It has been just over a month since I joined Antioch Unified as Interim Superintendent, and I want to express my gratitude for the warm welcome I have received. At my core, I am an educator, and what matters most to me is what happens in our schools each day. I have had the opportunity to visit more than half of our schools so far, and I continue to be impressed by the dedication of our staff and the inclusive and supportive environments you create for our students.

During my visits, I have seen so many inspiring examples of teaching and learning in action. I was excited to witness the implementation of UFLI and the strong focus on early literacy, ensuring that our youngest learners have a solid foundation in reading. I also had the chance to learn about our robust career pathway programs. Students in our law pathway are exploring careers in the legal field, while others in our engineering and construction pathways are gaining hands-on experience that will prepare them for future success. One particularly memorable moment was seeing students in our health pathway take care of animated babies that cried if they weren’t fed—an engaging and realistic learning experience!

I also want to recognize the district’s commitment to supporting the whole child. Our wellness rooms, staffed by dedicated professionals, provide students with a space to refocus and receive the support they need. I happened to visit one school that was celebrating students' attendance and recognizing how they use their life skills to support their classmates. I also attended the district’s Black History Month event. How inspiring to see our students recognize and appreciate Black History through music, dance, and spoken word!

In addition, our district leadership continues to strengthen systemwide supports through professional development, by enhancing student intervention programs to help those who need additional academic support and leveraging our bond funds to improve our facilities. These efforts reinforce our shared mission to serve all students and create environments where they can thrive.

As we enter March, I want to emphasize how critical it is to keep the momentum of learning strong. This time of year, is pivotal in ensuring students master grade-level standards and finish the year successfully. Please know that I am here to support you in this work, and I appreciate all that you do to make a difference in the lives of our students.

With gratitude,
Dr. Matt Wayne
Interim Superintendent

Join us in making healthy habits this month and keeping it going throughout the year! For March let's focus on Stress Management. At Kaiser Permanente, we know total health and wellness go beyond the doctor's office. That's why we're here to help you find the high-quality care and resources you need.

Stress is a part of life, too much of it can take a toll on our minds, and impact our physical health. Below are some tools and resources to help you when stress strikes and to help develop coping skills for future stressful situations.

• Get one-on-one guidance and support from a dedicated wellness coach who can help you set goals, stick to them, and, most importantly, see results. And you can do it all from the comfort of your home.
• Wellness Coaching by Phone
• From interactive wellness classes to local resources and group support, these programs will help you thrive in mind, body, and spirit.
• Health Classes and support groups
• Participate in personalized online programs for your health goals.
• Healthy lifestyle programs
• Learn when your feelings may be a sign of something more serious.
• Interactive mental health guidance

We all feel overwhelmed by stress from time to time. Paying more attention to your feelings and your responses to difficult situations can help you keep those moments in check. Watch the 5 Ways to Cope video OR scan the QR code.

COME AND GET YOUR CALM ON!

What is Calm? The number one app for sleep and meditation which is designed to help lower stress, anxiety, and more. Free to all Kaiser Permanente members.

Calm features more than 100 guided meditations and sleep stories for a more restful sleep. It also features exclusive music tracks for focus, relaxation, sleep, and much more! This app is free to all Kaiser Permanente members. Please visit www.kp.org/selfcareapps to learn more.

Join us for 15 minutes to de-stress, reset, and renew yourself.

(open to everyone regardless of your health plan)

Wednesday, March 12th, 10 am - 10:15 am -Click here to join the meeting

Wednesday, March 26th, 2 pm - 2:15 pm Click here to join the meeting

Monthly Challenge:

During the “Book Worm” challenge we invite you to read a book for 600 minutes. This may be a bit overwhelming to hear but 600 minutes equals only 10 hours. Reading a good book can add years to your mental health, protect your brain from forms of dementia diseases, and help promote sleep. We are asking that you read, not listen to audiobooks. While audiobooks are convenient the process of reading increases your brain power and helps your whole body relax, giving your mind a break from the day. It can also help promote sleep….so curl up in a comfy spot, relax your body, and exercise your mind!

🌟 Featured This Month:

AWARENESS AND RECOGNITION DATES

· Nutrition month

· 1st: Zero Discrimination Day

· 8th: International Women's Day

· 15th: World Sleep Day

· 20th: International Day of Happiness

Monthly Highlight: International Women’s Day – March 8th, 2025

International Women's Day is a time to recognize and appreciate the unique talents, perspectives, and experiences that women bring to the table. It's a day to celebrate their successes, both big and small, and to uplift and support one another on our collective journey. This year let's come together to celebrate the achievements, strength, and resilience of women in our lives, workplaces, and communities.

In the spirit of empowerment and support, our partners at TELUS Health have curated a selection of resources aimed at enhancing various aspects of women's health, career development, and personal well-being. These resources are designed to provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive in all areas of your life:

· Motherhood and career - Is it possible to have it all article

· Caregiving when you work article

· Mindfulness Care Now program

· New motherhood toolkit

· Dealing with change for families webinar

· Managing sleep issues

· Take a physical health assessment

· Dealing with the stress of infertility while working

· Understanding menopause article

· Managing menopause toolkit

To access these resources, please use the login information provided by your employer.

Kristine Koepke, a kindergarten teacher at Sutter Elementary, has been named the 2025 AUSD Teacher of the Year for her dedication, innovation, and exceptional teaching.

With 25 years in Antioch Unified, Kristine has taught various grade levels and recently transitioned to kindergarten to help build a strong learning foundation for young scholars. She excels in differentiated instruction, integrates social-emotional learning, and implements rigorous academic strategies to support student growth. Her commitment is evident in her use of programs like UFLI, Heggerty, and Secret Stories to enhance literacy skills.

Beyond her classroom, Kristine is a leader and mentor, actively contributing to grade-level PLCs, the Guiding Coalition, and professional development. She fosters strong relationships with families, supports school-wide initiatives, and engages in after-school literacy programs through the HEROES program.

Kristine’s ability to inspire, lead, and connect makes her a truly deserving recipient of this honor. She embodies the spirit of an outstanding educator, leaving a lasting impact on her students, colleagues, and the school community.

LaTaisha Williams, a special education teacher at Dallas Ranch Middle School, has been recognized as the 2025 AUSD Teacher of the Year Runner-Up for her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success.

With over nine years at Dallas Ranch Middle School, LaTaisha has consistently demonstrated exceptional skill in supporting students with special needs. She is highly proficient in developing and implementing individualized education plans (IEPs), adapting teaching methods to diverse learning styles, and integrating innovative educational technologies to enhance student engagement.

LaTaisha’s compassion and patience set her apart, as she builds strong relationships with students, creating an inclusive and nurturing classroom environment where every student feels valued. She also excels in collaboration and communication, working closely with educators, staff, and parents to ensure a cohesive support system for her students.

As a teacher leader, LaTaisha shares her knowledge with colleagues and actively contributes to the professional growth of her team. Her problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure further highlight her leadership qualities.

LaTaisha’s dedication to student success, teamwork, and innovative teaching make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition.

Bidwell Continuation High School has been recommended for the distinguished Model Continuation High School Award by the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA) Plus. This recognition highlights the school’s dedication, innovation, and commitment to student success.

The official announcement of Model School status will be made later this month. In the meantime, Bidwell staff will attend the CCEA Plus Annual Conference from April 24–27, 2025, in San Diego.

In addition to the recognition, the conference provides valuable professional development opportunities, including workshops, presentations, and networking events aimed at strengthening continuation high school programs.

We have launched a district immigration resource webpage www.antiochschools.net/immigration . This page includes important resources, district communications, and our special logo in support of students and families.

State Testing is quickly approaching! AUSD's official testing window opens April 7th. SETLs will be working with administration during the month of March to train all test administrators and we are excited for our scholars to show us what we know! We have linked the website below that teachers can utilize to prepare their students for this spring's test administration.

