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PAC Newsletter
March 2023
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As parents of children in the Special Education Department in Walled Lake Schools we feel it is vitally important to share information, resources and opportunities related to Special Education services. Navigating special education is no easy task and our hope is that this newsletter will keep you updated.
Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding the Special Education process and we will get you the help you need.
PAC Executive Committee
President - Cory Hensley [email protected]
Aimee Page - [email protected]
Denise Dunn - [email protected]
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CONGRATULATIONS!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
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The Special Services Department has added a NEW position to support and provide training to buildings. Kelly Powers and Julie Selahowski have been selected as the department's Behavior Coaches and will begin working with The Leadership Team to develop the new role. They will start full time as Behavior Coaches/BCBA in the Fall, at the start of the 23-24 school year. | |
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Mrs. Powers teaches lower elementary students with Autism at Keith Elementary. Mrs. Powers earned her Bachelors Degree from Central Michigan University in 2007. She earned her Masters Degree from Oakland University in 2011. She also earned a graduate degree in Applied Behavior Analysis from Arizona State University in 2018.
Mrs. Powers is currently one of our district's CPI trainers and provides ongoing initial and refresher trainings throughout the school year. In December 2022, Kelly passed her certification exam and has completed all the requirements in order to be a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)!!!
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Mrs. Selahowski has been teaching special education since 2008 and has a variety of experience in various grade
(K - Post Secondary). Julie began her career teaching in Waterford School District where she taught as a self-contained teacher in a program for students with emotional impairments, a resource program teacher, and a self-contained teacher for students with autism. She began teaching in Walled Lake Consolidated School District in 2018.
Mrs. Selahowski has earned her teaching endorsements in EI and ASD. Her goal is to work collaboratively with students, families and the community to best meet the needs of every child, every day!
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CONGRATULATIONS!
WELCOME TO THE TEAM!
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Joyi Payne
Elementary Coordinator
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Ms. Payne earned her Bachelor's Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Cognitive Impairment from Eastern Michigan University. She earned her Master's Degree in Special Education with a concentration in Autism Spectrum Disorder and an Education Specialist Degree in Special Education Administration from Wayne State University.
Joyi joined our Walled Lake Consolidated School District in 2012 after working for 9 years in Detroit. Ms. Payne will begin training for the Elementary Coordinator position soon and start her new role in 2023!
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Nominate a Shining Star!
The Shining Stars Award recognizes an outstanding individual who has supported the special needs community within Walled Lake Schools. Some of the qualities of the nominee might include: a positive attitude, dedication, dependability, self-motivation, helpfulness, etc. Nominees can be anyone associated with the special needs community: teacher, para, bus driver, aide, parent, volunteer, etc.
Deadline to submit nominations is April 6, 2023
Click on the image of the star for the nomination form
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The Shining Stars Awards Ceremony will be held in-person at Walled Lake Western High School. Look for details coming soon and be sure to nominate a Shining Star!
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Virtual IEP Training for Parents
Nichole Moore, Director of Special Services, and the Department's Leadership Team will be offering a Virtual IEP training for parents. Learn important parts of the IEP and how to be an effective team member of your child's IEP.
April 20, 2023
7:00 - 8:00 pm
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Passcode: Z1ue7X
Click on the link above to access the Zoom link.
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The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a committee of parents whose children receive Special Education services. It’s made up of parent volunteers from every school and program in the district. We are currently looking for volunteers to help grow our PAC.
WHAT DOES A PAC REP DO?
♦ Attend PAC meetings to help plan events and help other families in the district navigate various issues relative to our Special Education community.
♦ Ensure communication between schools, families, and Special Education staff.
♦ Pass along Special Education information to other families, school leaders and your school’s PTA.
♦ Publicize upcoming Special Services PAC events in school newsletters and social media.
♦ Donate time and talent to help with various PAC events throughout the school year.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
If you would like to join us or if you’d like more information click on the link below or contact our PAC President Cory Hensley at [email protected]
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The Michigan Council for Exceptional Children is offering a $250 camp scholarship for students attending a summer camp in Michigan. Camperships are open to students with an active IEP, in need of financial support, and would otherwise not have an opportunity for a summer camp experience.
Nomination packets are due April 15, 2023.
Notifications will be mailed by April 30, 2023.
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Looking for a summer camp? PAC has compiled a list of camps for children with special needs! | |
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WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETICS IS TEAMING UP WITH THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS TO BRING
UNIFIED SPORTS!
WLCSD WILL OFFER BASKETBALL IN THE 2023-24 WINTER SEASON!
- LOOKING TO HAVE FUN?
- DON'T LOVE TRYOUTS BUT WANT TO HAVE FUN?
JOIN UNIFIED BASKETBALL!
- HAVE FUN PLAYING IN FRONT OF A CHEERING CROWD!
- OPEN TO ALL WLCSD HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO WANT TO PARTICIPATE AND HAVE FUN!
Interested in more information, fill out the Interest Form below
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The Level 3 program at Clifford Smart Middle School has started a micro-business! The coffee/snack cart travels to classrooms and the office and is available for staff. Students will manage the money, inventory and planning. | |
The Waggin’ Waves produce 100% student made dog bones that are homemade daily in our classroom. Not only do students bake and shape the dog bones; they are also responsible for packaging and labeling. The Waggin’ Waves sell products all over the community and will attend selling events throughout the year. Each bag contains 21 treats, and cost $2.00 per bag.
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Next month, ATP will be launching Whiskers and Waves, which will package
and sell organic catnip so that there’s something for both dogs and cats!
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Whisked by Waves micro-business is brand new and produces both soups and cookies in mason jars. Buyers have the option to refill their jar for 30% off the original price. Currently chocolate chip cookie mason jars are being sold. Additionally, the Whisking Waves sell Rice Krispie Treats that are dipped in chocolate and decorated based on the season. Rice Krispie Treats are sold for $2.00 each.
To place an order email Abigail Harrysson at [email protected]
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For over 29 years Oakland Mediation Center (OMC) has provided conflict resolution and education services that are quite affordable and quickly empower community members, families, businesses, courts and schools to resolve conflict. OMC is an apolitical, non-profit, volunteer-based Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) center whose volunteers represent and serve the community. | |
Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues, disability specific information and FREE webinars.
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Click on the links to access the
newsletters of these organizations!
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Family Matters - Michigan Department of Education
Family Matters provides parents and families with information about special education and other resources. Find useful information about Transitions (age of majority), Personal Curriculums, PBIS, FBAs, ABA, FAPE, IDEA and more!
A great resource to utilize.
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MiABLE Disability Savings Program webinar
presented by Scott de Varona, Division Director
hosted by Michigan Department of Treasury in collaboration with Oakland Schools
Learn about this important disability savings program
Access code for viewing: GvCifNP4
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Walled Lake Schools are lucky to have a parent and talented musician in the district.
Ms. Marlowe, of Swingset Mamas, works with the Special Services population providing music in fun and interactive ways.
Check out one of her many YouTube videos below
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Walled Lake has developed a Social Emotional Learning page where families can access resources and tools to help support the social and emotional growth of your child. Resources are organized by grade level and are constantly updated so be sure to check back often.
If you need additional resources please contact your child's classroom teacher, school counselor or administrator.
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PAC MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to increase awareness and current best practices in special education while working towards a larger voice, meaningful communication with more inclusive practices and parental involvement.
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Stay informed about our upcoming events! Click on the image to
access the Parent Advisory
Committee (PAC) website.
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