CAC Meeting

Join us for the CAC meeting and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Presentation!

WHAT: CAC Meeting

WHEN: Monday, February 1

TIME: 7pm - 9pm

WHERE: District Office Board Room

AGENDA: HERE

NO RSVP NECESSARY!

Meet the new Superintendent

The new MDUSD superintendent, Dr. Steven Lawrence (on the right), with the Board of Education.

Steven Lawrence, the new superintendent of the Mt. Diablo Unified School District, invites you to attend a COMMUNITY MEETING to:

• Meet the new Superintendent
  
• Learn about the current challenges of the District during these difficult fiscal times
  
• Learn about what is being done to address these needs
  
• Share your thoughts about additional ways we can work together to benefit our students
  

All meetings start at 7pm. Join him at one of the following locations:

Thursday, February 4 – College Park High
Wednesday, February 10 – Northgate High
Thursday, February 11 – Concord High
Tuesday, February 16 – Clayton Valley High
Wednesday, February 17 – Mt. Diablo High
Wednesday, February 24 – Riverview Middle
Thursday, February 25 – Ygnacio Valley High School

For more information contact Loreen Joseph at 925-682-8000 ext 4000 or josephl@mdusd.k12.ca.us

Spanish HERE.

Workshop on How to Evaluate Health Information

WHO: The Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund and researchers from the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California, San Francisco present

WHAT: Evaluating and Applying Health Information

FOR: Health care consumers, parents of children with disabilities, and advocates

WHEN: March 4

TIME: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

WHERE: The California Endowment Conference Center

COST: None

RSVP: RSVP/Request ADA accommodations by February 4 to bolandm@pharmacy.ucsf.edu or 415-502-8183

QUESTIONS:Donna.Odierna@ucsf.edu or 415-502-8227

Workshop attendees will be invited to take part in a voluntary study about the effectiveness of teaching research evaluation skills to diverse groups of participants.

MDUSD Autism Task Force Fundraiser - February 4 & 5 - Fresh Choice

The Mount Diablo Unified School District Autism Task Force is having a dine and donate fundraiser at the Concord Fresh Choice Restaurant on February 4 & 5, 2010 (Thursday and Friday) from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. both days. Fresh Choice will donate 15% of the sale (excluding beverages) when you bring in the flyer.

For flyer, please click here.

Special Needs Jump Nights

Board Meeting Tonight

The MDUSD School Board meets tonight to discuss the ongoing budget concerns and vote on budget reductions, along with their general agenda. The meeting will take place at Monte Gardens Elementary at 7:30pm.
View the agenda HERE.
View the updated budget reduction list HERE.
Read the Contra Costa Times article HERE.
View the meeting ONLINE.

Nominations for the Mt. Diablo CAC Special Education "You Make A Difference" Awards

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 on Wednesday, March 24, 2010 7:00 pm at Mtn. View Elementary, 1705 Thornwood Drive Concord, CA 94521.

Eligible for consideration are:
a. Parents (General Education, Special Education)
b. Students (General Education)
c. Teaching Staff (General Education, Special Education)
d. Support Staff (i.e. Office Managers, Assistants, Custodians)
e. Community (Individuals or Organizations)

Evaluation Guidelines:
a. Nominees must have demonstrated contributions above and beyond their role as a parent/student or their job description.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. Up to 20 awards will be given.

Nominations are due by February 22, 2010.

For an application, please click HERE

Gluten-free pizza at Mary's Pizza Shack Fundraiser, Wednesday, January 20th, all day.

Did you know that Mary's Pizza Shack in Walnut Creek has a medium size, gluten-free pizza? When I inquired, I was told that they keep a selection of toppings separate so that they are not contaminated by gluten products. If you call ahead, you may be able to bring your own casein-free "cheese."

Please click on the flyer above, print it out and bring it to Mary's Pizza Shack on Wednesday, January 20th. The MDUSD Autism Task Force will get 20% of the proceeds of each sale (with the flyer) that day. This offer is good all day.

For a menu, please click here.

Meet Linda Hutcherson

Linda Hutcherson is principal of Foothill Middle School in Walnut Creek. We asked her to tell us about herself and her job.

