ESE Department Connection Weekly Newsletter
|
The Department for Exceptional Student Education will provide a continuum of innovative support that helps to inspire students with disabilities to reach their highest potential as responsible, productive citizens.
Location: 805 Bill Beck Boulevard, Kissimmee, FL, USA
Phone: (407) 343-8700
|
|
Our SLP Leads, Amelia (Amy) Allen and Barbara Nieves, play a vital role in shaping the success of Speech‑Language Pathologists across the district. They create a nurturing, collaborative, and supportive environment where SLPs feel heard, empowered, and equipped to do their best work. Their leadership includes coaching, mentoring, supervising, problem‑solving, and helping streamline processes, so SLPs can stay focused on what matters most—supporting students’ communication needs. They also build connections across teams and provide professional learning opportunities, including guiding educators and caregivers in AAC implementation to promote communication‑rich environments for all students.
🌟 Amelia “Amy” Allen
Amy brings exceptional leadership, collaboration, and heart to her role as an SLP Lead. Known for her ability to problem‑solve, coach, mentor, supervise, and—most importantly—listen, Amy plays a key role in supporting both school‑based and diagnostic SLPs across the district. She also provides professional learning and AAC coaching that helps create communication‑rich environments for students who benefit from alternative communication supports.
Fun Fact:
Amy has a hidden superpower—she can take any activity and turn it into an AAC intervention using core vocabulary!
🌟 Barbara Nieves
Barbara’s incredible leadership as an SLP Lead helps create a supportive and collaborative space for SLPs districtwide. Barbara is skilled at fostering strong relationships, streamlining processes, and ensuring that her team feels valued and equipped to stay focused on student communication success. Her ability to blend structure, empathy, and connection strengthens the entire SLP community.
Fun Fact:
Barbara loves “nerding out” with tech! Whether she’s exploring new tools or discovering innovative solutions, her passion fuels creativity and efficiency in her work.
Amy and Barbara form an incredible team—one that blends creativity, compassion, innovation, and dedication. Their combined strengths uplift our SLPs, strengthen our programs, and make a meaningful difference in the communication success of students across the district. We are truly grateful for the way they lead, support, and inspire every day. 💛✨
|
Behavior Tip of the Week: Monitoring Noise Level
Explanation: Controlling the auditory environment to reduce sensory overload or distractions that may contribute to problematic behaviors.
Implementation:
Observe student reaction to different noise levels and types.
Identify optimal noise level for focused work.
Implement classroom noise monitoring systems (visual noise meters, signals) .
Provide noise-reducing options when needed (headphones, quiet area). Headphones or other equipment must be addressed through the IEP process prior to implementation. If a student’s IEP addresses headphones or other noise control interventions, make them a natural part of the learning environment, and be prepared to prompt its use.
Teach student to self-advocate for noise adjustments.
Monitor effectiveness and adjust as needed.
Tips:
Each classroom is a unique setting. Observe the student in each area during different activities.
A student may respond to a particular sound rather than just the volume of sound.
If a student suddenly rejects using IEP identified equipment, check that it is not broken or causing discomfort.
|
As we move into the next phase of ESY preparation, please review the following action items and deadlines:
1. ESY Application Window
The ESY application is currently open and will remain live until April 6. Please ensure all relevant information is submitted by this date.
2. Hiring Timeline
All ESY hiring decisions will be finalized and approved by the end of April. Related Service Providers will be hired by ESE. Additional details will be shared once approvals are complete.
3. Transportation Documentation
Transportation entries in Focus must accurately match each student’s current IEP.
All transportation documentation is due by April 24.
4. New Recommendations
If there are any new ESY recommendations, please send them directly to Jesse McHatton. This ensures we maintain accurate staffing and service allocations.
|
Join Us for our Broadway Pizza Bar ESE Department SPIRIT Day taking place TODAY from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM. You can dine, carry out or order online!!! You MUST mention SPIRIT Day or show the flyer (below) to your server or when ordering. Online orders must be placed on the Broadway Pizza Bar website: https://broadwaypizzabar.com/ and you need to include "SPIRIT" in the "MISC Order Instructions" when ordering.
