Gratitude and Growth
As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take this moment to say how grateful I am, first of all, of course, to my supportive husband and our funny, sweet (and spicy!) children, and to our friends and family. I also wish to thank the many professionals throughout Council Rock who make sure our school district runs smoothly—our fantastic teachers, school nurses, security guards, receptionists, assistants, paraprofessionals, recess aides, lunch staff, bus drivers, and many others—thank you for your tireless efforts and dedication. I’m also thankful for our principals and administration, and for the Council Rock parents who partner with our district in educating their children. And to my fellow school board members and the CR community—thank you for your support, encouragement and commitment to our students’ success. Together, in less than a year, we’ve already achieved many positive changes.
Here are just some of those major accomplishments—so far:
Opened a newly renovated Sol Feinstone Elementary School; the completely renovated Richboro Elementary School will open after the winter break.
Researched and planned for Full Day Kindergarten, expected to begin in the 2025-2026 school year—a huge win for families of young children and for our students.
Collaborated with a committee of students, parents, teachers, and the administration to evaluate cafeteria services and options, and selected a new district-wide cafeteria provider for the 2024-2025 school year.
Retained new school district solicitor, lowering the district’s legal settlements by encouraging more direct communication and participation between the attorneys and families.
Approved the Safe Touches program to instruct our second graders about appropriate physical contact from peers and adults.
On track to becoming a CHOP certified Heart Safe School District.
Making significant strides in our Special Education Program:
Added Special Education discussion at each education Board meeting.
Approved and filled new role focused on the Special Education curriculum.
Partnering with the Special Education Department to prioritize Literacy, Inclusive Practices and Family Engagement.
Created a SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee), a new initiative in our commitment to improving Special Education. Please read on for the details, and see Council Rock’s new website page about this program here.
Spotlight on the Council Rock SEPAC--new program launches!
In each of my past newsletters, I’ve focused on the three areas the board has made our priority: Educational Excellence, Student Well-Being, and Communication. This month I want to highlight the Council Rock SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee), a new program that impacts all three areas. Made up of parents and guardians of children with IEPs (Individual Education Plans), the SEPAC counsels the Special Education Department on issues facing students and parents, and on ways the district could improve the program.
If you’re not familiar with Council Rock’s Special Education program, it serves students who, because of physical, developmental, behavioral, emotional, or learning challenges, need specific support and services to fully participate and succeed in school. The spectrum of needs is huge, and can range from modified learning plans and special technology, to medical care, and specialized teaching methods.
Since joining the board, I’ve heard often from families with students in Special Education—some who say that the district is doing a great job for their children, and others who feel that the district is falling short. Each situation is unique. Some families, for example, may worry about their child’s ability to learn to read, while others seek reassurance that the staff can properly manage their child’s feeding tube.
I think the SEPAC is an effective way for families and the district to work together to recognize and expand on what is going well, and to learn how those successes can be applied to other areas. This committee and the new webpage with information for Council Rock Special Education families is a great start. Again, you can visit it here.
On the web page, the district has posted questions and answers from previous meetings and presentations that have been given at the district from PaTTAN (Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network) and the PA Department of Education. There are many resources available, but we are working to add even more—especially at the local level.
I wholeheartedly believe that the SEPAC will contribute to educational excellence, and support the well-being of all students—not just those with IEPs. For example, General Education teachers trained in inclusion and universal design for learning will gain new methods for presenting material in a variety of approaches—a proven strategy for improving all students’ comprehension.
Additionally, the SEPAC will offer the administration feedback that benefits all students. For example, at a recent Special Education meeting, several parents brought up the challenge they experienced using CANVAS (the online portal used at the secondary level) to track whether their children had submitted assignments that had not yet been graded versus assignments that had not been submitted. These parents brought to light an issue that, once addressed, could benefit parents throughout the district.
Finally, improved communication between Special Education families and the district will enhance the well-being of all students by identifying areas of strength, addressing areas needing growth, and fostering collaboration. As I have seen first-hand, Council Rock's Special Education parents are exceptional advocates for their children, and, just as the district excels in education, they are experts on their children. Together, we can keep Students First, Always.
THANK YOU for reading my newsletters, sharing your feedback at meetings and via email, and for your support as we work together for our children and our district. As always, I’m available at tracey.osecki@crsd.org.
I wish you all a wonderful, safe and joyful Thanksgiving holiday!
Warmly,
Tracey
Upcoming meetings, all held at 30 N. Chancellor Street, Newtown, PA 18940
Thursday, November 21 - Board of School Directors - 7 pm
Monday, December 2 - Education Committee - 7 pm
Thursday, December 5 - Finance/Facilities Committee - 7 pm
Thursday, December 12 - Board of School Directors - 7 pm