Please describe your job and responsibilities:
I believe as the principal my primary responsibility is to be an instructional leader providing support and resources to insure the highest level of academic achievement for every child. I strive every day to bring passion, enthusiasm, excellence and commitment to my work. My students, teachers, staff, and parents deserve no less of me. I am always encouraging us as a school community to stretch our professional boundaries. We are facing tremendous fiscal challenges in California education. To grasp the scope and gravity of the situation is almost incomprehensible to us. As the principal, it is paramount that I serve as the consummate optimist. I work with an incredible team of dedicated and talented individuals committed to serving all students. I am honored to be their principal.

What inspired you to work in this profession?
I have often shared with family, colleagues and friends that I was placed on the universe to be an educator, just like Stevie Wonder was born to sing. I have been a high school English teacher, high school counselor, middle school dean of counseling, middle school vice principal, elementary school principal, community college instructor, teacher preparation instructor and middle school principal. I love every aspect of being an educator. My parents were born in the South during a period when many African-Americans were not able to have the opportunity to go to college. I am the first generation in my family to go to college and to obtain two Master degrees. My father was a school custodian and my mother cleaned homes when I was growing up. My parents were intelligent and tenacious. They were always working to make sure their children had a good life. In our home, education was revered. The immeasurable pride that I saw in my parents eyes when I became a teacher and later a principal has been my greatest gift, comparable only, to the look in the eyes of my students when they reach their goals.

What is your professional goal?
My professional goal is to always be better tomorrow than I was today. I am a lifelong learner. I want to always make a positive difference in the lives of every one I encounter. I want to be an inspiration to others. When I was a teacher, I did not want to leave the classroom. When I became an administrator, I believe my sphere of influence enlarged and broadened. I often think of returning to school to get my doctorate. I am open and receptive to the infinite possibilities awaiting me. First and foremost, I want to stay in ‘the moment’ and to be of service to my students, staff, parents, community, colleagues and Mt. Diablo Unified School district.

What do you like best about your job?
I love working with students. I love watching them grow, learn, evolve and transform. I am committed to the success of all students, but students who face unique and special challenges hold a special place in my heart. I am a relentless advocate for special education and at risk students. They need me to be a warrior for them. I work with the most amazing special education staff. Their incredible commitment, expertise, and dedication are exemplary. In 2009, we were honored to receive the California Distinguished School award. As a component of our application process, we had to select two signature practices that we were most proud of that demonstrated instructional excellence. Our first signature practice was our support for student learning as manifested in our “Response to Intervention” process. Our Learning Center is the ‘hub’ and anchor of support for all students. Our entire Coordinated Care team – Student Services administrator, Sherry Brauer; our school psychologist, Kickan Wilson; our special education providers and teachers, Charlie Litten, Cheryl Brown and Barbara Diskowski; our speech therapist, Marie Wyman; our school nurse, Kathy Gabe; our 504 administrator, Mike Mattos—work collaboratively to insure the success of every child. Teachers provide support within the classroom. Our school fundamental principle is to work collaboratively to support all learners. Our special education program provides intensive, focused and caring support for all students.

If you could change anything about your job/services you provide, what would it be?
I want to do more, to be better, to expand, to grow, to never rest on my laurels. I am driven, but I have learned to honor the process and to try to keep my feet on the ground. I do not want to let my students, staff, colleagues or families down. I work every day to listen, to support, to encourage and yes, to love, all who I encounter. I would not change anything. I would just choose to keep learning in order to grow and to become better than I was yesterday. Sometimes I just marvel at the work I have the opportunity to do each day!

You can contact Linda Hutcherson at Foothill Middle School: 925-939-8600 or lhutchersonl@mdusd.k12.ca.us

Townhall Meeting on Disability Cuts

This Friday there is a Townhall meeting regarding the cuts to California's Department of Developmental Services (DDS). These cuts affect Regional Center and MediCal services. Click on the image to enlarge

PTA Legislative Events Coming Up

Contra Costa PTA's are promoting several legislative events, open to all! The Sacramento sessions are packed with legislator speakers, briefings and opportunities to walk the Capitol halls.