Go get some yummy pizza!
|
Beginning July 1, 2026, a new federal requirement—one that all states must adopt—will change the completion window for the Random Moment Sample (RMS) from 7 days to just 2 days. To ensure our district transitions smoothly to this new expectation, we will begin implementing the 2‑day completion window starting in April.
Staff selected in April for an RMS will continue to receive the initial notification from our department, along with reminder emails. If the RMS has not been completed within the 2‑day window, an additional reminder will be sent to ensure it is submitted on time.
Thank you for your attention to this important update and for your continued support in maintaining our district’s Medicaid compliance.
|
Ms. Rosario is a true champion for students, ensuring every learner has what they need to succeed.
Shout- out to Melissa Soltis, Resource Compliance Specialist at PAFA!
Melissa Soltis (we all know her as Ms. Missy or Missy) strives to not only make our ESE department thrive, but she also ensures our VE teachers (ME 🙂) have the knowledge and the skills to get the job done. I feel confident in this role as a VE teacher that I have done the best for my students thanks to Missy's guidance. This was a new role for me, that she encouraged me to take due to seeing something in me I NEVER would have seen in myself. She has guided me this entire year to be the best VE teacher and overall I have come out a better person in the end with a new appreciation for the career I chose. Thanks to her expertise, mentorship, and friendship, I have been able to give the tools to my students with disabilities and other impairments the best education, and we are seeing growth here at PAFA with our ESE babies!!!!!
Thank you Missy for all you do, from the bottom of my heart!
-Shared by Devin Saults, VE teacher
Do you know a coworker who is GLOWing—someone who radiates positivity, supports students wholeheartedly, or brings light to the work we do?
Help us highlight their impact!
Submit a staff shout-out recognizing someone who is:
⭐ Making a difference for students
⭐ Spreading positivity
⭐ Helping others shine
⭐ Going the extra mile
Your shout-out may be featured in an upcoming newsletter so we can continue celebrating the amazing people who make our department sparkle. Let’s keep the GLOW going! ✨🌟
|
Our department would like to share a difficult update regarding Nathan Navarro, a former student who recently withdrew from Neptune Middle School. Nathan and his family are currently navigating an extremely challenging time, and they have asked that this information remain confidential and for staff awareness only.
Nathan has bravely fought cancer for nine years, beginning when he was just six years old. After exhaustive and courageous treatment efforts, his family and medical team have reached the heartbreaking point where no further curative options are available. Nathan’s care has now transitioned to palliative and hospice support, with the focus centered on comfort, dignity, and meaningful time together as a family.
The family has created a GoFundMe to help lessen some of the financial burdens they are facing. If you feel moved to support them, any contribution—large or small—is deeply appreciated. Participation is completely optional.
During this difficult time, we ask that you keep Nathan and his family in your thoughts and hearts.
GoFundMe Link:
|
PM Wells Center for Academic Excellence serves 32 students - each one bright, resilient, and full of potential. Our students are a unique and special mix of students with autism, learning difference or trauma-related behaviors that need a dedicated place with small classes, additional support and flexibility. And this year, the School District of Osceola County has a created a place where these students have found their home.
These students learn differently, but they show up every day ready to try again. They thrive when given structure, patience, and support and what they need most is a classroom where they feel safe, capable, and valued. With your help, we can give them the tools and environment they need to keep growing and believing in themselves and to create a safe, supportive environment where students are seen for their strengths, not their struggles—and where hope replaces exclusion.
Dr. Torres has created a Donors Choose campaign "The Last Chance Store: Where Good Choices Finally Pay Off" and would love our help in getting it funded!
Let's help give these students some positive rewards. PBIS incentives help them practice self-control, build confidence, and experience success. These small rewards reinforce positive choices and restore hope in school.