Practice and Training Tests

Test Administrator Practice and Training Site: Staff can access the practice and training site to fine tune their proctoring and administration skills prior to launching a live session with students.

Practice and Training Test Resources: Staff can access resources including scoring guides, rubrics, DFAs for the practice test sessions.

Practice and Training Tests for Students: Staff can access the practice tests and training tests as a student or guest user. We highly encourage staff to plan practice sessions with students to affirm they can log into the system prior to official administration beginning.

Antioch High’s Peer Advocate students were visited on Monday by the Children’s Partnership.

It’s the first time this team has been able to meet with our students since being awarded a $1.2 million grant for the program.

The evaluation team will offer support to help AHS with “the advancement of the advocacy and impact goals for the Peer-to-Peer Youth Mental Health Pilot Demonstration.”

Said Shira Sweitzer, Peer teacher: “Our students showcased our amazing program and all the hard work they put into it to make it as successful as it is. I am proud of them and their work to create a more inclusive campus community. We are excited about all of the opportunities this grant is providing us with. We look forward to the continued learning, collaborating, growth, and transformation. We feel very grateful.”

Antioch proudly supports our newest teachers through our pre-induction (APIP) program. If you are a teacher currently being supported in APIP please be sure to give an update whenever your status changes so that we can continue to support you in your next steps! Just send an email to tammyely-kofford@antiochschools.net or call ext. 42769.

AHS VP Darvisa Marshall coordinated and curated a stellar celebration for eligible reclassification students. Fourteen students of the 29 eligible Panthers were present along with their families to receive their certificate and medal for their hard work and accomplishment. Commentary from their PTA president, a former student graduate, and community dignitaries shared their wishes of support. The award presentation was followed by a delicious catered taco bar and sweet treats to seal the evening.

Congratulation Antioch High School students!

On January 7th, we had the opportunity to participate in a training provided by the EL (English Learners) department titled "SWRL-ing with ELs! Strategies That Work," led by Dr. Melinda R. Pierson from TCM. During this workshop, aides learned how they, as paraeducators, can support our EL (English Learners) scholars through various learning strategies.

Some of the strategies we explored include:

• Teaching through photos or drawings.
• Encouraging reading and organizing ideas.
• Using graphic organizers to structure thoughts.
• Implementing effective writing techniques.
• Reinforcing vocabulary learning.

They also reflected on the importance of celebrating every step our EL students take in their learning journey. We always remind them that being bilingual is a superpower.

It was a workshop filled with learning, practical ideas, and motivation to continue supporting our scholars.! All our Bilingual aides were engaging throughout the session. Be sure to use their increased expertise!

Thank you to everyone who participated

How Can We Best Support Our Multilingual Learners?

Appropriately serving Multilingual Learners is a district priority and a central responsibility of every educator. Language development is foundational for every learner and our commitment to Multilingual Learners also complies with state and federal laws.

Asset-based learning environments focus on students' strengths and potential. This approach emphasizes what students can do and builds on their existing knowledge and skills. For MLLs this means recognizing and valuing their linguistic and cultural assets and using these as a foundation for further learning.

Culturally responsive learning environments aim to create inclusive spaces where all students feel valued and respected. This involves integrating students' cultural backgrounds into the curriculum and classroom practices. In other words, using their cultural references to make learning more relevant and effective. This can include using diverse texts, encouraging students to share their cultural experiences, and creating a classroom environment that reflects the diversity of the students.

Combining these approaches for multilingual learners involves:

1. Recognizing and Valuing Diversity: Acknowledging the unique cultural and linguistic backgrounds of students and using these as assets in the learning process.
2. Inclusive Curriculum: Incorporating materials and resources that reflect the diverse cultures and languages of the students.
3. Student-Centered Instruction: Designing lessons that are relevant to students' lives and experiences, and that promote active engagement and participation.
4. Supportive Environment: Creating a classroom atmosphere where all students feel safe, respected, and valued.

