Exceptional Student Services News
December 2021
Upcoming Events and Announcements
UPCOMING EVENTS

12/1-12/15-  Read 180 & System 44 Mid Year Assessments and Phonic Inventory 
12/10- Window opens to enter progress monitoring in IEPPRO
12/16- Last day to collect progress monitoring
12/16-12/17- No School for PreK 
12/17: Preschool PD Day 
12/17- Progress Reports Due (printed and sent home)
12/17- December Census Verification Due
ANNOUNCEMENTS

Arizona Council for Exceptional Children Awards: Due by December 10

Please consider nominating a student or colleague for an award thru Council for Exceptional Children. This is an exciting opportunity to recognize a staff or student for their dedication, leadership and perseverance. Over the past 15 years, Dysart has had 5 students recognized for this award! **If CEC membership is required for your nomination, please reach out to your ESS Coordinator and they will support with nominations requiring membership.** If you are the first person to reply “BBQ” to the newsletter, you will receive a gift worthy of any pit master. 
Nomination Form for “I Can Do It” and other staff recognition awards: 



ADE PD Opportunities:

Count Me In! Exploring Multiplying and Dividing Integers

Come explore multiple representations to build conceptual understanding for the multiplication and division of integers with accessible low-floor/high-ceiling tasks.
In this free webinar, we will explore multiple representations to build conceptual understanding for the multiplication and division of integers. We will demonstrate how to develop grit and creative problem-solving with accessible low-floor/high-ceiling tasks. 
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 from 3:30–5:00 p.m. REGISTER HERE


Count Me In! Practice Session for Exploring Integers
Come to this session to refine your understanding of working with integers.
Attendance at any prior “Count Me In! Integers” session is required to attend this practice session.  A computer or tablet with the ability to access Google slides is not required but is strongly recommended to enable full participation in the session. Participants can earn 1.5 hours of professional development credit for this session.
Thursday, December 9, 2021 from 3:30–5:00 p.m. REGISTER HERE
Evaluation, Instruction, and Strategy Resources
Resource for teaching social and behavioral skills

Skillstreaming is designed to help children and youth learn positive ways to have their needs met.  Skillstreaming is a highly acclaimed, evidence-based prosocial skills training program that builds social competence. Skillstreaming employs a four-part training approach—modeling, role-playing, performance feedback, and generalization—to teach essential prosocial skills to children and adolescents. Lessons provide a complete description of the Skillstreaming program, with instructions for teaching a wide variety of prosocial skills. Thanks for being so diligent in reading our newsletter. If you are the first person to reply “handmade” to the newsletter email , you will receive a gift handmade by Dysart students.

Join our ESS PD Schoology Course (Access Code P4HK-38CD-9WJMX) to watch our Skillstreaming training video!

After you have completed the training please reach out to your specialist to request materials for your campus. Currently, there is 1 copy per campus, however we are ordering more!
Additionally, there is a website for Skills Streaming that has free resources for teachers to use. 


Assistive Technology Resources

Looking for some resources to help with your Assistive Technology needs?  Need some ideas for using a student’s communication device?  What about some help with reading and writing tools for your students? 

Look no further than the DUSD Assistive Technology Google Site. This is an All-In-One Stop Shopping for your AT Knowledge Needs !!
Legal & Law
Federal Budget- Special Education Funding


Last week, information was shared by AZCEC/AZCASE that Members of Congress are considering the federal budget for FY22. While the White House and some in Congress have asked for historic increases in education spending, including for special education programs, this is not a done deal. If you are interested in advocating for this funding, you can click the link below.  From there, the system will automatically generate a message you can customize if you'd like that will go to our 2 US Senators and your local member of the House of Representative. CLICK HERE

Here is the complete IDEA Full Funding ACT that was introduced.
Corey's Corner
Holiday season is in full swing, and students and staff alike are anxious for these last few weeks before break. I want to pause at this joyous time of year to thank you for your vital contribution to our students and the Exceptional Student Services Team. I also want you to know that I am aware of your conscientiousness and hard work. If you are the first to reply “time” to this newsletter, I will be your assistant or take over your role for two hours to give you time to plan or complete other work related assignments. 
Most importantly, after you complete these last three weeks in the semester, remember the words of Gerry Brook and his object lesson: 

TURN OFF YOUR WORK SWITCH. 

Please spend your time off in a way that is enjoyable, relaxing, and replenishes your energy. I wish you and your family very happy holidays and winter break!
Looking Through Another's Lens Recognition
November Award Recipients
We have a total of 52 recipients receiving certificates for November. Please keep up the great work taking other's prospective!


If you want to nominate a staff member to receive this recognition, complete this Looking Through Another’s Lens Recognition Form .

Please remember to submit each of you recipients individually and not as a group. Please include both first and last name for the recipient. Thank you