Voyages

As November rolls around, between the changing weather and holiday breaks, it’s a time when we may all feel a shift in energy. This month brings wonderful opportunities to reinforce social-emotional skills, practice gratitude, and prepare for the holiday season. In the Department of Special Education, we are wishing you the best that Fall has to offer! We hope that you are able to enjoy things like the gorgeous color of the leaves, the subtle warmth of a candle on a cool day, and the sweetness of hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Impact Aid Survey - SMCPS is encouraging all parents/guardians to please take the time to access and complete the Impact Aid Survey Form online, located in the Home Access Center (HAC).

The deadline for the online submission of Impact Aid Program Survey forms is November 14, 2023.

Thank you for your help with this!

Congratulations to our recent Special Education Spotlight Recipients!

• Mr. James Copsey, LHS
• Ms. Nicole Shotwell and Ms. O'Neil, MES
• Ms. Aryn Garner, LDES
• The SAIL TEAM, BBES
• Ms. Lisa Dean, Central Office
• Ms. Renee McBride, GKES

Have another person to recognize? There are so many fantastic things happening in our efforts to support SMCPS students with disabilities. Please use this survey to share your praise, story, or news about successes in your school!

School attendance has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in prekindergarten and continuing through 12th grade. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day. Regular and consistent attendance is necessary for student achievement, graduation, and career and college readiness.

First marking period attendance check - if your child has been absent 5 or more days of school so far this year, they are at risk of being considered truant. Please contact your school if you need support with your child's attendance!

The IEP process can be tricky to navigate for parents at times and SMCPS has many people in place to support you in answering questions. When you are seeking support, please reach out to the following people:

Your Child's School

This is the place to start as the school staff has the most knowledge about your child.

1. Teacher - Your child's general education teacher and/or special education teacher have knowledge of your student, his/her goals, and progress in class.
2. IEP Chair - Each school has an IEP Chair who has a wealth of knowledge about special education.
3. Assistant Principal and/or Principal - The school principals have oversight of student instruction and support. They also know the staff and supervise all school-based decisions.
   

Central Office Support, DSE

When needed, the DSE team offers support to teams and families.

• Specialists - DSE has several specialists who can provide support in areas such as transition, assistive technology, and behaviors.
• Supervisor - Each school has a DSE supervisor assigned to support the department at your child's school.
• Director - The DSE director works with all teams to ensure appropriate supports are in place to serve our community.

Community Support Groups

We also have parent groups, Partners for Success (PFS) and Citizens Advisory's Committee for Special Education (CACSE), that work closely with SMCPS to communicate and support our families. See more information in the sections below.

We are all here to help you!

SMCPS is excited to announce our Corollary Sports Program schedule for the 2024-2025 school year. Corollary Sports is designed for high school students to participate in after-school sports in an inclusive and non-competitive environment. Corollary Sports enhances a student's well-being and provides opportunities to participate in recreational activities within the community.

The cycling season was a big hit! Join the next season of Corollary Sports; Bowling begins in February. Registration is now open until January 31, 2025.

• Corollary Sports Program Overview

• Registration Link - This is new for our Corollary Sports - check it our for registration processes and deadlines.

• Contact: alroutzahn@smcps.org

SMCPS schools use SMORES newsletters like this one to communicate about updates, events, and ways to get involved in the school community. Be sure to check them out!

PFS offers many services to our families, including individual family support, a learning library, and informational sessions.

Please click on the website link below for more information!

https://www.smcps.org/offices/special-education/partners-for-success

Email partnersforsuccess@smcps.org to connect.

Upcoming Events:

• 11/14/24 - Frank Kros will present Wonder Words: Using the Power of Language to Help Kids Learn and Thrive, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Forrest Career & Technology Center, Leonardtown, MD
• 1/9/25, 6:00-9:00 and 1/15/25, 6:00-8:00 - The Parent's Place of Maryland and Partners for Success present IEP Clinic at the Forrest Career & Technology Center, Leonardtown, MD
• 2/12/25 - Dr. Kristin Sayeski presents Unraveling Dyslexia, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Forrest Career & Technology Center, Leonardtown, MD
• 3/5/25 - Estate Planning Issues for Parents, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Board of Education Board Room, 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, MD
• 3/13/25 - Pathfinders for Autism, 6:00-8:00 PM at the Forrest Career & Technology Center, Leonardtown, MD

CACSE holds monthly peer-to-peer and CACSE Committee meetings. They collaborate with SMCPS and community groups to improve the education of all students with special needs. Learn more about CACSE by clicking on the link below.

http://smccacse.org/

In October 2024, the United States Department of Education (USDE) outlined the application process for States seeking to request a waiver or waiver extension for the 2024-2025 school year for the 1.0 percent Alternate Assessments Aligned with the Alternate Academic Achievement Standards (AA-AAAS) participation threshold. While MSDE has taken measures in the past six years to reduce the rate of AA-AAAS participation to comply with the 1.0 percent threshold, MSDE anticipates that the State may exceed the 1.0 percent AA-AAAS participation threshold in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science.

Therefore, MSDE proposes to request a waiver extension from the 1.0 percent cap on AA-AAAS participation in reading/language arts, mathematics, and science for the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to submitting this waiver extension request, MSDE must provide an opportunity for the public and local education agencies to comment and provide input.

MSDE has requested that local systems communicate the opportunity for public comment to their Local Education Agency community. The Waiver Extension and instructions for submitting comments are linked here.

Website: https://www.smcps.org/offices/special-education
Location: 23160 Moakley Street, Leonardtown, MD 20650, USA
Phone: 301-475-5511 32206