Every day, we get to hear about the work that you are doing that fits these adjectives. Whether it is a Learning Specialist who discovers a song that a student loves and anchors some important learning around it, or a Speech Language Pathologist who is finding new ways to build capacity for classroom teachers to understand how to use AAC devices to help a student engage in classroom content, or an Instructional Assistant/ParaEducator who looks at the learning target on the board in a secondary content class and finds entry point for that student who might otherwise not be engaged, you are doing the work of education each and every day. The work is exciting, it is exhausting, it is rewarding! Take a moment, and recognize a colleague for the tremendous work they are doing, and let’s all continue to reflect and improve. After all, our students are depending on us!

Increasing student voice, one of our focus areas for the past 7 years, truly comes to life at the Youth Leadership Summit. On October 9, high school and some middle school students from around the metro area gather to celebrate, dream, and plan to make their school community more inclusive. It provides an opportunity for students to step up and have their voices heard. One Learning Specialist shared, "It was great to see students connect with other young people around the state, and to see our students having so much fun. The students who don't experience disability really stepped up and were great friends throughout the day." We are excited to learn more about what ideas students came up with from all the participants (hint, please drop us a line if you have the 411 here!)

You may have many ways to answer that question. One way is the question that proceeded this photo of Rosemont Ridge Teachers Rob Hoisington and John Anderson. Today was conference day at middle schools. Rob popped his head into the SPED Nation meeting, saying, "Hey, why don't I have a conference with the parents of Roy?" Roy is a pseudonym for a student with significant educational needs. John replied, "Because I'm conferencing with those parents." Rob held his ground, "I want to conference with them, he's in my class." In the end, they worked out a way to conference together. That, my friends, is a very real sign of an inclusive school!

Please join us in welcoming Leslie Coonc, Occupational Therapist to our Motor Team. Though we were sad to lose the compassion and expertise of Shannon Wagner and Angie Hudspeth, we feel incredibly to have found Leslie. She brings a commitment to inclusive practices, deep understanding of student needs, and best therapeutic practices. Leslie has worked for the last several years as a pediatric OT in private practice. She is excited to join our WLWV team, and work with children in the comprehensive environment of schools. Leslie will be the OT for Bolton, Boones Ferry, Cedaroak Park, Meridian Creek, Rosemont Ridge, Wood, and Art Tech/Adult Transition Program. We know you will help her get to know your students and teams, and you will be patient as she gets up to speed with our processes.

One way to help a team develop a greater understanding of how a learner, who may interact with the world in very different ways, can access the learning that is happening in the general education classroom is to have the team use the SETT framework. This is a fairly involved process, but can really help a team find ways to help a student really engage in the classroom or school content or classes. Recently, Sunset Primary had a very productive SETT process for a student who has very complex needs, and discovered more authentic ways for that student to engage in the learning that all students are doing in second grade. Thanks to Jennifer Ziolko for facilitating. A big SETT meeting is happening tomorrow at Boones Ferry, and we know that will be a success as well. Below is a video about the SETT process, and a few pics from Sunset's meeting.

For all newly eligible students or just moved in families:

• Remember to give WELCOME Folders to all newly eligible or move in families
  

For ALL annual IEPs moving forward:

• Please ask for Medicaid Billing Consent (but you only need this once!) Questions? Contact Brenda Hogan

• District and Parent SPED Collaboration Group Monday, Oct. 15 5:00-6:30
• Suicide Prevention Work Group Wednesday, Oct. 17, 8:00
• NEW DATE Evaluation and Student Support Team Wednesday, Oct. 17 11:00
• Health Team Wednesday, Oct. 17 11:00
• Inclusive School Learning Walk Hillsboro Thursday, Oct. 18
• Procedural Guidance Academy Thursday, Oct. 18 4:00-5:30
• Speech Language PLC Friday, Oct 19 7:30
• Youth Transition Team Monday, Oct 22 7:45
• Planning for Inclusive Schools Workshops Tuesday, Oct. 23 4:00-5:30
• School Counselors Wednesday, Oct. 24 7:30
• Inclusive Schools Leadership Friday, Oct. 25 12:30-3:15
• Dyslexia Parent Night Monday Oct. 29 6:30
• New School Counselors Tuesday Oct. 30 3:00-4:30
• MEDICAID ADMINISTRATIVE CLAIMING SURVEY week of October 29-November 2

Jennifer Spencer-Iiams

Email: spencerj@wlwv.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.wlwv.k12.or.us/domain/43
Phone: 503-673-7026