This edition's spotlight shines on Jacqueline Rivera, ESE-Clerk Typist! Jacqueline plays an essential role in supporting the Exceptional Student Education (ESE) process by ensuring that communications and documentation are handled accurately and efficiently. In her role, she assists by answering phones, logging calls and communications through email, text, and Webex, and making sure consent forms are properly filed by community, school, year, and focus. She also supports her supervisor by tracking trainings and appointments through calendar management and email coordination. Through her attention to detail and commitment to service, Jacqueline helps keep the Consent Department organized and responsive to the needs of students, families, and staff.

Fun Fact: When she's not supporting the Consent Department, Jacqueline loves spending time with her grandchildren and enjoying whatever adventure they have planned for the day! ❤️ She also enjoys going to the gym and spending time outdoors, especially during the beautiful fall season. Whether she's making memories with family or enjoying nature, Jacqueline values staying active and embracing life's simple joys. 🍂🌳✨

Thank you, Jacqueline, for your dedication, reliability, and commitment to supporting students, families, and colleagues. Your hard work behind the scenes helps ensure that important processes run smoothly and efficiently. Your positive attitude and willingness to serve make a meaningful difference, and we are grateful for the impact you make every day. 🌟

Behavior Tip of the Week: Group Contingency

Explanation: Behavioral system where reinforcement is delivered to an entire group based on either collective or individual performance. 

Select an appropriate group contingency. (Examples: every student meets the criteria, the whole group meets the criteria, small groups meet the criteria) 

Clearly define target behaviors and criteria for earning. 

Select motivating rewards with student input. 

Implement system with clear visual tracking. 

Review progress regularly with the group. 

Adjust criteria based on performance. 

Criteria for success is reasonable and attainable.

Criteria is posted along with a visual display of progress towards the goal.

The delivery of the reinforcer occurs soon after the criteria is met.  

Reinforcer options are provided to appeal to all students.

Tip on Avoiding FTE Errors: Incorrect Exceptionality Coding 

Error examples: 

• SLD coded in Focus instead of OHI 

• ASD eligibility changed on the IEP but not entered in Focus 

• Gifted or dual eligibility entered incorrectly. 

How to avoid it: 

• Compare eligibility staffing documents against the Focus system codes before surveys. 

When developing student's fine motor skills PK should use broken crayons.  Take a regular Crayon (remove the paper) and break it in thirds and give the student the broken crayon.  This will help to develop a mature tripod grasp for tracing, drawing and coloring.  For KG teachers should use small golf pencil, opposed to standard pencils to help develop a mature consistent writing grasp.  

Seating and Positioning: Make sure students are positioned comfortably when completing classroom activities.

Remember: Data is not based on history.  Just because the student has always been recommended, doesn't mean they meet criteria for ESY. 

The collaboration of public and private instructional personnel (PIP) shall be designed to enhance but not supplant the school district’s responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The school, as the local education agency, shall provide therapy services to meet the expectations provided in federal law and regulations and state statutes and rules. Collaboration of public and private instructional personnel will work to promote educational progress and assist students in acquiring essential skills, including, but not limited to, readiness for pursuit of higher education goals or employment. Where applicable, public and private instructional personnel shall undertake collaborative programming. Coordination of services and plans between a public school and private instructional personnel is encouraged to avoid duplication or conflicting services or plans.

For the purpose of implementing this subsection, a school district may not impose any requirements beyond those requirements specified in this subsection or charge any fees:

The provision of private instructional personnel by a parent does not constitute a waiver of the student’s or parent’s right to a free and appropriate public education under IDEA.

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 are Lighting the Way across our department and district. Let’s keep the light shining bright! ✨🌟

Send shout outs to Sarah.McKenney@osceolaschools.net with the subject "Lighting the Way Shout Out"

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.

The contact information below has not yet been updated. Once a revised contact list is received, it will be shared.

Registration is located on the FDLRS Action Website - register now

 Below you will find the PDF of the flyer as well as electronic access to the flyer is also available.

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:

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:

Visit https://fl-pla.org to register and start learning today. Your growth supports student success!

FIN collaborates with all districts, schools, and IDEA- funded state projects to provide customized services and supports ensuring all students with disabilities have the same educational, social, and future opportunities as their peers.

The Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) is a statewide network of support for families, educators, and school districts, working together to help every child with a disability reach their full potential.

Through a network of Associate Centers across the state, FDLRS offers high-quality services, training, and resources to families and school personnel in every Florida school district. Whether you’re a parent seeking support, a teacher looking for professional learning, or a district leader supporting Exceptional Student Education (ESE) programs , FDLRS is here to help.

FDLRS provides:

SeaWorld Orlando offers Florida certified K-12 classroom teachers a SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card FREE.

Research and education are key pillars to the foundation of what SeaWorld does every day. In recognition of the importance SeaWorld places on education and the critical role educators play in shaping the knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of the next generation of global citizens, SeaWorld will offer free admission for Florida certified K-12 classroom teachers to amplify their educational efforts both in and out of the classroom. The SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card is valid for unlimited admission to SeaWorld® Orlando through September 2, 2027.

Just pre-register online using the ID.Me process to receive your SeaWorld Florida Teacher Card eVoucher. To take advantage of this offer, select the Teacher ID button in the top-right, select "Sign up" and then enter an e-mail address (personal e-mail address recommended) and a password.

If you are already "pre-registered" simply go to

SeaWorld Orlando Free Tickets for Teachers to complete the process.

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

At Nova Lakes High School, teamwork extends far beyond the classroom and the playing field! Recently, Mina from their ESE ACCESS classroom stepped up to support our Athletics Department by helping fold football jerseys and getting their team game-day ready. 

Mina's willingness to lend a hand is a wonderful example of the Rattler spirit in action. Her contribution demonstrates the pride, responsibility, and teamwork that help make her school community strong.

Thank you, Mina, for showing what it means to be a true Rattler. We are proud of the positive impact you make and appreciate all you do to help your school shine! 🐍💚🏈

Ms. Bratton's Transition class brings smiles across campus by helping celebrate Osceola High School staff on their special day!

At Flora Ridge Elementary, students receiving speech services from Ms. Marvin and Ms. Ramos are working on making progress towards their communication goals! Through hard work, perseverance, and consistent goal tracking, students are celebrating achievements and reaching important milestones in their speech development. Their dedication shows that success comes one goal at a time. 

We are proud of these students for their determination and growth because they truly are GOAL GETTERS!

Students in Osceola High School's Transition Class are making a positive impact on their school community through service and teamwork. Recently, these dedicated students helped beautify the campus by picking up debris and helping care for their surroundings. 

Through hands-on experiences like these, Transition Class students continue to build valuable life and workplace skills while demonstrating responsibility, pride, and commitment to their community. 

First-grade students in Ms. Dvorak’s class are soaring to new heights in reading! By actively using reading strategies and practicing their fluency skills, these young learners are building confidence and strengthening their literacy skills every day. 

Their hard work, determination, and enthusiasm for learning are helping them become stronger readers with each page they turn. Way to go, first grade, for showing what it means to be Flying with Fluency!

Partin Settlement Elementary is proud to serve as a Deaf and Hard of Hearing hub for Osceola County students. With the support of dedicated American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters and specialized staff, Partin Settlement fosters an environment where every student is seen, included, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Through meaningful connections, accessible communication, and a commitment to understanding the many ways people experience the world, Partin Settlement continues to create brighter tomorrows for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. The Pioneer family is proud to celebrate the unique strengths of its learners and the caring professionals who help them thrive every day.

Full pdf of schedule in attachments