Meet and Greet
Date: August 12, 2019
Time: 5:30 PM
Facilitator: Mrs. Ward, Director
of Education
In Attendance
Mrs. Ward, Director of Education
Ms. Race, Assistant Principal
Ginger Calberg, Social Worker
Gavin Theofield, Social Worker
Ruth Swartswelder, Social Worker
Cheri King, Social Worker
Kerri Wemett, Social Worker
Twelve (12)
Parent/Family Members
Mrs. Ward opened with introduction of all present.
Mrs. Ward shared the visual poster with the 12 talking
points presented to the students in school. Each talking point described in
detail with a focus on the goal of the meeting: Leave here tonight feeling we
are all in this together.
Mrs. Ward shared the process leading up to tonight’s meeting
since the start of her role as Director three weeks ago, inclusive of all
staff. Two team model with a focus on
the following:
- Transitions
- Open Communication
- Teams
- Supports
Mrs. Ward shared the process in which students will be
placed will be done strategically in collaboration with teams of staff to
determine the fit most effective for each student. Priorities in order of:
- Safety needs
- Support and social/emotional needs
- Academic needs
Parent questions and conversation regarding the timing and
the feeling that this process is being rushed, is this NYSED driven and
questioning the need to hire more staff. Mrs. Ward assured transparency and the
fact that she always does what is best for students and in keeping with the
momentum combining the programs is the next step. NYSED has given direction to
operate under the premise of one school and that this has been in the process
for the past two years.
Parents collaboratively agreed that there has been a lack of
communication regarding this over the past two years. Mrs. Ward reassured
transparency and collaboration moving forward. Hiring staff will take place as necessitated
to offer additional courses and provide additional social/emotional supports.
Parent questions and conversation regarding the program
specifics and needs being met of the scholars rather than the adult. Mrs. Ward
stated that the students within each program have been integrated already
throughout the summer school. Safety and social/emotional needs are being met
and strategic team placement will continue as we progress forward.
Parent concern and conversation regarding the loss of the
Avalon “school”. Mrs. Ward recognized
the philosophy that students come 1st will remain the same and
continual growth on the strengths of what the school already has in place.
Conversation regarding the home districts and CSE process
and the Social Worker caseload changing. Mrs. Ward shared that all districts
were made aware as well of programs integrating into one and offered to reach
out personally if parents wanted her to.
SW caseloads will not change and the students they currently have will
remain the same, small teams will remain in effect.
Parents asked for a more descriptive idea of the two team
model. Mrs. Ward detailed the model:
- Separating staff throughout the building into
teams to eliminate the extra transitions
- Team approach by floor
- Support staff will be placed throughout the
building
- Students will be strategically scheduled by
grade level and social/emotional needs
Parent questioned the following of current IEP’s. Parents shared a current model in a public
school that has a program built into the school that is specific to meeting the
therapeutic needs of the students. Mrs. Ward stated that all IEP’s will
continue to be followed and students needs will continue to be met with the
integration of programs.
Parent shared that her son has been integrated this summer
with other programs and has been very happy and successful. Other parents
agreed that there are strengths in the integration of all three programs into
one, however the timing is still of concern.
Mrs. Ward shared a few of the comments made by students both
positive as well as concerns during the student meetings. The idea of a student
led group was acknowledged by Mrs. Ward and parents encouraged the idea as
well.
All staff at the Villa of Hope receive TCI Training; there
will also be refreshers and additional training provided.
Feedback: Ongoing / what type? Discussion led to schedule
another meeting with families/parents a few weeks into the school year. Mrs.
Ward will coordinate.
Social Workers will communicate with parents the class
groupings once they are established. Mrs. Ward shared her cell phone number
encouraging contact with any questions/comments/discussion at any time.
6:50 PM Meeting Adjourned