SCHOOL FINANCE 101
WHEN: January 25 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Las Lomas High School

ADVOCACY 2010
This is a one day trip bus trip to Sacramento departure points are Danville and Lafayette, lunch included
WHEN: February 17
COST: $65 (non-refundable). After Feb. 1 registration is $70.
REGISTER: HERE

CONNECTING THE DOTS
From issues to advocacy, a two day Legislative conference
WHEN: February 21-22 (noon to noon)
WHERE: Embassy Suites Hotel, Sacramento, within walking distance from the Capitol.
COST: Conference: $135 (includes dinner and handouts) Hotel: $159 a night with breakfast
REGISTER: HERE

GOT PINK SLIPS? HELP STOP CUTS TO OUR SCHOOLS!
An evening packed with information and advocacy tools. Free dinner provided with early RSVP.
WHEN: March 22 ·
WHERE: Location in MDUSD will be announced late January.

The Autism Task Force Presents: Social Skills and Autism - Exploring the Hidden Curriculum

“Exploring the Hidden Curriculum”A Workshop for Parents or Friends of Individuals with Autism

WHEN: Friday, January 22nd 2010

TIME: 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.

LOCATION: The Willow Creek Center: 1026 Mohr Lane, Concord, CA

This workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Melinda Moreno, Lead Instructor for the Transition Options program operated through Mt. Diablo’s Adult Education Program, and Laura Shumaker, author of “A Regular Guy: Growing Up With Autism”. Dr. Melinda Moreno has over 35 years of experience in special education. She has worked at the preschool and community college levels of special education as a speech and language pathologist and special educator, including specialization in assistive technology. Dr. Moreno also has experience at the clinic and acute hospital level as a speech and language pathologist. Most recently, Dr. Moreno has accepted a position as a teacher for the TOPS program (Transition Options Program) working with young adults with high level autism and Asperger’s to provide employment and independent living support.

The workshop will focus on exploring experiences related to social skill development from both a professional and parental perspective. Participants will have an opportunity to learn about challenges and triumphs related to social skill development and will engage in focused discussions based on real-life scenarios presented by Laura Shumaker from her book.

COST: There is no cost!! However, attendance is limited to the first 65 people in attendance.

QUESTIONS: If you have questions about the workshop or would like more information, please contact Lisa Pippin, MDUSD Behavior Management Specialist, at (925) 682-8000 ext. 4164.

Special School Board Meeting

As a result of the Governor’s budget proposal, the projected deficit in the school district ending balance as of June 2012 has grown from $17 million to $35 million. In consequence, MDUSD will need to make additional reductions to its expenditure budget. The Board of Education has scheduled a special meeting to solicit public input on the additional cuts that will need to be made. Staff will present a brief review of the budget, but the majority of the meeting will be spent listening to parents and community members regarding budget reductions. This is a very important meeting, please attend!

WHAT: Special School Board Meeting for public input on budget cuts

WHEN: Wednesday, January 20

TIME: 7pm

WHERE: District Office Board Room

View the January 12 budget reduction list HERE. (Please check the BOE agenda for updates on the reduction list.)
View the BOE agendas HERE.
View BOE member, Sherry Whitmarsh's letter about the budget cuts HERE.
View board meetings ONLINE.
Learn about addressing the BOE HERE.
Learn more about school financing HERE.

Transition Workshop at CARE Parent Network

Click on the image to enlarge

School Finance 101

WHO: 32nd District PTA presents

WHAT: School Finance 101

WHEN: Monday, January 25

TIME: 7pm - 8:30pm

WHERE: Las Lomas High School Cafeteria

RSVP: By January 22, nmvandell@comcast.net

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

Read MDUSD School Board member, Sherry Whitmarsh's letter on the MDUSD budget HERE.

