River Dell Middle School Special Education Parent Orientation Overview
River Dell Middle School's special education parent orientation provides valuable information on support teams, counselors, administration, and the transition process for upcoming 7th-grade students. Key points include maintaining communication with case managers, services continuity in virtual settings, IEP process details, and collaborative efforts with Oradell and River Edge. Parents are encouraged to engage with the school's Special Education Parent Group (SEPAG) for further support and information.
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Transitioning To River Dell Middle School Special Education Parent Orientation SEPTEMBER 2, 2020
Child Study Team, Counselors, and Administration Mara Campbell, School Psychologist-mara.campbell@riverdell.org Alexandra Becker, School Psychologist-alexandra.becker@riverdell.org Grace Lamparillo, grace.lamparillo@riverdell.org Maria Meo, LDT-C-maria.meo@riverdell.org Alison Donoghue, Social Worker-alison.donoghue@riverdell.org Christina Barkachi, Speech Therapist-christina barkachi@riverdell.org Middle School and Care Plus Counselors Mrs. Demetra Binder, School Counselor demetra.binder@riverdell.org Ms. Marnie Ross, School Counselor marnie.ross@riverdell.org Aleen Mishel, Care Plus clinician (LCSW)-aleen.mishel@riverdell.org RDMS Administration Mr. James Cooney, Dir. of Special Services james.cooney@riverdell.org Mr. Richard Freedman, Principal richard.freedman@riverdell.org Mr. John Jasinski, Assistant Principal john.jasinski@riverdell.org Dr. Lisa Torres, Supervisor of English/History-lisa.torres@riverdell.org Mrs. Jennifer Ali, Supervisor of Mathematics jennifer.ali@riverdell.org
The IEP process does not change. Maintain communication with your student s case manager. Case manager follows your student from grade 7-12. A Few Take Aways From This Orientation Communicate with the Director of Special Services. Services do not change in a virtual/hybrid model Flexibility at RDMS
The transition process to RDMS? How does Special Service prepare for upcoming 7thgrade students? Virtual Instruction Topics for today s presentation Special Education programs and supports at RDMS How will my child be supported? And by who? Technology in the classroom and information accessibility for parents RDMS River Dell Special Education Parent Group (SEPAG) Questions from you
The Transition Process: Planning and Communication
Constant communication between River Dells case managers and administration and our counterparts in Oradell and River Edge. River Dell held a transition meeting, which is held annually, with the CST from Oradell and River Edge to determine program needs. Communication with Oradell and River Edge School Counselors visited the 6thgrade students at Oradell and River Edge. At the annual transition meetings River Dell case managers are assigned to your children so your current case manager knows who to invite to IEP meetings Letters were sent to 7thgrade parents over the summer with the name of case managers and contact information.
The process for IEP development, IEP meetings, and re-evaluations will not change even if school is operating within a virtual or hybrid model Annual IEP meetings minimum of 1x/year The Special Education Process Re-evaluations every 3 years (or earlier if deemed necessary) General education and special education teachers attend IEP meetings Related services provider attend IEP meetings School counselors attend meetings The transition process starting the year your student turns 14 years-old Your child s participation in the special education process
River Dell Middle School: Special Education Programs
In-class Resource (delivered by a certified special education teacher) is available in the following core content area classes: History, Math, Science, and English In-Class Resource, Resource, and Self- Contained Resource, which are taught by a certified special education teacher, is available in the following content area classes (History, Math, Science, English, and Study Skills) Self-contained, which is taught by a certified special education teacher, is available in the following content areas: History, Math, Science, English Students receive the same amount of instruction no matter the program they are in and classes, across programs, are scheduled at the same time so there can be a flow between programs without major schedule disruption.
In-class Resource teacher will be present during each scheduled class across content area classes In-Class Resource Support During Virtual Learning The In-Class Resource teacher will continue to utilize multiple methods of instruction and support, including built not limited to, teacher created videos, demonstration, on-line simulations, and breakout sessions (if needed). The In-class support teacher will deliver accommodations and modifications as per a student s IEP, including but not limited to extended time, providing instructional notes, modification of assessments, developing study guides, setting short-term and long-term goals for students In-Class Resource teachers, during preparation times, before school, and after school will continue to collaborate and plan for instruction with their general education teaching partner.
Instructed by a certified, special education teacher Study Skills- Grade 7 and 8 Small class sizes Takes the place of a foreign language New curriculum for 2018-2019 covering five units
RD101 is a new class starting in the 2020-2021 school year. Students will have RD101 twice a week RD101 What curriculum does RD101 follow and what if my child has study skills and RD101
Executive Functioning Study Skills & RD101 Units Self- Advocacy Management Memory Meaning
The expectation for teachers is live instruction daily. This means: -Live greeting at the beginning of each class -Live wrap-up or conclusion at the end of the period -During instructional time, teacher may utilize whole group and small group instruction, utilize application and software, embedded activities, - What will I see if a teacher is absent? Pre- recorded lessons, embedded lessons, embedded videos, and teacher instructions. -Student expectations Live Instruction: What Does This Mean?
