florida diagnostic & learning resources system …fdlrs.mysdhc.org/documents/pp/pp_1016.pdf ·...
TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year.
On May 24, 2016, the School Board approved the Superintendent’s
recommendation to appoint me as the new General Director of
Exceptional Student Education. It is indeed a great honor for me and I
embrace this opportunity. I am proud to lead committed and dedicated
professionals who truly care about students with disabilities and their
families. Every decision we as educators make is with our students’
futures in mind.
The beginning of the school year brings a special kind of energy, full of
excitement and hope. This year the ESE Department’s theme is “One
Team, One Goal, The Power of One.” Collaboration between school staff
members, families and students is the key to success for our students with
disabilities. When families and educators work together as partners, our
students can accomplish so much and realize our vision of preparing
students for life.
A message from Kimberly Workman,
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
October 2016 Volume 16, Issue 1
Important Dates
October 7, 2016
End of 1st Grading Period
Superintendent’s Advisory
Council Meeting
October 10, 2016
No School
October 22, 2016
Parent University
October 29, 2016
Post Secondary Planning
Workshop
November 4, 2016
Superintendent’s Advisory
Council Meeting
November 11, 2016
No School—Veteran’s Day
November 21st - 25th, 2016
No School—Fall Break
December 16, 2016
End of 2nd Grading Period
December 19, 2016 -
January 2, 2017
No School—Winter Break
Inside this issue:
FDLRS Parent Services Information
2
Parent University
Creating a Plan for the Future
3
Florida Inclusion Network 4
Special Ed Connection
Superintendent’s Advisory Council
5
Project LEO 6
Graduation 7
Parent Press
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
A Newsletter for Parents of Students in Exceptional Student Education
Hillsborough County FDLRS Parent Services
Page 2
Parent Press
FDLRS Parent Services 4210 West Bay Villa Ave.
Tampa, FL 33611
(813) 837-7732 (English)
(813) 837-7728 (Spanish)
Tell us how we are doing Please take a few moments to complete our short survey for our
October 2016 Parent Press so that we may enhance our services
and better meet your needs. Your responses will only be used
for survey purposes and should take less than 1 minute to
complete.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ParentPressOct2016
Dear Families –
FDLRS Parent Services is one of the four functions of the Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System
(FDLRS) which is a discretionary project of the Florida Department of Education (FLDOE) Bureau of
Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS).
In Hillsborough County Public Schools, our Parent Liaison Project’s goal is to guide and empower families to
become collaborative, effective supporters for their children with special needs. They work closely with our
district area offices and schools by providing information and support to promote academic and social success
in school and within the community.
For more information and updates, you can register for our FDLRS Parent Services electronic communications at
http://tinyurl.com/FDLRSeNews or visit our website at http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/ and click on the Peachjar eflyers button.
Date(s) Topic Location
Setting Limits for Effective Behavior Management Shriners Hospitals for Children
November 10, 2016 Children’s Nutrition & Tips for Picky Eaters Shriners Hospitals for Children
January 24th and 25th, 2017 Keeping it Simple: Your Child’s Individual
Educational Plan (IEP)
Sam Horton Instructional
Services Center, Tampa
February 18, 2017 Planning for the Summer &
Out of School Time Resources
To be Announced
April 6, 2017 Finding Balance: Effective Stress Management UF Extension Services, Seffner
A Series of Free Parent Information Sessions Provided by Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Parent
Services and Hillsborough County Public Schools for Families of Students Receiving Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services
This event has passed
Parent University is a FREE conference supporting the
academic life of students in kindergarten through 12th
grade. Sessions will be focused on academic and
support programs in Hillsborough County Public
Schools, effective strategies families can use to help
every child succeed, and ways to advocate for the
resources necessary for our students. Participants will
attend a general session followed by two classes (see
examples). Free childcare is provided for children in
grades K-5 only (advance reservations are required).
Save the Dates
October 22, 2016
Hillsborough High School
and
February 4, 2017
Armwood High School
Parent University Class Examples
Graduation Requirements
Empowering Parents through Adult Education
Working Together = Partnerships Forever
Hillsborough Virtual School
Navigating Hillsborough County Public Schools
Online Safety
STEM
Understanding your Child’s Brain
Social & Emotional Learning
Reading
Moffit Healthy KIDZ
Come join us as we share information about
opportunities and services after High School.
Breakout Sessions
Hillsborough Community College
Special Needs Trusts
Adults with Disabilities
Vocational Rehabilitation
Adult Day Programs
Agency for Persons with Disabilities
Technical Colleges
Guardianship
Transportation
Save the Date Saturday, October 29, 2016
8:00 AM -12:30 PM
Sam Horton Instructional Services Center (ISC)
2920 N 40th Street, Tampa, FL
To Register
https://planningforthefuture2016.eventbrite.com
Event Flyer
http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/
and click on
Parent University
Creating a Plan for the Future: A Workshop and provider fair focused on Post-
Secondary Planning for Students with Disabilities
Page 3
Volume 16, Issue 1
Register at
http://all4schools.org/hillsborough
or call (813) 272-4443
Page 4
Parent Press
Inclusive Education Is a Team Effort – 8 Steps to Get Involved
1. Create a list of things that describe your child. Include your child’s strengths, challenges, interests, learning needs, health/medical information and future
dreams.
