This newsletter is your go-to source for all things related to our WAVA Special Programs. Here, you'll find valuable resources, important dates, and essential information to keep you informed and engaged all while celebrating our community within the school.

Special Programs at WAVA include:

• Special Education
• Multilanguage Learners
• Highly Capable
• LAP
• Students with a 504

• Helpful Links and Videos can be found here: https://www.wavabulletinboard.com/links
  
• Contact Information for WAVA: https://www.wavabulletinboard.com/contact
  
• WAVA Counselors: https://www.wavabulletinboard.com/services-4
  
• Important Dates and Calendar: https://www.wavabulletinboard.com/general-5
  
• Clubs Info: https://www.wavabulletinboard.com/esports-and-clubs

One of the most important things you can do is set up a solid, consistent school routine beginning on the first day of school. The use of calendars, reminders, visual schedules, or a daily planner all help students feel more responsible for their learning. Check out the template below as just one idea for setting up a schedule.

Having a dedicated space for school each day that is comfortable and distraction-free is a great way to stay focused and on-task while attending classes and completing assignments.

• The Star test is a REQUIRED assessment each student at WAVA must take three times a year; Once in the fall, winter, and spring.
• This test is taken online from home.
• This test is adaptive, meaning there will be questions students may not know. This test is not graded, so don't stress! Questions should be answered to THE BEST of the student's ability.
• This test provides teachers with incredibly valuable data about what students know and what areas each student needs the most help with.
• It is VERY important that this test is taken without any help from learning coaches so we get an accurate picture about where each student is at academically.

Transition services are activities designed to help students with disabilities move smoothly from high school to post-school life. These services equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for further education, employment, and independent living. If you are 16 years old and have an IEP, your case manager may be talking with you about a transition plan as you look ahead towards life after high school.

Here is a website with more information on this topic: https://sites.google.com/view/wavasetransition

When kids feel anxious, it can be really hard for them to focus in school. They might struggle to pay attention, remember what they’ve learned, or even want to go to school. Anxiety can make schoolwork feel overwhelming, which can lead to avoiding it altogether and falling behind. In this month's newsletter we'll look at advice and strategies for managing anxiety.

A- Announcements: Click into EACH course for important announcements from your teacher. Elementary students only need to check the Messages tab.

G- Grades: Check your grades for each class and remember to read the feedback your teacher may leave you.

E- Email: Make sure to check your school email for important information from your school and teachers.

Did You Know?

Fear of the unknown is a common reason why people feel anxious? It’s when we get scared because we don’t have enough information about something. Checking your "SAGE" daily may help take away some anxiety surrounding school.

Teaching kids ways to manage their anxiety is super important. Simple techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive thinking can help them feel calmer and more in control. When kids have good coping strategies, they can focus better, enjoy learning more, and do better in school.

November 11- 15 of this year is National School Psychology Awareness Week! This month in the Special Edition, we will take a moment to highlight our fantastic school psychologists and their role at WAVA.

• School psychologists are specially trained to foster and deliver, in the school and community, mental health services and academic supports that lower barriers to teaching and learning; and help children thrive by nurturing their individual strengths across both personal and academic endeavors.
• School Psychologists at WAVA are trained to assess student- and school- based barriers to learning and individual strengths. You will see them at special education meetings. They collect and look at data to make informed decisions about how to best support our students.
• School Psychologists believe that students learn best when they are healthy, supported, and receive an education that enables them to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

• The K12 Library is a digital leveled eBook library with over 23,000 titles
• The library can be accessed 24/7 on any device
• K-5 students can access by clicking on the "resources" tab from the OLS dashboard
• 6-12 students can access by clicking on the "paperclip" quick link menu at the top, right of the OMHS dashboard.

So, when find yourself looking for your next exciting read and don't have time to go to the local library, remember to log in to the Big Universe library and start filling your digital bookshelf!