The Link
The Link is the Integrated Services newsletter for families that comes out on the 3rd Thursday of each month (fingers crossed). It is a way for us to share information, upcoming events and activities, and resources. Barb Moreng, Parent Liaison, is the editor. If you have feedback, please email Barb at bamoreng@psdschools.org or complete the "Parent Feedback Form" below. If you would like to catch up on previous issues, you can find them on the Integrated Services page of the PSD website linked below:
Director's Corner
Dr. Jodie Rommel, Director of Integrated Services
Dear Families, I hope this finds you doing well! It is the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 94-142). If you would like to know more about the history of this law, please watch the video below. IDEA is vital to ensuring your child's right to a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). It also guarantees an appropriate evaluation and an Individualized Education Program. Under IDEA, parents and students are partners with schools in making educational decisions. As we approach fall break and focus on gratitude, I want to tell you how much all of us in Integrated Services appreciate your partnership. All the best, Jodie
SEAC Update
The Special Education Advisory Committee is made up of parents, community partners, and PSD staff. The purpose of SEAC is to represent students with disabilities and advise the Special Education Leadership Team on their behalf. The third SEAC meeting of the 2025-26 school year was held on November 12th, 2025. The topic was Trauma-Informed Training in PSD and was presented by Kelly Glick, Student Services Coordinator, and Tricia Van Horssen, Integrated Services Social Worker. After the presentation, members discussed the information and offered feedback and recommendations on 1) ways to improve PSD's trauma-informed practices and ensure sustainability, 2) training or resources that would be helpful for staff/families/students, and 3) SEAC recommendations to PSD leadership regarding trauma-informed practices. For meeting notes and the action letter, click the button below.
Staff Spotlight
Jennifer Hayden
Integrated Services is so thankful for and appreciative of our amazing paraprofessionals! They are such an integral part of the work we do and we couldn't do it without them. This month we wanted to highlight one of our paras at Polaris - Jennifer Hayden!
Jennifer has been with PSD for 7 years, and is currently a paraprofessional at Polaris. She loves the inclusive nature of Polaris and their focus on restorative practices. Jennifer also enjoys being a part of the collaboration between special education and general education. But most of all, she loves the kids - "the students at Polaris are truly amazing humans who will change the world!" PSD has collaborated with the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) to begin the "Become a Special Education Teacher" program, including scholarship opportunities. Jennifer decided to follow her dreams and applied for the program. She feels incredibly lucky to have been chosen to be part of the first co-hort! She is set to graduate in December, 2026! Outside of work, Jennifer loves being with her son, her mom, and her two doodles. She also enjoys crafting, reading, bike rides, going to soccer games, and building and collecting LEGO. Fun fact about Jennifer - growing up, her dad worked at Universal Studios in California, and she got to explore sets, meet a lot of cool people, go on rides, and play in the theme park a lot. We are so fortunate that Jennifer is part of the Integrated Services team and we look forward to watching her blossom as a special education teacher!
Board Resolution and Inclusion Week
On November 18th, the PSD Board of Education recognized our students with disabilities through a resolution celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Devon Beuret spoke about what IDEA and PSD has meant to her and her family. Integrated Services also promoted Inclusion Week from November 17th-November 21st.
Transition Pathways Community Businesses!
Transition Pathways students are hard at work making dog treats and stickers as part of their business education! If you would like to support Transition Pathways' community businesses, these items make great gifts for your pups and pals! Click the buttons below to order!
Epilepsy awareness month
November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month. It's important to know how to help someone who is having a seizure. See the Seizure First Aid poster below for crucial information.
Parent Workshops
If you missed our first quarter parent workshop, "Understanding Your Child's IEP and Special Education Programming" presented by Erin Coy, Integrated Services Coach, you can access the recorded presentation below:
Thank you to those who attended our second Parent Workshop of the year, "Dyslexia Parent Workshop", presented by Shaunda Stahl and Julie Woolner, Curriculum and Instruction Facilitators, and Nora Love, Assistant Director of Integrated Services. We had a great group with lots of discussion.
Our next workshop, "Supporting Positive Behavior at Home" will be held on Wednesday, February 25th, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Please register using the link below to request childcare, interpretation, and to receive reminders! It's free!
Parent Group
It's not too late to join our parent group to learn the 12 habits that will help you raise your child to be capable (regardless of diagnosis or challenge). We meet twice a month - once in-person and once online. You can attend the whole series or as many sessions as you like! Click the button below to register.
Resource
IEP Preparation Worksheet - Fillable PDF
We value your input and want to make sure that your voice is heard at your child’s IEP meeting. Below is a tool that may assist you in gathering your thoughts in preparation for the meeting. Make sure to share this information at the IEP meeting. You can also send a copy of the form to your child's case manager before the meeting as a basis for discussion. You can download this form and then you will be able to type right into it.
Parent Summit
February 7, 2026
In partnership with the Center for Family Outreach, PSD will be hosting The Parent Summit on Saturday, February 7th, 2026 at Fort Collins High School. There will be presentations and resources designed to support you through the challenges of teenage years. Stay tuned for more information.
unified track and field event
April 30, 2026
Elementary Unified Track & Field Event
May 1, 2026
Secondary Special Olympics Colorado Track & Field Event
more Upcoming Events
December 13th: Inclusive Ice Experience
The City of Fort Collins Adaptive Recreation Opportunities Department is hosting a free event for individuals of all abilities to experience ice skating in a welcoming and accessible environment! Participants can enjoy time on the ice with the support of adaptive sleds, walking gliders, and trained coaches. This event will be held on Saturday, December 13th from 9:30am-12:00pm at Edora Pool & Ice Center (EPIC).
December 16th: Free Webinar
PSD community partner, Mosaic, hosts a free webinar on the third Tuesday of each month from 12:00pm-1:00pm. The December topic has not yet been announced.
iMPORTANT DATES
Credits:
Created with images by hd3dsh - "Iron chain with red heart as the one the links 3D Rendering" • Brad Pict - "Save the date"