Hello Parents and Families,
Please enjoy the first Parent Mentor Newsletter of the 24-25 school year! This is sent directly to all parents/guardians of a student with an IEP. Current and past newsletters are archived and available to any family via our district website
here.
Below you will find District updates, local events, resources, and news that will keep you informed and connected. This quarter’s newsletter highlights the theme of Self Determination and features a special section by Bexley Transition Specialist, Tom Chrysler.
District update:
Welcome to our new Special Education staff members!
Special Education Coordinator: Lizzie Kiser
Lizzie was an Intervention Specialist with us for the past two years, and has brought a wealth of knowledge to our department. She is passionate and tireless in her efforts to ensure students and staff get what they need to succeed! Lizzie is a creative problem solver, an open and approachable communicator and an advocate for students with disabilities!
Intervention Specialist on Special Assignment: Tom Chrysler
Intervention Specialists:
Shelby Colan - Cassingham Elementary
Andrew Peal - Cassingham Elementary
Kathryn Downey - Montrose Elementary
Jordyn Chacon-Reina - Middle School
Jocelyn Browning - High School
Cari Sullivan - High School
Paraprofessionals:
Eric Acton - Cassingham Elementary
Phil Gaulin - Maryland Elementary
Nicole Grzywna - Preschool and Middle School
Tyler Mansfield - Middle School
Mitch McCune - High School
Bexley’s Behavior Support Team:
This year, we have a dynamic trio sharing their behavioral expertise across the district! Michelle Jones, our Board Certified Behavior Analyst has been with us for several years. She has supported two of our paraprofessionals in preparing for their exams and becoming Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs). This year, we moved the two RBTs, Megan Shook and Blaire Kelley, from their assigned buildings to work with Michelle across the district. The team conducts observations, collects data, coaches staff in learning effective behavioral strategies and in the implementation of behavior intervention plans (BIPs). To learn more about our RBTs, click here.
Check out Michelle Jones’ Behavior Beats Newsletter!
Parent Surveys:
Transitions:
Self Determination and the Dignity of Failure by Thomas Chrysler
Recently I met with a small group of Bexley High School students receiving educational support through an IEP. I began by asking, “Do you think it is safer to fail while you’re in high school or to experience failure after you graduate?” Without hesitation the group responded, “During high school!.” I initially assumed their united response was related to the support they felt within our learning community. Family, friends, faculty, counselors, faith leaders, advocates, and many others support our diverse learners’ desires to move toward greater independence. But is this why they quickly answered my question in unison?
The transition lesson presented introduced the concept of “self-determination”. The National Parent Center on Transition and Employment explains that “Self-determination involves many attitudes and abilities including: self-awareness, assertiveness, creativity, and pride, and problem solving and self-advocacy skills. To take charge of your own life, you must be able to set goals, evaluate options, make choices and then work to achieve your goals. (pacer.org)”
Self-determination may be thought of as a fulcrum or balance point. On the tip of this fulcrum rests a plank lined with risks and responsibilities. On one side of the plank perch life's risks. On the other side of the plank life’s responsibilities stand at attention. Becoming self-determined is finding the exact balance between these two concepts. A single focus on the risks results in fearful chaos. Focusing solely on responsibilities becomes an unbearable burden. Adulthood is learning to find the proper balance of risk and responsibility. The excitement comes when we learn how to live on the edge of chaos while fully embracing core responsibilities. This is the adventure of self-determination.
Going on an adventure, like sailing around the world, can only be embraced when all potential factors related to failure are understood. Then every responsible accommodation and contingency can be accounted for. Neglecting these responsibilities makes it much easier for chaos to leak into the boat. At the same time, remaining stuck on the side of safety means we may never set off to sea. A boat stuck in drydock or left unused is not serving its purpose, and dry rot will set in for lack of exposure to water. Understanding failure as feedback helps us live a self-determined lifestyle. Failure is the feedback we can learn to recognize as helpful and directive instead of something to be avoided. Failure after high school is inherently more complicated, and the weight of future failure should motivate us to prepare today.
According to The National Center for College Students With Disabilities, 21% of all undergraduates have disclosed that they have a disability. In 2023, 22.5% of people with a disability were employed--the highest recorded ratio since comparable data were first collected in 2008 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). And, according to the US Department of Labor, around one-quarter of employed people with disabilities are working in skilled trades. These statistics serve as a reminder that there are a great variety of adventures to be considered by our students.
