| Contact Us | Special Education Dept.
1936 Carlotta Drive
Concord, CA 94519
(925)682-8000
Editors:
Samantha Espinosa
espinosas@mdusd.org
Hilary Shen
shenh@mdusd.org
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Greetings!
Welcome to the new upgraded Special Edition Newsletter!
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A Word from Dr. Mills
 It is almost the Thanksgiving holiday, and there is so much to be thankful for in our district. First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new Superintendent, Dr. Nellie Meyer. Dr. Meyer has made it her priority to visit all schools to meet the staff and learn about all of the wonderful programs we have in our district. It has been such a pleasure getting to know and work with her. Similarly, I have also found site visits extremely valuable, and visit schools most Fridays, where I observe our special education classes in action. I always enjoy seeing the students highly engaged in meaningful learning, and our special education staff so dedicated and enthusiastic. We have a wonderful special education staff in our district, and they should be commended for all of their work striving to reach the potential of each student they work with. We have many new staff in our department of Special Education and Student Services. You will meet some of our new administrators in more depth in this newsletter. I am thrilled to welcome the following new staff: - Sue Clover-Massey - Administrator, Special Education
- Sue was previously a program specialist, and was recently promoted to this position.
- Dr. Avrilio Moumoutjis - Program Specialist
- Dr. Moumoutjis, well known by many in the District as "Dr. Lio", was an inclusion specialist in our District before being promoted to the Program Specialist position.
- Cynthia Remis - Program Specialist
- Cynthia was formerly a resource specialist at Sun Terrace prior to being promoted to the Program Specialist Position.
- Shellie Higuerra - Program Specialist
- Shellie was formerly a school psychologist in our District prior to being promoted to the Program Specialist Position.
- Rochelle Hooks - Program Specialist
- Rochelle is our newest Program Specialist. She was recently hired, and was a resource specialist and department chair at her high school in the Fremont Unified School District. Rochelle will begin working in our district on December 4th.
- Karen Miller - Behaviorist
- Karen has joined our team as a Behaviorist. Prior to joining our District, she was the lead behaviorist for a non-public agency, Ed Supports. We are so fortunate to have her join our team!
- Yvonne Benitez - Secretary, Alternate Dispute Resolution
- Yvonne has joined our Department this school year. Yvonne previously worked in our District in the After School Program as a secretary. We are thrilled to have her!
We also have many new school psychologists! You will see them covering many school sites in the District, and we are so pleased they have joined our team. o Tiffani Allen o Crisali Ascencio o Catherine Ogden o Crystal Valdivia o Eugenia Hill o Rhonda Fugazi On December 1st, our pupil count will be submitted to the California Department of Education (CDE). Our District, as all other districts in California, will be monitored for compliance data covering many items from our students' IEPs. One of the key items is compliance on timelines. Basic timelines include annuals (within 1 year), triennials (within 3 years) and assessments (within 60 days of receipt of parent's written consent). CDE has a "zero tolerance" policy, in that 100% compliance is expected. While I understand that everyone is working very hard, the District's compliance rate is very important and could have negative consequences if not met. Reminders and data are currently being sent out from my office to all case managers, principals and program specialists regarding IEPs that are currently overdue. I wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving, and hope you will take the time to enjoy friends and family, and relax. I am very grateful to be leading a department with such talented and dedicated staff and administrators. |
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Parent Liaison Updates
Celebration of Success 2013:
Congratulations to our students that were honored on Thursday, October 24th at the 13th Annual Celebration of Success. Students came eager to receive their award dressed in their best clothes and toting along parents, siblings, grandparents, and other extended family to support their accomplishments. Staff including teachers, bus drivers, assistants, Principals, Administrators, and District Office Staff arrived to share in the success of the students nominated. Each student was selected from their site as the one who has made great strides in an area that they are working on. It was a time for all to share in the delight of the pride each student felt walking on the stage and receiving their medal. Refreshments for the evening were provided by local community businesses, as well as many of the decorations. All who supported the event put a smile on a student's face.
Resource Parents support other parents Mt. Diablo Resource Parents are volunteers who have children in Mt. Diablo schools and who make themselves available to provide parent-to-parent support for district students and families. They receive training in a range of subjects and speak with parents on a confidential basis. We have a new Spanish-speaking Resource Parent available to assist families who prefer to work with someone who speaks Spanish.
Email or call Parent Liaison Hilary Shen, shenh@mdusd.org or (925) 682-8000, ext. 4297, with your questions.
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MDUSD Autism Task Force
 The MDUSD Autism Task Force is proud to announce the launch of their new website! The site is designed for school staff and parents to easily access resources and information related to autism and the school district/community. The Task Force has planned a launch party open house for January 23 from 3:30-5:30 at Willow Creek Center (1026 Mohr Lane, Concord). Come try out the website, ask questions, and enjoy some networking and refreshments. If you aren't able to attend the launch, feel free to explore and begin using the website: http://www.mdusdautism.weebly.com. |
MDUSD D/HH Task Force
 A new task force has been created by the parents and teachers of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The task force is meeting monthly to discuss issues and solutions. The task force is setting up monthly social events for the students and their families. The next event is Saturday November 23rd, 11:30am-2:30pm, at Clayton Valley Bowl for Pizza and Bowling. Only $1.50 per game. Please contact meriwake@gmail.com for more information. |
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You are Invited! Please Join Us!
An invitation from the Community Advisory Committee for Special Education (CAC)
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► Are you the parent, friend or family of a child with special education needs in the Mount Diablo Unified School District?
► Do you want to have a voice in special education programming in the District?
► Do you have experience and knowledge about the needs of students in special education programs that you want the District to hear?
► Do you want to learn more about how special education works?
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Come to the Community Advisory Committee on Special Education, make your voice heard and learn about programs and services of the District! Read our blog and join in the conversation at: www.mtdiablosped.blogspot.com 
What is the CAC?
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) represents the community and advises the Board of Education. Join us and make a difference for our children!
When:
The first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m., September through May.
Where:
Mt. Diablo District Office, Dent Center Board Room
1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord, CA 94519
Who:
Any interested parent, friend, family or community member interested in special education may attend or join. Additional membership information is available at the meetings.
Contact:
Hilary Shen, MDUSD Parent Liaison
(925) 682-8000, x4297, shenh@mdusd.org
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"You Make A Difference Award"
The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) for Special Education is soliciting nominations for the "You Make A Difference Award". This award will be presented to persons or organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the lives of special education students in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. The awards will be presented at a dessert social in the Spring, nominations are due by March 1st.
Eligible for consideration are: - Parents (General Education, Special Education)
- Students (General Education)
- Teaching Staff (General Education, Special Education)
- Support Staff (i.e. Office Managers, Assistants, Custodians)
- Community (Individuals or Organizations)
Evaluation Guidelines: - Nominees must have demonstrated contributions above and beyond their role as a parent/student or their job description.
- A balance will be sought from all aspects of the student's life, i.e., educators, bus drivers, custodians, employers and community organizations or individuals.
- High priority consideration will be given to, but not limited to, activities in the area of mainstreaming, integration, fostering parental involvement, job placement, career development and curriculum enhancement.
- Up to 20 awards will be given.
Please complete this form and submit to Hilary Shen - Parent Liaison by March 1st.
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13 (Better) Questions to Ask Your Child About School
By Bob Cunningham, Contributing Writer
When your child comes home on the first few days of school-or throughout the school year-there will be lots of information you want from him or her. Here are some important things to keep in mind when you're talking to your child about school.
- The way you ask the questions matters. If you give your child the opportunity to answer with one word (yes, no, a name), then you're likely to get a one-word response. Try to ask open-ended questions to keep a conversation going.
- Often kids are not specific, so you have to ask for specific information when you want it.
- Starting with factual questions is a great way to ease into conversation.
- Avoiding emotion-packed words (fun, happy, sad, mean) will allow the conversation to go on longer.
- Asking positive questions will give your child a chance to express concerns. Negative questions will stop a conversation.
After-School Conversation Starters
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Avoid These Questions
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Try These Instead
| - How was school?
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- What's the biggest difference between this year and last year?
| - Did you have fun at school?
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- What was the best thing you did at school?
| - Who did you sit with?
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- Tell me the names of the four kids who sat closest to you.
| - Was your teacher nice?
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- What was the most interesting thing your teacher said today?
- What class rules did your teacher say are important?
- What did your teacher say she likes to do?
| - Did your teacher go over the daily schedule with the class?
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- What is the best thing about your daily schedule?
| - Did you have everything you needed for school?
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- Was there anything you wish you had at school that you didn't have today?
| - Were the kids in your class nice?
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- Who did you enjoy talking with the most?
