The DSS Digest

Diagnostic & Prevention Services

Procedural Support

Special Education

Student Mental Health

Student Services

Dear Department of Student Services,

As the summer sun brightens our days and warms our hearts, I want to take a moment to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you.

May this summer be filled with relaxation, joy, and unforgettable memories. Whether you're planning a vacation, spending time with loved ones, or simply enjoying the longer days, I hope you find moments of peace and rejuvenation.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication throughout the year. Your contributions are truly appreciated, and I'm grateful for the passion and commitment you bring to our team every day.

Wishing you all a wonderful summer filled with happiness and well-deserved rest.

Warm regards,

Tedra

Photo(right)Megan Keller, Speech Language Pathologist at Algonkian Elementary School

This blog post was written by Megan Keller, Speech Language Pathologist at Algonkian Elementary School.

This year, I have been working hard on my dream of creating an adapted library here at Algonkian Elementary! My goal is to promote inclusion by providing non-speaking students or those with emerging verbal skills with the same books that their neurotypical peers have access to. I feel that often the adapted books that are available to print from online sources lack visual stimulation, plots, and fun, well-known characters. I have adapted popular books to allow them to access the language needed to share in the same literary experience as their peers. I want teachers, assistants, and families to be able to easily use the library to foster a love of books while promoting communication and literacy skills.

These books also align with the curriculum that the self-contained special education teachers are using. For example, during the month of May the students in a specialized instructional program are learning about transportation and so I have chosen to target the core word “go”. I used fun, colorful, books such as “Go Dog, Go” and nonfiction texts about vehicles to further target the word “go” and expand upon its meaning. Students can check these books out and families can read the book together! Students can also read to their teachers, assistants, friends, and family. Individuals who use Augmentative/Alternative Communication can use the corresponding icons on their device. or by pointing to the icons on each page. Those working with the students can, of course, expand on the words to model longer utterances. Each book also includes a folder containing comprehension activities, such as sequencing activities, visual comprehension questions, and picture sorts to further build language skills and interaction. I also suggest toys and activities to use to reinforce mastery of these core words through play.

We plan on hosting some family coffee talks next year to discuss promoting literacy and communication at home using this library as a foundation. It’s a work in progress, but I’m excited to watch it grow!

This entry was posted in Learning Language With Augmentative/Alternative Communication, Reading and tagged books, core vocabulary, games, language, library, literacy, speech, toys books, words. Bookmark the permalink.

Posted on June 14, 2024 by chris.bugaj

Games, toys, and books are all used to teach the meaning of the core vocabulary word and beyond!

The Office of Diagnostic and Prevention Services is excited to announce that 2 new Eligibility Coordinators will be joining the team effective July 1 and August 1, 2024.

Carrie Ruvalcaba - The Office of Diagnostic and Prevention Services is pleased to announce Carrie Ruvalcaba as a new Eligibility Coordinator. Carrie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and obtained her teaching licensure in special education from Bridgewater College. She earned her Master of Education in special education from George Mason University. Before working for LCPS, she began her career as a substitute teacher at Grafton Schools and later worked as a Camp Leader and Camp Supervisor for Loudoun County Parks & Recreation Special Recreation Program. In 2001, she joined LCPS as a special education teacher at Sully Elementary School, where she taught students with intellectual disabilities. She moved to Smart’s Mill Middle School in 2004, continuing her role as a special education teacher, instructing English and math classes in the general education and special education settings. Carrie has spent the last 18 years supporting schools across LCPS as an educational diagnostician, conducting educational evaluations and observations to determine eligibility under IDEA and Section 504. She has also mentored newly hired educational diagnosticians and served as an educational rotation supervisor for the LCPS school psychology interns. Additionally, Carrie has provided school-based and county-wide professional development to enhance special educators’ understanding of eligibility testing and facilitated Mastery Learning study skills groups at her assigned elementary and middle schools.

Kimberly Steiner - The Office of Diagnostic and Prevention Services is pleased to announce Kim Steiner as a new Eligibility Coordinator. Kim holds a Bachelor of Science from James Madison University, a Master of Education in Secondary Education from George Washington University, and a Master of Education in Education Leadership from George Mason University. She began her career at Park View High School, serving as a Social Studies teacher and AVID teacher. She then moved to John Champe High School in 2012 and was a member of their inaugural staff. During her time at John Champe, she served as the Social Studies Department Chair and Activities Coordinator. In 2018, she became the Assistant Principal at Willard Intermediate School (now Willard Middle School). While at Willard, Kim was a special education designee for five years. It was in this role that she found a passion for working with students receiving special education services and helping families navigate the world of special education. Kim grew up in Loudoun County, attended Algonkian Elementary, Farmwell Middle School, and graduated from Broad Run High School. She lives in Sterling with her husband Sam, daughter Charlotte (3), son Max (8 months), and black lab Floyd.