You can access the campaign to donate using this link:
|
Each year, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) conducts a survey designed to provide FDOE and the United States Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), with information on how well Florida’s schools are partnering with parents and promoting parent involvement in their child's education. The survey is open to all parents of children with an individual educational plan (IEP) receiving ESE services from preschool age through grade 12 and is not intended for parents of students receiving only gifted services through an educational plan (EP). All states must collect this data as part of their State Performance Plan, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The 2025-26 ESE Parent Survey is currently open and will close on June 15, 2026. The survey can be completed on the web or mobile phone by visiting 2025-26 ESE Parent Survey.
|
The Bureau of Exceptional Student Education and Student Services (BEESS) Weekly Memo provides current action and informational items related to trainings, jobs, conferences, resources and other information relevant to students with disabilities. "The Buzz" can be accessed using this link: BEESS Weekly Memo and then simply click on the date for the corresponding week. |
Project 10: Transition Education Network is hosting a Postsecondary Transition Planning Webinar next Tuesday, March 31st. The flyer below includes details on the session times and topics that will be presented. (These webinars are for both families and education professionals.)
Registration is not required—simply use the Zoom link below at the scheduled time to join the webinar:
|
Please see the information below regarding the Human Trafficking Awareness Training that has been made available through Safe Schools (Vector). This training is required for all employees per the Florida Department of Education and State Statute (Section (s.) 1006.481, Florida Statutes (F.S.)).
Kindly note that you may have already received, or may soon receive, an automated email from the Vector K12 website regarding this training.
- The target date for making the training available to all employees is March 1, 2026.
- If you have already received an automated Vector K12 email, completed the 60-minute training, and received a certificate of completion then you have already met the DOE requirement.
- The required completion date for 9 and 10-month employees is May 1, 2026.
- The required completion date for 12-month employees is June 30, 2026.
- The training is available in English and in Spanish (subtitled).
-
Only the 60-minute course (English or Spanish) is required, not the 3-minute micro-course you may find available.
|
Empower Your Practice: Free Professional Learning for Florida Educators
Are you looking to strengthen your ability to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities? The BEESS Portal to Professional Learning Alternatives (PLA) offers free, flexible, and high-quality online courses designed specifically for Florida teachers and paraprofessionals.
Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned educator, PLA courses provide:
- Self-paced and facilitated options to fit your schedule
- In-service points for certification renewal
- Evidence-based strategies to support inclusive practices
- Specialized modules on autism, assistive technology, behavior support, structured literacy, and more
Courses are developed by experts and supported by the Florida Department of Education’s Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services (BEESS), ensuring content that is both relevant and impactful.
Explore offerings like:
- Positive Behavior Support
- Technology for Varied Learners
- Differentiating Instruction
- Supporting Students Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Visit https://fl-pla.org to register and start learning today. Your growth supports student success!
|
Do you have amazing events and activities happening on your campuses? Let us help you share the wonderful things you are doing. Please send pictures and a brief description of the events and activities to Sarah McKenney at Sarah.McKenney@osceolaschools.net
|
Let’s all congratulate Asiel!
Asiel’s hard work, dedication, and growth throughout his internship have led to this amazing achievement. We are so proud to see him take this next step into meaningful employment and continue building his future.
Join us in celebrating this milestone and wishing Asiel continued success!
(taken from Magnify's post on Facebook)
|
Wild Florida has supported the Harmony High School On‑Campus Transition Program for several years by providing students with internship opportunities at the park. Through these internships, students gain hands‑on work experience in maintaining show‑quality standards and develop important social skills by interacting with guests and staff. This ongoing partnership plays a meaningful role in enhancing students’ readiness for future employment and community engagement. |
What happens after the 3rd birthday and your child ages out from Early Steps (Part C of IDEA) and moves to the local school system (Part B of IDEA)? In this training, FND/PEN will go over, step by step, what to expect when your child, if eligible, transitions out of Early Steps with their Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) and into the school system/Pre-K with their first Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
In order to attend the training, you must register to receive the Zoom link.
Please register using the following link:
|
The FDLRS Early Literacy training is designed to help parents understand the foundational skills young children need as they begin learning to read. The training provides practical, easy‑to‑use strategies that families can use at home to support early language, vocabulary, and pre‑reading development.
Learning Goals for the Training:
*Parents will learn how to locate the Florida’s B.E.S.T Standards for their child’s grade level.
*Parents will understand the 6 Essential Components of Reading and be able to apply them.
