Volume 23

March 2024

South County SELPA Insights is a monthly newsletter, brought to you by the South County Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA) team, full of special education information. This month we are discussing our Annual Art and Awards Recognition. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and the families you work with.

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16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

Young student wearing a spacesuit and rocket helmet with floating art stars in the background

WE WANT YOUR STUDENT ART!

As our annual Art and Awards Recognition draws near, we are excited to invite you and your students to participate in this year's showcase of creativity and talent.

Each year, we are continually amazed by the incredible artwork produced by our students, and we are eager to see what imaginative creations they will bring forth this time. This event provides a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their artistic abilities and for our community to celebrate their achievements.

The theme for this year's Art and Awards show is "Out of the Galaxy." We encourage you to engage your students in planning and creating art projects that reflect this theme in unique and imaginative ways. Whether it's exploring the wonders of space, imagining futuristic worlds, or depicting intergalactic adventures, we are excited to see the creative interpretations that emerge.

Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that at the event, we will be recognizing some of the dedicated staff from our member districts for their outstanding contributions to our educational community. We hope to see you all there to celebrate their achievements alongside the exceptional artwork of our students.

Please start planning an art activity with your students based on the theme "Out of the Galaxy." We encourage you to nurture their creativity and provide guidance as they embark on this artistic journey.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to fostering creativity and expression in our students. Together, we can make this year's Art and Awards show an unforgettable celebration of talent and imagination. Art submissions are due by May 20, 2024.

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

South County Regional Education Center

Thursday, May 23, 2024

4:30 to 6 p.m.

Click here for full details and share this event.

Student art from Davila Day School at the Art and Award Show

Student art from Valle Lindo Los Altos from 2022-2023 art show

SELPA Highlights

Read Across America

It's wonderful to see schools across San Diego participated in Read Across America, promoting the joy of reading among students. Having guest readers engage with students at Davila Day School and Friendship School adds a valuable dimension to the event, exposing students to diverse voices and perspectives while fostering a love for literature. Initiatives like these are crucial in nurturing a lifelong passion for reading and learning among young minds.

Staff holding a book and students sitting on carpet looking at book being read.

Equity, Disproportionality and Design (ED&D)

The ED&D has a new Podcast with Jennifer Boettger, statewide lead in the Open Access UDL project. The Open Access Project is funded by the California Department of Education and the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence. To listen to the Podcast, go to ED&D website.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution team attended the Reach Out to Families Health and Resource fair where they were able to connect with families and provide information about the South County SELPA.

Community Advisory Committee (CAC)

Thank you to all the parents and community members who attended our most recent CAC parent training. If you were unable to attend the presentation and would like to receive the PowerPoint for this training, please email scselpaadr@sdcoe.net. We would love to see you at our next CAC parent training on April 4 at 10 a.m. The presentation will be on the transition from preschool to kindergarten.

To learn more about our CAC, please visit our website.

Upcoming Parent Events — Please Share

April 1 — Autism Acceptance Night

The Padres, in community partnership with Autism Society San Diego, invite you to join us for Autism Acceptance Night. For more information visit Padres site.

April 4 — Community Advisory Committee parent training: Preschool to kindergarten transition

Join the CAC at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 10 to 11 a.m. Free parking is available on the top floor of the parking structure.

April 9 to May 7 — Parent IEP Academy Spring Series

Interested in increasing your understanding of the individualized education program (IEP) process? Do you want to feel confident that you have the necessary tools to fully participate in your child’s IEP? Register now for the Parent IEP Academy, which will meet Thursdays on Zoom from 9 to 10 a.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

April 13 — All Inclusive Day of Play Starry Night of Cinema and Resource Fair

Join the Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego for a fun inclusive night with activity booths, games, family resources and “Finding Nemo.” It will be held at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Field, 6753 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92115 from 5 to 9:30 p.m.

April 15 — High School Transition Fair

All high school staff, students and families are welcome. Explore options and supports for after high school. Event will be at Lincoln High School, 4777 Imperial Ave San Diego, CA 92113 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Information: 619-725-7610.

April 20 — Autism Acceptance Walk or Run

The event will also have resources for families and all proceeds will benefit Greg Rogers Sensory Room. Event will be at 510 E. Naples St. San Diego, CA 91911. Start of the race will be at 8:30 a.m. To register for the event, click here.

April 27 — 40th Annual Involved Exceptional Parents (IEP) Day

The theme this year is Beyond Caregiving — Parents as Change-Makers. Registration is now open for the event which runs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

May 8 — Alternative Dispute Resolution Chat

Bring your special education questions to our team and drop in virtually from 3 to 3:30 p.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 851 2590 6937.

Upcoming Educator Events

Apr. 2 — Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI): Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

Presenter: Jim Perondi

Presented at South County SELPA at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 8 a.m. to noon.

Intended Audience: Special Education teachers, Instructional Assistants, Administrators

Registration

If you have any questions or comments on the SELPA Insights newsletter, please contact our team at scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

Get up-to-the-minute information about what's happening at South County SELPA.