I know we will welcome both Carrie and Kimberly to our DSS Family as they transition into their new roles for the upcoming school year!

Dear Department of Student Services Team,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to inform you about an important reorganization within LCPS that impacts our department. As part of our ongoing efforts, as a division, to enhance our support for students and their families, we have decided to consolidate our outreach services under a newly established Family Engagement Office. The new Office of Family Engagement will be under the direction of the Department of Communication and Community Engagement.

This change aims to create a more cohesive and targeted approach to engaging with families, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to foster student success. The new Family Engagement Office will take over all current outreach functions and will also be responsible for developing new initiatives to strengthen family involvement in the educational process.

Here are some key points regarding the transition:

• Effective Date: The reorganization will take effect on Monday, July 1, 2024.
• Team Members: Staff currently involved in outreach services will be transitioning to the Family Engagement Office.
• Mrs. Sarah Eaton Boies, Supervisor of Outreach Services
• Ms. Kristine Kasmai, Program Assistant for Outreach Services will be transitioning to the new Office of Family Engagement.
• New Initiatives: We are excited about the new programs and strategies that will be developed under this office, which will include workshops, family resource centers, and enhanced communication channels between families and the school.
  
• McKinney Vento Services - will remain with the Department of Student Services, Office of Student Services.

Your cooperation and support during this period are highly appreciated. If you have any immediate questions or require further clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued dedication to our students and families.

Best regards,

Tedra

Dear colleagues,

On behalf of the Office of Special Education, I extend heartfelt gratitude to each of you for an exceptional year. Together, we have navigated challenges with resilience, and your dedication has led to numerous achievements worth celebrating! You have truly made a difference.

I want to express my sincere appreciation for your ongoing commitment. May this summer bring you a well-deserved rest and fun with family and friends.

I would also like to extend warm congratulations and many thanks to Arlene Satin Basques for her remarkable 50 years of dedicated service to special education. Arlene, your unwavering passion and contributions are deeply cherished by all of us. We love and appreciate you dearly.

Wishing everyone a wonderful summer ahead,

Paige

The Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) held its annual Recognition of Excellence in Supporting Special Education Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, June 5, at Rock Ridge High School. The awards ceremony recognized educators, students, parents and community members who demonstrated excellence in the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) special education community. These individuals and groups were identified as having gone above and beyond what is expected to be meaningfully inclusive.

SEAC Chair Liz Crotty opened the event, saying, “Everyone who is honored tonight has impacted someone so significantly that they were compelled to share these inspiring actions. I know these snippets we will share tonight will leave you inspired and filled with joy.”

The event opened with a musical presentation by The Pathfinders from A Place to Be, who shared a song with the refrain, “I’m not a label, I’m me.”

Superintendent Aaron Spence commended SEAC for their commitment and for their advocacy. Spence, who has six children, said, “I have three things that I want for my own children: I want them to be cared for and to be physically and emotionally safe. I want them to learn something every day and to be challenged. And I want to make sure they are loved and that they are surrounded by adults who care about them. What I want for my own children, I want that for every child and tonight is a celebration of that. The categories of the awards to be given out tonight reflect the diversity and depth of the contributions that are made by everyone in this room.”

Tedra Richardson, assistant superintendent, applauded the award recipients, saying, “Your accomplishments are remarkable, and they remind us all that, with determination and support of one another, there are no limits to what we can achieve. You have shown us that abilities, not disabilities, define who we are and what we can accomplish.”

Crotty introduced the winners. Dr. Spence, along with School Board Chair Melinda Mansfield (Dulles) and School Board members Deana Griffiths (Ashburn), Dr. Sumera Rashid (Little River) and Lauren Shernoff (Leesburg), congratulated each recipient on their award. The names of all 2024 award winners can be found on the LCPS SEAC webpage.

Published June 25, 2024

On June 17 mental health and substance use professionals from various agencies and public school settings joined together at Lightridge HS for the first summit. Over 100 attendees registered for the day of connection and collaboration. In addition, numerous community agencies participated in our exhibit fair to share information about their services. Some of the presentation topics included Drug Trends, Ethical Considerations of FERPA and 42-CFR part 2, Addressing Adolescent Nicotine and Cannabis Use with Psycho educational Support Groups. Thank you to the Fiona Brown and the Student Assistance Planning Team for organizing this day of learning.