A student's response to the failure question might be related to a recognition of these kinds of adventures. We can help students experience a higher level of self-determination in their learning when we encourage this openness. We need to thoughtfully cultivate opportunities for students to exercise courage and embrace the dignity of risk. Productive opportunities and experiences must account for failure that build character. Humility, accountability, and teachability will help students navigate through their self-determination adventures.
Tom Chrysler is the Transition Coordinator collaborating with students, intervention specialists, families, administrators, and adult agencies to help develop and facilitate transition activities. Transition planning for students on IEPs begins at age 14.
Bexley Family Transition Resource Materials may be accessed HERE.
Diverse Learning PTO:
The Diverse Learning PTO is an active group of parents, friends, and educators working together as a team to share parent education resources and address the educational, social, and emotional needs of children with disabilities and diverse learning needs in Bexley City Schools. We serve the elementary, middle, and high schools.
Please welcome our new Board Officers for 24-25 School year:
Sarah Biehl, President
Valerie Halas, Vice President/Secretary
Ashley Amigo, Treasurer
Anna Gasbarro, Communications Chair
Betsy Waterman & Emily Whitney, Social & Events Co-Chairs
Cynthia Young, Member At Large
Our new website: https://bexleydiverselearningpto.com/
Upcoming Events:
Winter Social: Tuesday, December 10 at the Bexley Senior Center, 420 N Cassady Ave. The gist: parents only, food, beverages, & prizes, and time away with other parents who get how hard it all is.
Future meetings: (Topic TBD)
1/14/25, 6:30
2/11/25, 6:30
3/11/25, 6:30
4/8/25, 6:30 - elections for 25/26!
May, date TBD - end of year picnic
Upcoming Central Ohio Events:
Sensory Friendly Pumpkin Glow: October 16th, 7:00pm- 9:00pm
“Join us for a sensory friendly evening at The Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow! This fun-filled evening will include complimentary refreshments, games, and activities. One adult or one Support Staff member are free! Everyone else must register for the event.” Cost $5
Hiring and Keeping: Presented by Art Possible OH in partnership with CMA. Wednesday, Oct 16, 10am - 4pm
9th Annual Halloween Hop- Saturday, October 19th, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Trunk or Treat- - Autism Society of Central Ohio: “Put on your costume and join us for Halloween fun! We will have an inclusive and sensory friendly Trunk or Treat.” Cost: Free but registration is required and linked below.
Trunk or Treat- Ohio AG Bell- October 18, 2024, 6:00-8:00 pm
OCALI Conference Online- (OCALICON) - November 19-22, 2024
Based in Columbus but now entirely online, this has become “the premier Autism and Disability Conference” and connects families, educators, and providers, and individuals with over 400 presenters and 200 sessions online. Cost: Registration for families is $80. Sessions will be on-demand for several months after the event.
The Infinity Experience- Appointment Based
“An inclusive barbershop experience for children with neurodivergence, intellectual, physical or developmental disabilities. Youth from toddlers to age 17 can receive free hair cutting services in a welcoming environment. Services are donation-based and are free for participating families. Visit the website to request an appointment or to make a donation. smoothvisionarykutz.com Cost: Free
Resources:
Bexley/ Central Ohio Disability Resources- 24-25- a developing list of information and resources in one centralized location. Have suggestions, organizations, or info to share? Please send them to <[email protected]>
Positive Parenting Program - Triple P: Free and online- “Every parent or caregiver in Ohio is eligible to register for the program. Once registered, parents and caregivers will have access to the program for 12 months thanks to funding from the Ohio Department of Children & Youth. Please note this is intended as a 'one per person' offer.”
Bexley Tutor List- a courtesy list of tutors- not a list of endorsed tutors. All information has been provided by the tutor. The District does not background check, endorse, or promote individual tutors. Information is confirmed by tutors annually by the Parent Mentor.
Learning Aid Ohio- Available to students with an IEP and family income is 400% of the federal poverty level or below
Disability In the News:
New study says Columbus is third best city for people with disabilities- ABC 6, Sept. 29th, 2024
National Disability Employment Awareness Month Promotes Access To Good Jobs- Forbes, Oct. 2, 2024
'Patrice: The Movie' explores disabled couple's highs and lows- ABC News, Sept. 30, 2024
Biden Administration Expands Insurance Protections For Those With IDD- Disability Scoop, Sept. 16, 2024
Ohio may end program that pays disabled people less than minimum wage- Dayton Daily News, June 27, 2024
Ohio Celebrates Milestone with Over 2,000 License Plates Registered for Individuals with Communication Disabilities- The Scioto Post, Sept 24, 2024