In the Know
December , 2024
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we head into the holiday season, we want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress and resilience of your children. December is a time to celebrate achievements and set intentions for the year ahead, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support your child's growth and development.
For many families, this time of year can bring both joy and added challenges. If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone. Whether it’s navigating seasonal schedules, adjusting to new routines, or simply managing the demands of daily life, it’s important to seek support when you need it.
As we look toward the new year, we’re excited about the opportunities to continue working together, strengthening our community, and enhancing the experiences of all students.
Wishing you and your family peace, joy, and strength as we close out 2024. Thank you for your dedication, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you.
Warm regards,
Nadine Milostan
Executive Director
The November edition of In The Know highlighted the first section (Age of Majority) of an IEP Transition Plan. In this edition, we will briefly highlight the second portion of the plan, titled Student's Postsecondary Goals (Vision).
In this section, the team provides information on data sources used and student participation in identifying the student's future goals (or vision) for adulthood, and beyond their time in the Waterford School District. These goals focus on several areas, including Training, Education, Employment, and when appropriate, Independent Living.
Data Sources:
- Educational Development Plan (EDP): An EDP documents an ongoing process in which a learner identifies both career goals and plan of action to achieve them. EDPs are “living” documents and are updated as student interests and abilities become more obvious and focused.
- Transition Assessment(s): Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals need to based upon age appropriate transition assessments, which is an ongoing process of collecting data on the individual's needs, preferences and interests as they relate to the demands of current and future working, educational, living, and personal and social environments. The assessments can be formal or informal, and can include student, parent/adult versions.
IEP Team meeting attendance:
- Indicates whether or not the student attended the IEP Meeting, and if not, describes the steps taken to ensure consideration of the student's strengths, preferences, and interests.
Postsecondary (Vision) Goals:
- Written for after the student has completed/exited the WSD, and in the following areas:
- Training: For example, after school completion, what additional training will the student get? (Vocational program, job training, certification, apprenticeship, etc.)
- Education: For example, after school completion, what additional education is the student planning to get? (Continuing adult education, college, certification programs, etc.)
- Employment: For example, after school completion, what will be the student's job?
- Independent Living (when appropriate): For example, after school completion, how will the student participate in his or her community? (Living, activities. social, recreation, etc.)
We hope you find this information helpful. We will continue to explore the sections of a student's Transition Plan in future editions of In the Know. In the meantime, feel free to contact Matt Lumetta, WSD Transition Coordinator, or Kristin Robinson, WSD Lifetracks Adult Transitions Program Coordinator via one of the methods below with any questions regarding transition.
Matt Lumetta
WSD Transition Coordinator
(947)-229-7703
Kristin Robinson
Waterford Lifetracks Adult Transitions Program Coordinator
(248) 682-8459
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.
Welcome to the official Easterseals MORC Miracle League of Michigan website. Our two locations are home to some of the most exciting baseball in the state. The City of Southfield is home to Michigan’s FIRST baseball field for children with any physical or cognitive disability, offering the true Major League experience. Our new field in Orion Township opened in 2019 to provide even more opportunities for these incredible athletes.
“The Miracle League” is a charitable organization that provides children and adults with disabilities an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in an organized league. There is something about playing the game of baseball that lights up youngsters’ eyes, but for those with disabilities, that opportunity can often be a difficult first step. The Miracle League provides these individuals the opportunity to get out in the sunshine and enjoy playing the game of baseball in its purest form.
The North Oakland Miracle League field is an adapted baseball field located in Orion Twp, Michigan. Check it out at Friendship Park, 3380 Clarkston Rd, Orion Twp, MI 48362. The North Oakland Miracle League has expanded to offer additional opportunities throughout the year. Check out the exciting upcoming opportunities for Miracle League Bowling!
North Oakland Miracle League on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthOaklandMiracle/
Parenting Support, Developmental Screening, Free Preschool, Home Visitation, Child Care, Parenting Groups, & much more for ages birth to 5! Parenting can be hard. And when you need support, we're here. Call or text us today if you have any questions or concerns. We will connect you to resources in your area. Call or Text 844.456.5437
After Hours Adult Social- A fun social group for adults on the Autism Spectrum and related challenges of all abilities:
- January 14
- February 11
- March 18
Find more information in attached document below.
Evening Enrichment: The benefits of art for the Autism Community
- Free webinar on January 21
Find more information in attached document below.
https://dnem.recdesk.com/Community/Calendar
Click the link above and select January or February to find more information on events such as:
- Inclusive Art
- Rec-It Nights
- Game nights
- Therapeutic Drumming
- Empowered Well Being
- Adaptive Bowling
...and more!
Great social media accounts for disability and education content
Facebook:
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