- Did anyone have anything fun or interesting to talk about?
| - Did you get your schedule?
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- Which days look best on your schedule?
| - Are your friends in your classes?
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- Tell me two kids you remember from each class.
| - Was the work hard?
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- What was the best thing your teacher asked you to do in ____ today?
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The most likely times for your child to experience negative social interactions at school are the less structured times, such as recess,lunch and during transitions from activity to activity or room to room. Asking questions specifically about these times will give you the best read on social circumstances.
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Avoid These Questions
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Try These Instead
| - Did you play with anyone at recess?
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- What were most kids doing at recess?
- What was the best game at recess?
- What did you talk about at recess?
| - How was lunch?
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- Who sat near you at lunch?
- What were the other kids eating for lunch?
- What was the funniest thing someone said at lunch?
| - Did you get your locker?
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- Where is your locker?
- Who has a locker near yours?
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Bob Cunningham, the former Head of School for The Gateway Schools in New York City, has been an educational evaluator and a teacher in general education and special education at both the elementary and secondary levels in several school districts. He was also an instructor in the Learning Disabilities program at Columbia Univerity's Teachers College. Follow him on Twitter at @tfcminds.
Original article found at:
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Other Resources
CEC's Tool of the Week!
Every job is easier when you have the right tools. CEC's Tool of the Week is a free resource designed to support you in your special education practice. Subscribe today and you'll find your free tool in your inbox every Monday morning.
- See more at: http://www.tooloftheweek.org/#sthash.rOmDQRTo.dpuf
George Miller CenterGeorge Miller Center in Concord has an After School Program and is looking for young people ages 11-22 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities who would like to be involved in an active, social, recreational after school experience. It is open year round and services are provided on minimum days and non-school days except holidays. Contact Program Director Claudia Lam at clam@arcofcc.org or (925) 646-5710.
Developmental Disabilities Council meetings
The Developmental Disabilities Council of Contra Costa County meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month, beginning at 9:45 a.m. with coffee and conversation and ending at 12 noon. Meetings are held at the Regional Center of the East Bay, 2151 Salvio Street in Concord, unless noted otherwise. Meetings are September 26, October 24 (in East Contra Costa), November 28 (no meeting in December), and January 23. The mission of the council is to promote the coordination, improvement and growth of services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families and to advocate for their needs. To learn more,visit cchealth.org/groups/ddc/.
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New Special Education Staff Members
Program Specialist Avrilio Moumoutjis is inspired by helping people
Avrilio Moumoutjis is no stranger to students and parents at Mt. Diablo Unified School District, you may know him as Dr. Lio. Prior to taking on the role of Program Specialist he was serving our community leading social skills group and as a full inclusion specialist. As a Special Education Program Specialist, Dr. Lio describes his role as "I have the honor of serving and supporting all stakeholders especially students through the Special Education process". When asked why he chose this line of work he stated helping people has always been a professional goal of his and it inspires him to help kids, especially those with disabilities to be socially and academically successful. In his role he would like to develop student social and academic performance by supporting the IEP team and process. The great people and students he interacts with across his sites is what he likes best about his job and he wouldn't change anything about it. Although he did say he wishes he had more time in a day to devote to visiting sites. The sites Dr. Lio is serving are Fair Oaks, Gregory Gardens, Hidden Valley, Pleasant Hill, Strandwood and Valhalla for Elementary; Horizons: CIS, Pleasant Hill Middle, Prospect and Valley View Middle schools; and Preschool Assessment Center, Robert Shearer and Shadelands Preschool. He can be reached at:
moumoutjisa@mdusd.org, or call (925) 682-8000 ext. 4505
From Classroom to District Office, new Program Specialist Cynthia Remis takes on new role and with it hopes to bring positive change in public perceptions
Cynthia has held some interesting jobs in the past, most recently she served as Resource Specialist at Sun Terrace Elementary. She describes her new role as supporting students with special educational needs by supporting their team; parents, teachers, and administrators. "I have always been drawn to helping those who, for some reason beyond their control, have been given extra challenges in life." Cynthia has taken this statement to heart when choosing her career path. Her hopes to one day earn a doctorate in Educational Leadership has been put on hold while her daughter attends UC Santa Cruz. She says thankfully her daughter is a senior this year, although her plans to further her education may once again be placed on hold while her daughter continues to pursue graduate school. Cynthia's favorite part about her newest position is seeing the fantastic work done with students by the teachers and assistants in our Special Education classrooms. "Their care and passion is extraordinary." She would like to help improve the public's perceptions about the nature of work our teachers do, and have the public understand and appreciate the level of professionalism and expertise we have here in MDUSD. Believe it or not outside of work Cynthia keeps herself just as busy, particularly getting outdoors and enjoying nature. She likes to bike and hike or while indoors be creative like knitting or paper craft. She also takes time to volunteer as an interpretive docent for the National Park Service at John Muir National Historic Site, she says the uniform is cool and it incorporates outdoors, serving her country, California History, architecture and conservation. Cynthia serves Ayers, Highlands, Silver wood and Mt. Diablo elementary schools; Diablo View, El Dorado, and Pine Hollow middle schools; and Concord High School, Summit and Nueva Vista Necessary Small High Schools. She can be reached at: remisc@mdusd.org and call at (925) 682-8000 ext 4189.
