WINTER 2017The newsletter for and about Woodland Developmental Center

The Woodland Developmental Center is operated by the St. Clair County Regional

Educational Service Agency.

Diana Maison, PrincipalBrian Jex, Assistant Principal

499 Range RoadMarysville, MI 48040

Main Office: (810) 455-1011

To report an absence: (810) 364-7757

Busing: (810) 364-7757

OnlineThe Woodland Word is available online at www.sccresa.org. Click on the Woodland Developmental Center button on the RESA homepage.

Lunch menuLunch menus are available online at www.sccresa.org (Click on the Woodland button on the right-hand side of the homepage) or in the school office.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

We’re looking to take the fun outdoorsFebruary’s warm streak reminds us all that we will soon be getting outside on a more regular basis. Our students love the outdoors, and there’s no better place for them to run and play than what’s in our own back yard: our universally accessible playground. Our custodial/maintenance staff makes sure the playground is free of the debris that accumulates during the winter. They also make sure all playground equipment is checked for safety and needed maintenance. Keeping kids moving is a big part of the day at Woodland, and warmer weather makes us all eager to get outside and enjoy.

Students from other county schools work with their Woodland peers on artwork.

Art classes allow students to show creativity Woodland students get step-by-step directions to help them create their own work of art through a Painting with Pizazz program. Our students work with peers through the LINK program from local schools in the county. This is a two-part class; at the end, Woodland students can take home their custom painting. Students are doing more than just enjoying a fun night out: These classes offer a hands-on, relaxing activity for Woodland students to engage in with peers from the community. Not only will students have created a beautiful painting with peers, but they will have built a friendship that incorporates socialization and independence.

The Woodland Word | Winter 2017 2Protect your family from virus that can linger

We are seeing an increasing number of students with what is commonly known as the stomach flu. The symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping and sometimes a low-grade fever (above 98.6 and below 100.4). This virus is highly contagious and can live on surfaces for weeks. Household bleach is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control for effectively cleaning the virus from surfaces. Use 5-25 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. Frequent hand washing with soap and water

by all family members is another way to protect everyone. If you or your student get sick, allow time for recovery before returning to work or school. Students must be free of diarrhea, vomiting and fever, without using medication, for 24 hours. Some students may require longer than 24 hours to recover if they have suffered from dehydration or had a severe case of this stomach/intestinal virus. For more information, go to the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/norovirus

– Louann Rinke, BSN, RN, School Nurse(810) 455-4364 • rinke.louann@sccresa.org

Breakfast program is open to each studentThere is no more basic human need than a ready supply of nutritious food. Too many children have been coming to schools across this country hungry every morning. That’s why Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. What that means at Woodland is that each of our children can participate in the School Breakfast Program. Students can eat breakfast in their classroom at Woodland for free. Please contact me or check in at the main office for more information. Remember: A well-fed student is a student who is ready to learn.

– Sarah Hill, Food Service Director(810) 455-4289 • Hill.Sarah@sccresa.org

Students keep MOVE-ing at WoodlandThe MOVE program at Woodland works to keep students moving, which builds strength and body control. This edition’s featured MOVE students: Michael, from room 106, is making progress with communication using his PODD book, a yes/no response and Eagles Eyes. He is working on his head control and these communication systems. His sense of humor motivates him to maintain his eye gaze. Cody, from room 216, uses his Pacer to do his shredding and recycling jobs in his classroom. He also uses his Pacer to go through the line to get his lunch. Cody makes deliveries with an adaptive bike and a smile. He is able to steer the bike the majority of the time.

Contacting WoodlandIf you have questions about Woodland, you can call the office directly at 455-4011.For questions aboutbusing, call the transportation department at 364-7757. This is also the number you should use to report an absence for your child. If you would like to speak with your child’s teacher, you can be connected by calling the office.

If your child is absent due to illness, the Transportation Department will send your call to the nurse to collect data about your child’s illness, as required by the Health Department.

Visitors asked to sign in at officeParents and otherWoodland visitors are reminded that they must sign the sign-in sheet when visiting the school. This helps us ensure the safety of our students.

Michael Cody

The Woodland Word | Winter 2017 3

Kayla Wagner, left, and Dezza Thorngate are communications support staff.

Students get help learning to communicateDezza Thorngate joins Kayla Wagner as communications support staff members for the Eagle Eyes and Camera Mouse technologies that Woodland educators believe will eventually allow severely disabled students to communicate by moving their eyes.Eleven students are using the technology, which was introduced a year ago, said Marnie McLellan, Woodland speech therapist and supervisor of the program. Several other students are currently being evaluated for it, she said. Dezza works on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Kayla typically works Mondays and Wednesdays. Students control the technologies by focusing their eyes on objects on a computer screen, using eye movements to control the cursor, McLellan said. Students using the technology are now learning the techniques for controlling the cursor. McLellan acknowledged it is a slow process, but that the students are all showing progress. Kayla has a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology. Dezza has a long-standing interest in special education, and worked at Woodland as an aide while in high school.

Skiing skills are all downhill at WoodlandAlpine skiing is one of the top Special Olympics sports. Woodland brought 4 Alpine (downhill) skiers. We currently have two level 3 skiers, 1 level 2 and 1 Level 1. Alpine Level 3 is the hardest. Alpine skiing is a demanding sport, and athletes will benefit by being in good physical condition to compete successfully and safely. Alpine skiing requires, in addition to a basic combination of endurance and strength, a high capacity of quickness and action/reaction endurance. Through proper training, the athletes improve their physical, psychological, and mental efficiency.

CalendarMarch 24Sweetheart Dance6:30-8:30 p.m.

April 3–7Spring Break

April 14 and April 17No school

April 20Spring Music Program7 p.m.

Yearbooks for 2015-16 available soon The 2015-2016 Woodland yearbooks are back from the printer. They will be $8 each. More information will be coming soon.

Community grant helps provide food for backpacksWoodland once again received a grant form the St. Clair County Community Foundation to provide a backpack of food for 24 of our families. This has become an “in house” job for our students, who help unload, pack, and deliver the backpacks to our students on Fridays.

The Woodland Word | Winter 2017 4Lack of snow doesn’t stop snowshoe contestThis year, Woodland hosted the Area 10 Special Olympics games for snowshoe. Athletes from Woodland, Glenn Peters, and Bovenschen came to Woodland to snowshoe the 30-meter and 50-meter courses and enjoy a pizza party and socializing with their peers from other schools. Because we had no snow, Woodland staff members built a straw snowshoe course. The 2017 Special Olympics State Winter Games, presented by Wertz Warriors, took place Jan. 1-Feb. 3 in the Traverse City area. Approximately 900 athletes, 350 coaches and chaperones and 500 volunteers participate every year.

Fundraising efforts boost our classroomsThe PTO thanks parents and staff who helped with such a successful fundraising season. The money raised allowed us to fill all wish lists this year. A big thank-you goes to Ginn Farms for the harvest sale: Not only did we receive the money from them, but because of them we were able to get a grant from Kohl’s for $1,500, and five helpers for the day. The PTO has had a great crew of teachers and parents working on our behalf. We are looking for new fundraising ideas. Please contact me or the PTO with your thoughts. We are selling tickets for a Prowler

hockey game in March at McMorran. We get $3 for each $10 ticket sold. It’s a nice night out for our families, allowing us to all be together. Also, an ongoing fundraiser is Shoparoo. All you have to do is download the app, select Woodland, and start taking pictures of all your receipts. Woodland will earn money and have opportunities to be entered into a $1,000 sweepstakes for having the most receipts. It’s easy-peasy! Overall, we are excited about the coming year, helping our classrooms with the things they need to help our students.

– Laura MacDonald, PTO president

Spring Music Program draws its theme from TVThe Spring Music Program will be at Marysville High School’s Performing Arts Center on April 20 at 7 p.m. All students are welcome. This year’s theme is TV theme songs. Each room votes on the song it would like to perform. Then each room starts planning and practicing. Our students love to perform for their family and friends and look forward to this event, since in only happens every other year. So much work goes into the program, but it is all worth it when you see the students’ faces filled with joy.

Parent mentors now available If you are a new Woodland parent or a parent just wanting more information or guidance, we are happy to connect you with a “parent mentor” who can answer your questions and share their experiences and knowledge. Please call Diana Maison at (810) 455-4376 for further information.

Students to hear presentation that has a loud barkThe newest addition to the Marysville Police Department K9 Corps will join Marysville Police Officer Justin Reeves at a March 10 assembly. Officer Reeves will talk to our students about police safety as well as showing off the department’s latest highly trained police dog.

Sweetheart Dance coming March 24The Sweetheart Dance is scheduled for March 24 at Woodland. The event is from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Students will vote on the theme this year. Our students enjoy time with their friends and family. There will be light refreshments served, a photo booth, games and music to dance the night away to. All are welcome.