ESE Department Connection Weekly Newsletter
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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
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This edition's spotlight shines on Samuel Junca, one of our newest Behavior Resource Specialists for the Osceola School District!
In his role, Samuel provides behavioral support across our school communities, helping students achieve success by developing effective behavior management strategies and empowering instructional staff with the tools and confidence needed to create rich, supportive learning environments. His work helps ensure that students and educators alike have the resources they need to thrive.
Outside of work, Samuel enjoys boxing, working on his car, exploring history, and continually learning new ways to improve himself and his craft. He is also celebrating an exciting new chapter in life as the proud father of his 12-week-old son, August!
Thank you, Samuel, for your dedication to supporting students, staff, and schools throughout our district. Your commitment to helping others succeed is truly lighting the way! ✨
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We are looking for 3 ESE teachers and 3 RCS's to participate in the district's BPIE assessment. If you are not familiar, BPIE stands for Best Practices for Inclusive Education, and is a FIN-facilitated process to identify and prioritize areas of need for best practices that enable all students with disabilities to achieve their highest potential.
The district BPIE process is intended to:
- Facilitate a self‐assessment for districts to evaluate current status of best practices for students with disabilities
- Develop measurable goals and action steps to increase or improve best practices across the district
- Develop measurable goals and action steps to increase or improve inclusive best practices across the district
- Validate areas of strength in the implementation of best practices for educating SWDs
- Monitor and report progress toward the implementation of best practices at the district level
- Provide data from districts to analyze and determine the status of best practices across the state
We are looking for representation from elementary, middle, and high schools, so the first representatives from each will be selected.
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Behavior Tip of the Week: Scaffold Instruction
Explanation: Breaking down academic tasks into manageable components with appropriate supports at each level.
Implementation:
*Assess current performance level and identify skill gaps.
*Break complex tasks into discrete, sequential steps.
*Provide appropriate supports at each level (models, prompts).
*Systematically fade supports as student demonstrates mastery.
*Reinforce successful approximations and attempts.
*Monitor progress and adjust level of scaffolding as needed.
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Tip on Avoiding FTE Errors: Data Entry Lag Following IEP Meetings
Error examples:
- IEP changed placement or services, and student information was not updated in FOCUS.
How to avoid it:
- Establish timelines for entering staffing changes.
- Conduct weekly reconciliation between staffing records and student database.
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Date and Time:
Saturday, October 3
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Registration begins at 8:30 AM)
Event Overview:
2026 Championing SUCCESS in Education is a comprehensive professional learning opportunity designed to enhance educators' knowledge and understanding of teaching and supporting students with Down syndrome. Participants will gain valuable insights, practical strategies, and evidence-based approaches to create inclusive learning environments and promote positive outcomes for students. Topics will include:
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AI in the Classroom: Practical Tools for Teachers
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Behavior Strategies That Work: Understanding Behavior & Building Success
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Executive Functioning: Building Skills for Learning & Independence
- Medical Challenges & Their Impact on Learning and Development
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Neurodevelopmental Strategies: Improving Learning & Student Outcomes
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Begin With the End in Mind: Building Skills Today for Independence, Employment & Life After School
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Leave Ready for Monday: Practical Strategies, Plans & Tools You Can Use Right Away
Their goal is to ensure that educators are well-supported and informed by the Down Syndrome Foundation of Florida, providing valuable resources, education, and support for teaching students with Down syndrome.
Highlights:
- FREE Breakfast and Lunch!
- FREE Make and Take Charts – Choose 2!
- FREE Childcare (must sign up in advance)!
- EARN 3 CEU Points!
Registration Fee:
$10, which includes morning refreshments and lunch. Scholarships are available upon request. Please contact Fay.Warfle@dsfflorida.org.
Don’t miss this invaluable opportunity to enhance your teaching skills and support your students with Down syndrome! Be sure to SHARE this opportunity with other teachers in your area, thank you!
This event is not a district sponsored event!
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Families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing are invited to attend the DHH Homecoming Pre-Game Event at the Florida School for the Deaf and the Blind (FSDB) in St. Augustine on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from Noon to 5:30 PM, with football game kickoff at 6:00 PM.
This free event is open to Florida families with children from birth through age 18 who are not enrolled at FSDB. Participants will have the opportunity to explore the FSDB campus, learn about the school's programs and services, enjoy sports-themed activities, meet the cheer team, and stay to cheer on the Dragons during their homecoming football game against the Maryland School for the Deaf. Siblings are welcome to attend!
Registration is required.
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OT Quick Tip: Identifying Hand Dominance
To help identify a student's hand dominance, pay attention to which hand they naturally use to begin tasks. Students may switch hands during an activity because one hand becomes fatigued, so observing their initial hand preference can provide valuable insight.
Activities such as eating finger foods or using utensils are great opportunities to observe a student's dominant hand in a natural setting.
When presenting materials, be sure to place items directly at the student's midline. This allows the student an equal opportunity to use either hand and helps ensure that hand preference develops naturally rather than being influenced by item placement.
PT Quick Tip: Backpack Safety
Backpacks are an important part of every school day, but wearing them properly can help prevent discomfort and promote good posture. Here are a few helpful tips:
🎒 Choose the right weight: A backpack should weigh no more than 5-10% of a student's body weight.
🎒 Use both shoulder straps: Wearing both straps helps distribute weight evenly and supports proper posture.
