CELEBRATING SPECIAL EDUCATION
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Bridges Success Stories
There were 106 FWISD students enrolled in the Bridges program from 2018 to 2020.
Ninety-six of them were placed into competitive jobs. Some of the young adults are placed more than once to help with long-term employment success. Below are some of our wonderful success stories, click on the pictures and read all about them.
Oliver B. (photo) – Western Hills H.S.
Placed at Nothing Bundt Cakes June ‘19, still employed.
“Oliver is doing really well, thank you for asking! Oliver helps us with assembling our hand-crafted cake decorations. We have a lot of different designs and he knows how to do serval different tasks. We usually have him stick to doing the same 10-15 tasks so he doesn't take on a lot of extra responsibility but we are thankful for what he does! He is a valued member of our team.”
Alison Strickland, Bundt Boss - 4603 Camp Bowie Blvd. - Fort Worth, Texas 76107
Jessica M. (photo w/ Mr. Marriott & Christian H.)-North Side H.S.
Placed at Renaissance Worthington Hotel May ’19, still employed. She is an Events Operations Server. Came to Bridges from Project Search.
Bridges assisted her with her TABC training certification, which she needed for her job.
“She’s doing great! Supervisors have great things to say about her. She even jumps in on night functions and helps take glassware to the bar during her functions if she sees they need some help. She did that a few times during the holiday parties in December. She continues to take on new responsibilities.”
Leeann Williamson, Director Events F.W. Renaissance Worthington Hotel.
Jessica was one of the first employees to be brought back to work after being furloughed for 6 months due to COVID. This shows just how much they think of her as one of their better employees.
FYI, Christian H.–R.L. Paschal H.S. - Was also working at the Worthington for just over a year as a Dishwasher. Was let go due to COVID. But Bridges assisted him with finding another job, he is current working at Fiesta Mart as a Cart Attendant and loves his new job. He is very happy to be working.
Ferrer Z. (photo)– South Hills H.S
– Placed at Bruce Lowrie Chevrolet as a Service Porter on 10/1/19, still employed. This was his first real job in life. Ferrer has done a great job working at Bruce Lowrie, he loves his job there and they are very happy with his hard work and dedication. But Ferrer just did not want a job, he wants a career. So, with the assistance of Bridges, Ferrer is just starting a Texas Iron Workers Apprenticeship. He is going to do his best to continue his employment while doing the apprenticeship.
Special Education and CTE worked together to assemble 250 face shields for RISE/ECSE/SEAS.
Welcome Back Students and Staff
"When doing campus visits this week , I was privileged to visit Handley Middle School where Principal Terrell and Team had gone to extraordinary lengths to welcome the staff home to campus followed by 6th graders next week and the 7th and 8th graders in subsequent weeks. I especially appreciated Mr. Terrell's comments about making Handley's students and staff feel their self-worth and importance by having a clean, warm, nurturing, and supportive environment which reflects just how special they all are. I certainly felt it and know the others will as well. That's truly a point of pride!" stated Dr. D. Hawkins, Ed.D. -Special Education Director
Psychological Services Department
The Fort Worth ISD Psychological Services Department is being recognized as District of the Year for the State of Texas for Outstanding Delivery of Psychological Services at the Texas Association of School Psychologists (TASP) 28th Annual Convention. Dr. Louanne Parker, a Licensed Psychologist and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology within the department, is also being recognized as School Psychologist of the Year at the Doctoral Level during the convention. Director - Dr. Justin Gaddis, PhD, LP, LSSP
From Dr. Parker: “It has been my pleasure to work with students in Fort Worth ISD for many years. I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition. The Psychological Services Department has an amazing staff who are committed to student success and endeavor to provide child-centered services. I am fortunate to be a member of a team of mental health professionals devoted to supporting our students and families in Fort Worth ISD.”
From the Department: “Dr. Parker has worked in the field of psychology for over 23 years. From working for the American Red Cross Mental Health and Disaster team to being the Director of Training for the department’s APA approved Pre-doctoral Internship, Dr. Parker has influenced the lives of thousands through her practice. Dr. Parker has also been a board member to countless planning committees and crisis response teams. Dr. Parker is passionate about guiding individuals to be model School Psychologists, whether they stay in Fort Worth ISD or move onto a different district or placement. Further, she is the first to volunteer to take on additional tasks in order to alleviate pressure on colleagues, and is immediate in her willingness to consult on difficult cases and provide guidance. Dr. Parker has demonstrated excellence by going beyond the job description and deserves to be recognized for her lifetime dedication to the field of School Psychology.”