First Impressions: I cannot believe that a full month of school has already gone by. The first few days before students arrived were busy as always but the entire Student Services' team was able to meet together briefly on the first day (Special Education, Guidance, Nursing and ELL). It was a great opportunity to have time together and to set the tone for a collaborative year in the making! I have really enjoyed getting into the schools and feeling the energy of a new school year. I have had the opportunity to attend some staff meetings and work more closely with so many of the great staff members in the Student Services' Department as well as see services in action within the schools. I have been working on my Entry Plan and hosting conversations with parents and staff members in my office. I will continue these conversations for the next two months and then code themes from the answers and draft a report that will help to drive goals moving forward for the Department. Staffing Update: The department of Student Services has hired a new BCBA for the district. Catherine Casey started October 1 and will be working primarily with Wheelock, Blake and the High School. She comes to us with a myriad of experiences and is excited to work closely with Katie Aries, the BCBA at Memorial and Dale, to streamline support for students and staff across the district. Meeting Families: I enjoyed meeting a number of families during the Special Education Meet and Greets prior to the school year. At each building, we had reference sheets for Student Services' specific contact information. These sheets have also been added to the District Student Services' page as well (www.medfield.net/district-offices/student-services). SEPAC held its first meeting of the year on September 18 and the Special Education Leadership team (Coordinators, Team Chairs, Out of District Coordinators and Director) enjoyed the opportunity to meet so many parents/guardians. It was an open question and answer session and a chance for me to hear a great deal about what is currently happening in Medfield as well as discuss my background and formal Entry Plan (see above). Please reach out with any questions, Mary |
AuthorMary Bruhl is the Director of Student Services for the town of Medfield, Massachusetts. Archives
April 2019
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