2. Do your homework about inclusive education. (visit our website for more
information)
3. Ask for a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s strengths and challenges. This is also a good time to ask questions. (see our Family F.A.C.T
Folio, Volume One, listed under Resources for guiding questions on our website)
4. Be ready to share your vision for your child’s educational future.
5. State your willingness to be a partner on your child’s team throughout the year, not just at the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) meeting. After all, you are an
expert when it comes to your child!
6. Ask for an IEP team meeting to discuss inclusive opportunities available at your
child’s school.
7. Ask your child’s team to contact their area office Exceptional Student Education
(ESE) personnel for assistance in planning for inclusion, if necessary.
8. Be open-minded! Effective inclusion takes time, effort, resources, creativity and
collaboration.
Adapted from Florida Inclusion Network, Family F.A.C.T Folio, Volume One, dated June 2005
For more information contact
Denise Frenz,
FIN Facilitator/District Resource Teacher
~~
(813) 837-7885 or [email protected]
Visit our website
http://www.floridainclusionnetwork.com/
Mission
The Florida Inclusion
Network (FIN) collaborates
with all districts and schools
to provide customized
services and supports
ensuring all students with
disabilities have the same
education, social and future
opportunities as their peers.
Do you have a child with a
disability of school age in
Florida?
Learn where to find resources
to help your child benefit from
special education services at the
Special Ed Connection®
These resources include:
A better understanding of
special education topics.
A way to be more actively
involved in meeting the
special education needs of
your child.
Smart Starts, a quick way
to gain a better
understanding of almost
450 special education
topics, federal regulations,
case law, assistive
technology, and how the
special education law
applies to your family
member.
Special Ed Online Dictionary,
which contains straightforward,
easily understood definitions of
more than 1,400 widely used
terms.
News and Updates, which can
help you stay current on the
latest news and developments
in the special education
community.
Special Ed Round-Ups, an easy
way to quickly access the latest
news on hundreds of special
education issues from autism to
bullying to postsecondary
transition and more.
The primary focus of this council
is to identify and recommend
systemic strategies that are
intended to improve outcomes
for all children who have
disabilities within Hillsborough
County Public Schools.
Page 5
Volume 16, Issue 1
Local Contact Information:
Florida Diagnostic and Learning
Resources System (FDLRS) -
Hillsborough
Debbie Valdes
(813) 837-7733
Website: http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/
The Florida Department of Education is
proud to provide access to the Special Ed
Connection® at no cost to families of
students with disabilities. To find out
how you can gain access to this valuable
resource visit the web at:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/
exceptional-student-edu/parent-info
October 4, 2016**
November 4, 2016
December, 2, 2016
January 13, 2017
February 10, 2017
March 3, 2017
April 7, 2017
May 5, 2017
Location(s):
Children’s Board of Hillsborough Co.
1002 E. Palm Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
Time: 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
**Entrepreneur Collaborative Center
2101 E. Palm Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
Time: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Save the Dates
Page 6
Parent Press
Visit the CARD-USF website safety page for information about prevention strategies for wandering and more information on Project Leo http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/resources/materials/safety.html
Who is Eligible? Resides in Hillsborough County
Has wandered away or is at risk of
wandering
Has a diagnosis of autism spectrum
disorder or related disability
Does not drive a motor vehicle
Does not take public transportation
without supervision
Is under constant supervision and
monitoring of a responsible adult,
who can prevent wandering and
can contact 911 in the event the
individual is missing
Protecting Your Loved Ones
The Hillsborough County Sherriff’s Office
and Safety Net™ Tracking Systems have
been working together for several years to
build a quality program that helps locate
missing children and adults with various
disabilities who run away or wander.
This year, the Florida Legislature passed
Section 937.041, Florida Statutes, to provide
funding to the Center for Autism and
Related Disabilities at the University of South
Florida to purchase special personal devices,
worn on the wrist, that can aid in search-and
-rescue efforts and will be distributed by the
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.
If you know of someone who meets these
criteria, please have their legal guardian
contact CARD-USF at
813-974-2532 to get registered
CARD-USF will request a release of information to
obtain proof of diagnosis and allow us to contact the
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office to provide the
family’s name, address and phone number so they may
set up an appointment to deliver the SafetyNet™
equipment and review how to use it. It will also allow
CARD-USF to communicate with the School District of
Hillsborough County (if applicable) and SafetyNet™
about the individual’s participation in the program to
promote his or her safety in all settings.
