The Lapeer County Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a group of educators and parents representing our local school districts whose primary focus is to stay informed regarding Special Education plans and changes, current trends in Special Education at the County, State, and Federal level, and if needed, to assist and promote partnerships among parents and educators that benefit students with disabilities.

The PAC takes an active role in the development of the Lapeer County Special Education Mandatory Plan, a document which describes the delivery of special education services in Lapeer County. The PAC provides workshops and speakers from the county and Statewide programs which can richly serve not only the parents of children with special needs, but in many instances the individual with the disability.

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Download(s)

IEP Tip Sheet: An Overview of the IEP

IEP Tip Sheet: PLAAFPs

IEP Tip Sheet: Measurable Annual Goals

IEP Tip Sheet: Measuring Progress Toward Annual Goals

IEP Tip Sheet: Overview of the Statement of Services & Aids

IEP Tip Sheet: Explanation of Educational Setting

IEP Tip Sheet: Participation in Assessment

IEP Tip Sheet: Dates, Frequency, Location and Duration of Services

IEP Tip Sheet: Transition Services

IEP Tip Sheet: Age of Majority

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The Lapeer ISD Postsecondary program, STRIVE, outgrew its space and has moved to a new location. STRIVE is one of the postsecondary programs offered for students who meet ISD criteria.

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The LCS Special Education Office wants to give a huge shoutout to our Early Childhood Special Education Teachers, Jennifer Olko and Holly Atkins. Jen is returning to the ECSE program after her rookie year last year, and Holly is joining the ECSE team this year. These two have spent the last month working together to prep their classrooms to welcome back our preschool crew. They bring a positive attitude and a smile to their classrooms each day, and go out of their way to make our students and their families feel welcomed, safe, and secure. Thank you Jen and Holly, we couldn't do it without you!

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Mrs Rajewski’s class is practicing typing while in technology class using some exciting new tools.

The adaptive keyboards have a larger keyboard and color differentiated keys designed as a tool for people with physical, visual or cognitive challenges. This tool helps students be more successful when using a computer keyboard. The adaptive computer mouse allows students with limited mobility to use a mouse with 1 button in place of the traditional 2 button, e1-wheel computer mouse. These tools have improved the accessibility for all students. Thank you to Chelle Martin, Technology Teacher, for bringing this support to our students. Also, thank you to Sara Androyna, Lapeer County ISD Occupational Therapist, who was instrumental in getting these keyboards.

Additionally, our new AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) board has been displayed on our special needs playground. The AAC board helps students communicate their needs through the use of visuals. Thank you to Melissa Nolan, Speech Pathologist, for bringing this communication device to our students!

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Not to be out done by Lapeer Community Schools, Imlay City Schools are also getting Communication Boards for some of their playgrounds at Weston Elementary and the ECSE program. One will be installed on the preschool side of the playground and one on the other side. Heather Harvey, ECSE teacher, was instrumental in this project. It is part of Imlay City's ongoing PBIS Tier two systems. They are working on expanding visual libraries for staff (think visual cards that are worn around the neck on a lanyard) and now they have them outside as well.

There was a special visit from The Army National Guard.

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MITTIN Committee Chair, Derek Cooley, is excited to share with you their newest one-touch navigation modules - Shop for Groceries and Walk through a Parking Lot, which are highlighted in the April issue of the MITTIN Memo. These modules, along with all the innovative digital and curricular resources in the MITTIN library, are designed specifically to strengthen independent living skills. If you have a learner who might need practice cleaning their bedroom, shopping for groceries or using a self check-out, visit mittin.org.

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Does your student need help in making informed education and career decisions? Help them by checking out the recently updated Pathfinder, Michigan’s online career exploration tool that allows users to explore in-demand careers and the degrees or credentials needed to pursue them.

Useful information and links to supplement your experience using Pathfinder

Visit: https://pathfinder.mitalent.org/resources

Information included at the link above is in compliance with the requirements of Michigan Compiled Law 380.1293 post-graduation opportunities informational packet. Information included in bold on this page is intended to fulfill the requirements of the law. These updates are provided through a partnership between the Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and other statewide stakeholders.

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Accommodations for the digital PSAT™ 8/9 must be approved by College Board using the same process as for all other College Board assessments. Usually, the SSD coordinator will make the request through SSD Online; however, a student and their parent/guardian can also request accommodations directly. Visit How to Request Accommodations to learn more.

IMPORTANT ACTIONS STEPS

• Share this In-School Accommodations flyer (.pdf/627 KB) with your students who’ll be testing in the fall and their parents.

• Advise students and parents how and when accommodations are requested. Requests for accommodations on fall tests must be submitted over the summer—in some cases, before students return to class

Tip: Accommodations can be requested now, even if your school year is still in session.

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Website

Website

Website

Ella, is an app that utilizes AI to generate custom social stories designed to teach kids routines, new skills, and prepare them for new adventures. Ella streamlines the process by tailoring stories based on just a few inputs, making the creation of personalized social stories faster and more efficient. There's lots of other free A.I. technology that can be used to help students, see links below.

Website:

https://www.ella.kids/

Gamma.app

Magicschool.ai

Chatgpt

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Memos & Guidance

Visit MDE-OSE Spotlight Page For More Guidance Documents & Memos

• Understanding Parent Input, April 2023
• Independent Educational Evaluation Guidance, October 2023
• Clarification on Participating in MI-Access
• Surrogate Parents for Special Education Guidance
• MDE-OSE Family Matters Resources (A Letter To Parents From Teri Rink)

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Parent Friendly Agencies

Happy Fall! 🦃🍁🍂🎃

tfrakes@lapeerisd.org

The Lapeer County ISD Does Not Endorse Any One Particular Resources Listed Above.

The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, marital or family status, genetic information, height, weight, military status, ancestry, or any other statutorily protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”) in its programs, activities, or employment. The following individuals have been designated by the Board of Education to serve as the District’s” Compliance Officers” (also known as “Civil Rights Coordinators”) to handle inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination, prohibition against discrimination based on disability, and anti-harassment policies: Michelle Proulx, Director of Special Education (student-related) or Ann M. Schwieman, Director of Administrative Services and Personnel (staff-related); Address (for mailing purposes only): Lapeer County ISD Administration Building, 1996 W. Oregon St., Lapeer, MI 48446; Phone (to speak to or schedule an appointment with a Compliance Officer): (810) 664-5917; Email Addresses: mproulx@lapeerisd.org or aschwieman@lapeerisd.org.