New Role, New Program Specialist: MDUSD's Shellie Higuera is the face of Mt. Diablo at all Non-Public and County Schools within Mt. Diablo boundaries.
Shellie says she collaborates and coordinates with her schools to ensure that Special Education students are receiving educational opportunities tailored to meet their individual needs. "We provide these educational opportunities in a least restrictive environment which advances educational benefit and growth, as well as, providing equity and access to curriculum. When asked why Shellie was lead in this direction her story of being the first person to graduate from college coming from a blue-collar working class family of Hispanic decent would motivate any student. Education is valuable and important to her and has made a significant impact in her life; which is why she gets pleasure in giving back to the community by helping students attain academic success. "I am sensitive to the obstacles and barriers in overcoming challenges within the educational system and feel inspired to help others navigate through the system successfully." Even with two Masters degrees, one in Behavioral Sciences, Bilingual Cross Cultural Education, Spanish and the other in Counseling, School Psychology she still has thoughts of eventually earning a Doctorate Degree. Growth and developing self confidence in academics, social-emotional and behavioral functioning in her students is something Shellie loves to witness. "It is rewarding and fulfilling to me to see students feel good about themselves and their accomplishments." Shellie also enjoys working with parents to empower them to support their children. She feels successful when she is able to provide resources and guide student growth and achievement. Shellie is very satisfied with her role and would not change anything about her job. Shellie can be reached at: higueras@mdusd.org or (925) 682- 8000 ext. 4294.
Meet MDUSD's Newest Behaviorist Karen Miller:
Karen Miller, Educational Consultation and Behavior Management Specialist says her role is to provide behavioral/educational consultation, training and support to enhance success with students who have challenging educational and behavioral needs. While in high school she became involved with working with individuals who are differently- abled and their families and was fortunate to become involved in the de-institutionalization movement in the 1980s. She witnessed profound changes in the quality of life for many individuals with the implementation of community based programming. This is why she has chosen her path to become a behaviorist. Her professional goal is to provide programming and support to all students, staff and families in the least restrictive environment possible. She is also interested in working with others to implement Positive Behavioral Support Plans in a number of environments throughout the day. This is something we see her doing on a daily basis in our District. Her enjoyment of working with the wide variety of staff members, students and their families enrolled in MDUSD is what she likes best about her job. Karen shared that it has been exciting to see all of the progress made by students and educational staff thus far. She looks forward to continuing to being a part of IEP teams providing such relevant, high quality services. Karen continues to walk through the halls with a smile on her face and her excitement and enjoyment to be here shines through that smile.
Our Newest Program Specialist Rochelle Hooks will be interviewed in a future newsletter.
Promotions
Sue Massey is Moving to a New Position - Special Education Administrator
Program Specialist Sue Massey-Clover has been promoted to the Special Education Administrator position. She will be working with all of our special education teachers, special education assistants, and site administrators to make sure we are providing for all of our students' needs. She has been working with personnel to ensure that all vacancies are filled as soon as possible with capable applicants. Sue can be reached at: masseyclovers@mdusd.org or (925) 682-8000 ext. 4187.
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Congratulations Lórien!
Best wishes to Lórien Quirk, Behaviorist Program Manager and her husband, Luke on the birth of their son Joseph Reed Quirk. Born on July 4, 2013, weighing 8 lbs, 5 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. The Family is happily bonding with their newest addition and Adelaide is proud to be a big sister. Thanks to the Behaviorist Department for filling in and taking on additional duties while Lórien was on maternity leave. Lórien returned to work on October 14, 2013.
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