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 Abigail Houston, one of the newest members of our team serving as a Behavior Interventionist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with the Osceola School District!
As a new member of our Exceptional Student Education team, Abigail supports students with behavioral needs by developing and implementing individualized, evidence-based interventions. She collaborates closely with teachers and school staff to identify the functions of behavior, teach replacement behaviors, and create practical classroom strategies that promote student success. Through her expertise and dedication, Abigail helps students build the skills they need to thrive academically, socially, and behaviorally.
Fun Fact: Abigail enjoys traveling and spending time at Disney with her family. Whether she's exploring a new destination or making magical memories close to home, she loves sharing adventures with her loved ones.
We are excited to welcome Abigail to our team and look forward to the positive impact she will make in the lives of students, families, and staff. Thank you, Abigail, for bringing your passion and expertise to Osceola and helping us continue Lighting the Way for student success! ✨
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As of October 16, 2026, the Supervisor of Occupational Therapy & Behavior Supports position is vacant. The position has been posted, and the selection process is underway.
To ensure continuity of services and support during this transition, responsibilities associated with the position have been distributed among members of the leadership team. Please use the following points of contact until further notice:
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SEDNET, CARD, and MTSS Leadership: Jesse
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CPI Coordination: Carol and Jesse (first-semester schedules have already been established). Samuel and Alma may also serve as points of contact as needed.
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Crisis Plans: Behavior Team
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District PBIS Committee: Larissa
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FBA/BIP Review and Support: Behavior Team
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FLDOE Restraint/Seclusion: Hilary
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Monitoring ESE Referrals/OSS: Katie
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Private Instructional Provider Requests: Jesse and Carol
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Worker's Compensation Analysis (ESE student-related injuries): Hilary
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Outside Contracts (OT, PT, RBT): Maintained through the transition period
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New School Building Review: No support needed at this time
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Parent Concerns/Let's Talk: Jesse
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ESE Support Requests (Behavior): Hilary
Thank you for your flexibility and support during this transition. If you have questions regarding any of these areas, please reach out to the designated point of contact. Additional updates will be shared as the hiring process progresses.
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Behavior Tip of the Week: Increase/Decrease Attention
Definition
Strategic manipulation of adult attention to strengthen desired behaviors and reduce attention-seeking problem behaviors.
Behavioral Principle
Positive reinforcement (increasing attention) and extinction (decreasing attention) to shape behavior.
When to Use
- For attention-maintained behaviors (identified through FBA)
- When student demonstrates clear patterns of seeking adult attention
- When current attention patterns inadvertently reinforce problem behaviors
Implementation Steps
- Identify current patterns of adult attention (when, how, for what behaviors)
- Develop a plan to increase attention for positive behaviors
- Set a schedule for positive attention (e.g., check-ins every 10 minutes)
- Focus on specific positive behaviors to reinforce
- Develop a plan to decrease attention for problem behaviors
- Identify which behaviors to ignore (minor, attention-seeking)
- Train all staff on consistent response patterns
- Implement both aspects simultaneously
- Monitor and adjust based on student response
Age-Specific Variations
Elementary: Use concrete visual reminders (stickers, tokens) to track positive attention
Secondary: Develop more natural, age-appropriate attention strategies (brief check-ins, nonverbal signals)
Success Indicators
- Decrease in attention-seeking problem behaviors
- Increase in appropriate attention-seeking behaviors
- Student responds positively to planned attention
Common Mistakes
- Inconsistent implementation across staff
- Providing intermittent attention for problem behaviors (reinforcing them)
- Not providing enough positive attention for replacement behaviors
Failing to teach appropriate attention-seeking behaviors
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Week 1: ESY Is an IEP Team Decision
Compliance Tip: Remember that ESY is not based on disability category, staffing availability, parent request alone, placement, or existing services. The IEP team must determine eligibility individually based on the student's unique needs.
Teacher Action:
- Review students' current progress toward IEP goals.
- Ensure data collection systems are current and accurate.
- Be prepared to discuss data collected.
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For students with disabilities, consistent attendance is critical to accessing specially designed instruction, related services, accommodations, and transition supports. Every day a student is present is another opportunity to strengthen skills, build independence, and move closer to their postsecondary goals. Together, school staff can create welcoming, supportive environments that encourage students to show up, engage, and succeed.
Over the course of the next few weeks this section of the newsletter will be dedicated to providing strategies for staff to use to help boost student attendance.
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Attendance Strategy #2
Make Learning Relevant and Goal-Oriented Many high school students are motivated by future plans such as graduation, employment, college, technical training, or independent living. Help students understand how daily attendance connects to achieving their long-term goals.
