment
Audra began her educational career in Tomball Independent School District in 2003. Throughout her experience, she has been blessed to have had many roles. Her teaching experience includes elementary general education, early childhood education (PPCD), and specialized support (K-4). She served as an Educational Diagnostician for several years at Creekside Park Junior High School and Creekview Elementary School. Audra has her Master’s Degree in Special Education, and in September 2022, she will finish her second degree in Educational Leadership. As both a parent and an educator, she has a true passion for aiding, educating, and advocating for students that struggle academically and/or behaviorally. We are excited to have her use her experience, leadership qualities and humor (which her boys may debate according to her), innovative thinking skills and passion for learning to contribute positively to our students' successes.
Congratulations Audra!
Shout Outs & Celebrations!
- Autism Grant Award Recipients - We are so excited to announce that Tomball, in partnership with 5 other districts, has received another Autism Grant for the next 2 school years! This grant will focus on pragmatics, social skills instruction, parent training, and many professional development opportunities. This grant is for about $2.9 million over the course of the next 2 years.
- All Special Services Team Members - You all deserve a HUGE shout out for all the hard work and long hours this school year! Thank you for working together for our students! #Ubuntu
- Diana Samson - Congratulations on being the 2021-2022 Ripple Effect Award Winner!
- Donna LaRue - Congratulations on your retirement! You will be greatly missed!
- Beth Darbe - Congratulations on your promotion to Region IV. You will be missed, but we are excited to still be able to work collaboratively with you in your new role.
More Information
Be sure and check out and read the other Smore Newsletters being produced by Student Support Staff: