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ESE Parent Newsletter for August 2026

Posted Date: 07/31/26 (04:00 PM)


What's Happening in ESE in August 2026

Parent Newsletter

 

Month at a Glance

8/5: High School Meet the Teacher from 3:30 -5:30 PM
8/6: Middle School and K-8 Meet the Teacher from 3:30-5:30 PM
8/7: Elementary School Meet the Teacher from 3:30-5:30 PM
8/8: Studio Movie Grill Special Needs Screening "Spider-man Brand New Day at 11:00 AM
8/10: First Day of School/First Day of the 1st Grading Period
8/22: Studio Movie Grill Special Needs Screening "Paw Patrol- The Dino Movie"


Upcoming September Dates
9/2: ESE/Chipotle SPIRIT Night at 4351 13th Street, St. Cloud, FL 34769 from 5:00-9:00 PM
9/2: Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training at 11:30 AM
9/7: Labor Day, Teacher/Student Holiday
9/16: Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training at 2:00 PM
9/25: Professional Learning/Student Holiday
 

Upcoming Parent Trainings, Workshops, and Events

Below you will find the complete list of trainings and workshops currently scheduled for the 2026-2027 school year.
A table displays a schedule of events with dates, topics, times, and locations (virtual or in-person).

9/2: Lunch & Learn Virtual Parent Training

Exploring C.A.S.E. and T-UP: Postsecondary Pathways at oTechat 11:30 AM via TEAMS

This parent training is designed to help families explore postsecondary opportunities available through Osceola Technical College (oTech). During this session, participants will learn about the C.A.S.E. (Career and Skills Enrichment) program and the T-UP: Transition Education Unique Pathways, two options that support students with disabilities and special needs as they prepare for life after high school.

Families will gain valuable information about hands-on career training opportunities, skill development, employment preparation, independent living supports, transportation options, scholarship opportunities, and resources that help students transition successfully into adulthood. Whether your student is interested in career-focused training, building workplace skills, or pursuing a comprehensive transition program, this session will provide an overview of available pathways and guidance on how to access these opportunities.

Please RSVP to receive the TEAMS link for the training. Use the following link to: RSVP: Lunch & Learn- Exploring C.A.S.E. and T-UP : Postsecondary Pathways at oTech – Fill out form

9/16: Empower Hour Virtual Parent Training

Powerwalk through Project 10's Publications, Trainings, and Websiteat 2:00 PM via ZOOM

This training provides participants with a review of the Project 10 website and the resources that are available to all transition stakeholders, such as school district personnel, families, community organizations, agencies and discretionary projects. Participants will also learn how to navigate through the Project 10 website to locate the information they need. 

In order to attend the training, you must register to receive the Zoom link.

Please register using the following link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/l9rRfY7tRzOimy5lNThDJg

*This training is not able to be recorded
 

Resources In and Around the Community...

Family Empowerment Scholarship for Student's with Unique Abilities (FES-UA)

The Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities window is open. Parents can access the application using the following link...FAMILY EMPOWERMENT SCHOLARSHIP FOR STUDENTS WITH UNIQUE ABILITIES (FES-UA) 2026-2027

Parents can get information on FES-UA on the department's webpage or by using the following link...Exceptional Student Education / Family Empowerment Scholarship for Students with Unique Abilities
 

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.

 

Osceola Interagency Transition Team (OITT) Transition Services at a Glance

The following link provides access to a number of organizations within our community that provide resources to families of students with disabilities.
 

Supporting Transitioning Youth to Adult Health Care

Assessing health care transition readiness is a key component of preparing adolescents and young adults for the move to adult-oriented health care. Using a standardized transition readiness assessment helps clinicians understand a young person’s skills, knowledge, and confidence in managing their own health care. These assessments support meaningful conversations about health priorities, identify areas where additional guidance is needed, and promote the gradual development of independence in areas such as scheduling appointments, managing medications, and communicating with providers.

Beginning in early adolescence and continuing through the transition period, readiness assessments allow clinicians, youth, and families to work together to develop and adjust care plans that support a successful transfer to adult care. Sharing transition readiness information with receiving adult clinicians ensures continuity, highlights areas where ongoing support may be needed, and helps adult providers tailor their approach during early visits.

Effective transition readiness tools are brief, age‑appropriate, easy to understand, and accessible in languages commonly used by the patient population. When used consistently, they play an important role in promoting smooth, coordinated transitions and supporting young adults as they take on greater responsibility for their health care.

