All things SPED Advisory

I would be remiss if I did not mention the most recent Special Education Advisory meeting.  Held a couple of weeks ago, we had some first rate presentations, most especially by student Lacey.  I've seen her in action at the Wheelchair Games and she is a fierce competitor...and always with a big bow in her hair I hear.  Cool kid.
Thanks bunches to Regina Gennaro, Tom Munn, and Katika Lovett for the information they each presented on Adaptive PE Sports/Special Olympics, GA Milestones, and testing accommodations/modifications.  From the presentations, we also had some great recommendations from the advisory around standard checklists for leveled IEP meetings and build-outs for more transitional options for our students.  Working on it!

Also, please don't forget our Special Olympics Traditional Track & Field Games are set to take place on Wednesday, April 1, beginning at 10:30 am, Lakewood Stadium.  I hear we have a special guest set to kick off the event.  Hope to see you there!

Ms. Gennaro and Lacey - great presentation!

Katika Lovett



Tom Munn



Hats Off!

Hats off to a well planned Department of Special Education Expo last night at Drew Charter Junior and Senior Academy!  I had the honor of opening the evening, as APS special education staff and parents celebrated Charting an Exceptional Course.



The highlight for me was the chance to meet two very exceptional and talented young ladies. DeJanique Carten, a 2013 graduate of Frederick Douglass High School, served as the guest speaker
and truly did an outstanding job.  She detailed her current advocacy work with Parent to Parent, as well as her training through Goodwill Industries.  Positive attitude, well spoken, definitely on the right path. I enjoyed meeting her grandmother also, someone DeJanique credits with being "a large part of my success".



Additionally, we had a very special dance performance by Morgan Woods, a current senior at Maynard Jackson High School.  Much talent and I hear that this is the career path Morgan will pursue.  Cool.

Student artwork from Harper-Archer MS, Fickett ES, and Best Academy HS, were also displayed on the 3rd floor; I was uber-impressed that two will be featured at the High Museum of Art on March 22 as part of the PTA Reflections State Competition.  Attendees also had a chance to visit several vendor booths and breakout sessions devoted to The Georgia Milestones Assessment, Assistive Technology, and IEP Info for Parents. 



Great work Vickie, Crystal, and team!  Let's keep growing this event.