August 11, 2009
The start of every new school year is exciting for students, teachers, parents and administrators. We may each have a different reason for the excitement but one thing is certain – we all look for what is best for our students and how we can help each individual student reach their potential. This year begins no differently. Although faced with budget challenges, our focus has been to maintain a quality teaching staff, a continuum of support for our teachers and a seamless connection between our schools, the community and most important, the families of our students.
We begin the year with a full special education staff. This includes our related services staff of speech/language therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, music therapists, assistive technology specialists, curriculum specialists, adaptive P. E. staff and vision and hearing staff.
Recently our administrative staff has had several exciting opportunities to partner with community agencies and businesses to expand vocational opportunities for our students who are eligible for transition services. Additional information will be coming to you regarding this as more details are developed. The partners in these projects include SARRC, SUSD Food Services, and STARS. (Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Service).
Under the leadership of our psychologists, Dr. Sylvia Cohen and Birgit Lurie, the District has also received a federal grant in the amount of $261,541.00 to improve our mental health services in the school that will benefit ALL students on many levels. This was recently announced in the Arizona Republic. Only (19) entities in the United States were awarded this opportunity through a competitive grant.
The special education administrative and support staff remain unchanged and can be contacted at the Mohave District Annex at 480 484-5032. Most of you know who we are. I could not ask for a more dedicated and knowledgeable staff who always has the door open and the coffee pot on!
Together we will continue to grow, improve services, collaborate, communicate and integrate.
Warm regards,
Lois Healey
Special Education Director
