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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The ESE Department recently hosted its 2nd Annual College & Career Readiness Parent Night, bringing together students, families, educators, and community partners for an evening dedicated to preparing students for success beyond high school.
Hosted at Gateway High School, the event welcomed an outstanding 200 attendees and provided families with valuable information and resources related to postsecondary education, career pathways, transition services, self-advocacy, independent living, and community supports available to exceptional students. We are incredibly thankful to Gateway High School for their hospitality and generosity in allowing us to utilize their facilities. Their support helped create a welcoming environment where students, families, and community partners could come together to explore opportunities for the future.
A special highlight of the evening was a presentation by Christian Zimmerman of the University Participant (UP) Program at Western Carolina University in North Carolina. The UP Program is an inclusive, two-year college experience designed for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Students live on campus, participate in college courses, gain valuable employment experience, engage in campus life alongside their peers, and develop the academic, career, and independent living skills needed for a successful transition to adulthood.
Attendees also had the pleasure of hearing from one of our very own oTech T-UP teachers, Ms. Smith-Scott, as well as Hannah, a student currently participating in the program. Their firsthand perspectives provided families with valuable insight into the student experience and the many opportunities available through inclusive postsecondary education. Hearing directly from both an educator and a current participant brought the program to life and helped families envision future possibilities for their own students.
Throughout the evening, families engaged with presenters and exhibitors who shared expertise, answered questions, and highlighted the numerous opportunities available to students as they transition into adulthood. Parents and caregivers learned about tools, services, and programs designed to empower students to achieve their educational, career, and life goals.
This event would not have been possible without the dedication of our presenters, community partners, and volunteers who generously shared their time and expertise. Their commitment helped create meaningful connections and provided families with essential information to support informed decision-making for their students' futures.
The success of this year's event reinforces the importance of collaboration between schools, families, and community organizations as we work together to empower students to pursue their dreams with confidence. We look forward to continuing this annual tradition and expanding opportunities for our students and families in the years ahead.
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Together, we are lighting the way toward brighter future! |
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: Provide Peer Buddy/Partner
Explanation: Pairing students with supportive peers who can model appropriate behaviors and provide assistance.
Implementation:
Identify appropriate peer buddies.
Teach students skills in collaboration and cooperation.
Establish clear expectations for the buddy relationship.
Reinforce both students for successful collaboration.
Monitor interactions and provide coaching as needed.
Tips:
Implement cooperative learning structures.
Provide reinforcement for demonstrating skills in cooperation and collaboration.
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Week 3: Identify Critical Skills
Compliance Tip: ESY decisions should focus on critical skills necessary for the student to receive FAPE, including communication, behavior, independence, social-emotional functioning, and essential academic skills.
Teacher Action:
- Identify which IEP goals represent critical life or educational skills.
- Document why those skills are essential.
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Great instruction often comes from the small things we do every day. Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing ESE Instructional Support Tips focused on practical strategies that can make a meaningful impact on student engagement, independence, access, and success in the classroom.
These quick tips are designed to provide educators with simple, effective ideas that can be easily incorporated into daily instruction and support. Stay tuned as we explore small strategies that help create inclusive learning environments and positive outcomes for all students. ✨📚🍎
ESE Instructional Support Tip: Week 1-
🎯 Start With the Learning Target
Make sure students know what they are learning. State the goal in student-friendly language and pair it with a visual, symbol, or example when appropriate.
✅ Try It Tomorrow!
Before the lesson, say: “Today we are learning to identify the main idea.” Show a simple visual or example, then revisit the learning target at the end of the lesson.
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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 #4: Celebrate Improvement, Not Just Perfect Attendance Some students may face significant obstacles to consistent attendance. Recognizing progress, increased engagement, and improved attendance rates can motivate students and reinforce positive habits.
Staff Tip: Acknowledge attendance gains through positive phone calls home, student recognition, classroom incentives, or personal notes of encouragement.
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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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This week, we're shining a light on Osceola High School's ESE Transition Program, which was recognized at the most recent School Board meeting for the vital role they play within the OHS community. The program provides students with meaningful opportunities to develop independent living skills, employment, and postsecondary readiness skills while preparing for successful futures beyond high school. Congratulations to the dedicated staff and students whose hard work, commitment, and positive impact continue to make a difference every day. 🌟👏 |
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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PM Wells Center for Academic Excellence recently celebrated Mrs. Cedano’s class as their PBIS Class of the Month!
The school recognized the classroom team's efforts to create a calm, welcoming, and predictable environment where students can thrive. Through the use of visual schedules, communication supports, and positive encouragement, students are supported in demonstrating their R.O.W. expectations in their own unique ways.
The recognition also highlighted the collaborative work of the classroom staff, including the teacher, paraprofessionals, and behavior technician, whose dedication helps foster student success each day.
Congratulations to Mrs. Cedano’s class and the entire team on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🌟💙
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PBIS Teacher of the Month and one of their AMAZING bus drivers "put a cap on drugs" for their Fall & Red Ribbon Spirit Week!
Behind every safe arrival is real dedication, early mornings, careful routes, and warm smiles that make our students feel seen before the school day even begins. That's the spirit we're keeping alive all year, making sure every student feels welcomed, valued, and happy to be at school.👏🍎🚌✨
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Check out this cutie!! Tucker brings a ton of smiles to his SCHS Bulldog Family! |
The department got into the spooky spirit for Whimsical Wednesday last week! Staff were invited to celebrate the season by wearing festive fall colors, Halloween-themed shirts, fun accessories, and other not-so-scary seasonal attire. It was a great opportunity to have some fun, showcase creativity, and enjoy the magic of the season together.
Check out a few highlights from the day! 🎃🍂📸
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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 |
11/4: Abigail Houston
11/6: Alma Leitzsey
11/9: Jesse McHatton
11/10: Edthephanie Flores
11/10: Jacqueline Rivera
11/17: Shabana Abdul
11/18: Alexis Odle
11/26: Romney Matias
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