The Link
The Link is the Integrated Services monthly newsletter for families. 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 would like to catch up on previous issues, you can find them on the Integrated Services page of the PSD website linked below:
Parent Workshop
The first of four parent workshops will be held on Wednesday, September 24th, from 5:30-7:30pm. The topic is "Understanding Your Child's IEP and Special Education Programming". The in-person option will be held at PSD Transition Pathways Academy at 1630 Stover Street, Fort Collins. You can also attend the session virtually. This is a free workshop! Register and request childcare, accommodations, and/or interpretation below.
Director's Corner
Dr. Jodie Rommel, Director of Integrated Services
Dear Families,
Integrated Services is committed to continuous improvement to ensure students and staff achieve optimal growth. Our top priorities this year include:
- Improving literacy and math skills
- Increasing graduation rates
- Growing our 18-21 programming- Transition Pathways Academy
- Establishing dedicated progress monitoring tools and uniformed tracking systems
- Continuing to disrupt disproportionality through inclusive practices (disproportionality is the significant overrepresentation or underrepresentation of a specific group within a given population or category, when compared to its representation in the general population)
- Improving IEP compliance
- Expanding behavior de-escalation skills through re-norming on trauma-informed best practices
- Program alignment across the district
- Reevaluating our staffing ratios and adjusting as needed
Thank you for entrusting us with your child/teenager. We look forward to growing together!
Kindly,
Jodie
Donuts with Directors
The Integrated Services Leadership Team would love to connect with you and hear what's on your mind! Please join us for coffee and donuts on October 7th anytime from 7:00am-9:00am. This is an informal meet and greet. No need to RSVP, just show up! We would love to see you there!
Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conference
Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) is a conference for families and parents who have children with disabilities, ages birth to 21. The Fall 2025 PEP conference is Friday, October 3rd and Saturday, October 4th at the Double Tree by Hilton Denver Thornton. This conference is designed to help families better understand special education and feel encouraged on their journey of raising and advocating for their child(ren). Special accommodations, language interpretation, and document translation are available. Not only is the conference free, but the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) pays for lodging if your commute to the hotel is more than 50 miles one way. Meals are also provided! Space is limited, so sign up soon! For more information click the button below.
International Week of the Deaf
September 22-28 is International Week of the Deaf. Did you know that PSD has a small, but mighty team of Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing? Our five teachers provide a continuum of services designed to enhance instruction and services to meet the unique communication and education needs of our students who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. We think of our program as being support services to general education, rather than a place where services are provided.
If you are interested in learning about American Sign Language (ASL) from people who use it every day, please watch this video!
SEAC Update
The 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.
Our first meeting of the 2025-26 school year was held on September 17th. The presentation was on the Multi-Categorical Program Evaluation. The meeting agenda was so full that we did not have time to discuss and advise on suggestions for this year's program evaluation of the ILS program. We will carry this over to October's agenda. Meeting notes will be uploaded to the PSD website linked below when available.
Upcoming Events
Sept 30: Open Community Conversations with Superintendent Brian Kingsley
October 2nd: Board of Education Community Engagement Session
October 21st: Free Webinar
PSD community partner, Mosaic, hosts a free webinar on the third Tuesday of each month from 12:00pm-1:00pm. The October topic is "Understanding Home & Community Based Services & Medicaid Waivers for Children and Adults in Colorado" - presented by Megan Bowser with Family Voices Colorado. From Mosaic: Navigating the world of Medicaid waivers and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) can be overwhelming for families and individuals seeking support. Our October webinar will provide a comprehensive overview of Colorado’s Medicaid waivers available to both children and adults with disabilities or complex medical needs. We’ll explore eligibility criteria, the application process, available services, and how these programs support individuals to live independently in their homes and communities. Whether you're a parent, caregiver, service provider, or advocate, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to better understand and access critical supports.
October 25th: Styles Beyond Stereotypes Fashion Show
This fashion show, sponsored by The Arc of Northeast Colorado, is a celebration of inclusion, confidence, and breaking barriers. It features incredible models of all abilities who are boldly redefining what fashion, beauty, and representation truly mean. Each model will take the stage in a one-of-a-kind outfit designed just for them - they will share their story, their style, and their strength in an unforgettable evening of empowerment. This is a ticketed event.
Credits:
Created with an image by hd3dsh - "Iron chain with red heart as the one the links 3D Rendering"