There are many events to celebrate this Spring!

April was Autism Awareness Month, when we recognize the unique abilities and contributions of individuals with autism. May is Better Hearing and Speech Month, where we celebrate the importance of communication and the professionals who help us improve our ability to hear and speak. Additionally, May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to acknowledge the importance of mental health and well-being. This week is also Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12), a time to show our appreciation for the incredible work of our student's teachers. A simple note of thanks, or a kind word can go a long way in showing your appreciation. Then the week of May 21-27 is Classified School Employees Week. From our Instructional Assistants to the bus drivers, data technicians, community liaisons, and our district interpreters, these employees are the dedicated workers who play key roles in creating a school environment that contributes to the whole child by promoting student achievement. The Special Education Department proudly recognizes our classified staff.

Thank you for celebrating the incredible work of our educators and classified school employees.

Sincerely,

Nereida Gutierrez

Director, Special Education

California’s community schools are part of a historic moment and an opportunity to prioritize intentional, inclusive belonging. The driving force in Vista USD community schools is to see and embrace each student with a comprehensive support system of integrated services that are equity-driven, inclusive, and impactful. As Vista USD moves forward expanding the community school strategy, be sure to reach out to your school site to ensure families of children with disabilities are proportionally represented on school teams. Be a part of the shared leadership for transformational community schools to help prioritize needs and have the shared responsibility of solutions. Your voice matters.

Community Schools Information

"Autism is not a disability. It's a different ability."

To learn more about Autism and the unique strengths and challenges of individuals on the autism spectrum, please review the above website.

An inspiring story about Zander Coloma a VUSD student participating in Vista Softball.

We appreciate all of what our Speech Language Pathologists do to support our students & families.

Classified School Employees Week May 21-27

STARS of Excellence & Innovation is our staff recognition award program for Vista Unified School District. This recognition is for all VUSD employees. This award will be given at the end of every month and will include a gift from a local small business, a picture on the VUSD website, recognition in the community update, on social media platforms, and at the regular board meetings. Please see our current and past STARS below.

Please help to congratulate Dr. Brianna Meshke McLay for her paper, “Examining the Relationships Between Resilience Assets and Mental Health Outcomes Among Students Attending Continuation High Schools.” Her work was recognized at the CASP 2022 awards and welcome dinner.

Dr. Michael Goodman was a school psychologist, UC Berkeley adjunct professor,
and served as CASP President in 1997 – 1998. His diagnostic skills were legendary.
Throughout his career, he encouraged research by students, trainers, and school
psychologists alike. This $500 cash award was created in his memory upon his passing. Each year, it is given to one original study which answers a new, unique research question and focuses on a problem or question related to school psychology. The winner of this year’s Michael Goodman award is Brianna Meshke McLay.

SDCOE’s Wellness and School Culture team has curated a variety of resources that you could find helpful.

Better Hearing and Speech Month (BHSM), founded in 1927 by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Each May, this annual event raise awareness about hearing & speech problems, & encourages people to get their hearing checked.

CAPTAIN is a multiagency network developed to support the understanding and use of evidence based practices for individuals on the autism spectrum across California.

May Events for family, friends, staff, and teachers.

Topics Include: IEP Support, Book Circle, and Parents Day Conference.

The North Coastal Consortium for Special Education (NCCSE) is a Special Education Local Planning Area (SELPA) that is composed of 14 school districts in North San Diego County. For additional workshops please review the website.

Certificated Staff:

• Education Specialist-Mild/Moderate Teacher ($2,000 incentive) (2023/2024 school year)
• Education Specialist-Moderate/Severe Teacher ($2,000 incentive) (2023/2024 School Year)
• Learning Support: Early Childhood Education Specialist (Mild/Moderate) - Human
• School Psychologist - Special Education
• Speech Language Pathologist - Special Education
• Early Childhood Education Specialist - California Avenue School (Repost)
• Education Specialist-Moderate/Severe Teacher ($2,000 incentive) (2022/2023
• Education Specialist-Mild/Moderate Teacher ($2,000 incentive) (2022/2023 school year)

Classified Staff:

• INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTION, Permanent & Substitutes (OPEN and CONTINUOUS Application) - 6 Hours Per Day! SIGN-ON BONUS OF $500
  
• SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT IV-SH/PH - OPEN and CONTINUOUS application SIGN-ON BONUS OF $500
  
• INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT II-LH/CH/RSP - Permanent - 5 to 6 hours per day! SIGN-ON BONUS OF $500
  

Please don't hesitate to communicate with our Community Liaison. We are here to facilitate communication between VUSD and families. If you need assistance please reach out to Doris Cruz.

Phone number: (760) 726-2170 ext. 92914

Email: doriscruz@vistausd.org

SpEd Community Liaison Flyer English/Spanish

• Autism Society San Diego
• CA Special Education Data Resources
• Exceptional Family Resource Center
• Findhelp.org
• Inclusive Schools
• Mental Health Resources for Teens
  
• North County Resource Guide
• NCCSE- Mental Health Presentation from Nov. 9th
• ​Online Tutoring
• San Diego County Office of Education
• San Diego Regional Center
• Special Olympics
• Special Needs Resource Foundation of San Diego
• VUSD Calming Corner

Nereida Gutierrez, Director, Special Education, specialeducationdept@vistausd.org

Steffanie Rupp, Coordinator, Special Education, steffanierupp@vistausd.org

Rachel Schmidt, Principal, California Avenue School, rachelschmidt@vistausd.org

Katherine Abraham, Principal, Vista Adult Transition Program, katherineabraham@vistausd.org

Jennifer Gruman, Program Supervisor, jennifergruman@vistausd.org

William Foley, Program Supervisor, williamfoley@vistausd.org

Kinga Nagorny, Program Supervisor, kinganagorny@vistausd.org

Dr. Charyn Socket Berg, Program Supervisor charynberg@vistausd.org

Dafnee Ramirez, Administrative Secretary, Special Education, dafneeramirez@vistausd.org

Debra Harris, Data Tech, debraharris@vistausd.org

Yvonne Fortin, Data Tech, yvonnefortin@vistausd.org

Doris Cruz, Community Liaison, Special Education, doriscruz@vistausd.org

Special Education Department: specialeducationdept@vistausd.org

Email: Specialeducationdept@vistausd.org
Website: https://www.vistausd.org/departments/special_education
Location: Vista Unified School District, 1234 Arcadia Avenue, Vista, CA 92084, USA
Phone: (760) 726-2170
Twitter: @VUSDSpEd