*Parents will learn reading strategies to work with their children at home by participating in reading engagement activities
Please RSVP to receive the Teams link to attend the training.
|
Families of PreK–2nd grade students and younger, this evening is just for you! Join us for a fun and informative Early Learning Family Night designed to support, celebrate, and empower our youngest learners and their families! This special event will bring together a variety of community partners who provide early learning, developmental, and family resources across Osceola County.
We’re excited to share that the following agencies will be in attendance:
Early Steps, Early Learning Coalition, Happy Noggins, Healthy Start Coalition, Osceola Health Department, PEEP, R.I.S.E. Up Osceola, UCF CARD, and VPK/Early Childhood Learning —with even more agencies invited to participate!
Families will have the chance to explore resources, ask questions, participate in activities, and take home helpful tools to support early learning and development.
We can’t wait to see you there for an evening of connection, learning, and fun!
*This event is geared towards students PreK-2nd and younger
|
FIN Statewide Family Series
Osceola Interagency Transition Team Information Presentations
The following link provides access to a number of organizations within our community that provide resources to families of students with disabilities.
Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities FES-UA
Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities – Roadmap to Family Resources
The Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) offers a helpful Program Roadmap designed to support individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and the families and caregivers who assist them. This guide provides a simple overview of key state programs and includes direct links to additional information, services, and next steps.
|
Project 10: Transition Education Network is hosting a Postsecondary Transition Planning Webinar next Tuesday, March 31st. The flyer below includes details on the session times and topics that will be presented. (These webinars are for both families and education professionals.)
Registration is not required—simply use the Zoom link below at the scheduled time to join the webinar:
|
We value your voice!
Please take a moment to complete our Parent Input Survey: 2026–2027 Parent Trainings & Workshops. Your feedback plays an important role in helping us plan meaningful trainings, workshops, and family events for the upcoming school year.
Your insight truly helps us better support our families—thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts!
|
The CASE program is looking for participants!! As long as the students are clients of Vocational Rehabilitation, there is no cost to them. VR will pay for everything. VR will also help the students find employment after they graduate from the program. Contact Sullymar Reices-Irazarry at 407-344-5080 or SCAN the QR code for more information. |
ACCESS is a comprehensive post-secondary transition program tailored for students with intellectual disabilities. This individualized program is designed to provide the technical skills, employability skills, and real-world experience necessary to prepare for integrated competitive employment in the student’s chosen career field. |
My Digital Counselor is an official Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) vendor providing comprehensive vocational evaluation services for students and individuals with disabilities. We collaborate with agencies, schools, and service providers to support informed academic and career planning through accessible, person-centered evaluations.
We offer both virtual and in-person services and provide:
- Comprehensive vocational evaluations
- Functional, academic, and cognitive assessments
- Career exploration and goal clarification
- Clear, actionable reports to support education, VR services, and employment planning
|
Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program is providing no cost eye exams and glasses for children. Applications can be submitted on any internet enabled smart phone/tablet/computer using the following link: www.floridaheiken.org
|
Monday, March 30th, 6:30 PM via ZOOM
Behavior Basics 2: Addressing Problem Behavior
This presentation (Part 2) will present how to look at problem behaviors from a functional, behavioral perspective using principles of applied behavior analysis). Parents will try their hand at identifying functions of behaviors, and strategies for dealing with problem behavior will be shared. Register: https://bb326.eventbrite.com
Middle School Parents: Time to register!
Tuesdays, April 7-May 12 , 6:30 PM ZOOM
The Loving Push Book Group: Middle School Edition
Middle School Parents--In this “must read” book, Dr. Temple Grandin partners with psychologist and autism specialist, Dr. Debra Moore, to outline the “must-dos” for parents to help their child with autism build hope, motivation, and success! We will discuss reactions to the book, strategies outlined, and how to put all of this into practice with your own child. Register: https://TLP2026.eventbrite.com
|
No additional Support Group information available at this time. |
No hay información adicional En Español disponible en este momento. |
Check out a list of the PALS events here:
|
Full pdf of schedule in attachments |
3/30: Jaime Medina
3/30: Patricia Ryan
4/8: Greisy Diaz
4/24: Maria Diaz
|
|
|
|
