Para una traducción al español, haga clic aquí

Volume 26

June 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 share highlights from member districts and the SELPA. Keep reading to find resources and see how the SELPA can assist you and your family.

Visit the SELPA website

16th Annual Art and Awards Recognition

image of students with certifcates at art show

The South County SELPA hosted its annual Art and Awards Recognition event on May 23, honoring educators and celebrating our student artists who submitted more than 200 amazing pieces of artwork.

The atmosphere was electric as students, families, and supporters gathered to admire the incredible talent showcased by our young artists. From vibrant paintings to interactive art, each piece reflected the dedication and passion of our creative students. It was heartwarming to witness the pride on our students' faces as they shared their artwork with loved ones. Their enthusiasm and talent are a testament to the nurturing environment fostered by our dedicated educators and mentors.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this event, from the artists themselves to the families who continue to champion their creative endeavors. Your support is invaluable and truly makes a difference in the lives of our students.

As we reflect on this unforgettable evening, we are inspired by the boundless potential of our students and the countless opportunities for artistic expression that lie ahead. We eagerly anticipate next year's event, where we anticipate even greater participation and the opportunity to recognize more of the amazing individuals within our community.

It is with great pride and admiration that we shine a spotlight on the remarkable individuals who have been recognized for their outstanding dedication to the field of special education. Their unwavering commitment and compassion have made a profound impact on the lives of those they serve, and it is our privilege to honor their contributions. Their passion for ensuring every individual reaches their full potential is truly inspiring and serves as a beacon of hope for our community. As we celebrate the achievements of these exceptional educators, let us also reflect on the profound difference they make each day in the lives of their students and families. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to our award recipients and express our deepest gratitude for their invaluable contributions to our community.

To view a slide show of the event, click here.

Image of students and teacher at art show

SELPA Highlights

Award Recipients

We would like to congratulate the amazing staff that were recognized by their school district this year. We know that our member districts have amazing teams at their schools, and we recognize every staff member as we know that every role is crucial. Thank you!

Melissa Gaynor, HOPE

Marcus Jackson, South County SELPA

Sergio Peña, DAVILA Day School

Tonalli Juarez, San Diego County Office of Education

Brooke Barto, Coronado Unified School District

Cristina (Tina) Areola, Chula Vista Elem. School District

James Vieira, National School District

Amy Perrea, South Bay Union School District

Gerardo “Jerry” Vazquez, Sweetwater Union High School District

Cinthia Nunez, San Ysidro School District

Image of students and staff from Ocean View Hills elementary at the Superhero walk

Autism Superhero's Walk

Students and staff alike at Ocean View Hills Elementary School enjoyed their recent Autism Superhero Walk. Kudos to the staff at Ocean View Hills Elementary for organizing such a meaningful and enjoyable event for the students.

Friendship School

Friendship School hosted its annual prom last week where parents, families, SDCOE staff, and students gathered together to enjoy the student-planned event! From voting for a theme to making decorations, sending out invitations, and choosing music...students at Friendship made this their own!

Special Olympics at Greg Rogers

Greg Rogers Elementary's annual Special Olympics is a highlight of the year! Students and staff came together for fun and inclusive sports competitions, promoting a strong sense of community. This year, even Chula Vista Elementary School District's Superintendent Dr. Reyes joined in on the action.

Image of students and staff at Greg Rogers Special Olympics

Dr Reyes at Greg Rogers special olympics

Students from Gerg Rogers special olympics

Teacher Participation in SELPA Annual Show

Mrs. Cunnigham is a teacher from Halecrest Elementary from the Chula Vista Elementary school district. Her consistent participation in all 16 Art & Aware Recognition shows speaks volumes about her commitment to fostering creativity and nurturing the talents of her students. Events like the Art & Aware Recognition show are invaluable platforms for students to express themselves creatively and gain recognition for their hard work. Mrs. Cunningham's involvement in these events not only highlights her passion but also underscores the importance of providing opportunities for students to explore and showcase their artistic talents. Her ongoing support and encouragement undoubtedly play a significant role in inspiring her students to continue pursuing their passion for art. Her impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. View a slideshow of her student's artwork here.

Huge Thank You to Our Local Organizations

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local organizations that have donated to the SELPA and have been a champion to all of our South County students. Congratulations to Mrs. Daughterty from Emory Academy of Global Leadership and Empowerment and her students. They were the first class to turn in artwork and they were given a sub catering voucher for their class.

Applebee's

Costco

Jersey Mikes

Huge Thank You to Our Volunteers

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful parent volunteers who volunteered their time before the event to decorate the venue, and the students and parents who helped the day of the event at the check in table and distributing the programs.

San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) What's Happening

Summer is here and SDCOE has a great resource for families in San Diego. Check out this season's free or low-cost opportunities for exploring parks, discovering books, staying active and healthy, learning a new skill, and more for both students and educators. Click here to go to What's Happening.

Upcoming Events

July 12 — Save the Date - 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. Event will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Miramar Hourglass Recreation Center, 10440 Black Mountain Road, 92126. Register for the event here.

July 13 — Child Development Associates Resource Fair

Child Development Associates (CDA) is hosting this event to raise awareness of programs and services available to families with young children and childcare providers across San Diego. The event will take place at 5473 Kearny Villa Road, San Diego, CA 92123, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

July 27 — CVESD Community Expo

Chula Vista Elementary School District will have their third annual Community Expo on July 27. Get ready for an engaging day with loads of activities for children, essential resources for parents, and much more. Stay tuned for more information.

July 27 — South Bay Union School District Community Connections Kick-Off Event

Start the 2024-25 by finding information on local resources. Stay tuned for more information.

Aug. 1 — South County SELPA Resource Fair

Our annual Special Education resource fair will be filled with local agencies that provide services to children and/or families of children with special needs. We are thrilled to host this wonderful resource to our South County families. The event will be at the South County Regional Education Center (800 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950) from 10 a.m. to noon.

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.