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Happy February. In this issue, I have included information on how parents can access ARD paperwork and progress reports in the parent portal. Also, GCISD will be partnering with the IDD Council of Tarrant County (IDD Council) to host The Making Connections Disability Resource Fair for Northeast Tarrant County this month. Please feel free to contact me about any information presented in the newsletter or if you have any questions regarding special education topics.
Don Gilley, GCISD Transition Specialist
In This Edition
In This Edition
Reminder
Reminder
You can view any previous newsletters by clicking the "Newsletters" link in the top, right corner and choosing the month you would like.
Let me know if there are things you would like to hear more about or think would be good to share by sending me an email at don.gilley@gcisd.net
How to Access ARD Paperwork and Progress reports in the parent portal
How to Access ARD Paperwork and Progress reports in the parent portal
Parents and guardians will receive access to their child's special education documents through our secure Frontline Parent Portal. Parents will be notified in an email when a document is shared.
Emails will come from "portal@esped.com" with the subject line "Documents Shared by <Your Campus Name>.
Parents log into eSped to view the documents by clicking on the "Review" button next to each document to open them within the browser window.
Parents will receive 2 separate emails the first time a document is shared. The first email contains the parent user name and the second email contains the temporary password. Parents may change their password after initially signing in to their account. A link to the Frontline Parent Portal is included in both emails.
Below are frequently asked questions related to the Parent Portal. If you cannot find an answer to an issue here please contact the district Frontline/eSped administrator at (817) 251-5488 or by email to marlena.ailshie@gcisd.net.
I cannot see the documents in my Browser.
I cannot see the documents in my Browser.
Some documents can not be viewed in full on mobile devices. On other devices this could be an error with your computer's PDF reader. Your PDF reader may need to be reinstalled or updated. If you can, try to access the documents from another computer or device.
I can't log in.
I can't log in.
When you receive your first email and document through the Parent Portal you will need to reset your password. Choose the 'Forgot your password?' link on the login screen and follow the directs to reset/create a password.
what do i do if my email has changed?
what do i do if my email has changed?
First, contact your student's campus and update your information with the registrar. Secondly, contact your student's case manager or the Frontline administrator and request that all documents be shared to your new address. Your previous account will still exist and contain all of the documents previously shared with you.
Can the district help recover my password?
Can the district help recover my password?
Unfortunately the district does not have access to parent passwords. Click the "Forgot your password?" link found under the user name and password boxes on the eSped Parent Portal sign in page. If you are in need of having your password reset- please call the GCISD Frontline Administrator at 817-251-5488 or email marlena.ailshie@gcisd.net to receive a temporary password.
Making Connections Disability Resource fair
Making Connections Disability Resource fair
On Saturday, February 22nd, GCISD special services will be partnering with other local ISDs and the IDD council of Tarrant County to host the Making Connections North Tarrant Disability Resource Fair. Mark your calendar to come visit with organizations that provide services for people with disabilities! We will be at the GCISD Professional Development & Education Center set up with:
Informational Breakout Sessions
Guardianship & Alternatives
College Programs
Summer Camp Programs
Informational tables from various disability service providers
Door Prizes
Making connections with other families of students with disabilities
Resource Fair 2025 English.pdfResource Fair 2025 Spanish.pdfSupplemental Special Education Services
Supplemental Special Education Services
The PDSES application will open February 3, 2025, at 8:00am CST and will close on March 31, 2025, at 5:00pm CST.
The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program is a one-time $1,500 online grant for parents/guardians of eligible students served by special education and who are enrolled in a Texas public school. Parents/guardians of eligible students can use the online accounts to shop the marketplace to obtain educational materials and resources such as textbooks, curriculum, or technology devices and/or services such as additional speech therapy, tutoring, or other specific services.
pdses-overview.pdfOverview
pdses-overview-2024-spanish.pdfSpanish Overview
pdses letter.pdfEnglish Letter
pdses-letter-spanish.pdfSpanish Letter
Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship
Ruby's Rainbow Scholarship
This scholarship aims to help college students with Down Syndrome meet their higher education and independence goals. Each year Ruby's Rainbow awards scholarships that range between $1,000 and $10,000 to individuals who are at least 18 years old or who will be 18 by August 1, 2025. The scholarship funds must be applied toward tuition at a:
University,
Community college, or
Postsecondary institution to include institutes of technology and vocational or trade schools.
How to Apply: The 2025 scholarship application opens in winter 2025. DEADLINE April 14, 2025!
Save The Date
Save The Date
A Look Ahead
A Look Ahead
Quarterly Mini Conference
Quarterly Mini Conference
Saturday, February 8, 2025
9 am - 2:30 pm
313 North Center Street
Arlington, Texas 76011
️ Pre-registration ($20) required. Registration includes a continental breakfast and lunch.
️ Limited stipends available for individuals with disabilities and family members. Click here to apply for a stipend.
mansfield fair english.pdfmansfield fair spanish.pdfRecruitment flyer 2023-English.pdfRecruitment flyer 2023 Spanish.pdfCoach to Communicate (C2C)
Coach to Communicate (C2C)
FREE Parent Coaching
FREE Parent Coaching
The Coach to Communicate Project (C2C) will provide a webinar for parents, caregivers, teachers, and service providers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as face-to-face/online individual parent training sessions at no cost. Participants will be instructed in how to improve the communication skills of their own children.
This project is intended for parents/guardians who have a child up to age 22 with ASD or similar characteristics, needing instruction in communication skills. If you are interested in participating in this project, visit autism.tamu.edu for enrollment information, or contact the project coordinator, Kim Williams at TAMUAuParent@tamu.edu.
Voices of Experience: Family Stories and Essential Resources for Transitioning Students with Disabilities
February 6
In this impactful webinar sponsored by NTACT:C and the RAISE Center, families of students with disabilities and other stakeholders, including professionals from education and vocational rehabilitation, will hear directly from others who have navigated the transition from high school to adult life. Personal stories from parents and caregivers will provide valuable insights into the challenges, triumphs, and practical strategies they’ve used along the way.
In this impactful webinar sponsored by NTACT:C and the RAISE Center, families of students with disabilities and other stakeholders, including professionals from education and vocational rehabilitation, will hear directly from others who have navigated the transition from high school to adult life. Personal stories from parents and caregivers will provide valuable insights into the challenges, triumphs, and practical strategies they’ve used along the way.
Developmental Milestones in an Autistic Child's Early Years: Monitoring and Screening Resources to Support Your Child's Development
Developmental Milestones in an Autistic Child's Early Years: Monitoring and Screening Resources to Support Your Child's Development
Thursday, February 27, 2025
ABOUT THIS WEBINAR:
The first few years of a child’s life bring great joy as loved ones watch them grow. This pivotal time in a child’s development may also bring anxiety when caregivers have concerns about their child’s development or question if their development is on track compared to same-aged children. While these anxieties can lead to feelings of isolation for those unsure where to seek help and support, there are many helpful resources available to ensure all families have access to the support they need to help their children thrive in their early years of development.
Other Dates
Other Dates
2/14/25 Bad Weather Make Up Day
2/17/25 Student Holiday
2/27/25 Region 11 Transition Fair for Students who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
3/14/25 Bad Weather Make Up Day
3/17/25 - 3/21/25 Spring Break
3/31/25 PDSES application closes
Helpful Resources
Helpful Resources
For information purposes only. GCISD does not sponsor or endorse these resources, organizations, or programs.
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