🎒 Pack strategically: Place heavier items closest to the center of the back and use compartments to distribute weight evenly.
A properly fitted and packed backpack can help keep students comfortable, safe, and ready to learn!
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ESY Tip: Ask Critical Questions
- Will the student lose critical skills without continued services?
- Does the student require ongoing instruction to maintain progress?
- Is the student at a critical point of skill acquisition?
Remember: If the answer is no, then why recommend?
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Please help us spread the word to families across the district about our upcoming 2nd Annual ESE College and Career Readiness Parent Night on Thursday, October 22, 2026, from 5:00–7:30 PM. The event will be held at Gateway High School, 93 Panther Paws Trail, Kissimmee, FL 34744, and will begin promptly at 5:00 PM.
This districtwide event is designed to help students with disabilities and their families begin planning for life after high school. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with local agencies and organizations that provide supports and services related to postsecondary education, employment, independent living, self-advocacy, community engagement, and adult services. Families will also gain valuable information and resources to support successful transition planning and help students prepare for their future goals.
We encourage all schools to share this opportunity with their ESE families. It's never too early to start planning for the future!
Parents are asked to RSVP using the following link:
Flyers for the event are included below in PDF format and may be shared with families, staff, and community partners. We appreciate your support in helping us connect families with these valuable resources and opportunities. We look forward to welcoming families from across the district for an evening of learning, networking, and planning for future success.
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The Project SEARCH interns at Gaylord Palms continue to make remarkable progress as they work toward their future employment goals. Now in their sixth week of their first job rotation, interns are gaining valuable workplace experience while growing in confidence, independence, and job skills each day.
Through hands-on learning opportunities, these students are taking meaningful steps toward competitive employment and successful participation in the workforce. Their achievements reflect not only their hard work and determination but also the dedication of the incredible team supporting them along the way.
A special thank you goes to the Instructor, Skills Trainer, Program Specialist, workplace mentors, and families whose guidance, encouragement, and collaboration help create opportunities for interns to learn, grow, and succeed. We are proud of all that our Project SEARCH interns have accomplished so far and look forward to celebrating their continued success throughout the year.
🎥 Be sure to check out the highlight video linked below to see these interns in action and celebrate the progress they are making on their journey toward meaningful employment! 👏🌟
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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.
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Do you know a coworker who is Lighting the Way—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 are Lighting the Way across our department and district. Let’s keep the light shining bright! ✨🌟
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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. |
Get ready for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration! The October Professional Learning Day will feature a variety of sessions designed to empower educators, spark new ideas, and strengthen instructional impact. From innovative teaching practices to meaningful networking opportunities, you'll find valuable experiences that support your professional growth. Join colleagues from across the district as we learn, share, and lead together.
For a complete list of course opportunities please visit:
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This section highlights upcoming District Professional Learning opportunities, important certification renewal information, and other key updates to support your professional growth and success. Be sure to check back for valuable resources, deadlines, training opportunities, and important announcements.
Links to Professional Learning Newsletters:
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FCSUA will be hosting their October Monthly Informational Webinar titled "Teaching Financial Literacy to Students with Intellectual Disabilities" on October 6, 2026, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. via Zoom.
The session will highlight the importance of integrating financial literacy and money‑management skills into postsecondary education and transition programming. Participants will learn about tools, resources, and approaches for developing accessible and meaningful financial literacy curricula, along with strategies for providing students with opportunities to practice budgeting and financial decision‑making.
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Join Early Learning Coalition of Osceola County for Accommodations in the Classroom, a FREE, in-person professional development opportunity designed to give educators practical strategies they can use to help every child participate and succeed.
Participants will learn how to identify and implement appropriate classroom accommodations while building consistent support between the classroom, families, and other service providers.
When:
Wednesday, October 7, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1950 E. Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy., 2nd Floor, Kissimmee, FL 34744
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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. |
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!
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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.
- Inclusion practices resources
- Co-teaching support materials
- MTSS & problem-solving facilitation guides
- Videos and online modules
- Leadership tools for inclusive models
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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.
- Professional development courses
- Instructional strategy videos
- MTSS & intervention supports
- Parent training resources
- Child Find information
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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
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Join us in congratulating Mrs. Bailey, ESE Teacher at Narcoossee Middle School, on being named Teacher of the Month by Hopkins Heroes!
Way to go, Mrs. Bailey!
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Osceola High School’s Transition Program is off to a fantastic start! During their first community outing to Publix in Kissimmee, students proudly showcased and sold their handmade keychains and surprise bags, raised donations, and connected with former students. Their efforts are also helping support a meaningful project to create birthday cake boxes for students in need. We are proud of these students for building valuable community and career skills, and we applaud the dedicated teachers who support and encourage them every step of the way. 🎉👏 |
Morgan chose to celebrate her birthday at our Texas Roadhouse Dine to Donate Event, making her special day even more meaningful by supporting our department! 🎉❤️
Thanks Morgan and thank you Texas Roadhouse for this Dine to Donate fundraising opportunity.
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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
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Full pdf of schedule in attachments |
10/3: Sheyla Vargas
10/5: Maria Pagan
10/10: Demitriis Leirzsey
10/12: Veronica Nigaglioni
10:17: Larissa Silfa-Velez
10/18: Milagros Torres
10/21: Sang Tran Ponce
10/22: Alexandra Charles
10/28: Jill Stanton
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