Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we embark on another exciting school year, we want to extend a warm welcome to both our returning families and those who are new to our school district. We are thrilled to have you as part of our community, and we look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s growth and success.
For our new families, welcome! We are committed to providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive. Whether you’re just beginning your journey with us or continuing from previous years, know that we are here to support you every step of the way.
Our staff is dedicated to ensuring that your child receives the individualized attention and resources they need to succeed. We encourage you to stay connected with us through this newsletter, where we will share important updates, resources, and tips to help you navigate the school year.
We are excited to work with you and your child, and we look forward to a year filled with learning, growth, and positive experiences. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher or our Student Support Services Department.
Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Nadine Milostan
Executive Director
The Waterford School District Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of parents of children with disabilities. The PAC meets regularly with the Executive Director of the Student Support Services Department to discuss and give feedback and advice on the special education programs and services with the district. The purpose statement of the PAC is, "Collectively grow a family and school partnership that fosters mutual capacity, involvement, communication, relationship, and collaboration around students with disabilities." The members of the PAC work hard to stay knowledgeable about changes and issues in special education.
As partners in your child's education, we want to ensure that every student receives the support they need to thrive both academically and personally. To help you understand the wide range of services and resources available to support your child’s educational journey, we encourage you to read the Student Support Services Handbook. This handbook is designed to provide you with essential information about the various programs, accommodations, and services offered within our district.
Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education. We help facilitate parent involvement as a means of improving educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities.
Michigan Alliance for Families can assist you in knowing your rights, effectively communicating your child’s needs, and advising how to help them develop and learn.
Each Michigan Alliance staff member is a parent or family member of an individual with disabilities who has first-hand experience with the aspects of the special education system. Every staff member is trained in listening, communicating, and problem-solving.
Michigan Alliance for Families is our state’s federally funded Parent Training and Information Center. We are a Michigan Department of Education IDEA Grant Funded Initiative. The efforts of Michigan Alliance for Families align with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help improve results for children with disabilities. Michigan Alliance for Families can assist you in knowing your rights, effectively communicating your child’s needs, and advising how to help your child develop and learn. Also, check out our partner agencies and organizations.
For over the past quarter-century, Euro-Peds Foundation/Euro-Therapies has been dedicated to providing essential support and resources to children with special needs. As part of their ongoing commitment, they are excited to announce their upcoming Family Fun Day event at the Oakland Yard facility in Waterford, where they will be hosting an array of activities, food, and fun for special needs children and their families in the area.
The funds raised during this event will be instrumental in providing crucial services such as travel assistance, therapy sessions, and other essential needs for children who may not otherwise have access to such care. Through partnerships with compassionate businesses their aim is to raise $100,000 or supersede this goal for the Euro-Peds Foundation, a cause close to their hearts.
Did you know that Oakland County Parks has activities for children and adults with disabilities?
Check out the fall line up of fun! To register call. 248-858-0916
September 18- Awesome Autumn at Waterford Oaks County Park 6-8 PM (ages 18 and up)
September 21 -Disability Dirt Days at Holly Oaks ORV Park 11 Am-3 PM (ages 10 and up)
October 20-Disability Dirt Days at Holly Oaks ORV Park 11 AM-3 PM (ages 10 and up)
October 24-Halloween Happiness at the Southfield Civic Center 6-8 PM (all ages)
November 8- Hoedown Dance with Novi Parks and Recreation cultural Services 6-8 PM (18 and older)
The Student Support Services Department is pleased to introduce several new staff members who have joined our team, bringing fresh perspectives and a shared dedication to your child's success. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. Together, we can make this school year one of growth, achievement, and joy.
Kimberly Rose: Student Support Services Coordinator
Carly Kozlowski: Resource Room Teacher and Student Support Services Coordinator
Jenna Dalrymple: School Social Worker
Heather Hayes: School Social Worker
Trisha Clough, School Social Worker
Bethany McQuiston, School Social Worker
Dakota Nicely: School Social Worker
Marlow McLaughlin-Franklin: School Social Worker
Libbie Gleason: School Social Worker
Claudia Wacker: School Social Worker
Lesley Toto: School Social Worker
Carol Carnley: Speech and Language Pathologist
Sara Rice: Speech and Language Pathologist
Kristine Femmiinineo: Speech and Language Pathologist
Julie Smith: Speech and Language Pathologist
Kim Czygan: ASD Teacher
Samantha Smolinski: ASD Teacher
Heather Smith: ASD Teacher
Tisa Rowe: Resource Room Teacher
Elizabeth (Lizzy) Baetens: Resource Room Teacher
Jill Gregg: LRC Teacher
Jill Remisoki: LRC Teacher
Tatyana Burr: Day Treatment Teacher
Kristi Wood: Day Treatment Teacher
Alysa Clouse: School Psychologist Intern
Jordan Kondrat: Physical Therapist
Susan Fendler: Occupational Therapist
Fall Sports will be starting soon.
Bowling starts Monday September 16th . It will be every Monday right after school at 300 bowl.
Poly Hockey starts Tuesday September 10th . It will be every Tuesday right after school at Kettering until 4PM. If you are interested in learning more about Waterford's Special Olympics program please reach out to Coach Morse at AdamsM01@wsdmi.org
On Friday, August 9th, the Student Support Services Department hosted a Back to School ice cream social at Custard's Corner to mark the beginning of the upcoming new school year. The event was a wonderful blend of sweet treats and community building. Students from many schools gathered to enjoy a variety of delicious ice cream while reconnecting with friends and making new acquaintances. The relaxed atmosphere fostered a sense of camaraderie and excitement for the upcoming school year. The ice cream social proved to be a great success!
For the 2024-2025 school year, the Oakland Schools Parent Advisory Committee (OS PAC) and the Transition community in Oakland County are teaming up to bring two important learning opportunities to students, families, and educators to help prepare youth and young adults with a disability make a successful transition from school to adult life.
The Community Agency Fair will take place on Monday, October 7th, from 12:00pm-3:30pm at Oakland Schools which is located at: 2111 Pontiac Lake Road Waterford, MI 48328. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and learn about a variety of community service agencies in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
The Employment, Further Learning & Independent Living Panel 5:00pm-6:30pm Participants will have the opportunity to interact with representatives from community service agencies during panel discussions focused on employment, further learning, and independent living.
This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP for either or both sessions by October 2nd if you plan to attend. Light refreshments will be available throughout the day.
For more information, please contact Kimberly Cannon or Matthew Korolden by email or phone at:
Kimberly.cannon@oakland.k12.mi.us or at: 248.209.2435
Matthew.korolden@oakland.k12.mi.us 248-209-2504
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MAF Parent Mentors of Oakland County
Website: https://www.waterford.k12.mi.us/our-district/administration-departments/student-support-services/
Location: 501 North Cass Lake Road, Waterford Township, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 682-3242
The Board of Education of the Waterford School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its education program or activity and is required by Title IX and its implementing regulations not to discriminate in such a manner. The requirement not to discriminate in its education program or activity extends to admission and employment.
The District’s Title IX Coordinators are:
Executive Director of Student Support Services and the Director of Safety, Security & Health
248.682.7800
501 N. Cass Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328