The Link
The Link is the Integrated Services monthly newsletter for families that began in October, 2024. 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. If you want 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 you and your loved ones had a wonderful spring break.
I have received many questions regarding developments at the federal level related to special education funding. Understandably, many families are concerned about how these changes might impact their child’s special education services. I want to acknowledge these concerns and offer some clarity that I hope provides peace of mind.
Although all districts receive funding from the federal government to support special education, it represents only a portion of the overall cost to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to each of our students. Please see the CDE web page, linked below, that breaks down the structure of special education funding (federal/state/local).
As we plan for the upcoming school year, I do not anticipate any changes to how we serve our students in PSD.
Take good care,
Jodie
PSD Encrypted Emails
In the January, 2025 edition of The Link, Integrated Services Director, Dr. Jodie Rommel, announced that PSD will no longer require encryption for content sent outside of the district. You can read about this change in process and see some frequently asked questions on PSD's website by clicking the link below.
SEAC Update
The 2024-25 Special Education Advisory Committee is made up of parents, community partners, and PSD school staff. The purpose of SEAC is to represent students with disabilities and advise the Special Education Leadership Team on their behalf.
At the March 26th meeting, there were four presentations:
- Federal Grants and Funding Update - Beth Higgins and Danielle Chenoweth
- Cell Phone Policy and Access for Accommodations - Dr. Julie Chaplain
- Unified Sports Opportunities - Erin Coy
- Wheelchair Sports Camp - Brad Nelson
The committee also reviewed the discussion on public comment and public attendance and took an anonymous survey. Results are pending.
There will not be an action letter for this month's meeting, but meeting notes will be posted soon.
You can learn more about SEAC by clicking the button below.
Staff Spotlight
Sandy Rasmussen
and
Trish Atherly
After a combined 54 years of service with Poudre School District Integrated Services, Sandy Rasmussen and Trish Atherly are retiring at the end of the school year. The contribution these two have made to students, families, co-workers, the IS department, and PSD cannot be overstated.
Sandy Rasmussen has been with the district for 25 years as a Speech-Language Pathologist. For the past 11 years, she was the team lead for the district's Multicultural Consultation and Assessment Team. Sandy helped develop this team and the process that PSD uses to identify and evaluate multilingual learners for possible special education eligibility. Sandy loves interacting and playing with children and figuring out their strengths and where they may need additional support. She has loved watching them grow and develop through their school years. She is grateful to have been able to work with so many delightful and interesting families and support them in accessing special education. She has learned so much from our diverse families as well as the many talented, dedicated, and passionate professionals she has worked with throughout the years. Sandy is a first-generation U.S. citizen. Her father was from Denmark and her mother was from Venezuela. She was born and raised in the U.S. and grew up with English as her primary home language. In retirement, Sandy plans to travel, spend time with family, volunteer at a school, do some private practice work, become a better potter and watercolor artist, read more, and enjoy nature!
Trish Atherly has been with the district for 29 years as an Occupational Therapist and SWAAAC Specialist (Statewide Assistive Technology, Augmentative and Alternative Communication). The SWAAAC team provides assistive technology services to students with disabilities to enable students with disabilities equal access to the curriculum and full participation in their education and classroom. Trish was on the first ever SWAAAC team in Colorado! Trish loves helping students and finding the right technology or accommodation that supports them in their independence. It has been extremely rewarding for her to help empower students in this way. Trish has an interest in creative arts and plans to spend more time working on her pottery and watercolor passion. She is also looking forward to sleeping in, practicing self-care, traveling, and spending time with family and friends!
Thank you Sandy and Trish for everything you have done to support special education in Poudre School District. You will both be greatly missed!
World Down Syndrome Day
3/21
Transition Age
Thanks to everyone who attended the PSD Community Transition Fair on February 27th! It is never too early to start planning for your child's adult life. Please read the important information below.
To access the document and links, click the button below.
Upcoming Events
March 31st: Join Integrated Services Leadership Team for appetizers and conversation!
April 5th: Sensory Friendly Easter Egg Hunt (Free)
April 6th: Free Day and Autism Resource Fair at The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery
On Sunday, April 6th from 11:00am-4:00pm, The Fort Collins Museum of Discovery will be hosting the 2025 Fort Collins Autism Resource Fair. They have a lot planned:
- neurodiverse community resources
- a free museum day for all families
- free food trucks for participants
- numerous sensory-friendly activities for youth and young adults
- arts and crafts, character visits, support animals and gaming sessions
- Dr. Temple Grandin will give a talk and do a book signing in the Otterbox Dome Theater
- A showing of the new documentary about Temple Grandin, "An Open Door"
- Q&A with the documentary filmmakers
April 15th: Free Webinar
PSD community partner, Mosaic, is hosting a free webinar on Circles of Support on Tuesday, April 15th from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Building Circles of Support is an excellent way to create opportunities for connection and participation and to develop community and friendship. This webinar will cover what Circles of Support are, people's roles, and how to identify the circles. Sami Peterson, Personal Networks Project Director with Peak Parent Center will be the presenter. Click the link below for more information.
Free Parent Workshop: Nurturing possibility
PSD's own Deb Contino will be presenting "Nurturing Possibility (regardless of diagnosis): The 12 Habits That Will Help You Raise A Capable Child" in April. This free workshop will be offered to Pre-K through 5th grade parents on April 15th (in-person) and April 16th (virtual), and to 8th grade through transition age parents on April 22nd (in-person) and April 23rd (virtual). See the flyer for details and please register below so we know how many people to expect and can plan for childcare, interpreters, and accommodations.
Colorado Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp
Monday, June 9th - Friday, June 13th from 9am-3pm
The Colorado Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp is a free sports camp for students with disabilities ages 6-21. It is designed for students who use a wheelchair or could use a wheelchair. It will be held at Gateway High School in Aurora. See the flyer and link below for more information.
Credits:
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