Staff Tip: Regularly discuss graduation requirements, career pathways, transition plans, and postsecondary goals during conversations with students.
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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 this 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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Shared from the Project SEARCH Newsletter from Week of October 5th:
Classroom Instruction:
This week we are focusing on communication skills in the workplace:
Our lessons this week were focused on what the interns have watched on CNN10 in the morning. We have found that our interns are doing great listening and writing down information but were struggling with truly understand what they are writing. To help with this problem we placed the interns into two group and made a game out of providing more information than the other group. So far they have been doing great with this task and have been grasping additional information from every story.
Project SEARCH Intern Highlight:
Aeryen is currently working with Coach Colon at Cypress Elementary as PE assistant. Within this role Aeryen assists with ensuring the students are in their right spots for attendance, assists with demonstration of the activities, and assists students who struggle with some of the activities. Aeryen has done very well in this rotation and really brings his all everyday! Aeryen also fills his afternoons with sports. He is currently competing in Special Olympics in the following sports of bowling and flag football.
Project SEARCH SDOC Rotation Highlight:
The rotation we would like to highlight this week is Cypress Elementary's PE assistant. This is our second year in this rotation and we absolutely love it! This is a great rotation for any intern who loves to be active and loves sports. This rotation also helps with our interns and their communication skills. Coach Colon pushes our interns to interact with the students, he encourages them to be independent and has high expectations of our interns. We always see such great growth within the 10 weeks our interns are there. Thank you Coach Colon for all that you do with our guys and gals.
SDOC Site Program Reminders:
The first rotation ends October 30th.
Our first community week starts on November 2nd.
Thanksgiving Basket Brigade November 16th.
Project SEARCH Fun Fact:
We heard some great news about one of our past interns the other day. Our intern from the school year 2023-24, Aaliyah has been working at Neptune Elementary for over 2 years now! Even better her manager just told us, last year she had perfect attendance! This solidifies the selling point we make to all protentional businesses who look to hire our interns. We always say, if you hire them, they will always give you their best effort and they will show up everyday
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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. |
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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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. |
Beginning October 21, 2026, and continuing through March 17, 2027, these monthly Zoom sessions will provide valuable information to help families better understand Florida's graduation options, diploma pathways, transition planning, college and career readiness, accommodations, assessments, and available graduation resources.
Sessions will be held from 1:00–1:45 p.m. (EST) and are designed to help families make informed decisions as they support their student's journey toward graduation and postsecondary success.
Be sure to review the flyer for the complete session schedule and registration details.
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Exceptional Knights is a welcoming and inclusive concert for all. Audience members will engage with music, learn throughout the performance, and enjoy a supportive environment that embraces individual needs and behaviors. Presented in a Certified Autism Center™ as part of UCF Celebrates the Arts, this year's theme is Around the World!
- In the spring, please visit the Celebrates the Arts website and reserve your FREE seat(s). This helps us estimate attendance and determine whether additional balcony seating will be needed.
- Groups of ten or more and/or traveling by bus, please email Sydney Davis, sydney.davis@ucf.edu
Exceptional Knights Concert Series: Featuring the UCF Concert Band
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Steinmetz Hall
Tuesday
April 13, 2027
11:00 a.m.
50 minutes, without intermission
Admission is Free!
This young person’s concert provides a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment for individuals and families seeking opportunities to learn about and experience live music. The event is designed to support members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, individuals on the autism spectrum, people with cognitive or developmental disabilities, family members, and the Central Florida community at large.
The University of Central Florida Concert Band will present an engaging musical journey around the world, with music education students serving as guides to the concert experience.
Musicians and staff understand that audience members may need to move about, vocalize, take breaks, or leave and re-enter the performance space during the concert. Visual supports, balloons, and opportunities for movement will be incorporated to enhance engagement and enjoyment.
Patrons are welcome to bring hearing protection, fidget tools, manipulatives, cushions, or other comfort and support items. This program is open to all members of the community and celebrates a variety of ways of experiencing and enjoying live music.
Please send inquiries to:
Christine Lapka Ed.D.
Associate Professor of Music Education
Music-School of Performing Arts-College of Arts and Humanities
University of Central Florida
Chairperson, FMEA Diverse Learners Committee
cell: 309.224.1472
christine.lapka@ucf.edu
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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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Check out some of these highlights shared from members of the ESE Department who participated in St. Cloud Elementary's ESE Night event!! |
In celebration of those who have fought, are fighting, or have lost their fight to breast cancer we painted the department PINK! |
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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