I recently asked Liz Kim one of Mount Diablo School Districts principals a few questions and this is what she had to say:I am an elementary school principal. We are a K-5th grade school with a population of approximately 564 students. We are fortunate to have three special day classes for students with moderate to severe disabilities at Strandwood. As a Special Education teacher by training, I feel so fortunate to be able to be a part of their education as well. I’m also so proud that we have a continuum of special day classes as well. My responsibilities include – everything under the sun! My passion is ensuring that all students receive quality instruction in every classroom on our campus.

I began volunteering for an Association for the Retarded in my home town when I was in college. I had the honor of being hired by them as the director of the preschool they had as soon as I graduated from my credential program at CSUN. I began working at the inception of IDEA – IEPs had just been introduced into the public school system. I have always valued my early experience working with a parent run organization – it was the perfect place for me to begin my career. The families and the people I worked with there were my inspiration to make working with individuals with disabilities my career choice. I went on to teach in the public school system in San Diego, a teacher and Special Education program administrator in San Francisco and now MDUSD as a principal.

My professional goal is to ensure the each child in my school is successful as an individual.

Although it might sound trite – what I love about my job is the students. I have the best job – I am able to play an active role in developing, implementing and evaluating effective instruction as well as interact with students on a daily basis! I even get to teach!

If I could change anything it would be to ensure that our students in California have sufficient funding in our public school systems to provide an effective education for each child.

What do I like to do during my time off? I love spending time with my own grown sons, my sisters and brother, my dogs – being active, socializing with friends and reading!

Dyslexia Workshop

WHAT: Dyslexia Workshop: A presentation on the nature and treatment of reading difficulties, including the science behind learning to read, symptoms of dyslexia, phonological deficits and other reading difficulties, and the treatment of reading difficulties

WHERE: Pleasant Hill City Hall

WHEN: Thursday, January 28

TIME: 7pm - 9pm

COST: None

RSVP: By January 26: Lailani Favor-Deguzman, (925) 676-8921 or Kaplan.Tutoring.East.Bay@kaplan.com

MDUSD Music-a-Thon

WHAT: The MDUSD Music Foundation Music-a-Thon

WHERE: Concord High

WHEN: Saturday, January 16

TIME: 10am - 10pm

COST: $5 for adults and $3 for students

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

BOE Meeting at Monte Gardens

Tuesday's (January 12) Board of Education Meeting will be held at Monte Gardens Elementary School in the Multi Purpose Room. The meeting starts at 7:30pm. On the agenda is the district's Race to the Top Application, spring funding for high school athletics and budget cuts. The board needs to cut $17 million dollars over three years from the budget due to the California budget crisis and MDUSD declining enrollment. The board will start acting on the list of proposed cuts on Tuesday night. There will be an opportunity for public input. Proposed cuts include:

- All Special Education Services not mandated by federal of state law or IEP - 2 million dollars (the reductions should be based on the MGT Special Education Study recommendations which should be available in February.)
- School Closures ($1.5 million)
- Reduce 4 middle and high school and 3.6 elementary school librarians.
- Reduce 2.43 elementary vocal music teachers.
- Transferring $2 million from categorical Tier 3 programs, such as adult education, to the general fund.
- Reduce AP and low enrollment courses by requiring a minimum of 28 students.
- Parent Subsidized Busing (this does not include busing specified in IEP.)
-Eliminate the Textbook and Instructional Materials Coordinator
-Negotiate staff furloughs, salary reductions and/or health care and retirement benefits


View the updated budget reduction list HERE.
View the BOE agenda HERE.
Read the Contra Costa Times article HERE.
The BOE request for the MGT Special Education Study is explained HERE.
View the board meeting ONLINE.
Links to information on education budget reductions HERE.

Support our Schools! Donate to the district HERE.

MDUSD IEP Training

Click on the image to enlarge.

Spanish flyer HERE.

College Planning for Students with Special Needs

WHO: San Ramon Special Needs PTA (open to parents from other districts) presents

WHAT: College Planning for Students with Special Needs

WHEN: Wednesday, January 27

TIME: 7 pm.

WHERE: Iron Horse Middle School MPR

COST: Free, donations appreciated

FLYER: HERE

REGISTER: HERE

Accessible Twitter

Accessible Twitter is an alternative to the Twitter.com website. It is designed to be easier to use and is optimized for disabled users. Find more information on the accessible Twitter HERE.

