Events and Celebrations

Thanks to our Special Education team and our Family Engagement team for supporting Margaret McKenzie and a well coordinated ESOL event.  Held at Sutton Middle School on Tuesday evening, Margaret and her staff provided a very welcoming and informative space for families whose first language is not English.  Navigating a large system when language is also a barrier can be overwhelming for parents and students.  This kind of event and the support through her office and their services is important as our city and community become more diverse.  Our own Student Services was happy to support these efforts and equally thankful we were asked to provide information to families also.  Thanks Margaret!

 

Of course, the big event in our office centered around Wednesday's APS Special Olympics Track and Field Day.  Held at Lakewood Stadium, the event was kicked off by a brief welcome from none other than Dr. Carstarphen, with the games then "opened" by Special Ed Director Vickie Cleveland.  It was a very nice morning, with students provided the opportunity to participate in sporting events with their peers.  Much planning in the works for growing the event even more.  Great job Regina Gennaro, Tom Munn, all the special education staff who came out in full force, the volunteers for the day, and to the students for their spirit and presence at the games.  Awesome work!





 

 

Finally, as we head into our Spring Break, a reminder that April brings two special celebrations.  One for Adaptive Art Month with artwork by students now displayed in the CLL lobby.  Loved seeing it and speaking with Adaptive Art teacher Holly Barbour as she was putting final touches to the display one recent day.  Good stuff!  Also, don't forget April is also Autism Awareness Month and many thanks to Special Ed coordinator Troy Keller for pushing out a special toolkit flyer to campus administrators, teachers, and staff.  Be sure to ask your school about any special events that may be happening on campus.  Celebrating exceptionality in many places and many ways.