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,
Integrated Services is dedicated to continuous improvement to ensure students, families, and educators have the best possible outcomes. I'd like to share information regarding our foci this school year:
- student growth in reading and mathematics
- disrupting disproportionality (when students from certain racial/ethnic groups may be identified as having disabilities at a rate disproportionate to their representation in the general education population.)
- recruitment, development, and retention of highly effective special educators
- increasing quality professional development
- alignment of special education programming across the district
- increasing Least Restrictive Environments (LRE)
- Improving communication with families and community partners through a variety of mediums
- expanding services for our 18-21 year olds
- implementing IEP-driven diplomas
As this year wraps up, we are pleased with the progress we have made in all of these areas, and we're eager to continue the good work into the 2025-2026 school year.
With gratitude,
Jodie
Board Resolution in Support of
The Week of the Exceptional Child
On April 8th, the PSD Board of Education approved a resolution in support of The Week of the Exceptional Child to be celebrated April 14th-18th!
Previously, we acknowledged specific disabilities at board meetings. Last year we received feedback from some parents who were not pleased with the structure of acknowledging some disabilities but not others. So in an effort to become more inclusive, we shifted to honoring all exceptional students during this week and twice a year.
However, we would love to hear from you as to how you would like your child celebrated. Please let us know your thoughts by completing the quick survey below. We value your input!
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 3/26/25 SEAC meeting, the membership completed an anonymous survey on whether or not public comment and public attendance at SEAC meetings would further the established purpose of SEAC to advise the Special Education Leadership Team to improve services for students with disabilities. The majority of the membership felt that public comment and public attendance would not further the advisory purpose of SEAC, but would like to explore options for other ways to engage families and provide transparency.
Congratulations to our 2025 Mary hull award nominees!
Mary Hull dedicated 21 years to Poudre School District, retiring as Assistant Director of Special Education in 1983. In 1984, The Mary Hull Awards were established in her honor to recognize PSD staff who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities. There are four categories of this award: The Honorary Award recognizes classified professionals or community members, the Collaborative Award is for general education teachers or building administrators, the Integrated Services Teacher Award is for licensed teachers, and the Specialized Service Provider Award is for licensed professionals who serve students with special needs.
It truly is an honor to be nominated for this award! The winners of this prestigious award will be announced at PSD Celebrates on April 28th at The Lincoln Center.
autism acceptance month
April is Autism Acceptance Month! Autism Acceptance Month celebrates and honors the experiences and identities of Autistic individuals. It emphasizes understanding, inclusion, and support, moving beyond awareness towards meaningful acceptance.
Here are a couple examples of how Autism Acceptance Month is celebrated in PSD!
Summer Engagement
Last year, School Psychologist, Caitlyn Hartjes and Integrated Services Teacher, Katie Dionesotes, put together some summer engagement opportunities that are worth sharing again as summer quickly approaches.
Upcoming Events
5/1/25: uNIFIED SPORTS - ELEMENTARY TRACK & FIELD event
5/2/25: special olympics - Secondary Track & Field Event
5/20/25: Free Webinar
PSD community partner, Mosaic, is hosting a free webinar on Tuesday, May 20th from 12:00pm-1:00pm. This month's topic is "Special Needs Trusts & Estate Planning" and will be presented by William "Will" Beyers, III with Beyers Law LLC. Will is an attorney with a focus on estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning. He will also touch on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid as these affect financial planning. Click the link below for more information.
6/9/25-6/13/25: Colorado Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp
Credits:
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