A Note from Dr. Pogonelski
🚑 Easton EMS Learning Experience @ Joel Barlow 🚑
Community Resources
- Fairfield County Celebrates Neurodiversity
- Parenting Adolescents Toward Healthier Ways (PATHWays)
Upcoming Events
- ER9 Public Schools & SEPTA Present a Special Education Parent Forum
- From the Office of Dyslexia
The Fridge - Where Important Documents Are Easy to Access

A Note From Dr. Pogonelski

As we move into this time of year, I would like to take a moment to share an upcoming opportunity for connection and collaboration, as well as highlight the ongoing purpose of our Special Education Department. Our work is grounded in a commitment to partnering with families to ensure that every student receives a meaningful, individualized educational experience that supports their growth, independence, and success.

We are excited to invite you to an upcoming Family Forum designed to support and empower families in navigating the special education process. Join us for an informative panel discussion focused on ways families can actively engage in the special education process. The panel will include a parent, an administrator, and a family advocate, who will share practical guidance on how to request information, navigate meetings, and work collaboratively with school teams to address concerns and solve problems. This session is designed to provide families with knowledge, strategies, and resources to support their child’s educational journey. All are welcome to attend and participate in this open and supportive conversation.

We value the strong partnerships we build with our families and hope you are able to join us for this meaningful opportunity. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or suggestions—we are here to support you.

🚑 Easton EMS Learning Experience @ Joel Barlow 🚑

Easton EMS recently visited Joel Barlow High School to provide a meaningful learning experience for our special education students. During the visit, EMS personnel explained who they are, what they do in the community, and the important role they play in helping others during emergencies. Students had the opportunity to see and learn about the equipment EMS professionals use and even tour an ambulance. Experiences like this help students build understanding and familiarity with first responders, which can reduce anxiety around emergency situations and ease the fear of the unknown. It was a valuable opportunity for students to ask questions, engage with community helpers, and gain confidence through hands-on learning.

Thank you to Chief of Service Jonathan Arnold & Peter Fiore of Easton EMS

Thank you to the staff who helped bring it together: Amanda Beers, TJ Roberts, Zach Thornton, Courtney Hylock, Kristine Viglietta, Tam Shook, Caroline Marasco, Kristina Martorana, & Chrissy Martinez.

A special thanks to ER9 SEPTA and Liz Plastina for collaborating with the school team to bring this idea to life and for the video below.

JBHS EMS SEPTA (1).mov

Community Resources

Fairfield County Celebrates Neurodiversity

Fairfield County Celebrates Neurodiversity (1) (1).pdf

Parenting Adolescents Toward Healthier Ways (PATHWays)

The Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living is researching a new treatment program for emotionally based school avoidance. This program is an online parent group that will focus on assisting parents in reducing accommodations for anxiety and to create structure around screen time, sleep, and activity. Along with participation in the parenting group, parents will be asked to monitor their child’s school attendance, sleep, screen time, and activity level.

There is no cost to participate in the study. Please see the attached flyer for more information or feel free to contact Scott Hannan, Ph.D. (Scott.Hannan@hhchealth.org , 860 545-7707) if you have questions about the program or questions about who may qualify for the study.

PATHWAYS Flyer.pdf

Upcoming Events

ER9 Public Schools & SEPTA Present a Special Education Parent Forum

Join us for an informative panel discussion focused on ways families can actively engage in the special education process. The panel will include a parent, an administrator, and a family advocate. Panelists will share practical guidance on how to request information, navigate meetings, and work collaboratively with school teams to address concerns and solve problems. This session is designed to empower families with knowledge, strategies, and resources to help support their child’s educational journey. All are welcome to attend and participate in this open and supportive conversation.

From the Office of Dyslexia

Hopeville_flyer.pdf

Thunderbirds_flyer.pdf

The Fridge

Parent_Portal_Quick_Start_Guide_for_Parents_in_Spanish.pdf

Parent_Portal_Quick_Start_Guide_for_Parents-1.pdf

Easton CT SEPTA

Dr. Meghan Pogonelski

Assistant Superintendent for Special Education & Student Services

mpogonelski@er9.org

203-261-2513