WorkAbility DVD Premiere

On Monday night MDUSD WorkAbility rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the unique relationship they have fostered between special education students, teachers, WorkAbility staff and the business community. WorkAbility is a training and employment program designed to prepare special education students for and support them in the work place. The DVD explains the Workability Program, its importance and showcases student success.

Help MDUSD Homeless and Foster Students

The holiday season is here! James Wogan and Deb Heizmann of Mt Diablo's Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE) are working hard to make the season special for MDUSD homeless students and foster youth. Last year MDUSD HOPE served 430 homeless students and families and over 400 foster youth last year. James Wogan speaks about the rise of homeless MDUSD families HERE. You can help by:

• donating perishable food (please deliver to the front desk at the district office
• donating $10 gift cards from stores like Target or Safeway
• donating money to MDUSD HOPE

Please mail donations to:
James Wogan or Deb Heinzmann
Homeless Outreach Program for Education
Riverview Middle School,
205 Pacifica Avenue
Bay Point, CA 94565
or drop it off to:
Lori Amenta
Dent Center, Office # 1,
1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord

Transition Conference

WHO: Contra Costa County Transition Task Force presents

WHAT: Transition: Searching for Solutions

WHERE: Diablo Valley College

WHEN: Tuesday, January 5

TIME: 8:30am - 3:30pm

COST: $30

REGISTER: By December 15, brochure with registration form is HERE.

Autism Conference in Sacramento

WHAT: Future Horizons' Conference on Autism and Aspergers Syndrome

WHO: Speakers are

• Temple Grandin - The Way I see It
• Jennifer McIlwee Myers - Life Skills for People with Autism
• Kathleen Morris - Sensory Integration Nutritional Considerations, Auditory Intervention, and the Impact of Technology on Children with Sensory Issues
  

WHEN: Friday, December 11

TIME: 8am - 4:30pm

WHERE: Scottish Rite Masonic Center, 6151 H St, Sacramento, CA

COST: Varies

REGISTER: HERE

SESR Survey Closing

The state mandated Special Education Self Review (SESR) survey closes on Monday, November 30. You can access the survey HERE. The difference between the SESR and MGT of America Independent Study is explained HERE.

BOE Appoints new Superintendent

At a special board meeting last night, the MDUSD Board of Education appointed Steven Lawrence as the district's new superintendent. He will take over from interim superintendent Richard Nicoll on February first. Dr. Nicoll has served as interim superintendent since September, following the resignation of Gary McHenry and will retire on January 31st. Dr. Lawrence is currently the superintendent at Washington Unified School District West Sacramento. The MDUSD board members made an on site visit there this morning. Read the Contra Costa Times article HERE.

Practical Tips for Managing Holiday Stress

WHO: Contra Costa Child Care Council

PRESENTERS: Debbara Monroe (RCEB ASD Psychologist) and Carrie Chapman (Behavior Specialist)

WHAT: Stress, Mind-Body Health and Practical Tips for Managing Holiday Stress: helping children with autism and special needs cope with holiday stress

WHEN: Wednesday, December 16

TIME: 7pm - 9pm

WHERE: Contra Costa Child Care Council #100A

COST: None

RSVP: Cecilia Tosoni, 676-5442 x3105 or workshopregistration@cocokids.org

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

Last Chance to Speak Out!

The online forum for the special education study by MGT of America closes tomorrow (Friday.) You can access the forum and share your thoughts on special education in our district HERE.

The Special Education Self Review (SESR) survey closes on Monday, November 30. You can access the survey HERE.

The difference between the independent study and the self review is explained HERE.
The selection process of MGT of America of the independent study is explained HERE.
The MDUSD Board of Education's request for the independent study is explained HERE.

BOE Meeting tonight

The MDUSD Board of Education meets tonight at 7:30pm in the District Office Board Room. They will be voting on some major staff changes. Read the Contra Costa Times article HERE. View the agenda HERE.

Meet Berry Murray

What inspired you to work in this profession?
I had been a Speech and Language Pathologist for about 25 years when I came to California and Mt. Diablo Unified. I was sooo ready for new challenges and I felt I could really make a difference as a Special Education Administrator.

What is your professional goal?
I have achieved my professional goal. When I interviewed for my Speech Pathologist position 12 years ago with Carol Manning I thought to myself: "that looks like a great job". I worked hard as a Program Specialist, even harder as a Principal and now I have the honor to be the Program Administrator for Resource and Related Services.

What do you like best about your job?
Being a support for my teachers and Speech Pathologists. I believe that if they know they can always call me to help them with whatever they need, then they can relax and do a great job for their students.