By focusing on students' strengths and cultural backgrounds, educators can create more effective and inclusive learning environments for multilingual learners.

How do you think these approaches could be applied in your context?

The District is now in its third year of operating staffed Wellness Rooms, available Monday through Friday during school hours. Given the significant investment in this Tier 1 resource, it’s essential to assess whether these spaces are having the intended impact.

To gather valuable feedback, the Wellness, Culture, and Climate Team distributed a Mid-Year Wellness Room Satisfaction Survey, inviting input from classified staff, certificated staff, and administrators.

We’re pleased to report that we received responses from every site with a Wellness Room, with a total of 237 staff members participating. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your thoughts — your feedback helps guide the future of this important resource.

In this short article, I will share some high-level findings from the Survey paired with District-wide data on Wellness Room usage from the Universal Wellness Room Data Form. I hope this information will show the contours of the effect Wellness Rooms are having in our schools.

First, some context that speaks to why the Wellness Rooms provide such a critical resource within the District’s MTSS Behavioral Tier 1 framework. At the core of every misbehavior is a student with a dysregulated nervous system. Students become agitated and act out, cause disruptions and are often disrespectful and defiant. While writing a referral is a quick solution, research shows the most effective way to address misbehavior – and actually change behavior – is to teach students how to regulate their bodies. When students develop the skills to 1) become aware of when they’re getting upset, and 2) know how to manage their big Wellness Room (84% self-referring) and that they are clearly benefiting from the opportunity to take a break (99% found WR helpful). As a Tier 1 resource, all students must have access to using the Wellness Room on their site. These data illustrate the value students find in Wellness Rooms. We are hearing anecdotal accounts of students coming from middle schools where they’ve had a Wellness Room being very excited to learn that there is a Wellness Room at their high school too. This consistency across Elementary to Secondary sites will really benefit our students by providing a familiar resource with uniform expectations that they can use when needed.

From the survey, you will see that the majority of staff find that the Wellness Rooms are also of value with 77% reporting the Wellness Rooms have had an overall positive impact and an equal percent stating that the Wellness Rooms are helping students regulate their emotions. Over half of staff feel students are returning to class ready to learn (64%) and that Wellness Rooms help reduce classroom disruptions (60%).

The Survey also revealed a handful of concerns that many staff share. These concerns will be named, explored, and addressed in a separate, more extensive report on Survey Findings.

From the Survey data and the Wellness Room Usage data we can see a lot of positive impact experienced both by students and staff. This is encouraging as the need for Tier 1 mental health resources is so high. Moving forward, the District will review and address the areas where Wellness Room practice and policy need to be bolstered, including providing additional training where needed. As always, please feel free to contact anyone on the Wellness, Culture, and Climate Team with questions or concerns.

January 23, 2025

What is Mystery Science Writing?

Mystery Science Writing is offering a free trial subscription for all 2nd through 5th-grade teachers through June 2025. This program is already being used with great success in classrooms at Turner and Sutter, where teachers report positive outcomes, and students love it too.

Program Overview:

Mystery Science Writing creates engaging content that sparks children's curiosity about the world around them. Their standards-aligned, research-based writing instruction provides scaffolded lessons, graphic organizers, and differentiated learning opportunities. The program includes genre units such as narrative, opinion, and informative writing, with essential skills lessons that cover topics like setting writing goals, crafting topic sentences, expanding sentences, using domain-specific vocabulary, incorporating direct quotations, writing complex sentences, exploring character traits, and much more.

Engaging, Real-Life Content:

Mystery Science Writing brings real-world experiences into the classroom, enriching students’ vocabulary while building background knowledge. The program views students as "active explorers" who learn not just by listening, but by discussing, building models, observing, and writing about their discoveries.

Streamlined, Fun Teaching:

Mystery Science Writing makes prep easy by virtually bringing co-teachers into classrooms through short video clips. Their mission is to make teaching both fun and exciting for educators and students alike.

Click the photo below at access the Mystery Science Writing Website

Senate Bill 114 Overview:

On July 10, 2023, Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 114 into law. This bill introduces Education Code Section 53008, titled “Screening for Risk of Reading Difficulties.” Section 53008 mandates that Local Education Agencies (LEAs) screen students in kindergarten through 2nd grade for reading delays, including dyslexia.

AUSD Committee’s Efforts:

Our AUSD Committee, which includes classroom teachers, a reading specialist, and both site and district administration, has been actively working to implement this law. In December 2024, California released its list of approved reading screeners. Since the beginning of this year, the AUSD Reading Difficulties Screener Committee has met twice to review available information and make the best decision for our students and staff. We are adhering to state timelines and guidelines, with full implementation of this law required by the 2025/2026 school year.

Next Steps:

The committee is dedicated to carefully evaluating which reading screener will be recommended to the AUSD Board for adoption in the spring. We will continue share information as we work through the process to ensure that our final recommendation best meets the needs of our staff and students.

Click the Department of Education Seal for a 5 page overview of SB114

As testing season approaches, now is a great time to use CAST Interim Assessments to gauge student understanding and strengthen science instruction. These NGSS-aligned assessments provide valuable insights, helping teachers identify areas of strength and focus before the California Science Test (CAST).

• Measure student proficiency in key science concepts
• Identify gaps and adjust instruction accordingly
• Familiarize students with test question formats

Teachers can administer CAST Interim Assessments in a standardized or non-standardized environment:

• Standardized: Uses the Test Administrator Interface, where students log in and complete the assessment individually.
• Non-Standardized: Uses the Interim Assessment Viewing System, allowing flexibility for small groups, whole-class discussions, partner work, individualized support, reteaching, or even as a Problem of the Day routine.

🔒 Reminder: Interim assessments are secure and not public—please do not share pictures of questions.

Let’s use these tools to ensure students feel confident and prepared for CAST!

Elementary School CAST Resources.zip

Middle School CAST Resources.zip

High School CAST Resources.zip

https://girlswhocode.com/programs/summer-immersion-program

Get ready to be inspired! Our talented students are bringing the arts to life through upcoming Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) showcases across the district. From captivating performances to stunning visual art displays, these events highlight the creativity, dedication, and artistic excellence of our students.

Don't miss the chance to celebrate their hard work and support the arts in our schools!

Chapter 1: Introduction

Why learn math:

• Mathematics is essential for understanding the world, rooted in human curiosity and intuitive grasp of numerical relationships that develop through early exploration and play.
• A curriculum connecting mathematics to real-life experiences fosters critical thinking and empowers students to use mathematical concepts fluently, revealing their relevance in daily life, communities, and careers.

What we know about how students learn math:

• Active problem-solving and reasoning help build students' confidence in math.
• Neuroscience shows brain plasticity enables improvement in math through focused experiences.
• Varied math tasks (visual, tactile, digital) engage all learners, supporting both struggling and high-achieving students.
• Inconsistent use of research-based practices in U.S. math education contributes to achievement gaps.

Overarching principles that guide work towards equity in mathematics:

1. All students deserve powerful mathematics instruction that cultivates their abilities and achievement.
2. Access to an engaging and humanizing education—a socio-cultural, human endeavor—is a universal right.
3. Student engagement must be a goal in designing mathematics curriculum, co-equal with content goals.
4. Students’ cultural backgrounds, experiences, and language are resources for teaching and learning mathematics.
5. All students, regardless of background, language of origin, differences, or prior learning are capable and deserving of depth of understanding and engagement in rich mathematics tasks.

Three kinds of teacher awareness to ensure all students have access and opportunities:

1. Seeing opportunities for growth in math capacity: Teachers should emphasize that everyone can learn math, with abilities growing through engagement and perseverance.
2. Meeting varied learning needs: Teachers should create inclusive classroom experiences that leverage diverse backgrounds as assets while fostering perseverance and shared exploration of mathematical concepts.
3. Using a multidimensional approach to mathematics: Teachers should incorporate various forms of engagement, representation, and expression aligned with Universal Design for Learning (UDL), to enhance student understanding and experience of mathematics, fostering a growth mindset and perseverance.

Counted Out shows us the power of math in our society, our economy, and our democracy.​

“Counted Out” investigates the biggest crises of our time — racism, political polarization, economic inequity, a global pandemic, climate change — through the unexpected lens of math. This striking documentary exposes systemic inequities that weaponize math as a gatekeeper. And shines a light on math as the foundation of democracy and economic opportunity that allows everyone to fully participate in this fast-moving society.​

Learn more: www.countedoutfilm.com

Following the screening, we’ll host a discussion on how we can collectively foster a more inclusive and equitable math learning experience for all students.

📅 Date: March 11, 2025
📍 Location: Maya Pittsburg Cinemas (4085 Century Blvd, Pittsburg, CA 94565)

⏰ Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Register here for free tickets: https://bit.ly/3Eva80Q

https://forms.office.com/r/3ChgsQgNg0

AUSD will offer a wide variety of elementary summer programs for students including Elementary Summer Camps, Dual Immersion, English Language Development, and Special Education. Program dates will vary by program, but all programs will take place between June 16-July 16. Our Expanded Learning Opportunity program (BACR) will provide Summer Intersession at all Elementary and Middle School sites with regular school year in-person programs. Intersession information for students and families has been posted to our various media sources and is included below.

Postings for Elementary Summer Program positions will be made the week of March 10th. Position announcements will be sent to school sites for posting. Certificated staff interested in working for our summer programs, please submit a Summer Program application using the link provided with the position announcement. Application for Classified positions, contact Classified HR. All applications need to be submitted by 3:00PM March 21st.

The Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) is excited to announce that enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year is now open! Families looking to enroll their children in AUSD schools can take advantage of a convenient online enrollment process or choose to complete a paper packet at their designated resident school site.

How to Enroll
Parents and guardians have two options for enrolling their children:

1. Online Enrollment – Visit the official AUSD website to complete the enrollment process electronically. This option provides a fast, easy, and accessible way to secure your child’s spot for the upcoming school year.

2. In-Person Enrollment – Families who prefer to enroll in person can pick up and submit a paper enrollment packet at their designated resident school site during regular office hours.

Why Enroll Early?
Enrolling early ensures that families can secure placement at their neighborhood school and receive important information about school schedules, orientation sessions, and any necessary documentation requirements.

Who Should Enroll?
Enrollment is open to all new students entering Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade.

Required Documents
To complete enrollment, parents or guardians should be prepared to provide:

· Proof of residence (such as a utility bill or rental agreement)

· The child’s birth certificate

· Immunization records

· Parent/guardian identification

For more information on enrollment procedures, required documents, and school site locations, please visit the AUSD website or contact your local school office. Don’t wait—secure your child’s place in the Antioch Unified School District for the 2025-2026 school year today!

The Antioch Unified School District (AUSD) is currently accepting applications for both intra-district and inter-district transfers for the upcoming school year. Families interested in transferring their child to another school within AUSD or to/from another district should be aware of the procedures and deadlines associated with these transfer requests.

Intra-District Transfers
An intra-district transfer allows students to transfer from one school within AUSD to another school within the district. Applications for intra-district transfers must be submitted to Student Support Services no later than March 1st to be considered for the following school year.

Inter-District Transfers
An inter-district transfer applies to students who wish to transfer from an AUSD school to a school in another district or vice versa. If you are looking to transfer into AUSD, you must first start the process with your resident district and obtain a release before your application can be considered by AUSD.

Application Process and Considerations

· Intra-district transfer applications should be submitted directly to Student Support Services by the deadline. Approval is based on factors such as space availability and program capacity.

· Inter-district transfer requests require a release from the student’s current district before AUSD will review the application.

· Approval for both types of transfers is subject to district policies and guidelines.

Families considering a transfer should begin the process early to ensure timely submission and consideration. For more details on transfer policies and application forms, visit the AUSD website or contact Student Support Services.

Thank you Middle School Counselors!