Interview with Cheryl Kolano - Principal of Robert Shearer Preschool

Cheryl Kolano is the new principal of Robert Shearer Preschool and Gregory Gardens Elementary School which are on the same campus. Cheryl comes to us from Washington state where she was also a principal. I hope that this interview gives you some insight into why we are so fortunate to have her in our district.

Please describe your job and responsibilities.
My job responsibilities include ensuring our campus and programs offer a safe and healthy place for children, parents, and staff. That includes encouraging a culture that honors all participants, their concerns, perspectives and experiences so that each person can contribute to the educational needs of the students we share.

What inspired you to work in this profession?
My father was a teacher and later a principal so I grew up immersed in education. Following his lead was natural for me. Becoming a principal was an outcome of wanting to positively impact students, families, schools and our community through my role as an educator.

What is your professional goal?
My professional goal is to help build relationships among educators, parents, and students that will direct and expand opportunities for every student to genuinely move forward. I also hope to never stop learning. I don’t know where that may lead me – but so far, I’m delighted it has brought me here!

What do you like to do during your time off?
Spending time with our daughter and granddaughters is at the top of my list. I enjoy traveling with my husband, a retired social studies teacher. We've toured the western Civil War battlefields and will be on a Holocaust studies trip to Budapest and Prague this summer. I love to build simple home projects – another gift from my father and sewing and needle work, a gift from my mother.

What do you like best about your job?
Every day there are new opportunities to apply what we already know, and reminders of just how much more we need to learn! I also love celebrating our students taking those small but necessary steps leading to accomplishments – of every size!

If you could change anything about your job/services you provide, what would it be?
I would like to take the time to celebrate our successes more often than we do. I would also like to foster understanding among parents, educators, and other service providers in an effort to support a collaborative process that supports our students.

You can reach Cheryl Kolano at Gregory Gardens Elementary and Robert Shearer Preschool and Assessment Center 925- 827-3770 or kolanoc@mdusd.k12.ca.us

Autism Task Force Fundraiser, Mary's Pizza Shack, 1/20/10

Mary's Pizza Shack is sponsoring a Dine & Donate for the MDUSD Autism Task Force on Wednesday, January 20th in their Walnut Creek restaurant. Please copy the flyer and bring it with you when you go to the restaurant. Please pass this information along. All the information is on the flyer. Thank you for your support.

Weight Management Class for Children

Contra Costa Health Services' NEW (Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness) Kids Program, funded by Kaiser Permanente has started a free six-week weight management class for overweight or obese children ages 6 to 12 years old and their families in East and Central Contra Costa County. (Classes begin January 4. Pre-registration is required for all classes.) Find more information HERE.

Autism Task Force - Mary's Pizza fundraiser 1/20/10

Mary's Pizza Shack in Walnut Creek will be sponsoring a Dine & Donate on Wednesday, January 20, 2010 to benefit the MDUSD Autism Task Force. 20% of your purchase will be donated to benefit programs sponsored by the ATF. Please copy this flyer and bring it with you.

Menu

WorkAbility Opens the Door to Opportunities

MDUSD WorkAbility is a training and employment program designed to prepare special education students for, and support them in the work place. This video explains the Workability Program, its importance and showcases student success.

Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities

WHO: California High School Juniors and Seniors

WHAT: 19th Annual Youth Leadership Forum for Students with Disabilities

WHEN: July 24-29, 2010

WHERE: California State University, Sacramento

COST: None

MORE INFORMATION: HERE

APPLICATION: Application deadline is February 3, 2010. Space is limited (only 50-60 slots are available.) Application information is HERE. Contact Dani Anderson of the Department of Rehabilitation if you have difficulty filling out the application: danderso@dor.ca.gov or Voice 916-558-5407 or TTY 916-558-5403.

To Braille or Not to Braille

The New York Times published a thought provoking piece, Listening to Braille. As technology evolves, more people in the developed world move from using braille to technology. This article explores how this shift challenges our definitions of disability, independence, literacy and cognitive development.