Welcome to the CCS SPED Blog!

It is our mission at Cook County Schools to empower and inspire all learners!

Click HERE to submit a shout out!

Lindy Browning, Jennifer McDaniel gave you a shoutout!

"Lindy is my daughter and I am so proud of all she does for her students. She is constantly involved in them and is always doing her best to help these little ones succeed. She makes this mama's heart so very happy with her dedication to her students. She is always so excited when she talks about them and their accomplishments. Even when they leave her, she is still actively involved with them by checking on them and making sure they are doing well. Her students are very lucky to have her. She has a heart of love for each one of them. She is a good team player with her colleagues and fully enjoys her job. Thank you for all you do for your students. Your work is not unnoticed!!! You are making a difference in the life of your students!"

Leanne Chaney, Haley Pennington, and Sarah Parten, Maegan Odom gave you a shoutout!

"You ladies did a fabulous job with the redelivery of PECS. It was engaging and all para-educators were able to ask questions and take part in fully understanding the Phases of PECS."

In the spotlight:

Carla Brown, Bridget Brady gave you a shoutout!

"Carla cares about the education of her students and loves each of them"

Tia King , Emily Philpot gave you a shoutout!

"Mrs. King does a phenomenal job going above and beyond for her students. The patience and kindness she shows each and every student truly shows her love for her job. Students have been able to find a support system in her, and that speaks volumes! "

Carla Brown , Karen Taylor gave you a shoutout!

"Carla has recently implemented a book club on Tuesdays and Thursdays for grades 3-5. She opened this up to all learners and has had a great response! Her room is set up with flexible seating for students to be comfortable while having open conversations with their peers. Way to go, Carla!"

Kelly Faulkner , Drew Bryan gave you a shoutout!

"I want to give a shout out to Kelly Faulkner. When I was at CPS, I was a new teacher that was still learning the ins and outs of being a special education teacher. She took me under her wing (even though she didn't have to) and really helped mold me into the teacher I am today. She helped me understand the ins and outs of GOIEP, writing SMART goals, leading IEP meetings, collecting data, and just simply providing advice on days when I was really overwhelmed. No matter what day or time it was, she was always just a phone call away to help me with anything I needed. I am so appreciative of her and CPS is lucky to have her! "

Mrs. Leslie McElrath

SPED Director

A Message from McElrath:

It’s been another busy month for special education folks! We completed our FTE count, had professional learning in behavior strategies, Antecedent Based Intervention, and the 12 eligibility categories in Georgia. Special education teachers and special education paraprofessionals learned about identifying the function of a behavior which drives the intervention. One of those interventions is Antecedent Based Intervention. With this intervention, environmental modifications are made to impact the antecedent (what happens before) the behavior occurs. They added a few tools to their tool box as well, such as offering controlled choices, using problem solving wheels and correction cards. If you’d like to access these tools, check out the slide show below.

Copy of Intro to Behavior

Discussions with Dr. Holley:

Tips to share with parents regarding homework to increase productivity and parent involvement-

Homework is an essential part of a student's education. It not only allows the student to review and maintain academic skills, but allows parents to see what the student is learning in school. Homework teaches students how to take responsibility and how to work independently. It helps them learn how to plan and organize tasks, manage time, make choices and problem solve, all skills that serve them well throughout life.

While an essential component to a student's education, homework can be a challenge to complete. To reduce homework hassles, establish clear routines for homework by following these steps:

1. Find a specific location where homework will be done. Some children do best in a quiet location like their bedroom, while others prefer the kitchen table. Some children need to work alone, while others need that parent or homework helper nearby. Together, decide on the place.

2. Set up a homework center. Fix up the homework location as a home office or study center. Make sure the space is well-lit, clear of other belongings and large enough for all necessary materials. Stow supplies in the homework area such as scissors, pens and pencils, glue, markers or crayons, a ruler and lined paper. If the homework area has another use (such as the kitchen table), keep supplies in a box or crate that is easily packed away when homework is done.

3. Set a homework time. The student should get into the habit of doing homework at the same time every day. This time depends on your child. Some need a break for exercise and snacks before homework. Others need to do homework right away while they are still in the "school mode." Generally, it is best to do homework as early in the evening as possible since the student will become more and more tired as evening wears on.

4. Set a daily homework schedule. Begin each homework time by sitting with your child and reviewing the assignments. Decide which assignments can be done independently and which require adult assistance. Ask the student to estimate how long it will take to complete each task. Set a specific start and ending time for each assignment, and build in timed breaks as needed.

Establishing routines as early in the school year as possible can head off later problems as the school year progresses!

Dr. Courtney Holley

Psychologist

SPED Specialists Nuggets of Knowledge

March

The 28th Annual Special Rodeo was held on March 17, 2022 at the Berrien County Saddle Club. Berrien and Cook County Students attended the fun filled Special Rodeo and were assigned a partner from Berrien County FFA and FBLA as soon as they arrived. Each Cowboy or Cowgirl was given a hat and shirt. They enjoyed riding a horse, Thomas the train, a "play" bull, lassoing "cattle", and riding stick broom horses. Lunch was served along with delicious cupcakes and ice cream. The students were then taken to the stands where the National Anthem was sung and they watched Trever Dreher perform his trick roping.