Classified employee appreciation week was officially March 2-6. But in Student Services, we appreciate our amazing paraeducators every day! Our paraeducators connect with students, deliver instruction, take data, support physical needs, provide encouragement, build relationships, support organization, facilitate social relationships, help students find their greatness, and often leap over tall buildings in a single bound. So the question is, should they be called paraeducators or superheroes?

In our commitment to creating schools where everyone learns and everyone belongs, we know that we must continue to bring everyone into understanding of the why of this work. Dan Habib's powerful documentary, "Intelligent Lives" provides a powerful vision into this why, touching on themes of presuming competence, self-advocacy, valuing diversity, family and culture. Previously, we shared this film with the district's Leadership Forum, at our Student Services Kick-off, and at our School Board retreat. In November, Wilsonville High shared the film with their staff and kicked off their "100% for 100%" campaign.

Last week during Professional Growth Wednesday, Cedaroak Park, Willamette and Boones Ferry Primary Schools showed Intelligent Lives to their staffs followed by deep discussion times. A quote from Dr. Michelle Jensen about that experience, "It was AMAZING! The discussion was dynamic and full of love for kids!"

Our district's SPED Parent Collaboration Group co-sponsored a screening of Intelligent Lives for our community at the Lake Theater last week as well. Big thanks to Nicole Skelley-Mitchell for taking the lead as a parent in organizing this great event. Co-sponsors were the West Linn Alliance for Inclusive Community and our colleagues in the Lake Oswego School District. It went so well (sold out!) that we hope to host or co-host more screenings in the future. The main comment we received from attendees was, "Powerful film! Please provide more opportunities like this!"

Through lots of great organization and collaboration, we completed vision screenings of all children k-5 at all 9 primary schools in less than 3 weeks! Every year, vision screening helps identify and solve barriers to learning for numerous students. Unlike our process of a number of years ago, this process is very quick and much more accurate through the use of the Lions Club screening cameras, where multiple vision issues can be identified and resources can be engaged.

Big thanks to Brenda Hogan, our local Lions Club, to building secretaries, and to our nursing team for making this happen. And, we are thankful that this year we will be able to extend vision screening for 8th graders as well in the next few weeks!

The Power of Relationships was a theme for last month's Inclusive Schools Leadership. We watched a video (see below) and reflected on the power of relationships at our closing circle. In addition, we had a little fun with a small group game, featured in the photo below. We looked at graduation data that continues to show growth for all students, growth for students on IEPs, and closing gap between.

But one of the most powerful moments was when one of our student members from Wilsonville High School talked about the value of unified clubs and activities for all students. She also noted a barrier to some students joining unified, as unified hours did not count for NHS hours. Because she raised this issue, the staff at Wilsonville has already worked with her to solve this problem. Great to see the power of student voice in action!

Reminder, IEP progress notes must be sent out at the same time as report cards. If these report cards are sent through the mail, the progress notes should be included in the same envelope. Questions on these logistics? Please check with your SPED IC

Email: spencerj@wlwv.k12.or.us
Website: https://www.wlwv.k12.or.us/domain/43
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Phone: (503)673-7026
Twitter: @jsiiams