Helpful definitions(found on flyer):

• FERPA= Family Education Rights & Privacy Act
• 42-CFR part 2= Confidentiality of Substance Use Disorder Patient Records

Broad Run P.E.E.R.(Positive Experiences in Educational Relationships) was featured as the One LCPS spotlight at the June 11, 2024 School Board meeting. The students showcased their campaigns and lessons on educating others on healthy vs unhealthy relationships.

Ms. Christine Wiggins (sponsor), Danyal Qureshi, Abby Jaimon, Lucia Blackford (PEER leaders), and Joaquin Perez-Arriata (school social worker).

Career and Transition helps students plan for independence in post-high school life. There is a transition teacher and job coach at each high school, who work with the Special Education teachers in each of their high schools and middle schools on transition planning for all students with an IEP, ages 14 to 22. Transition teachers can provide instruction in Career and Transition classes, such as Career Pathways and Personal Finance. There are two post-Applied Studies Diploma programs for students with an IEP, ages 18-22, who have a need for additional training and education before exiting LCPS and who are interested in and meet the criteria for participation in the programs.

The mission of a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, is to create an integrated system of academic, behavioral, and social emotional supports for all students. Through empowering and collaborative connections between families, schools, and community resources, students will experience engaging, affirming, equitable, and supportive learning that encourages academic and social growth through the consistent delivery of explicit and systematic instruction. Please scroll midway down page for all newsletters.

The Office of Student Assistance Services oversees Attendance Support and Intervention, Substance Use Prevention and Intervention, and Restorative Practices. Our mission is to promote student wellness and safety by fostering the personal strengths and resiliency within each student as we encourage them to make meaningful contributions to the school community and the world.

School counselors provide comprehensive school counseling programs to address students' academic, career and social-emotional developmental needs. School Counselors serve a vital role in maximizing student success and well-being.

Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM), sometimes shortened to just "Threat Assessment", is a behavioral approach to violence prevention that focuses on targeted threats before they escalate into violent behavior. Threat assessment teams use a problem-solving approach to evaluate the risk of violence posed by someone and intervene and resolve the issues that underlie threatening behavior.

Career and Transition helps students plan for independence in post-high school life. There is a transition teacher and job coach at each high school, who work with the Special Education teachers in each of their high schools and middle schools on transition planning for all students with an IEP, ages 14 to 22. Transition teachers can provide instruction in Career and Transition classes, such as Career Pathways and Personal Finance. There are also two post-Applied Studies Diploma programs for students with an IEP, ages 18-22, who have a need for additional training and education before exiting LCPS and who are interested in and meet the criteria for participation in the programs.

John J. Lody, Director

The Office of Diagnostic and Prevention Services is responsible for the leadership, management and provision of services and supports to schools and students in the areas of educational diagnostic services; eligibility for special education; Section 504 identification, evaluation, and placement; early childhood identification services at the Preschool Child Find Center; behavioral threat assessment; and Multi-Tiered System of Supports, which includes Positive Behavioral Interventions & Supports, Response to Intervention, and Social-Emotional Learning.

Sarah Fowler, Supervisor

Jennifer Laible, Lead Educational Diagnostician

Who are Educational Diagnosticians?

Educational diagnosticians are specialists who are knowledgeable about academic assessment and prescriptive teaching approaches. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to help diagnose student learning problems, identify their educational needs, and develop instructional interventions to remediate skill weaknesses and evaluate student progress.

What services do Educational Diagnosticians provide?

• Educational Evaluations: Educational Diagnosticians administer educational diagnostic evaluations to comprehensively assess the academic functioning and educational needs of students suspected of having educational disabilities, write comprehensive educational reports, and hold parent conferences to explain and interpret results and findings.

• Academic Consultation: Educational Diagnosticians collaborate with school administration, instructional staff, and parents to enhance the academic achievement of students, providing academic consultation support to school staff and intervention teams.

• Referral Review Team: Educational Diagnosticians serve as a member of school teams to review records and other performance evidence to assist in determining whether a student is suspected of having an educational disability and in need of an evaluation.
• Eligibility Team: Educational Diagnosticians present educational evaluation findings and assist the eligibility team in determining whether a child qualifies for special education or Section 504 services.

What are some facts about Educational Diagnosticians in LCPS?

