Springfield Public Schools Special Education
Welcome
I am amazed at how quickly time truly flies by during the school year. I can hardly believe it is the week of Thanksgiving as I write an update for the website. However, it is a fitting time for an update due to the many things we have to be thankful for. High on the list of items to be thankful for is obviously the stimulus money we received from the federal government. It was much needed funding which has helped the special education department with personnel needs and technology – including assistive technology – to name a few.
Reading is an essential skill for every student. Reading is also an area where students with special needs typically struggle the most. The special education department formed a curriculum committee over a year ago to look at secondary reading – long before there was any talk of stimulus money. The committee met throughout the year researching different programs and listening to presentations prior to choosing the curriculum we felt met the needs of SPS the best. Thankfully, due to the stimulus funds, our department was able to purchase a reading curriculum which is designed with secondary learners in mind. As parents, many of you will receive a letter in the coming weeks about your student’s participation in the program if their reading scores indicate they are a candidate for the program. Implementation will begin second semester. If you have questions about the reading program, you can contact your student’s special education teacher.
As we think of all the things we have to be thankful for during the holiday season, I must acknowledge those we are truly the most thankful for…our special education staff members who work directly with our students everyday. Without all these hundreds and hundreds of dedicated people, our students would not experience the successes they do at school. As I am out in buildings, I am continually amazed at the things I see going on in our classrooms. Without our quality staff members, these things would not be possible.
SPED Staff Members of the Month
Awards for October, November and December
October: Susan Dutcher and Amy Bullard – Parkview High School
Amber Collier – Pittman Elementary
November: Tricia Nentrup – Carver Middle School
Abbey Lundy – Pershing Elementary
December: Melody Kessinger – Westport Elementary
Paul Goodman – Pershing Middle School
In October we celebrated the nominations of Susan Dutcher and Amy Bullard from Parkview High School. Mrs. Dutcher and Ms. Bullard co-teach the new Functional Skills Program at Parkview this year. They have done an amazing job coming together with a common vision for their students and implementing that vision so their students benefit. The students in their classrooms are active in the Parkview experience – some of the students are managers on the football team, one is the manager for Mens’ Choir, the class washes the football uniforms as part of their daily living activities and they are attending general education classes such as art, physical education and family/consumer science.
Thanks to these ladies for all they do at Parkview!
In October we also celebrated Amber Collier from Pittman Elementary. Ms. Collier is a compassionate teacher who sets high expectations for her students. She believes in setting high expectations for all her students and she implements the general education curriculum within her special education classroom to ensure her students have access to the best practices possible. Ms. Collier also utilizes Curriculum Based Measurements in her classroom to track student progress and adjust instruction based on their needs. We celebrated Ms. Collier in October because of all she contributes to her students and to Pittman Elementary.
Tricia Nentrup from Carver Middle School was nominated as November SPED Staff Member of the Month. Her nomination had the following to say about her, “Tricia is a valuable member of the special education team. She has a calm, caring, and positive personality which supports the transition from elementary school to middle school for those entering 6th grade. She also works well with parents to help bridge that transition from elementary to middle school for them as well. Tricia is a conscientious team member and she works well with students, parents, and staff. She always advocates for the needs of her students.Tricia is an asset to her students and the Carver community.”
Abbey Lundy serves as the elementary special education teacher at Pershing Elementary and was nominated for November SPED Staff Member of the Month. Ms. Lundy also serves as the special education department chair for Pershing. The nomination received indicated the following, “Abbey is always willing to go above and beyond for her students. She seeks out advice from everyone on the team and brings the team together to provide the best possible solutions for each child and their needs. She is a joy to work with and her students always feel loved and supported when they walk into her classroom. Springfield Public Schools is lucky to have Abbey!”
Melody Kessinger is a speech-language pathologist at Westport Elementary and she was nominated for December SPED Staff Member of the Month. The nomination included the following about Mrs. Kessinger, “Melody Kessinger is a talented, compassionate, knowledgeable speech pathologist. When Melody works with my students, I know they are getting the best therapy possible. She always uses current technology and fundamental therapy techniques. My students have shown significant progress because she uses her knowledge to help children attain their fullest potential. Melody also speaks to parents with confidence and in a very professional manner. I can not express how impressed I am with Mrs. Kessinger. As a fellow speech pathologist, I feel Melody represents our profession in a manner others should aspire to.”
Paul Goodman is a special education teacher at Pershing Middle School in the Emotional Behavioral Support classroom. Mr. Goodman was nominated for December SPED Staff Member of the Month by two individuals who have worked with his students and been in his classroom working. Their nominations included the following, “Paul is unflappable in his position. He always speaks calmly and respectfully to his students and other staff members. Paul and his class have started a morning coffee program at Pershing in order to provide an opportunity for his students to interact with staff members in a positive manner (bringing them a “Cup of Joe” each morning) while also fostering in his students a sense of worth and belonging. He is also helping to build positive rapport between the general education staff members and the special educators. Mr. Goodman is always willing to work with any child and he finds the “good” in all of them…all while keeping data and differientiating instruction!”
Thank you to the entire SPS special education team members for the work you do everyday!
Amy Krause, Director
Please continue sending your teacher nominations for TEACHER OF THE MONTH to the Special Education Office to the attention of Linda Collins or give to your process coordinator. We respect and appreciate every teacher and wish to honor those who go above and beyond the normal call of duty.
Several Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) trainings scheduled throughout the school year. Contact the Special Education Office for dates.
Special Education Services
639 W Chestnut Expressway
Springfield, MO 65802
Amy Krause, Director
Phone: (417) 523-7500
Fax: (417) 523-7595
Records Request Fax Grades K-12: 417-523-7795
Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday