May 08

The Special Education Spotlight

May 2023

The OES Special Education Committee is your direct link between our school’s Special Education/IEP community, PTA, students and families; and the diverse special education offerings of our local area.

Each month we post updated information regarding Special Education opportunities on the OES Special Education website page. There, you will find newly offered webinars and workshops providing useful tips and suggestions for parents navigating a variety of issues. CLICK HERE to access May’s update of important information, (beneficial to ALL families!); and be sure to visit our OES PTA website regularly for new and ongoing information regarding Special Education issues.

If you are new to OES, seek additional information about Special Education and wish to establish connections with others at our school; or if you are interested in joining our committee, (all are welcome!), we encourage you contact our Special Education Liaisons, Andrea Zuppas and Maren Wood at special.education@oaktonpta.net.

Apr 29

The Special Education Spotlight

May 2023

“THANK YOU, OES COMMUNITY!”

Our heartfelt thanks to all who assisted with and participated in our observance of Autism Awareness Week! You truly helped us to increase awareness, acceptance and understanding of our students, as well as the tens of thousands of individuals living with an autism diagnosis each year. Let’s keep the spirit of kindness and inclusion going each and every day!

The OES Special Education Committee is your direct link between our school’s Special Education/IEP community, PTA, students and families; and the diverse special education offerings of our local area.

Each month we post updated information regarding Special Education opportunities on the OES Special Education website page. There, you will find newly offered webinars and workshops providing useful tips and suggestions for parents navigating a variety of issues. CLICK HERE to access May’s update of important information, (beneficial to ALL families!); and be sure to visit our OES PTA website regularly for new and ongoing information regarding Special Education issues.

If you are new to OES, seek additional information about Special Education and wish to establish connections with others at our school; or if you are interested in joining our committee, (all are welcome!), we encourage you contact our Special Education Liaisons, Andrea Zuppas and Maren Wood at special.education@oaktonpta.net.

Apr 19

We are proud to announce that OES will be observing Autism Awareness Week from April 24th – April 28th! This annual event reminds us that all students play a vital role in our school’s community and should be appreciated and respected. We are excited to show our support, and THIS IS HOW!

With a Special Video Message from Paws – Be on the look out for a special video from everyone’s favorite panther to learn how he is getting ready for this important week at OES!

On PTV – The Student Council Association will be sharing facts about autism during Panther TV morning announcements to help educate and inform students.

In Morning Meetings – Classes will be holding discussions on the topic to learn more. On Facebook – Stay tuned to our PTA’s Facebook Page! We will be sharing various facts about autism to help promote the awareness, acceptance and understanding of our students, as well as the tens of thousands of individuals living with an autism diagnosis each year.

By wearing our new or previously purchased Autism Awareness T-Shirts, or any blue shirt, for “Autism Awareness Day”, April 26th! – Let’s all wear our shirts to show our support as a school!

With a special book reading at the OES Book Fair evening shopping event on Wednesday, April 26th from 5:00pm-8:00pm – Come and hear local author and OES mom, Rebecca Vaughan, perform a reading from her new children’s book, “Can I Tell You About My Brother?”, which helps younger readers understand autism through her daughter’s own firsthand account of experiences with her younger brother. Reading to be followed by a Q & A.

With a Special Reading List – Our librarian has created a special reading list of books that treat many aspects of the topic of autism. It is our hope that students and families will read and reference these books to learn more about what it’s like for an individual to live with autism, (or to know someone who does); and that, in turn, such knowledge will foster acceptance, empathy and compassion. CLICK HERE to view our selection of books and print a copy.

It’s going to be a special week at our school as we all come together in support of this important cause. Thank you, OES Community!

Questions? Please feel free to contact Andrea Zuppas, PTA Special Education liaison, at special.education@pta.net.

Apr 05

SPECIAL EDUCATION UPDATE

By Karen Rose in General News

The Special Education Spotlight

April 2023

April is Autism Awareness Month!

The OES Special Education Committee is your direct link between our school’s Special Education/IEP community, PTA, students and families; and the diverse special education offerings of our local area.

We are proud to announce that OES will be celebrating Autism Awareness Week from April 24^th – 28^th, with Wednesday, April 26^th dedicated as our schoolwide celebration of Autism Awareness Day! Stay tuned to future editions of the Panther Express for complete details on how we will be observing this important week.

Each month we post updated information regarding Special Education opportunities on the OES Special Education website page. There, you will find newly offered webinars and workshops providing useful tips and suggestions for parents navigating a variety of issues. CLICK HERE to access April’s update of important information, (beneficial to ALL families!); and be sure to visit our OES PTA website regularly for new and ongoing information regarding Special Education issues.

If you are new to OES, seek additional information about Special Education and wish to establish connections with others at our school; or if you are interested in joining our committee, (all are welcome!), we encourage you contact our Special Education Liaisons, Andrea Zuppas and Maren Wood at special.education@oaktonpta.net.

Mar 29