Exciting news! The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI) Fee Schedule is officially live, allowing us to bill for services provided to General Education students. This marks a significant milestone in expanding access to mental health support across our schools.

A special recognition goes to our incredible Middle School Counselors, who have led the way in this process. They were the first to undergo Care Solace training, learn the new billing system, and begin submitting claims. Their dedication and leadership have paved the way for a smoother transition for the rest of our counseling teams.

With the system now active, billing will begin very soon. Elementary and High School Counselors will receive training in the near future, ensuring that all students across grade levels benefit from this initiative.

Thank you to our Middle School Counselors for spearheading this effort and for your commitment to supporting student wellness. Your hard work and willingness to lead the charge are truly appreciated!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to expand this process and improve access to vital mental health services for our students.

February 2025 Dateline Newsletter:

click here

Event Flyers Below

Please join us Tuesday May 20th 5-7pm at the Lone Tree Golf Course to celebrate our retirees. Dinner includes three types of pasta, salad, and bread.

Join us for the food, fun, and celebration!

Retiree and one guest link (free): https://forms.office.com/r/zBHiK4TrHu

Additional Guest Link ($45 each): https://foreupshops.1-2-1marketing.com/lonetreegc/product/ausd-retirement-dinner-retirees-one-guest-are-free-additional-guest-payment-here-45-each/

https://form.jotform.com/202325532601139

As part of the efforts to increase awareness of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in its 50th anniversary, the IDEA Full Funding Coalition (of which CAFSE is a member) has launched an IDEA Full Funding website: https://www.ideafullfunding.org/. The website will be updated periodically with additional resources, etc.

Preschool DRDP Spring Dates

January 1-May 16

Antioch and Liberty Legal Training on:

Writing Compliant and Defensible IEPs

Presented by : Elizabeth Rho Ng, AALRR Partner

When: March 17, 2025 8:30am-12:00pm

Where: Black Diamond Middle School Auditorium

4730 Sterling Hill Dr, Antioch, CA 94531

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

Black Diamond Middle School Auditorium

10:00am - 11:30am, 4730 Sterling Hill Drive

SEIS Study Hall and So You Think You Can SpEd sessions will be held on the following Wednesday afternoons, from 1:30 - 3:30 pm in room 502 at BDMS. The meeting on 3/19/25 will also be accessible via TEAMS.

• March 12th Writing IEP Goals
• March 19th Goals

Admin Training - SPED Leadership- IEE's, Stay Puts, and Legal Updates

Thursday, March 6 · 9:00 – 11:00 am

Time zone: America/Los_Angeles

Google link: https://meet.google.com/sji-yufx-ffe

SELPA PD - SPG Therapy and Education Presenting the Nuts & Bolts of Apraxia Therapy

Thursday, March 13, 2025 · 9:00am – 12:00pm

Time zone: America/Los_Angeles

Google link: https://meet.google.com/xva-bjny-gnb

Thank you Katie Ingalls and all of our Special Education staff that supported the amazing collaboration this school year. It is with your dedication and support our students get to enjoy these amazing moments! Katie has been nominated as our AUSD CAC (Community Advisory Committee) SELPA representative as she has coordinated many amazing events for our students and families this year.

Assistant Director, Melissa Wilson and Coordinator, Alexis Hearnes had the pleasure of acknowledging Taisha at DRMS along with the Ed Service Department. Taisha was selected as the AUSD Teacher of The Year Runner Up.

https://www.nationaldisabilityinstitute.org/press/march-is-developmental-disabilities-awareness-month/

In 1987, President Reagan recognized March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to increase “public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities” and to provide the “encouragement and opportunities they need to lead productive lives and to achieve their full potential.”

We will feature a variety of oranges such as Cara Cara, Blood, and Navel throughout the month. A blood orange will have a deep red color inside due to the anthocyanin pigments.

Grab your magnifying glass and investigate the importance of a healthy breakfast with our cafeteria staff! Come celebrate National School Breakfast Week from March 3-7, 2025.