Further information regarding SafetyNet™
can be found on their website:
www.SafetyNetTracking.com
Page 7
Volume 16, Issue 1
The School District of Hillsborough County does not discriminate nor tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, genetic information or pregnancy in its educational programs, services or activities,
or in its hiring or employment practices; and it will take immediate action to eliminate such harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. The
district also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access
Act.
The district accords preference in selection, retention, and promotion procedures to certain veterans and spouses of veterans who are Florida residents.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Dr. Pansy Houghton, Executive Officer, Compliance. 813-272-4000; [email protected]; Office of the Chief of Staff, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33602. An alternate point of contact for
complaints of discrimination or harassment may be directed to the Office of Professional Standards at 813-840-7128.
As required by Section 668.6076, Florida Statutes, you are hereby notified that: Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want
your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing. History.--s. 1, ch. 2006-232.
Mission
To provide an education and the supports that enable each
student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen
The Parent Press is designed to be an informational source for parents of students who receive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. In addition to Hillsborough County Public School (HCPS) supports and services, the Parent Press strives to offer as much information as possible from community agencies
and groups that provide services to persons with disabilities.
A Note about Graduation
A new State Board of Education Rule (6A-1.09963) became effective in December of 2014 to align with revisions
to the state statutes regarding graduation requirements and diploma options for students with disabilities. These
new provisions afford students being served through Access Points the opportunity to earn a Standard Diploma.
For students with a disability entering the ninth grade during the 2014-2015 school year or after, their courses and
current Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) will reflect the intention to graduate with a Standard Diploma
through Florida Standards or through Access Points. Graduating with a Standard Diploma can often times afford
young adults with disabilities additional opportunities in their post-secondary endeavors.
Students with a significant cognitive disability served through Access Points who entered grade 9 prior to the 2014
-2015 school year and whose IEP indicated the decision to work toward a Special Diploma as of June 20, 2014,
may continue on that path should the IEP Team continue to determine it is appropriate. Students working on a
Special Diploma do have the opportunity to switch to a Standard Diploma through Access Points, as a decision of
their IEP Team.
It is important to support all students academically and help keep them on track to graduate with their cohort (the
year a student enters ninth grade). Current information about working toward a Standard Diploma, as well as,
other graduation requirements based on cohorts, can be found on the district website:
http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/976/guidance-services/resources/guidance-gradrequirements/
If you have questions regarding your child’s graduation status or diploma option, please contact the assigned
School Guidance Counselor, Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Case Manager and/or your school’s ESE
Specialist for further information.
Vision
Preparing students for life
Nonprofit Org.
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL
permit No. 1009
Hillsborough County Public Schools
PARENT PRESS
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Post Office Box 3408
Tampa, FL 33601
School Board April Griffin, Chair
Cindy Stuart, Vice Chair Doretha W. Edgecomb
Sally A. Harris Carol W. Kurdell Melissa Snively Susan L. Valdes
Superintendent of Schools
Jeff Eakins
Assistant Superintendent, Student Services Wynne A. Tye
General Director,
Exceptional Student Education Kimberly Workman
www.sdhc.k12.fl.us
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
Lisa Yost 272-3800 Marcos Murillo 631-4050 Dr. Anna Brown 558-1406 Donell Underdue, Jr. 558-1100
Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent
Sharon Foster 272-3796 Shelly Cedola-Hayes 631-4056 Carol Pauline 558-1412 Mikki Kenny 558-1097
ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor
Vacant 837-7732 Vacant 837-7732 Mary Merryday 558-1412 Paula Thomas 837-7734
Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Blake, Jefferson, Plant, Robinson D.W.Waters and feeder schools
Alonso, Leto, Sickles, Steinbrenner High and feeder schools
Freedom, Gaither, King, Wharton High and feeder schools
Chamberlain, Hillsborough, Middleton High and feeder schools
Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 Area 8
Dr. Michelle Fitzgerald 744-8630 Sharon Morris 707-7050 Owen Young 740-3710 Shaylia McRae 658-1970
Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent
Dee Ward 744-8636 Michele McFarland 707-7056 Cora-Lynne Wimberly 740-3717 Jo Jennings 658-1981
ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor
Carolina Beltran 740-7585 Vacant 837-7732 Beth Jenner 740-3717 Doris Jeffries 658-1981
Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bloomingdale, Newsome, Spoto High and
feeder schools Durant, Plant City, Strawberry Crest High
and feeder schools Armwood, Brandon, Tampa Bay Tech.
High and feeder schools East Bay, Lennard, Riverview High
and feeder schools
FDLRS Michael Levine, FDLRS Supervisor: 837-7777, [email protected]
Debbie Valdes, FDLRS Parent Services Program Manager: 837-7733, [email protected] Corinne Smith, FDLRS Parent Services Communications: 837-7872, [email protected]