April 27, 2020

  • Dear Parents,

    As of this time, you have received 2 sources of communication from the Office of Special Education and we would like to provide guidance for both of those messages.

    You have received letters in the mail.  The purpose of this mailing was to let you know that we will be providing instruction in a different setting, outside of the recommended classroom.  We are being very careful to meet our students needs.  If there are feelings that we should add or change any of the accommodations to your student’s IEP or 504 plan by your school, teachers or you yourself, we can do that virtually or with an amendment without a meeting, with your permission. You do not need to do anything at this time.  This letter sent was intended to be for informational purposes only. 

    You also received an email requesting consent to provide remote therapy.  We are requesting you reply to this email with your permission to allow us to provide the appropriate therapy services remotely such as: Speech Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Counseling, etc. Please complete the form provided in the email and submit/return it.

     

    Most importantly, we hope you are all well.  The special education team meets with special education teachers and related service providers daily.  We thank you for all you are doing to support the distance learning plan.  We are a very dedicated group and want to support you through this process.  Please email the Director of Special Education, Beth Lewis-Jackson (BLewis@Kingsoncityschools.org) with any questions or concerns.

Department of Health Update

  • The New York State Department of Health (NYS DOH) recently established Regional Support Centers (RSCs) to improve the State’s existing programs supporting children and youth with physical, medical, emotional or learning (PMEL) needs and their families.

    To accomplish this goal, RSC's will be holding discussions with parents and caregivers, as well as conducting needs assessments with local health departments (LHD). These activities will take place from April 2020 – June 2021. This project aims to learn about issues faced by families, identify services to improve family experiences and compile a regional resource directory and training materials that LHDs can use to support children and youth and their families in the future. Given the current situation with COVID-19 and recommendations for social distancing, all discussions for the foreseeable future will be held on web-based platforms or through individual phone interviews.

    The following link provides access to an information flyer for electronic distribution to groups such as your district’s CSE email list, SEPTA organization and social media outlets: