ESU 4 Special Education - August 2011

ESU 4 Special Education

Vision: Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!
The mission of ESU 4 is to improve student learning through a commitment to communication, accountability and leadership.
 
"Like" ESU 4 Special Education on Facebook

ESU 4 Special Education is changing it's blog! 

Updates, special education staff development opportunities and Q&A will be posted on this site!

December 8, 2011Special Education File Review Webinar: Getting our Files in Shape! December 8th WebinarIf you need the handouts to this email, contact Ellen.

November 1, 2011 - Matt McNiff Top 5 Strategies for Supporting BehaviorTop 5 Strategies for Supporting Behavior - Webinar link

If you need the handouts to this email, contact Ellen.

Winter/Spring Special Education Training Opportunities:

Ø  Special Education Law Webinar Series – Co-hosted by ESU 4 and ESU 6. All webinars will begin at 3:30 and conclude by 4:45 p.m. Register via the ESU 4 Registration website. Dates and Topics:

§  January 25 – Year in Review (Nancy Meyer)

§  February 8 – Safeguards in Special Education (Ellen

§  February 29 – Predetermination (Nancy)

§  March 28 – Documentation X3! (Ellen

§  April 4 – Extra-curricular activities and the IEP (Nancy)

§  May 9 – Discipline/Restraint and Seclusion (Ellen)

Ø  Early Childhood Cadre Webinar – Friday, February 10^th. Time of webinar TBA. Topic: The Transition Relay Model: Preparing Preschoolers for Kindergarten Transitions.

Ø  ASD Cadre (Structured Teaching – Day 3) – Friday, February 10^th, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Ø  ESU 4 Special Education Update – Monday, February 20, 2012 @ ESU 4 Learning Center, 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Agenda will include Updates in special ed, Writing an appropriate IEP (including the PLEP, goals, and objectives/benchmarks), Hosting a productive IEP meeting, and more! Registration will be on the ESU 4 registration website. Information will be sent out in the newsletter and via email.

Ø  CPI Training @ ESU 4, February 28 – 29^th, 2012. Registration via ESU 4 website.

Ø  Eastern Nebraska Transition Conference – Tuesday, March 20, 2012 @ SECC - 84^th & O Campus, Lincoln. This conference is intended for students with disabilities who are planning to go on to college and post-secondary training. There will be two strands. Juniors and Seniors with disabilities only. Registration is due from the schools to ESU 4 by January 6^th; I have to submit our registrations to LPS by Friday, January 13^th. 

Ø  ESU 4-5-6 Behavior Series featuring Dr. Kaye Otten – Thursday, March 29, 2012, @ Sheridan Lutheran Church, Lincoln. Registration is available on ESU 4 Registration Website. There will be a follow-up webinar to support the Q&A from this workshop featuring Matt McNiff, ESU 5. 

Ø  Annual ASD Conference, April 12-13, 2012 in Lincoln @ the Cornhusker. 

Ø  CPI Re-Certification training @ ESU 4 – April 23^rd. Registration via ESU 4 website. 

Ø  ESU 4-5-6 Behavior Institute, featuring Karen Haase, Matt McNiff, and Jolene Palmer; July 30-31, 2012 @ Sheridan Lutheran Church, Lincoln.   

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

Special Education - August 15, 2011

Monday Memo
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!
"Like" ESU 4 Special Education on Facebook

  August 15, 2011

"Life is about enjoying what we have- for as long as we have it." ~Unknown

Preparing to courageously lead a dynamic revolution in education... 

Can We Do It? 

Plans for August are shaping up! Please check back for more detailed information and possible changes will be made as the dates appear closer on our calendar...

Ø  Tuesday, August 16^th, 2011 - Annual “Health Day” for the Level III staff.  CPR training will be held in the morning at the Learning Center with Medication training rounding out the afternoon at ESU 4 Conference Room A. We will begin at 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be on your own. If any of the itinerant staff want to participate in health day training, specifically CPR, you are welcome to do so. Please let Katrina and Catrina know, so they can prepare accordingly.

SCHOOL PSYCH/AUDIOLOGY MEETING IS RE-SCHEDULED TO MONDAY, AUGUST 22ND @ 1:00 P.M.

Ø  Wednesday, August 17^th, 2011 -  All ESU 4 “Reunion” at NCECBVI, Nebraska City. Coffee, juice and carbohydrates will be available at 8:00; we will begin at 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria with introductions and insurance. Our very own Mitzi Hoback and Suzanne Whisler will be answering the question, “Can I Do This?” We’ll be putting plans into action during this next school year. In the afternoon, Gregg will be introducing Google and all that entails to the entire ESU/NCECBVI staff. I will probably take the last hour or so at the end of the day to review some quick housekeeping items for the ESU 4 Special Ed staff.

Ø  Thursday, August 18^th, 2011 – Work day; I want to meet with the Learning Center staff in the afternoon.

Ø  Friday, August 19^th, 2011 – Work Day. All staff involved in providing services to children involved in Early Childhood (0-5) are invited (and strongly encouraged!) to attend the Early Childhood Cadre meeting at the ESU. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by 12:00 p.m. You should have received your invitation to register in the mail.

In the afternoon… I would like to meet with the speech staff. We will begin at 1:00 p.m. and should be done by 3:00 p.m.

Ø  Monday, August 22, 2011 – First day of school with students for the Level III programs!

    SCHOOL PSYCH/AUDIOLOGY MEETING - 1:00 p.m.

• Friday, August 26, 2011... SRS Training for New Users, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.; SRS Update and Changes for 'Experienced' Users, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 
• Register on the ESU 4 Registration website.

What does it mean to be a leader at ESU 4? (Activity: Define "Leadership" in 10 words or less.)

• It means... "Guiding and empowering with respect, understand and integrity."
• It means... "Building and empowering relationships through trust, respect and knowledge."

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

Special Education - August 1, 2011

Monday Memo
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!
"Like" ESU 4 Special Education on Facebook

  August 1, 2011

Reach high, for stars lie hidden in your soul.
Dream deep, for every dream precedes the goal.

-- Pamela Vaull Starr

Preparing to courageously lead a dynamic revolution in education... 

Can We Do It? 

Plans for August are shaping up! Please check back for more detailed information and possible changes will be made as the dates appear closer on our calendar...

 

o   Thursday, August 11^th OR Friday, August 12^th, 2011 – All returning staff need to participate in the CPI Refresher training! This is a contract day. The training is a one-day event; you may choose either the 11^th or the 12^th. You must go to the ESU 4 website to register for the day you intend to attend. If you aren’t registered by the 8^th of August, you will be getting a call!

Also on the 12^th… Sally and I will be hosting an orientation all new staff for ESU 4/NCECBVI. We plan to meet at the ESU 4 office. Heather and Wenona will be receiving more information as the 12^th gets closer. Plan to begin at 9:00 a.m. We will provide lunch.

Ø  Tuesday, August 16^th, 2011 - Annual “Health Day” for the Level III staff.  CPR training will be held in the morning at the Learning Center with Medication training rounding out the afternoon at ESU 4 Conference Room A. We will begin at 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be on your own. If any of the itinerant staff want to participate in health day training, specifically CPR, you are welcome to do so. Please let Katrina and Catrina know, so they can prepare accordingly.

SCHOOL PSYCH/AUDIOLOGY MEETING IS RE-SCHEDULED TO MONDAY, AUGUST 22ND @ 1:00 P.M.

Ø  Wednesday, August 17^th, 2011 -  All ESU 4 “Reunion” at NCECBVI, Nebraska City. Coffee, juice and carbohydrates will be available at 8:00; we will begin at 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria with introductions and insurance. Our very own Mitzi Hoback and Suzanne Whisler will be answering the question, “Can I Do This?” We’ll be putting plans into action during this next school year. In the afternoon, Gregg will be introducing Google and all that entails to the entire ESU/NCECBVI staff. I will probably take the last hour or so at the end of the day to review some quick housekeeping items for the ESU 4 Special Ed staff.

Ø  Thursday, August 18^th, 2011 – Work day; I want to meet with the Learning Center staff in the afternoon.

Ø  Friday, August 19^th, 2011 – Work Day. All staff involved in providing services to children involved in Early Childhood (0-5) are invited (and strongly encouraged!) to attend the Early Childhood Cadre meeting at the ESU. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by 12:00 p.m. You should have received your invitation to register in the mail.

In the afternoon… I would like to meet with the speech staff. We will begin at 1:00 p.m. and should be done by 3:00 p.m.

Ø  Monday, August 22, 2011 – First day of school with students for the Level III programs!

    SCHOOL PSYCH/AUDIOLOGY MEETING - 1:00 p.m.

What does it mean to be a leader at ESU 4? (Activity: Define "Leadership" in 10 words or less.)

• It means... "Guiding and empowering with respect, understand and integrity."
• It means... "Building and empowering relationships through trust, respect and knowledge."

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

Special Education - July 21, 2011

Monday Memo
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!
"Like" ESU 4 Special Education on Facebook

July 21, 2011

When I touch a rock, I touch the past;
when I touch a child, I touch the future.

Preparing to courageously lead a dynamic revolution in education... Can We Do It? 

Plans for August are shaping up! Please check back for more detailed information as the dates appear closer on our calendar...

 

o   Thursday, August 11^th OR Friday, August 12^th, 2011 – All returning staff need to participate in the CPI Refresher training! This is a contract day. The training is a one-day event; you may choose either the 11^th or the 12^th. You must go to the ESU 4 website to register for the day you intend to attend. If you aren’t registered by the 8^th of August, you will be getting a call!

Also on the 12^th… Sally and I will be hosting an orientation all new staff for ESU 4/NCECBVI. We plan to meet at the ESU 4 office. Heather and Wenona will be receiving more information as the 12^th gets closer. Plan to begin at 9:00 a.m. We will provide lunch.

Ø  Tuesday, August 16^th, 2011 - Annual “Health Day” for the Level III staff.  CPR training will be held in the morning at the Learning Center with Medication training rounding out the afternoon at ESU 4 Conference Room A. We will begin at 8:00 a.m. Lunch will be on your own. If any of the itinerant staff want to participate in health day training, specifically CPR, you are welcome to do so. Please let Katrina and Catrina know, so they can prepare accordingly.

Also on August 16^th… I’d like to meet with the School Psychology/Audiology staff in the afternoon at the ESU. We’ll start at 1:30 and should be able to conclude by 3:30 p.m.

Ø  Wednesday, August 17^th, 2011 -  All ESU 4 “Reunion” at NCECBVI, Nebraska City. Coffee, juice and carbohydrates will be available at 8:00; we will begin at 8:15 a.m. in the cafeteria with introductions and insurance. Our very own Mitzi Hoback and Suzanne Whisler will be answering the question, “Can I Do This?” We’ll be putting plans into action during this next school year. In the afternoon, Gregg will be introducing Google and all that entails to the entire ESU/NCECBVI staff. I will probably take the last hour or so at the end of the day to review some quick housekeeping items for the ESU 4 Special Ed staff.

Ø  Thursday, August 18^th, 2011 – Work day; I want to meet with the Learning Center staff in the afternoon.

Ø  Friday, August 19^th, 2011 – Work Day. All staff involved in providing services to children involved in Early Childhood (0-5) are invited (and strongly encouraged!) to attend the Early Childhood Cadre meeting at the ESU. The meeting begins at 9:00 a.m. and will conclude by 12:00 p.m. You should have received your invitation to register in the mail.

In the afternoon… I would like to meet with the speech staff. We will begin at 1:00 p.m. and should be done by 3:00 p.m.

Ø  Monday, August 22, 2011 – First day of school with students for the Level III programs!

What does it mean to be a leader at ESU 4? (Activity: Define "Leadership" in 10 words or less.)

• It means... "Guiding and empowering with respect, understand and integrity."
• It means... "Building and empowering relationships through trust, respect and knowledge."

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

Special Education - June 10, 2011

Monday Memo
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!
"Like" ESU 4 Special Education on Facebook

June 10, 2011

"Try not. Do, or do not. There is no try." -- Yoda, 'Star Wars' Character

Staff Development...

 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series Recordings are all posted on the "ILCD" page of the Special Education Website/blog. 

ASD/Transition Cadre Meeting - Monday, June 13, 2011

ESU 4 Learning Center

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Agenda: 

How to Facilitate a Productive Meeting

What to Say and How to Say It

It's all about the Relationships! 

 

Presenters: Ellen Stokebrand, ESU 4

Melissa Trautman, SE-ASD Coordinator 

Aimee Daily, ESU 4

Sign up via the ESU 4 Registration Website! Look for "ASD Cadre Meeting."
Questions? Contact Ellen (estokebrand@esu4.net)

 QOE (Quality Observation and Evaluation...  
**Observation (Evaluation) Schedules... All observations that were scheduled have been completed! You should have received your 1 page comments concerning the observation event. Remember to schedule your end of the year/summative conversation! Dates are posted below...


I will need the following forms and documentation from the following people.
     Self Evaluation (originally due 9/10)  - Kathy Novak
     Goals and Individual Development Plan (originally due 9/10) - Kathy Novak
     Lesson Reflection (originally due 11/19/10) - Kathy Novak, Joel Halpine

Lesson Reflection #2... due by FRIDAY, April 15th. 

End of the Year Self Evaluation... due at our "End of the Year" Conversation. 

Available Dates/Times for the Conversation

***(subject to change at district request)***

NOTE: We will need an hour for each conversation. Please plan accordingly

 These people need to schedule their summative conversations with me... 

Joel Halpine, Kathy Novak, Rose Petersen, Lori Harring 

Please contact me to schedule our conversation. I think it's totally worth it. It is one of my favorite activities each year. Thanks! -Ellen

LOOKING 4-WARD... 

• August 11th OR August 12th - CPI Refresher Training (You must sign up for one day OR the other... this is a one day event.)
• August 16th - ESU 4 Health Day @ the Learning Center
• August 17th - ESU 4 - ALL STAFF REPORT @ NCECBVI
• August 18th - Early Childhood Cadre Meeting for all providers serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers @ ESU 4 Office. To register, log on to the ESU 4 Registration website.

End of the Year Assignments and Inventory... I would like to have all speech tests and psych tests returned to the ESU at the conclusion of the school year, for the purposes of inventory and preparing orders for the next school year. I realize that some of the speech tests will be needed throughout the summer; with your help, we will work quickly to get the inventory complete.

What does it mean to be a leader at ESU 4? (Activity: Define "Leadership" in 10 words or less.)

• It means... "Guiding and empowering with respect, understand and integrity."
• It means... "Building and empowering relationships through trust, respect and knowledge."

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

Special Education - May 23, 2011

Monday Memo
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!

May 23, 2011

"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine". ~Anthony J. D'Angelo

Deadlines and Calendar Events:

CHECKOUT... Katrina and I will NOT be available for checkout on Monday, May 23rd. Katrina will be back in the office on Tuesday, May 24th. Please let her know when you plan to be in to check out.

Lesson Reflections #2 were due Friday, April 15th. Do I have yours? Turn them in when we meet, if you haven't already...

"My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness,
then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength. " ~Michael Jordan 
PERSEVERANCE...

• P - persist no matter what
• E - endure discomfort
• R - request help
• S - steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values
• E - envision triumph
• V - very consistently keep at it
• E - embrace adversity as your teacher
• R - refuse to give up
• E - enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end... THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Staff Development...

 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series Recordings are all posted on the "ILCD" page of the Special Education Website/blog. 

ASD/Transition Cadre Meeting - Monday, June 13, 2011

ESU 4 Learning Center

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Agenda: 

How to Facilitate a Productive Meeting

What to Say and How to Say It

It's all about the Relationships! 

 

Presenters: Ellen Stokebrand, ESU 4

Melissa Trautman, SE-ASD Coordinator 

Aimee Daily, ESU 4

Sign up via the ESU 4 Registration Website! Look for "ASD Cadre Meeting."
Questions? Contact Ellen (estokebrand@esu4.net)

 QOE (Quality Observation and Evaluation...  
**Observation (Evaluation) Schedules... All observations that were scheduled have been completed! You should have received your 1 page comments concerning the observation event. Remember to schedule your end of the year/summative conversation! Dates are posted below...


I will need the following forms and documentation from the following people.
     Self Evaluation (originally due 9/10)  - Kathy Novak
     Goals and Individual Development Plan (originally due 9/10) - Kathy Novak
     Lesson Reflection (originally due 11/19/10) - Kathy Novak, Joel Halpine

Lesson Reflection #2... due by FRIDAY, April 15th. 

End of the Year Self Evaluation... due at our "End of the Year" Conversation. 

Available Dates/Times for the Conversation

***(subject to change at district request)***

NOTE: We will need an hour for each conversation. Please plan accordingly

 These people need to schedule their summative conversations with me... 

Suzanne Hinrichs, Deb Pounders, Joel Halpine, Kathy Novak, Rose Petersen, Lori Harring

• My schedule is updated... look closely. There may be days that we can meet either before or after workshops or meetings; we might also be able to meet in an alternate location.

Please contact me to schedule our conversation. I think it's totally worth it. It is one of my favorite activities each year. Thanks! -Ellen

LOOKING 4-WARD... 

• August 11th OR August 12th - CPI Refresher Training (You must sign up for one day OR the other... this is a one day event.)
• August 16th - ESU 4 Health Day @ the Learning Center
• August 17th - ESU 4 - ALL STAFF REPORT @ NCECBVI
• August 18th - Early Childhood Cadre Meeting for all providers serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers @ ESU 4 Office. To register, log on to the ESU 4 Registration website.

End of the Year Assignments and Inventory... I would like to have all speech tests and psych tests returned to the ESU at the conclusion of the school year, for the purposes of inventory and preparing orders for the next school year. I realize that some of the speech tests will be needed throughout the summer; with your help, we will work quickly to get the inventory complete.

What does it mean to be a leader at ESU 4? (Activity: Define "Leadership" in 10 words or less.)

• It means... "Guiding and empowering with respect, understand and integrity."
• It means... "Building and empowering relationships through trust, respect and knowledge."

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

Time Management 101... In the interest of trying to support some of you who are still working on the resolution to be better organized in 2011, I found this article from the Harvard Business Review booklet by way of the "Marshall Memo" that is sent to ESUs every couple of weeks. CEO Peter Bregman recommends a 4 step-process each day... 
1) Plan for the day (5 minutes)... before you even turn on the computer! Make your list; similar to decide which "frog" you're going to eat. 
2) Calendar the day... take out your calendar and schedule your top priorities into specific time slots, putting the hardest and most important items earlier in the day. (Sound familiar, frog fans?)
3) Refocus for one minute every hour... set your phone, watch, computer to ring every hour. When it rings, stop what you're doing, take a deep breath, look at your list and ask if your last hour was productive. Then, look at your calendar and recommit yourself to how you're going to use the next hour.
4) Review (5 minutes)... At the end of the day, shut off your computer and look back on the day. What worked? Did you get distracted? What can you do better tomorrow?

Try this and see how it works... report back on all your success!!! 

(You can report back by 'commenting' on this blog page below! Try it out! Just once! Just hit 'post a comment'... come on! You know you want to!!)

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

Special Education - May 16, 2011

Monday Memo
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!

May 16, 2011The last week of school...

"Love what you have. Want what you need. Accept what you receive. Give what you can. Forgive what you can't. Bless what you see." - Unknown

Deadlines and Calendar Events:

Lesson Reflections #2 were due Friday, April 15th. Do I have yours? Turn them in when we meet, if you haven't already...

Wednesday, May 18 - Graduation at the Learning Center, 1:00 p.m.

Friday, May 20th... End of the Year "Debriefing" at Ellen's House! 

(200 S. 21st Street, Nebraska City) 5:00 p.m. -- ??? 

BYFS... Bring your favorite snack! 

(And perhaps your own beverage if you have some pretty wild tastes!)

RSVP Please... I gotta make sure I have enough chairs! (Ha!) 

"My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness,
then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength. " ~Michael Jordan  

Neb-Mac Time Study - Should be Complete!... I need to know when each person is done entering their information; I will finalize the study! Thanks!

PERSEVERANCE...

• P - persist no matter what
• E - endure discomfort
• R - request help
• S - steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values
• E - envision triumph
• V - very consistently keep at it
• E - embrace adversity as your teacher
• R - refuse to give up
• E - enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!

Leadership Behavior Results... Remember that self assessment form I gave to staff at the March staff meeting? I also asked the staff who were not in attendance at the meeting to evaluate my leadership skills. The results are posted under the ESU 4 Director of Special Education tab of this website. Have you completed your self-assessment of your leadership skills?

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end... THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Staff Development...

 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series Recordings are all posted on the "ILCD" page of the Special Education Website/blog. 

ASD/Transition Cadre Meeting - Monday, June 13, 2011

ESU 4 Learning Center

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Agenda: 

How to Facilitate a Productive Meeting

What to Say and How to Say It

It's all about the Relationships! 

 

Presenters: Ellen Stokebrand, ESU 4

Melissa Trautman, SE-ASD Coordinator 

Aimee Daily, ESU 4

Sign up via the ESU 4 Registration Website! Look for "ASD Cadre Meeting."
Questions? Contact Ellen (estokebrand@esu4.net)

 QOE (Quality Observation and Evaluation...  
**Observation (Evaluation) Schedules... All observations that were scheduled have been completed! You should have received your 1 page comments concerning the observation event. Remember to schedule your end of the year/summative conversation! Dates are posted below...


I will need the following forms and documentation from the following people.
     Self Evaluation (originally due 9/10)  - Kathy Novak
     Goals and Individual Development Plan (originally due 9/10) - Kathy Novak
     Lesson Reflection (originally due 11/19/10) - Kathy Novak, Joel Halpine

Lesson Reflection #2... due by FRIDAY, April 15th. 

End of the Year Self Evaluation... due at our "End of the Year" Conversation. 

Available Dates/Times for the Conversation

***(subject to change at district request)***

NOTE: We will need an hour for each conversation. Please plan accordingly.

• Wednesday, April 20th (a.m. only)
• Monday, April 25th (all day... I know that this is generally a day off but the Learning Center is in session and I will be available.)
• Gail Palmer - 9:15 a.m. 
• Christy Tanner - 11:30 a.m.
• Amy Jobe - 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 26th (any time)
• Julinne Moore - 10:00 a.m.
• Aimee Daily - 11:15 a.m.
• Thursday, May 12th (p.m. only)
• Wednesday, May 18th (a.m. only)
• Thursday, May 19th (anytime)
• Kathy Jones - 8:30 a.m.
• Suzanne Hinrichs - 2:30 p.m. - Need to Reschedule
• Deb Pounders - 3:15 p.m. - Need to Reschedule
• Friday, May 20th (anytime)
• Denise Buethe - 10:00 a.m. 
• Ellen Cain - 1:00 p.m. 
• Jodie McConnaughey - 2:00 p.m. 

• Note that I'm also willing to meet after May 20th... contact me if you need to schedule after the 20th.

Please contact me to schedule our conversation. If you are watching, you will notice that the schedule is changing due to end of the year meetings at districts. This will take patience! However, I think it's totally worth it. It is one of my favorite activities each year. Thanks! -Ellen

INFORMATION & UPDATES FROM 3/10/11 STAFF MEETING...
IEP meetings, busy schedules and technology... Please don't hesitate to work with districts using technology as you schedule IEP meetings into your busy schedules. I'd like to be able to reduce the amount of travel; it's always my goal that once you get to a district/school, you stay there throughout the day as much as possible. Skype, iChat, and Distance Learning are all great ways to participate in meetings...

End of the Year Assignments and Inventory... I would like to have all speech tests and psych tests returned to the ESU at the conclusion of the school year, for the purposes of inventory and preparing orders for the next school year. I realize that some of the speech tests will be needed throughout the summer; with your help, we will work quickly to get the inventory complete.

What does it mean to be a leader at ESU 4? (Activity: Define "Leadership" in 10 words or less.)

• It means... "Guiding and empowering with respect, understand and integrity."
• It means... "Building and empowering relationships through trust, respect and knowledge."

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

Time Management 101... In the interest of trying to support some of you who are still working on the resolution to be better organized in 2011, I found this article from the Harvard Business Review booklet by way of the "Marshall Memo" that is sent to ESUs every couple of weeks. CEO Peter Bregman recommends a 4 step-process each day... 
1) Plan for the day (5 minutes)... before you even turn on the computer! Make your list; similar to decide which "frog" you're going to eat. 
2) Calendar the day... take out your calendar and schedule your top priorities into specific time slots, putting the hardest and most important items earlier in the day. (Sound familiar, frog fans?)
3) Refocus for one minute every hour... set your phone, watch, computer to ring every hour. When it rings, stop what you're doing, take a deep breath, look at your list and ask if your last hour was productive. Then, look at your calendar and recommit yourself to how you're going to use the next hour.
4) Review (5 minutes)... At the end of the day, shut off your computer and look back on the day. What worked? Did you get distracted? What can you do better tomorrow?

Try this and see how it works... report back on all your success!!! 

(You can report back by 'commenting' on this blog page below! Try it out! Just once! Just hit 'post a comment'... come on! You know you want to!!)

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska

Special Education - May 9, 2011

Monday Memo
Courageously leading a dynamic revolution in Education!

May 9, 2011The countdown begins...

"Focus on the opportunities ahead of you, not the disappointments behind you."

Deadlines and Calendar Events:

Lesson Reflections #2 were due Friday, April 15th. Do I have yours? 

Wednesday, May 11 - Life Skills Picnic at the Learning Center... RSVP to Amy Jobe!

Wednesday, May 18 - Graduation at the Learning Center, 1:00 p.m.

Friday, May 20th... End of the Year "Debriefing" at Ellen's House! (200 S. 21st Street, Nebraska City) Details will be available on next week's (final) Monday Memo...

"My attitude is that if you push me towards something that you think is a weakness,
then I will turn that perceived weakness into a strength. " ~Michael Jordan  

Neb-Mac Time Study - Should be Complete!... I need to know when each person is done entering their information; I will finalize the study! Thanks!

PERSEVERANCE...

• P - persist no matter what
• E - endure discomfort
• R - request help
• S - steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values
• E - envision triumph
• V - very consistently keep at it
• E - embrace adversity as your teacher
• R - refuse to give up
• E - enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!

Leadership Behavior Results... Remember that self assessment form I gave to staff at the March staff meeting? I also asked the staff who were not in attendance at the meeting to evaluate my leadership skills. The results are posted under the ESU 4 Director of Special Education tab of this website. Have you completed your self-assessment of your leadership skills?

Go for it
Run toward it
Dive in head first
Live life with no regrets
Put your heart out there
...Don't be scared you might get hurt, but its all worth it in the end... THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Staff Development...

 - Writing Measurable Goals... WEBINAR Series Recordings are all posted on the "ILCD" page of the Special Education Website/blog. 

ASD/Transition Cadre Meeting - Monday, June 13, 2011

ESU 4 Learning Center

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Agenda: 

How to Facilitate a Productive Meeting

What to Say and How to Say It

It's all about the Relationships! 

 

Presenters: Ellen Stokebrand, ESU 4

Melissa Trautman, SE-ASD Coordinator 

Aimee Daily, ESU 4

Sign up via the ESU 4 Registration Website! Look for "ASD Cadre Meeting."
Questions? Contact Ellen (estokebrand@esu4.net)

 QOE (Quality Observation and Evaluation...  
**Observation (Evaluation) Schedules... All observations that were scheduled have been completed! You should have received your 1 page comments concerning the observation event. Remember to schedule your end of the year/summative conversation! Dates are posted below...


