J . M I C H A E L L U N S F O R D M I D D L E S C H O O L

A P R I L 4 , 2 0 1 3

Transitioning to J. Michael Lunsford Middle School: A Special

Education Perspective

Our Administrative Team: 2012-2013

  Mr. Neil Slevin, Principal   Ms. Jennifer Bantle, Assistant Principal   Ms. Jennifer Brooks, Assistant Principal   Ms. Ashley Harper, 6th Grade Counselor   Ms. Angela Rhine, 6th Grade Dean

Mark Your Calendars!!

  Rising 6th Grade Students will be visiting J. Michael Lunsford Middle School on May 28!!!

  Our 2013 – 2014 Open House will be August 28 @ 6:00 p.m.

Our Special Education Team

  Special Education Contact: Jennifer Brooks, A.P.   Special Education Lead Teachers: Valerie Cashman  Teachers: Katie Balanc, Suzanne Salgado, Lisa

Tilley, Amanda Hoag, Gina Schwartz, Amy Cestare, Robin Cullen, Michele Hoisington, Valerie Cashman, Megan Brown, Tara Daugherty, Jessie Gaetano

  Teaching Assistants: Aniscia Mosholder, Jean Howley, Nathan Palmer, Andy Panocchia, Cornelius Snead, Sandra Scola, Kristin Trautner, VonEnde Coleman, Becky Balog, Nadia Ibarra

Our Special Education Team

  Speech Pathologist: Suzanne Kidder   Occupational Therapist: Abigail Conley   Physical Therapist: Roberta Van Meter   Assistive Technology Services: David Holt   Consulting Teacher: Tina Clay   Educational Diagnostician: Jennifer Kolesar   School Psychologist: Lisa Fillipovich   Special Education Supervisor: Elizabeth Martinez   Eligibility Coordinator: Marguerite Sweeney   Parent Resource Center: Allyson Pate   SEAC Chairperson/Lunsford Representative: Lisa Glasgow   PTA President: Leslie McGrath

Our Mission Statement: Student Achievement

Equity

It is our responsibility to provide every opportunity for all students to succeed and reach their potential.

Collaboration We will work together to create a sense of

community and an environment of positive exchange

Relationships

We will be models of integrity

J. Michael Lunsford Middle School

ensures student achievement through

positive relationships,

collaboration, and equitable practice.

Student Supports: The Child Study Process

  Classroom interventions for students who are experiencing academic or behavioral concerns which impact educational achievement. These interventions do not require specialization from a special education teacher. The child study team meets regularly to review the individual plan. The team consists of: parent, dean, regular education teacher, specialists

  Preferential Seating   Agenda Check

Student Supports: The Child Study Process

  If, over time, the classroom interventions in the Child Study plan are proving to not be successful for the child, a referral can be made by any member of the team to pursue testing to see if the child meets criteria in order to receive specialized instruction through special education.

Student Supports Qualifying for Special Education Services

  After testing, at an eligibility meeting, a team will review data and determine if the student meets criteria.

  Not Eligible for Special Education Services   Section 504 (504 Plan)   Eligible for Special Education Services (IEP)

Student Supports Section 504

  Definition: As defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, means with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

  Bending   Lifting   Eating   Standing

Transition IEPs: Now Underway!!

  How our Lunsford staff will assist:

 Build early connections  Resource (identify proper placement)  Service Minutes (based on block schedule)  Discussion of appropriate middle school

accommodations (based on individual need of student)

What Is The Role Of A Case Manager?

  The case manager is the individual who has the primary responsibility for ensuring that students on their respective caseloads, who have been identified as students with disabilities, receives access to the general curriculum. This goal is achieved by developing and implementing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).   Coordinating the implementation of related services   Communicating educational progress   Managing the ongoing review of the student’s need for

educational services, including the annual IEP and the three year reevaluation process

Lunsford Case Manager Commitments

  We will maintain the highest level of professionalism and confidentiality

  We will get to know your child personally and be a partner in their success

  We will actively monitor academic/social/behavioral progress and make necessary/immediate changes in areas of concern

  We will provide efficient and proactive communication with our Lunsford parents

  We will adhere to IEP reporting deadlines   For purposes of review, parents will have a draft copy of the IEP one

week prior to our meeting

Meeting the Needs of Individual Students

  Curriculum: Academic Classes, Honors Classes

  Program: Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities Intensive Behavior Supports

  Least Restrictive Environment: General Education, Inclusion, and Self-Contained

How Are IEPs Managed?