If you could change anything about the services you provide what would it be?
I would find more time for teacher training. It is vital to keep teachers and related service providers up to date on special education information and the latest in educational strategies and methodologies. Everyone is working so hard, it is difficult to find time for this but I am devoted to staff development.

You can contact Berry at 682-8000 ext. 4065 or murrayb@mdusd.k12.ca.us.

New Location for Drive Thru Clinic

WHAT: New Location for Free Flu Clinic

WHO: Contra Costa residents who fall in the priority group and are unable to get the vaccine from their health care provider.

WHERE: Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord

WHEN: Saturday, November 21

TIME: 10am - 3pm

See our link to a special needs parent's tool kit to H1N1 HERE.

MGT Online Forum closes on Friday

The MGT of America online forum is closing this Friday (November 20). MGT is conducting an independent study of special education in our district. The forum is anonymous. Please speak share your MDUSD special education experience. You can access the forum HERE. A link to the forum can also be found in the right hand sidebar of the blog.

Please note that the MGT of America Independent Study (MGT) is separate from the state mandated Special Education Self Review (SESR) that is also taking place right now.
The difference between the MGT Independent Study and the SESR is explained HERE.
The selection of MGT of America for the Independent Study is explained HERE.
The Board of Education request for the Independent Study is explained HERE.

Celebration of Success

On October 21st, MDUSD recognized special education students who have shown remarkable success during the previous school year. At a ceremony at Concord High, the students were awarded certificates and engraved medals to celebrate their achievement. Here is Board of Education member, Paul Strange, Superintendent Dr. Richard Nicoll, and Parent Liaison, Hilary Shen recognizing the students' achievement.

Water Giver Author at Orinda Books

WHO: Parents of Orinda Individuals with Special Needs (P.O.I.S.E.) presents

WHAT: Joan Ryan, author of the Water Giver

WHEN: Monday, November 16

TIME: 7pm - 9pm

WHERE: Orinda Books, 276 Village Square, Orinda

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

Meet Sharon Krell

Please describe your job and responsibilities.
You can read my job description HERE. I ’m responsible for CMA trainings/testing in the district and I coordinate and set up and supervise the ESY program by working with personnel and principals to hire needed staff.

What inspired you to work in this profession?
I always wanted to teach, my mother was a teacher, but I didn’t get interested in special education until I took some college classes. One of the most rewarding things for me is to know I made a difference, big or small, in someone’s life. I also feel rewarded when parents take time to say thank you.

What is your professional goal?
Professional goal to me, means something entirely different than to most people. It’s not about being the top administrator somewhere. It’s being professional, maintaining my integrity by being honest, following through on things I say I will do in a timely manner. I work hard to follow through and check back in with people even when I am no longer needed.

What do you like best about your job?
That each day is different. It certainly is never boring or dull. I like to keep busy and my days just fly by.

If you could change anything about your job, what would it be?
I have too much to do and not enough help or time. Ideally, my wish would be to have a secretary for ESY support, and to have 3 more program specialists to assist with the workload. Then I would have time to be at my sites more to get to know students, be in classes and do more in service training.

You can contact Sharon at: krells@mdsud.k12.ca.us or 682-8000x4189 or 348-17577.

Block the Bullies

A nine year old student with Tourette syndrome has started an anti bullying website.

View the the CBS video HERE.
Read the story HERE.
View the website HERE.
There is an Internet Safety Presentation at Pleasant Hill Middle School on Thursday.

Special Needs H1N1 Toolkit

The One Place for Special Needs newsletter published a special needs H1N1 tool kit with links to support on good hygiene, visual strategies on being sick and resources for parents and teachers. You can view the tool kit HERE.

Youth and Transition Teleconference

WHAT: Youth and Transition: Synchronizing Youth Career Planning and Information Services, presented by the World Institute on Disability

TOPICS: Will include: CHIIP Youth Advisory Committee, the Youth Leadership Forum (YLF), and the CHIIP Youth Transition Toolkit

SPEAKERS:
Rebecca Cokley – Invited - Office of Special Education Rehabilitation Services Confidential Assistant at U.S. Department of Education Ms. Cokley has over 15 years extensive experience advising government agencies and non-disability organizations on transition related issues, helping existing organizations that support education build their capacity in serving youth with disabilities, and advising and mentoring youth organizations in key issues related to education reform.
Rachel Stewart - Confirmed-Program Manager California Health Incentives Improvement Project, CHIIP Ms. Stewart has policy and research experience working for both the US Dept. of Labor Office of Disability Employment Policy, as well as CHIIP. In addition to managing all CHIIP youth-related contracts and conducting policy work, she has hands-on experience mentoring youth with disabilities and assisting them in becoming independent and self-sufficient.
Catherine Campisi, Ph.D. - Confirmed -Former Director CA Department of Rehabilitation Faculty Consultant for California Health Incentives Improvement Project, CHIIP Dr. Campisi has over thirty years of policy and program development related to persons with disabilities, particularly in the areas of employment and higher education. She served as the Director of the CA Department of Rehabilitation from November, 1999 to December, 2006. Currently, Catherine works for the CHIIP Project as a Faculty Consultant. She also works at the CA Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office part time in the Disabled Students’ Programs and Services (DSPS) unit, teaches a class on Counseling Persons with Disabilities at CSU Sacramento, and is a member of the newly established CA Disability Access Commission.