-The first day of school on September 4this a VERY LOW INSTRUCTION day -Teacher will provide an introduction of the class -Teachers will provide the necessary list of supplies and supply lists will be on each teachers School Wires page -Students will receive from each teacher an email with a MSTeams meeting link. This is the same live meeting link that will be residing in your Teams Class channel for the duration of the school year. Day #1 and Day #2
1. Teachers will be utilizing various forms of assessment: -Microsoft Forms (forms that can be filled in) -Microsoft TEAMS assignments -Assessments pushed out to students via OneNote Notebook -Achieve 3000 2. The expectation for homework is that teachers reduce the homework load that it is meaningful and practice oriented. Classroom Assessments and Homework During Virtual Instruction
Speech Therapy Physical Therapy (Region V/BCSS) Occupational Therapy (Region V/BCSS)) Related Services Social Skills (Psychologists/Social Worker) Audiologist/Teacher of the Deaf (Region V/BCSS) Counseling
Counseling Services Child Study Team based counseling: Ms. Becker, Mrs. Campbell, Mrs. Donoghue Care Plus: Ms. Aleen Mishel LCSW (2.5 days at the HS, 2.5 day at MS) Student Assistance Counselor (SAC): Dr. Randie O Neil Guidance Department: Mrs. Binder and Ms. Ross Groups/Individual Academic counseling Student mediations Social-emotional support Groups/Individual Individual Conducts School Clearances Community/Mental Health Connections
Care Plus-New Jersey Provides comprehensive, recovery-focused integrated primary and mental health care for individuals in the Northern New Jersey area. Child and Family Services o Clinical services in various locations including in-patient and out-patient o Children's Mobile Crisis o Addiction Services Adult Services: o Clinical services/programs in various clinical and hospital locations School-Based Services o School-based programs o School clearances o School avoidance programs
Case managers are your childs advocate, are highly involved in the transition process, and remain your child s case manager through high school. Case managers are the liaison between you, teachers, and and related service providers. Case Managers Case managers, for the IEP process, facilitate teacher participation, obtain academic feedback and program recommendations that guides the discussion about program development (i.e. ICS, Resource, LLD, accommodations, modifications, transition, state testing accommodations (NJSLA). Speech-only students: Speech therapist remains case manager
River Dell is a 1:1 lap top district Students receive their laptops in September Technology: Laptops Students will receive an introduction to their laptop Students can bring their laptops home Technology support throughout the year
Microsoft One Note: Main organization program Supplemental Programs: Achieve 3000 (Reading), Moby Max (Vocabulary), iXL (Math) Technology: Programs and Tools On-Line Textbooks Turnitin.com Tools: Immersive Reader, Translation Ability, Speech-To- Text Learning Ally/Book Share (On-Line version)
View of One Note One Note View and Technology Department Resource
Communication and Information Access
Communication with teachers, case managers, and administration -If you have a general classroom question? -If your child has difficulty with the content, completing assignments, or has fluctuation fluctuation in grades -Technology issues -Contacting administration Communication Progress Reports/Interim/Report Cards School Messenger
Genesis Parent Portal IEP Parent Portal (available when you access your child s Genesis profile) will provide finalized IEPs and Progress Reports Information Access School Wires Page: Teachers contact information, extra help hours, Week-at-a- Glace Special Services web page: Parent Resources, Announcements, and links to services within Bergen County
Internal Communication: Are staff on the same page?
Inter- Departmental Meetings CST Weekly Meetings Administrative Meetings
The River Dell Special Education Parent Advisory Group is a state-mandated group of parents, educators, and individuals concerned about the children with special needs and learning disabilities. The goal of the advisory group is to facilitate communication between students, parents, staff, the Board of Education, and the community. The group communicates issues surrounding the districts special education program, for the purpose of advising the Board of Education and administration on matters pertaining to improving the quality of special education. Special Education Parent Advisory Group The SEPAG liaison is Lisa Milordo and she can be contacted at lisamilordo307@gmail.com The River Dell SEPAG group supports both parents at RDHS and RDMS. It serves as an advisory role and a forum for presentations/trainings to parents. Parents are informed of SEPAG events/meetings via School Messenger and announcements are also placed on the Special Services web page ****The first SEPAG meeting of the year is September 29, 2020 at 7:00pm and will be conducted virtual by the district s Care Plus clinician on student s coping with anxiety in the virtual world and returning to school****
The Big Three: Logistical Fears, Academic Fears, and Social Fears About Entering Middle School Logistical Fears: Navigating the building Social Fears: I won t know anyone Review each schedule with your child Visit the webpage for the middle school guidance department for Helpful Hints Tour of River Dell Middle School Encourage participating in school activities (clubs, sports) If your child has an interest in or has an idea for a school activity bring the interest or idea to the administration, school counselor, or case manager. Monitor your child s social media accounts Communicate any changes
The Big Three: Logistical Fears, Academic Fears, and Social Fears About Entering Middle School Academic Fear: Virtual instruction, Tests, Homework, and Projects o Encourage your child to seek extra help and to discuss questions about grades. o Encourage your child to advocate but communicate you are ready to jump-in in at any moment. o Monitor teachers Week-At-A-Glance o Compose and e-mail a profile about your child to their teachers, case manager, and school counselor. o Time management and organization o Will my child s teacher read their IEP? Will instructional aides read students IEPs? o Communicate any changes