  Case Managers Assigned (Summer): Student Schedule and Teacher’s Highly Qualified Status

  Case Managers To Contact Special Needs Families Prior to First Day of School

  Case Manager Responsible for Maintaining Timely Student Records: Re-evaluations, Annuals, Review/Revisions, Progress Reports

  Phoenix: Special Education Database   Case Manager Responsible for Communicating

Timely and Accurate Information With Parents and Teaching Staff

Let’s Look At A Sample 6th Grade Schedule Rhinos, Tigers, and Bears….

  Identifying Information

  8 Blocks (A / B Days)

  Full Year / Semester Classes

  Academic / Honors Notations

  Teachers / Co-Teachers

  Core / Elective Classes

Inclusive Practices At Lunsford

  Co-Teaching Workshop

  Defined Roles / Shared Responsibilities

  Collaborate / Communicate Daily

  Establish Trusting Relationships

  Collaborative / Instructional Teams

Who Do I Contact?

Person How Can They Help? Case Manager Questions related to the implementation of IEPs, overall academic and

social performance, and general questions and concerns. The case manager should also be copied on all correspondence to other staff members.

Teacher Questions regarding class and homework assignments. Any questions about upcoming projects, grades, or any specific concerns related to that class.

Counselor Concerns regarding social situations, elective class schedules, scheduling parent-teacher conferences, and emotional issues common to middle school students (peer to peer relationships).

House Secretary Early dismissals, bus passes, notes from home Deans Any academic or discipline concern that cannot be addressed by the

teacher or counselor. This would include bus issues and general classroom concerns.

Assistant Principals

We are available for all questions and concerns. Do not hesitate to contact us.

What Is Resource?

  Resource is a class that each student has every other day. This time is designed so that students and teachers can spend time outside of the regular class on reteaching, retesting, remediation, or enrichment. This time can also be spent on organization and study skills. Lunsford offers three levels of individualized support in resource: academic, guided, and self-contained

  6th & 7th Graders have resource for 45 minutes

  8th Graders have resource for 90 minutes

Our Lunsford Culture

  Our Lunsford staff is committed to building positive relationships, working collaboratively, and ensuring equitable learning experiences for all students.

  Positive Behavior and Supports (PBIS)   Safe School Ambassadors   Counseling Groups   Transitions

  (Rising 6th Grade Students: Currently Underway)   (Rising 9th Grade Students: April 2013 to Freedom High School)

Our Lunsford Culture

Clubs and Activities:

All students are encouraged to participate in after school clubs and activities.

Transportation is provided each Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

J. Michael Lunsford Middle School offers over 25 club opportunities.

Lions Leap!!!! Coming Soon: August 2013

  Goal: To set our rising 6th grade students up with a foundation for success during their transition to middle school!

  Our time will be focused on developing organizational skills, study habits, and learning about middle school life!

Transition Tips

  Communicate frequently with your child’s teaching staff (feedback within 24 school hours)

  Be involved; continue asking questions   Parent Portal   Know your child’s teacher’s schedule; when can I

call?   Attend Back To School Night; take notes   Locker locations   Practice combination lock over summer

What is SEAC? Special Education Advisory Committee

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The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires the State Education Agency (VDOE-Virginia Department of Education) to advise VDOE of unmet needs within the State regarding the education of children with disabilities. [§300.169(a)]

Required by Federal Legislation

Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

Required by Commonwealth of

Virginia Regulations Governing

Special Education Programs for Children With Disabilities (effective 07/07/09), 8 VAC 20-81-10

et seq., and the Code of Virginia)

What Is The Parent Resource Center?

  Allyson Pate

  ‘A child with special needs benefits from well-prepared and well-informed parents, educators, and the community.’

  LCPS Parent Resource Center   20 Union Street, NW   Leesburg, Virginia 20176   571-252-2185

What Does A Special Education Meeting At Lunsford Look Like?

  Prior communication with case manager (and teachers, if applicable)

  Documents sent home for review in advance of meeting   Parent, Special Education Teacher, General Education

Teacher, and School Administrator   Review of present levels of academic and functional

performance   Transition Plan (Begins in 7th Grade)   Accommodations (Delivery of Instruction / Assessments)   District / State Assessments / Diploma Status   Services   Extended School Year   Individual Goals

Questions?

  What questions do you have regarding the delivery of services for students with disabilities at J. Michael Lunsford Middle School?