• Every school in the division has an assigned educational diagnostician. Each diagnostician typically serves three to four schools within a geographical cluster.

• Educational diagnosticians are experienced special education teachers typically with master's degrees in special education or a related field emphasizing instruction, assessment, and learning theory.

• Educational diagnosticians are licensed as teachers by the Virginia Department of Education. Some LCPS educational diagnosticians are also credentialed as Nationally Certified Educational Diagnosticians (NCED).

Kurt Mills, Coordinator

LCPS Department of Student Services, is excited to announce that we have partnered with Dr. Jonathan Dalton, school refusal and anxiety expert, from the Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change, in Rockville, MD and McLean, VA to provide information, school-based staff intervention and strategies training, and parent resources to LCPS staff and families impacted by student school refusal and anxiety.

Are you a parent or guardian of a student who is considering Homebound Instruction Services for your student who is struggling with school refusal and anxiety? Watch this video to learn when Homebound services may be appropriate and beneficial for your student and when it may be counter-productive to the goal of successfully returning your student to school.

Homebound Instruction Webpage

School counselors are licensed educators with a minimum of a Master's degree in School Counseling and are uniquely qualified to address the academic, career, and personal/social needs of all students. By designing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive school counseling program, school counselors serve to promote and enhance student success.

MTSS is an integrated system of academic, behavioral, and social-emotional instructional practices to support needs of all students and increase equitable learning experiences. This “whole child” prevention approach addresses the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs through the related approaches of Response to Intervention (RTI), Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), and school mental health.

Sarah Boies, M.S., Supervisor

The Office of Outreach Services supports the family liaisons at each school, interpreters, and the Community School Initiative. Our office works closely with school staff, community partners, business partners and other stakeholders. Our goal is to connect students and families to the school community, and identify tools and resources that will help all students achieve educational success.

Leanne Kidwell, Educator

Parent Resource Services (PRS) is committed to positive relationships among parents, schools and communities. PRS assists families with questions and planning as well as provides resources and training.

Special Education Parent Series(Master Schedule coming soon)

Mental Health & Wellness Parent Series (Master Schedule coming soon)

The Preschool Child Find office determines whether preschool-age children (2 through 5 years old) have an educational disability and require special education services.

If you have concerns about your preschool-age child and think they may need special education services...

Please complete the LCPS Preschool Child Find Multi-Purpose Referral Form

OR call 571-252-2180

OR email preschoolchildfind@lcps.org to request an appointment with the Preschool Child Find office.

The purpose of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of disability in any program or activity offered by Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS). Policy 8030 requires that no student shall, on the basis of a disability, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity.

• The LCPS procedures related to Section 504 identification, evaluation, placement, discipline, procedural safeguards, grievance procedures, and impartial hearings are outlined in the LCPS Section 504 Procedure Manual.

  
  

• As a resource, parents and families may access the Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools developed by the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights. This guide helps parents of students with disabilities and members of the community understand the obligations and requirements of Section 504.

The Loudoun County Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) works with

the School Board, Administrators, Parents and Teachers who are responsible for students

receiving special education services. SEAC advises the School Board on the needs of special

education students and examines issues of relevance to the special education community.

SEAC Meeting Schedule 2024-2025(coming soon)

The Office of Special Education for Loudoun County Public Schools is fully committed to providing students with disabilities opportunities along a continuum of services that offer access to and participation in the activities of the school and community environments as appropriate to the age and educational needs of the student. Services for students with disabilities are planned with long term outcomes in mind. Annual goals and objectives consider development in the areas of curriculum and instruction, functional skills such as: independent functioning, social and emotional functioning, communication, and career skills.

Loudoun County Public Schools provides special education services for children ages 2 - 21 inclusive. Students who are identified as eligible for services will have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Services can begin as early as 2 years of age. For information on obtaining services for 2 - 5 year olds, please contact the Child Find office at (571) 252-2180. Once a student is school-aged, you should contact your "home school". The "home school" is the school that your student currently attends or would attend based on where you reside. If you have questions regarding Special Education, please contact us at (571) 252-1011.

Loudoun County Public Schools complies with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA). We support the rights of students with disabilities to have decisions regarding their individualized instructional programs made through the collaborative efforts of all persons invested in their educational well-being. Loudoun County Public Schools protects the rights of students with disabilities to be educated by teachers trained to provide access to the general curriculum, instruct adapted curriculum, to utilize a variety of instructional strategies and to take advantage of supplementary materials appropriate for the student's individual educational program.

Loudoun County Public Schools provides students with disabilities a continuum of service options ranging from least to most restrictive:

• General Education Classes

• Inclusive/Collaborative General Education Classes

• Indirect Services

• Indirect Services Self-Contained Services

• Home Based Instructional Services

• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE-Preschool aged 2 - 5)

• When appropriate, students may also receive services in private day and residential schools, and in hospital settings.

Across the continuum of special education services, Loudoun County Public Schools serves students with one or more of the following identified disabilities:

• Autism

• Developmental Delay (ages 2-5)

• Emotional Disability

• Deaf and Hard of Hearing

• Specific Learning Disability

• Intellectual Disability

• Multiple Disabilities

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Orthopedic Impairment

• Speech and Language Impairment

• Other Health Impaired

• Blind or Visual Impairment

• Deaf-Blind

Related Services, such as Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech and Language Therapies are available to allow a student to benefit from their individualized special education program.

Dr. Paige J. Carter Donna M. Smith, Ed.S., NCSP

Director of Special Education Director of Procedural Support

Jeannie Kloman, BSN, RN - Supervisor

Our Vision: We support a safe, healthy and inclusive learning environment so that every student can make meaningful contributions to the world.

Our Mission: Our mission is to foster the growth, development, and educational achievement of all students by advocating and promoting health and wellness in a safe and supportive environment. We are committed to meeting the health needs of all students through the effective utilization of resources, planning and collaboration with families, school staff, community partners and health care providers.

All Rising 7th and 12th grade students are required to have immunizations before the start of the school year. The Loudoun County Health Department is providing the required immunizations at no cost to families.

Darren Madison, LCSW - Supervisor

The Office of Student Assistance Services oversees Attendance Support and Intervention, Substance Use Prevention and Intervention, and Restorative Practices. Our mission is to promote student wellness and safety by fostering the personal strengths and resiliency within each student as we encourage them to make meaningful contributions to the school community and the world.

June: Creative Exploration

June is your canvas, and you're the artist ready to splash it with vibrant colors of creativity. Pick a hobby that makes your heart sing and dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds. Whether it's painting, writing, or crafting, let your creative spirit soar. And with daily creativity prompts, expect a delightful surprise of inspiration every day!

Activity: Creative Hobby Month

• Objective: To explore and nurture your creativity.

• How to Do It: Dedicate time to a creative hobby, whether it's painting, writing, or crafting.

Exercise: Creativity Prompts

• Purpose: To stimulate creative thinking.

• How to Do It: Use daily prompts to inspire your creative work.

July: Summer Self-Care

July is your summer self-care festival! Soak in the sun, wiggle your toes in the grass, and let nature's beauty be your playground. From hiking adventures to serene moments in your garden, each day is a ticket to Mother Nature's grand show. And don't forget to bask in the glorious sunlight – it's like nature's way of giving you a warm, energizing hug!

Activity: Nature Immersion

• Objective: To connect with the natural world.

• How to Do It: Plan regular outdoor activities like hiking, beach trips, or gardening.

Exercise: Sunlight and Serenity

• Purpose: To reap the benefits of natural sunlight.

• How to Do It: Spend time in the sun (safely) each day, whether it's a morning walk or a lunch break outdoors.

August: Intellectual Curiosity

Welcome to August, the month of intellectual adventures! Unleash your inner Einstein by diving into new skills and knowledge. Whether it's unraveling the mysteries of the universe or mastering a new cooking technique, your brain is ready for a fun-filled workout. And keep those neurons firing with daily brain teasers – think of them as your personal mind Olympics!

Activity: Learning a New Skill

• Objective: To stimulate intellectual growth.

• Resources: Online courses, local classes, or self-teaching materials.

• How to Do It: Pick a skill you're interested in and dedicate time each week to learn and practice.

Exercise: Brain Teasers and Puzzles

• Purpose: To keep your mind sharp and engaged.

• How to Do It: Solve a different puzzle or brain teaser each day.

Website Resource: Self Care is For Everyone

• July 4-5, 2024: District Holiday Fourth of July Holiday
  

Tedra L. Richardson, Assistant Superintendent

Kirk Dolson, Director of Student Services

John J. Lody, Director of Diagnostic and Prevention Services

Donna M. Smith, Director of Procedural Support

Dr. Paige J. Carter, Director of Special Education Specialized Instruction

Jennifer Evans, Director of Student Mental Health Services

Sarah A. Kish, Assistant Director of Procedural Support

Nykea L. Purnell, Assistant Director of Special Education Specialized Instruction