WHEN: Thursday, November 12

TIME: 1:50pm - 3:30pm (Call in time is 1:50pm, meeting starts at 2pm)

CALL IN INFORMATION:
1-800-977-8002,
Participant Code: 801456#
Telephone Courtesy for all participants of this call:
Press *6 after the introductions to mute your phone line so that all can hear well.
Press *6 again to unmute your phone when you want to add to the discussion.
All CWG policy teleconferences are open to the public and free of charge.

QUESTIONS: Arlette Moreno, arlette@wid.org or (510) 251-4340

Town Hall Meeting on Government Reform

WHAT: State Senator Mark DeSaulnier's Town Hall Meeting on Government Reform

WHEN: Wednesday, November 18

TIME: 7pm - 9pm

WHERE: Danville Veteran's Hall, 400 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA

More information HERE

New MDUSD Homework Policy Work Group

WHO: Anybody who has an interest in or contribution to the district's homework policy

WHAT: New Homework Policy Draft Revision Work Group

WHEN: Monday, November 16

TIME: 7:00pm-9:00pm

PLACE: District Office Board Room, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord , CA

CONTACT: Melinda Hall for more information at: hallm@mdusd.k12.ca.us or 682-8000 x4023

Support the MDUSD Music Foundation

WHAT: Roaring 20's Mystery Event to benefit MDUSD Music Programs (for ages 14 and up)

WHEN: Saturday, November 7

TIME: 6pm

WHERE: Pyramid Alehouse, 1410 Locust Street, Walnut Creek

COST: $40 (includes food and drink)

More information HERE

Help your child with ADD or Learning Difficulties

WHAT: Workshop on Strategies on Working with Students with ADD, ADHD and Learning Disabilities

WHERE: Loma Vista Adult Center

WHEN: Monday, November 9 and 16

TIME: 4pm - 6pm

COST: Free

More information HERE
REGISTER: HERE

Remember to check our calendar link in the right hand sidebar for an extensive list of upcoming district and community events!

An Interview with Hilary Shen, MDUSD Parent Liaison

Could you please describe your job and responsibilities?

The Parent Liaison is someone who serves as a liaison between the district and student’s with special needs. I provide resources, distribute information, facilitate trainings, make home visits as needed to assist families, consult with staff and families, work to help resolve complaints and establish support.

What inspired you to work in this profession?

When I was thinking about a career, I knew that I wanted to work with people and be in a helping profession. While in college, I met a social worker. I learned about a diverse career in social work and decided that this was the field I wanted to get into. As I was studying social work in college, I realized the gravity of an education for future success. I decided I would like to focus my career on assisting families, youth and children in need of assistance or extra help -especially in gaining access to education and facilitating a smooth transition to independence. Assisting parents and staff at the district and students with special needs is a great place for me to put my interests into action.

What is your professional goal?

When I look at my professional career, I do not really have an end point that says, “I've made it!” I truly just want to continue to assist and empower families, adults, youth, and children in need of assistance the best that I can and look back on my career knowing that I gave my all to help those in need.

What do you like best about your job?

One thing I like best about my job is the interaction I get with people. I enjoy working with the families, parents, staff and students I have encountered.

If you could change anything about the services you provide, what would it be?

I feel that there is not enough time in the day, so if I could change anything it would be to have an additional parent liaison at the district to assist the families and staff together. It would be great to work together to accomplish the work that is needed, to be there for families and any additional assistance that could be provided with two people.

Walnut Creek Dentist Buying Halloween Candy and Sending it to the troops

The Crazy in Suburbia blog has a post on a Walnut Creek dentist who is buying kids' Halloween candy for $1 a pound and then sending the candy to the troops. Read the post HERE.

Special Board Meeting on Tuesday

WHAT: Special Closed Board Meeting to review the Superintendent applications

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3

TIME: 5pm

WHERE: District Office, Room 6.

AGENDA: HERE

There will be an opportunity for public input at the beginning of the meeting