Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
Weekly Communication
In times of uncertainty and change, effective communication is KEY to our success! In an effort for the Special Services Department to support the ongoing needs of staff and building leaders, each week you will receive a newsletter that highlights the exceptional work you are doing, updates in Special Education and resources to guide your work.
Setting Boundaries: Maintaining Self Care
We understand that you have been challenged with adjusting the way you support learners, collaborate with colleagues and manage your work/life balance. During these times, it is important to set personal boundaries and ensure that you are maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Self-Care  is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it's a simple concept in theory, it's something we very often overlook. Each week, we will highlight strategies that will help you focus on self-care and wellness.

Question of the Week:
How do you maintain wellness/self-care and set boundaries?

Click on the link below to share your ideas, resources and activities.
We will share these in an upcoming newsletter!
We are impressed by your creativity and ongoing dedication to supporting our students. You have truly risen to the occasion and embraced our "new normal." Everyone is doing exceptional work! This section highlights some of the creative resources and supports your colleagues are providing.

COVID-19 Social Story

Social Worker, Ewa Omahen, shared a Social Story explaining COVID-19 to students. This is a great resource for parents! Click on the image above to access this resource.
Daily Living Skills

Transition Teacher, Elyse Goor, has developed daily living skills videos to share with her students. This is a great way to encourage students to practice self-care as well! Click on the image above to access this video.

Collaboration

Over the past week, many of you have engaged in virtual planning and collaboration! In Sarah McCutcheon's Google Classroom, the special education team continues to support students with positive, encouraging language and activities.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP

The Council for Exceptional Children is offering FREE MEMBERSHIPS to the special education community in need of resources! Non-members can enjoy a Basic Membership now through May 31st by using the code 𝐂𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐃𝟔𝟎. Click on the image above to sign up for this FREE resource!
FREE RECORDED WEBINAR

In these unprecedented times, teachers are being asked to think outside of the box in terms of how to continue learning opportunities outside of the classroom. In this webinar, presenters help identify steps to move online and strategies for adapting the lessons already in motion to this new format. They will share impactful tips as well as resources and tools available to you! Click on the image above to access the recorded webinar.
DEPARTMENT UPDATES
In order to provide staff with additional support and guidance, the "Staff Ex pectations Google Document" has been updated with examples and resources. Please click on the link to access this document.

Additionally, next week we will hold department / building level meetings with various groups to address any questions and/or concerns you may have. Watch your email for a virtual invitation and scheduled meeting date/time.
SPECIAL SERVICES OPEN HOUSE
Prior to the mandated school closures, the Special Services Department planned to hold an "Open House" in order for staff and building leaders to meet the new Director. We don't want to let this opportunity pass us by! Therefore, JOIN US VIRTUALLY for an opportunity to "meet and greet" the new Director of Special Services! Drop in and say a quick hello .... OR stay for awhile. We look forward to seeing you!

The virtual invitation to this event
will be sent later in the week.
BOOK STUDY OPPORTUNITY
Are you interested in joining a Book Study?

The Special Services Department is considering holding a Book Study Series that may consist of 3 - 1 hour sessions, held virtually. We are considering using the book, "Fostering Resilient Learners: Strategies for Creating a Trauma - Sensitive Classroom." If you are interested in participating, click on the link below. Our start date is TBD and will be based on the number of interested participants.

Electronic books will be provided to ALL participants.
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