For more information on the Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition (HCT) you can visit: Got Transition® - Six Core Elements of Health Care Transition™

For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth" you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth
For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth" in Spanish you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Youth-Spanish

For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents" you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents/Caregivers
For a "Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents" in Spanish you can visit: Sample Transition Readiness Assessment for Parents/Caregivers-Spanish
 

Career and Skills Enrichment (C.A.S.E.) Program

The C.A.S.E. 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.
Osceola Technical College C.A.S.E. program offers career and skills enrichment training.
Osceola Technical College C.A.S.E Program flyer with a Golden Retriever and Dachshund, promoting animal care careers.
Osceola Technical College C.A.S.E Program flyer with pizza and cake decorating images.
Osceola Technical College's C.A.S.E. PROGRAM offers automotive training, featuring a black SUV and car detailing imagery.
Osceola Technical College's C.A.S.E. Program offers skills in Microsoft Office, financial literacy, and teamwork.
C.A.S.E. Program Flyer PDF
 

T-UP: Transition Education Unique Pathways at oTech

T-UP: Transition Education Unique Pathways @ oTECH 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.
A diverse group of smiling students give thumbs up, promoting education and career opportunities.
Osceola Technical College flyer promoting the T-UP program for students with intellectual disabilities.
T-Up Brochure
T-Up Program Description
 

Abilities of Florida

Flyer for Abilities of Florida's Families Achieving Self-Sufficiency Together program, detailing services and eligibility.
Brochure for 'Familias Logrando Autosuficiencia Juntas' program by Abilities of Florida.
Abilities of Florida Flyer ENG
Abilties of Florida Flyer SPA
 

My Digital Counselor

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

For additional information you may visit: https://mydigitalcounselor.com/vocational-services/
A woman works on a laptop in a bright room, with the 'Digital Counselor' logo and text about vocational services visible.
A young person in a hard hat works on machinery in a workshop, representing real-world job experience.
My Digital Counselor Brochure
 

Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program

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
Advertisement for Florida Heiken Children's Vision Program offering no-cost eye exams and glasses for children.
Flyer advertising free eye exams and glasses for children in multiple languages, with instructions to visit www.floridaheiken.org.
 

CHAPS--Children's Hearing Aid Program

Brochure for the Children's Hearing Aid Program with images of children and text.
Brochure for the Children's Hearing Aid Program (CHAP) in Florida, featuring children and program information.
A brochure in Spanish promotes a hearing aid program for children, featuring images of smiling children.
A brochure in Spanish promotes the CHAP program for children's hearing aids, featuring images of children and a baby.
Brochures available for download in the attachments.
 

The Osceola Library System

Did you know that The Osceola Library System offers FREE access to a host of different programs and resources and all you need is a valid library card (number) to enjoy. Visit Mango Languages | Osceola Library System to see the different options like Mango Languages. Mango Languages offers over 70 world language courses expertly designed to adapt to a diverse range of learning needs, styles, and backgrounds. Sign up for your free account at Log In | Mango Languages
 

Central Florida Rockets

Looking for recreational and competitive sports opportunities for students with physical disabilities? Florida Rockets Adaptive Sports provides inclusive adaptive sports programs, including wheelchair basketball, for youth and individuals throughout Central Florida. Their programs focus on building confidence, leadership skills, friendships, and a strong sense of community through sport.

The organization is volunteer-led and works to make adaptive sports accessible and sustainable, creating opportunities for athletes of all abilities to play, compete, and belong.

Learn more about their programs and upcoming opportunities: https://www.floridarockets-adaptivesports.org/
A young person in a wheelchair smiles while holding a basketball, promoting the Florida Rockets Adaptive Sports program.
Central Florida Rockets Brochure
 

UCF CARD Parent Education Seminars, Support Groups, PAL Events, and More

A torn paper effect reveals a bright yellow background with the text 'Stay Tuned INFORMATION COMING SOON'.

Parent Education Seminars

Parent Education Seminars

Support Groups

Support Groups

EN ESPAÑOL

EN ESPANOL

 

Mark Your Calendars...

Abilities Expo Coming in October 2026 to Osceola Heritage Park

Abilities Expo is coming October 9-11, 2026, to the Osceola Heritage Park Event Center

Three days. One roof. Endless access to the latest products, technologies and resources for the disability community! Get ready for an accessible climbing wall, a ton of adaptive sports, info-packed workshops & more. It’s an epic day out & FREE, so register today.

For more information please visit:

You can register for this FREE event by visiting:
 

Studio Movie Grill: Special Needs Screenings

Special Needs Screenings present movies in a sensory friendly with the lights up, the volume low, and moving around, talking, and even dancing in the aisles are welcome. Special Needs Screenings are shown on select Saturdays at 11:00am at all SMG locations unless noted otherwise. Tickets are available at the Box Office only as early as the Wednesday prior to these screenings. Tickets are free to all attendees and seating is first come, first served. 

August's Special Need's Screening are:
August 8th- Spider-man Brand New Day
August 22nd- Paw Patrol- The Dino Movie
Poster for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' special needs screening on August 8.
Paw Patrol characters stand in front of a large dinosaur with the text 'Paw Patrol The Dino Movie' and 'August 22'.
 

Make sure to follow us on Facebook!

A Facebook 'Follow Us' graphic with a thumbs-up icon and the text 'Follow Us on Facebook'.
 

Helpful Links

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Parent Portal (FOCUS)
Parent and Student Information
Varsity Tutor Information