Together We Can
November 14, 2022
Thanksgiving Recess is only a week and a half away! It is such a wonderful time of year to be together and spend time with our families! I hope that everyone gets a chance to recharge during the break.
This is a busy week. Tomorrow, Tuesday November 15, the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will hold its quarterly meeting at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be virtual. Log in information is located below in the newsletter. I hope to virtually see you there!
Also, on Wednesday November 16, I will be providing an update to the Board on the SESS Department's progress on the PCG recommendations and the implementation plan. I hope that you can join either in person or virtually.
Best,
Stacey Heiligenthaler, Ph.D.
Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports
What We Are Seeing 👀 Around the Schools
PreK at North Street School
Student's in Ms. Danielle Micallef's class at NSS are all engaged while Joe reads to them. He even brought a dancing skeleton! Joe meets weekly with our preschoolers to read them stories from his device and provides some fun and laughs.
Reading at Parkway School
Ms. Kiriakides' first grade class at Parkway is working on a Fundations lesson focusing on digraphs, then letter formation practice. Students use strategies to form letters: plane line, grass line, and worm line.
Bullying Prevention at North Mianus School
Kindergartners at North Mianus are practicing being assertive and standing up for themselves. This initiative is part of our continuous efforts to prevent bullying in schools and promote a safe school climate
Middle School Coffee and Conversations
Central, Eastern and Western Middle Schools held parent coffees in November. Parents had the opportunity to meet the administrators, discuss Connecticut's new IEP and CT SEDS parent portal, and meet the SESS representatives from their building. The middle schools will host parent coffees each quarter. Please look for information from your middle school for the dates and times.
Western Middle School
Central Middle School
Eastern Middle School
Global History at Greenwich High School
Students in Ms. Jagel and Mr. Lee’s co-taught Global History class complete a gallery walk with various sources that highlight the Industrial Revolution, past and present.
Community Connections at Manhattanville College
Community Connections students work at the Manhattanville College 'Dream Catchers' program. Dream Catcher is an inspirational and motivational career readiness program designed to accelerate a student’s ability to discover their life and career purpose, which will help them facilitate an academic and skill building pathway.
Workshops and Resources
Upcoming Greenwich Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) Meeting
The Greenwich Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) is scheduled to virtually meet on Tuesday, November 15 at 6:30 PM. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for families and the community to advise the District on Special Education successes and challenges. You can join the meeting via zoom: Meeting ID: 846 3911 6249 Passcode: 788232. I hope to see you online.
Social Emotional Learning
Dr. Heiligenthaler and Dr. Boie had the opportunity to present at the National Council of Special Education Administrators Conference on the great work around social emotional learning in the Greenwich Public Schools. Their session shared the structure and supports that are provided to students and staff as well as highlighting the community partnerships.
CT SEDS for IEP and 504's
IEP and 504 documents now have a different look. The new CT-SEDS system is now being used for all IEPs and 504s. The SESS Department has put together resources to families as we work in the new system. Please pay special attention to the Parent Portal as it is a new way IEP and 504 documents can be viewed and signed.
The Office of Special Education and Student Supports
Email: stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/special-education
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 625-7493