I will need the following forms and documentation from the following people.
     Self Evaluation (originally due 9/10)  - Kathy Novak
     Goals and Individual Development Plan (originally due 9/10) - Kathy Novak
     Lesson Reflection (originally due 11/19/10) - Kathy Novak, Joel Halpine

Lesson Reflection #2... due by FRIDAY, April 15th. 

End of the Year Self Evaluation... due at our "End of the Year" Conversation. 

Available Dates/Times for the Conversation

***(subject to change at district request)***

NOTE: We will need an hour for each conversation. Please plan accordingly.

• Wednesday, April 20th (a.m. only)
• Monday, April 25th (all day... I know that this is generally a day off but the Learning Center is in session and I will be available.)
• Gail Palmer - 9:15 a.m. 
• Christy Tanner - 11:30 a.m.
• Amy Jobe - 1:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 26th (any time)
• Julinne Moore - 10:00 a.m.
• Aimee Daily - 11:15 a.m.
• Thursday, May 12th (p.m. only)
• Wednesday, May 18th (a.m. only)
• Thursday, May 19th (anytime)
• Kathy Jones - 8:30 a.m.
• Suzanne Hinrichs - 2:30 p.m. - Need to Reschedule
• Deb Pounders - 3:15 p.m. - Need to Reschedule
• Friday, May 20th (anytime)
• Denise Buethe - 10:00 a.m. 
• Ellen Cain - 1:00 p.m. 
• Jodie McConnaughey - 2:00 p.m. 

• Note that I'm also willing to meet after May 20th... contact me if you need to schedule after the 20th.

Please contact me to schedule our conversation. If you are watching, you will notice that the schedule is changing due to end of the year meetings at districts. This will take patience! However, I think it's totally worth it. It is one of my favorite activities each year. Thanks! -Ellen

INFORMATION & UPDATES FROM 3/10/11 STAFF MEETING...
IEP meetings, busy schedules and technology... Please don't hesitate to work with districts using technology as you schedule IEP meetings into your busy schedules. I'd like to be able to reduce the amount of travel; it's always my goal that once you get to a district/school, you stay there throughout the day as much as possible. Skype, iChat, and Distance Learning are all great ways to participate in meetings...

End of the Year Assignments and Inventory... I would like to have all speech tests and psych tests returned to the ESU at the conclusion of the school year, for the purposes of inventory and preparing orders for the next school year. I realize that some of the speech tests will be needed throughout the summer; with your help, we will work quickly to get the inventory complete.

What does it mean to be a leader at ESU 4? (Activity: Define "Leadership" in 10 words or less.)

• It means... "Guiding and empowering with respect, understand and integrity."
• It means... "Building and empowering relationships through trust, respect and knowledge."

According to the New York Times, there is no scientific research that proves that life is serious.
So... Lighten up!!! 

Time Management 101... In the interest of trying to support some of you who are still working on the resolution to be better organized in 2011, I found this article from the Harvard Business Review booklet by way of the "Marshall Memo" that is sent to ESUs every couple of weeks. CEO Peter Bregman recommends a 4 step-process each day... 
1) Plan for the day (5 minutes)... before you even turn on the computer! Make your list; similar to decide which "frog" you're going to eat. 
2) Calendar the day... take out your calendar and schedule your top priorities into specific time slots, putting the hardest and most important items earlier in the day. (Sound familiar, frog fans?)
3) Refocus for one minute every hour... set your phone, watch, computer to ring every hour. When it rings, stop what you're doing, take a deep breath, look at your list and ask if your last hour was productive. Then, look at your calendar and recommit yourself to how you're going to use the next hour.
4) Review (5 minutes)... At the end of the day, shut off your computer and look back on the day. What worked? Did you get distracted? What can you do better tomorrow?

Try this and see how it works... report back on all your success!!! 

(You can report back by 'commenting' on this blog page below! Try it out! Just once! Just hit 'post a comment'... come on! You know you want to!!)

HUSKER NATION: 

When is it a great day to be a Husker fan????
The correct answer is... ALWAYS!!!
Never stop playing the game!  Go BIG RED! GO Big RED! GO BIG Red! GO BIG RED  Educational Service Unit #4, Auburn, Nebraska