The Link
The Link is the new 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, click the links below:
Director's Corner
Dr. Jodie Rommel, Director of Integrated Services
Dear PSD Families,
At PSD, we are committed to providing clear and accessible communication while maintaining the highest standards of student security and privacy. As part of this commitment, we’re making a change to improve your experience in accessing information we share with you.
As we move forward into this semester, we will no longer require encryption for content sent outside of the district. While encryption can be a useful tool for an additional layer of security and protection, it can also interfere with the ability of families and recipients to access information in a timely manner. In addition, sending an encrypted message can give the false impression that the information is protected in a way that is not necessarily accurate.
We will be sharing more detailed information and training with our staff in the weeks ahead to align around our updated approach and ensure a more consistent experience for all.
We understand how important it is for families to receive timely updates and essential information without unnecessary barriers. While making these adjustments, we want to reassure you that our district has robust protocols in place to safeguard student data and privacy. These updates do not compromise our ability to protect sensitive information or allow unauthorized access.
One way you can help us to ensure that the information we share with you is sent to the right place is to update your communications preferences and contact information.
Our goal is to balance user experience with security measures, ensuring you can easily stay informed and engaged. As always, we are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have. More detailed information to follow.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of PSD.
Jodie
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. The January topic was the PSD 3-Year Plan for Addressing Dyslexia, presented by Julie Woolner (Teaching and Learning Facilitator), and Nora Love (Integrated Services Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning). They shared information about dyslexia, PSD's multi-tiered systems of support, and their plan for ensuring that all educators in the district receive comprehensive training on dyslexia. Additionally, they shared a podcast that you may find interesting:
Podcast: Sold a Story
You can find the Action Statements, which is the feedback the committee provided to the presenter, and learn more about SEAC, by clicking the button below.
Introducing...
Kelly Caramanno
Kelly is the new Integrated Services Transportation Manager. While this is a new role for Kelly, she is not new to PSD Transportation. Professionally, she has spent 10 years with PSD Transportation as a route driver, a driver trainer, and a supervisor. Personally, she has two (now adult) daughters who went through the IEP process. She was a specialized tutor and student advocate at IEP meetings prior to joining the district.
Kelly is available to assist families, who have students served on an IEP, with any transportation issues they may have. You may contact her at kcaramanno@psdschools.org
Cooper Home Visits Fort Collins Police Services
Cooper Home, one of our transition programs for 18-21-year old students, recently visited Fort Collins Police Services and FCPS posted about it on their Facebook page!
Upcoming Events
Click the link below to sign up for a session.
If you have any issues, please contact Barb Moreng at bamoreng@psdschools.org
(registration will close the day before the session):
Free Training
One of PSD's community partners, Peak Parent Center, is hosting a virtual training (via Zoom) on February 12th, from 12:00pm-1:00pm on "Introduction to IFSPs, IEPs, and 504s". This training provides participants with a foundational knowledge of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs), Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs), and 504 plans. You will learn about their processes, the differences between IEPs and 504 Plans, and the roles of parents, students, and school staff in the IEP process. Spanish interpretation and sign language interpretation are available when indicated in registration. Click the link below to learn more.
Free Webinar
Another one of PSD's community partners, Mosaic, hosts free monthly webinars that explore topics related to intellectual and developmental disability services. These webinars are open to everyone and there are no strings attached. On February 18th, from 12:00pm-1:00pm, Alliance will be talking about intellectual or developmental disability (IDD)-related legislative updates in Colorado. Click the link below to learn more.
Parent and Grandparent Summit
In collaboration with The Center for Family Outreach, PSD is hosting the Parent and Grandparent Summit at Fort Collins High School on Saturday, February 22nd from 9:00am-3:00pm. This is open to everyone with a special focus on raising teenagers. There will be resources, presentations and more! If you have questions or would like further information, please contact the Center for Family Outreach at 970-495-0084 or click the button below to access their website.
PSD Community Transition Fair
Thursday, February 27th
5:00pm-8:00pm
Come to the PSD Community Transition Fair at Northside Aztlan Community Center to learn more about PSD and local community resources!
This is for all students supported by special education (from Pre-K through Transition Pathways), families, and teachers. Learn about community transition resources (important for ALL students, not just high school students - it's never too early to start planning for your student's adult life!)
It is also for families who want more information about special education. You can learn about special education in Poudre School District (qualifying for special education services, what happens once a student is found eligible for services, special education programming, and parent support) by visiting the Integrated Services booth as well as the SEAC (Special Education Advisory Committee) booth.
This event is FREE! Please register and indicate if you would like childcare, accommodations, or interpreters.
The Social Circuit
Do you have a neurodivergent high schooler who would like to improve their communication skills, build relationships, decode nonverbal cues, and practice conflict resolution? PSD Transition Pathways is introducing a new group called The Social Circuit that will be facilitated by a licensed social worker. This group will meet twice a month on Wednesdays at the Future Ready Event Space in the Foothills Mall. Transportation is not provided, but if your student is interested in learning how to access public transportation from their high school to the Foothills Mall, Transition Pathways can help! For more information, please email: transitionpathways@psdschools.org.
Resource
Thanks to a parent who attended one of our listening sessions, we learned about a new app called "Simply Sayin'". This app helps provide developmentally appropriate explanations of medical terminology and common procedures. It uses pictures, sounds and a glossary of terms to facilitate clear conversations about conditions, treatments and medical or healthcare-related experiences. This app could help you prepare your child for upcoming medical visits and procedures. It was designed for iPads and is available free of charge in the Apple App Store. You may be able to find an Android version, but nothing comes up in the Google Play Store.
Credits:
Created with an image by sinseeho - "Got any questions? - a communication concept"