Volume 25

May 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 will explore the importance of maintaining focus as the end of the school approaches. This time can be a challenge for students and educators. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and the families you work with.

Visit the SELPA website

Tips to Stay Focused at the End of the School Year

During this time of the year students and staff might be feeling overwhelmed or may have difficulty to stay on task. Knowing how to handle this is beneficial for students and staff. Here are some tips you can use:

Change things up: Don't be afraid to shift gears and focus on more creative and engaging tasks, change group work to pairs, take the learning outside, and/or shorten or chunk lessons.

Self-Care Practices: Prioritize self-care by engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being, such as exercise, meditation, mindfulness, hobbies, or spending time with loved ones.

Flexibility: Recognize that being flexible and accommodating can assist in reducing anxiety. Be flexible and willing to adapt your approach based on the task at hand.

Promote a Positive School Culture: Foster a positive school climate that emphasizes collaboration, empathy, and mutual support among staff members, students, and families. Encourage kindness, appreciation, and gratitude as core values within the school community.

Here are some tips you can do with your students:

Use Visual Aids and Timers: Provide visual aids such as charts, checklists, and timers that can help students with disabilities understand expectations and manage their time effectively.

Provide Clear Instructions: Give clear and concise instructions for tasks and assignments. Break instructions down into smaller steps, if needed, and check for understanding before moving forward.

Incorporate Movement Breaks: Allow for short movement breaks between and during lessons. Physical activity can help students stay alert and focused.

Encourage Self-Regulation Strategies: Teach students self-regulation strategies such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or the use of fidget tools to help them manage stress and stay focused.

Celebrate Achievements: Celebrate your student's achievements, no matter how small. Recognizing their progress can boost their confidence and motivation.

To learn more tips to help you and your students stay focused and fight spring fever, here is an article from Planbook.

SELPA Highlights

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.

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.

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 now. Please call 619-470-5252 if you need someone to pick up art at your school site.

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

South County Regional Education Center

Thursday, May 23

4:30 to 6 p.m.

Click here for full details and share this event.

student art work from valle lindo los altos

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

art work from students from Berry elementary

IEP DAY

SELPA staff had a wonderful time meeting with parents at the Annual IEP Day Conference. The conference had some informative workshops where parents were able to increase their knowledge and meet local agencies at the resource fair. This event is held annually in April.

Image of staff and parent at resource fair

Autism Acceptance Walk or Run

The Autism Acceptance Walk at Greg Rogers Elementary was a huge success. Funds raised will support the school's sensory room. There were over 100 participants, and many families and local members were present. It was a nice event where we met many families and their children. We look forward to participating next year.

Image of Chula Vista mayor and SELPA staff at Autism walk

CalABLE

The SELPA was honored to host Maria Sandoval from CalABLE, who shared about the savings and investment program available for individuals with disabilities as a result of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. If you missed the workshop, you can access prior recorded presentations about CalABLE on their YouTube channel.

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Our Alternative Dispute Resolution team finished the last of our quarterly Parent IEP Academy Series for this school year. It was our pleasure to meet the parents who attended throughout the year.

If you missed the sessions this year, want to make-up a missed session, or want to repeat a session, rest easy and know we plan to offer the series again. If you would like to register for the Summer Parent IEP Academy, click here.

students teacher from Kimball elementary and SELPA staff

Equity, Disproportionality & Design (ED&D)

The ED&D team has been busy visiting school sites. It was so cool to have two students from Ingrid Medrano's 1st grade class at Kimball Elementary give us a tour. It was awesome to see how the classroom uses Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Thank you to the students, Ms. Medrano and PBIS team!

Guide to Global Accessibility

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) recognizes the importance of web accessibility and inclusion – every person, regardless of their ability or device, deserves to experience web-based services and content with the same success as those without disabilities. The guide has recently been updated and has many great resources for educators. Visit SDCOE's website to learn more.

Upcoming Parent Events — Please Share

May 18 — Chula Vista Council of PTAs Wellness Fair

The Council of PTAs will be hosting a wellness fair for families to find information on local organizations and services that support the health and well-being of families. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Chula Vista Elementary School District (84 East J St., Chula Vista, CA 91920).

May 22 —Transition Resource Fair

Are parents wondering what happens after their child leaves Sweetwater Union HSD? This resource fair is for families of students ages 18-22 in Sweetwater's transition programs. Meet with representatives and get information from agencies that provide supported employment and independent living assistance for adults with disabilities. The event will take place at the Professional Development Center (680 L St., Suite C, Chula Vista, CA 91911) from 4 to 6 p.m.

May 23 — 16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

Join the South County SELPA as we spotlight student art and honor staff who support students within the SELPA. The event will take place at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Free parking is available on the top floor of the parking structure. Click to find more information.

June 2 — Sensory Gardening: Kids Class at City Farmers Nursery

Free sensory gardening class for children of all ages. The event will take place at the City Farmers Nursey (3110 Euclid Ave, San Diego, CA, 92105) from 3 to 4 p.m.

June 12 — 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.

July 13 — All Inclusive Day of Play and Resource Fair

All Inclusive event for the whole family. Come and find resources for your family while having a great time at this family-friendly event. Registration will be coming soon.

Upcoming Educator Events

May 16 — School Counselor's Role in 504s and IEPs

Audience: School Counselors

Have you ever attended an SST, 504, and/or IEP meeting and wondered, "What is my role as a school counselor?" Attend this session to learn more about the structure of these meetings, how to be an effective team member, and why your role is so important for student success.

Date/Time: May 16, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Location: SDCOE Main, Learning Labs 1-4

Registration

June 10 — Trauma Informed Mediation

Join Dawn Kuhlman as she explains her Trauma Informed Mediation Model. Common trauma responses include emotion dysregulation, physical health issues, feelings of distrust, helplessness, depression, anxiety, and grief. Secondary or vicarious trauma is a particular risk in the helping profession. Workshop will be virtually from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To learn more information, click here to go the Pathways to Partnership website.

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.