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:
Director's Corner
Dr. Jodie Rommel, Director of Integrated Services
Dear Families,
I want to acknowledge the news we all received this week regarding the mass layoffs at the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). As deeply concerning as this decision is, I did want to share the reassuring messaging I received yesterday from the Colorado Department of Education, Exceptional Student Services Office:
While we have not received any updates or information about staffing changes from the US Department of Education, I can share the following with you:
- The Colorado Department of Education received its Grant Award Notification (GAN) for all Part B IDEA funds on October 1.
- As of today, we have no indication that these federal actions will cause immediate disruption to our work in Colorado.
- Historically, during federal government shutdowns, federal staff responsible for disbursing funds to states have been deemed essential and continued their work uninterrupted.
I will continue to update you all as I receive more information.
We are so grateful for our collaborative relationships with our families in PSD! As always, please reach out if you have questions, concerns, or feedback.
Take good care,
Jodie
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.
The second SEAC meeting of the 2025-26 school year will be on October 22nd. Members will discuss the Multi-Categorical Program Evaluation that was presented at the September 17th meeting and advise on suggestions for this year's ILS Program Evaluation.
October is...
AAC Awareness Month
ADHD Awareness Month
Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Invisible Disabilities Week
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
National Physical Therapy Month
Stuttering Awareness Day
World Sight Day
Celebrating disabilities, neurodivergence, and learning differences helps us recognize and honor each person's unique strengths, perspectives, and contributions!
AAC Awareness Month
by The PSD SWAAAC Team
Every voice matters! AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) helps make that possible. In Poudre School District, we have over 290 students who have unique communication needs, most of whom use AAC, such as picture symbols, communication boards, sign language or speech-generating devices, to share their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. This month, we celebrate our amazing students who use AAC and the many ways they connect, learn, and shine. Together, let’s honor the message that everyone has something to say!
Parent Workshop
Thank you to those who attended our first Parent Workshop of the year, "Understanding Your Child's IEP and Special Education Programming", presented by Erin Coy, Integrated Services Coach. We had a great group - both in-person and virtually!
Our next workshop, "Dyslexia Parent Workshop" will be held on Wednesday, November 19th, from 5:30pm-7:30pm. The presenters will be members of the PSD Dyslexia Team. Please register using the link below to request childcare, interpretation, and to receive reminders! It's free!
Parent Group
In April 2025, we held a parent workshop on the 12 Habits to Help You Raise a Capable Child presented by our own Dr. Deborah Winking Contino. Deb is a mother of four (including one child born with a rare neurological syndrome), has a PhD in Educational Psychology, and is a teacher at Irish Bilingual Elementary. She has conducted extensive research into what it takes to raise a capable child.
This year, we have decided to offer an ongoing parent group designed to teach you the 12 habits (one per session). The idea is to teach the habit, practice it at home, and discuss what worked and didn't work with the group in a supportive environment. You can attend the whole series, or as many sessions as you like! This group will be offered in a hybrid situation - some sessions in-person and some sessions online. See the flyer for more details and click the button below to register!
Transition Pathways Information Night
It's never too early to start planning for life after high school for students with disabilities! Learn more about our 18-21 year old programming at Transition Pathways on November 5th from 6:00pm-7:30pm. Hope to see you there!
November 11th: Listening Sessions
The Integrated Services Leadership Team will once again be offering 30-minute individual listening sessions for you to ask questions, get information, and/or share your concerns. You will be free to discuss your individual situation or any other special education topic of your choosing.
These sessions will be held virtually on November 11th from 8:00am-6:00pm. Please sign up for whatever time works for you and you will receive the meeting link via email the day before the session.
If you have any issues, please contact Barb Moreng at bamoreng@psdschools.org.
more Upcoming Events
October 23: Neurodiversity 101
October 28: Open Community Conversations with Superintendent Brian Kingsley at Lesher Middle School
november 6: Board of Education Community Engagement Session at Timnath elementary and Irish elementary
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: Spooky-Palooza - Sensory-Friendly Halloween Fun
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.
November 18th: 50th Anniversary of IDEA - PSD Board of Education Resolution
On November 18th, the PSD Board of Education will be recognizing the 50th Anniversary of IDEA - The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This is the law that guarantees all children with disabilities the right to a free public education. Schools will be recognizing this week as well!
iMPORTANT DATES
Credits:
Created with an image by hd3dsh - "Iron chain with red heart as the one the links 3D Rendering"