FDLRS Parent Services Communications, Newsletter
June 2016, Volume 15, Issue 4
FDLRS Parent Services
PA R E N T P R E S S
A Newsl etter for Parents of Students i n Excepti onal Educati on Program s
Florida Diagnostic & Learning
Resources System (FDLRS)
4210 West Bay Villa Ave.
Tampa, FL 33611
Phone: (813) 837-7732
Go to the FDLRS website:
fdlrs.mysdhc.org and
Select the Parent Services link.
Inside this issue:
Maryann Parks, General Director,
Exceptional Student Education
It is hard to believe the school year has come to an
end and the summer is approaching!!!
This is my 35th year of ending a school year and it is
always bitter sweet. Time goes by so fast and there
is so much that we need to do to make our students
prepared for life.
General Director Editorial
Excellence in Action
1
2-4
Transportation
5
Special Ed Connection
6
Resources
7
Area Office Contacts
8
The teachers and staff at our schools and District work very hard during the year and deserve the time to
spend with family and friends. Our students can use the varied experiences they receive in the summer to
enhance their futures.
Parents and family members make the difference in the lives of Students with Disabilities and is the
number one contributing factor in success.
Take the time to enjoy your summer and before you know it the 2016-17 school year will be upon us. We
all can influence the path our students will take and I know we can do it together!!!
Have a great summer!
Excellence In Action
Excellence in Action awards recognize individuals who have made a
difference in the life of a student with special needs. Parents,
caregivers or students receiving Exceptional Student Education
(ESE) services through Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS)
nominate deserving individuals within the educational setting or
community groups and volunteers.
The awards ceremony was held at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre on
May 9th. Highlights of this wonderful event can be found on the
following pages.
Nominees
Administration
Renee Best
Marisa Brody
Paulette English
Focus Academy
Loretta Gallo-Lopez
Catherine Lennard
Frances McCrimmon
Annie Russell
Estelle Wolfman
Bradley Woods
Justin Youmans
Community/Other
Elizabeth Arroyo
Min L. Howse
Jessica Lack
Linda Lalonde
Judy Moore
Jessica Rivera
Michael Smith
Brenda Springer
Volunteers
Kenny Eastman
Rhonda Gentle
Billy & Carrie Jones
Emma Nieuwenhoff
Beverly Smith
Instructional Support Staff
Amanda Allbritton
Juli Baker
Robert D'Agostino
Shannon Ferguson
Susana Hromalik
James Landers
Ashley MacGuire
Pamela K. White
General Education
Elementary Teacher
Melinda Abbinante
Amanda Batastini
Teresa Baxter
Carmen Borders
Terri Burgess
Kathleen Burken
Estelle Cadiz
Sabrina Carver
Heidi Cates
Transportation
Karla Bowick
Shirley Kelly
Angela G. Lewis
Pam Rhoads
Melanie Younglove
ESE Pre-K Teacher
Alison Barney
Susan Beasley
Melissa Boucher
Catherine Cheuvront
Kathy Cowart
Jacqueline Cuervo
Donna Daly
Amy DeGeorge
Phyllis Driggers
Claudine French
Tonya Green
Lisa Haynes
Paula Heim
Mary Hunter
Margaret Jaap
Kelly Jabaut
Jill Lamb
Jennifer Langlass
Jennifer Leoncini
Stephanie Loebel
Jamilla Mility
Tayler Morris
Dalina Nunez
Erin Sapp
Amy Schaediger
Christen Sinyard
Amy Solomon
Shannon Sturgeon
Tara Tallon-Stone
Carla Vera Thornbrough
Christopher White
Marcy White
Therapist
Brenda Auciello
Fay Bergeron
Sarah Hardin
Vanessa Hurtado
Elizabeth Isabel
Deborah Kugler
Randie LeRoy-Cleary
Pamela Mueller
Barbara Reeves
Kathy Riggs-Stites
Michele Rudacille
Catherine Salamun
Jessica Tariche
Patricia Tope
Anita Williams
ESE Elementary Teacher
Jeffrey Aguilar
Angela Alves
Melody Amabile
Kelly Apple
Jennifer Billor
Lael Blake
Page 2- Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 4 • June 2016
ESE Elementary Teacher (con’t)
Kerri Anne Bogart
Danielle Boyd
Bonnie Brownell
Jessica Buchs
Nicholas B. Carullo
Jennifer Cunningham
Nina Czaja
Michelle Daley
Cassandra E. Davis
Karen Dunwody
Yvonne Edwards
Rhonda Glover
Lori Green
Stephanie Haas
Kirby Hall
Michelle Hawkins
Kimberly Hendricks
Terri Hollifield
Tricia Hoyle
Patricia Jackson
Kristina Jantzen
Yaritza Jefferson
Jennifer Kobuta
Hannah LaMendola
Alyse Lampert
Dana Laskey
Suray Lima Tejera
Victoria Martinez
Teresa Martinkovic
Heidi Maurer-Stalley
Mircheny McCoy
Shannon Meyer
Judith Monaco
Wanda Morales
Diana Napier
Jennifer Notel
Brandy Odea
Edward Patzner
Sharon Perez
Mackenzie Roberts
Leah Robertson
Colleen Rockey
Terry Rodriguez
Jared Rothfarb
Brooke Rueth
Debra Schieler
Jamie Schwartz
Caroline Smith
Stephanie Sorensen
Alyssa Szymanski
Natalie Travis
Lori Van Allen
Carrie Varnadoe
Elizabeth Ventura Colon
Monica Wetherington
Meaghan Windisch
Rana Al Bashir
ESE High School –
Graduation Teacher
Angela M. Bennett
David Bern
Amber Dame
Tania Drotleff
Scott Durham
Lisa Gaspar
Samuel Gessman
Tracy Giles
Mishon Glisson
Randy Golomb
Danielle Grier
David Guido
Miles Harris
Cheryl Harrison
Pablo Isales, Jr.
Sheryl Koza
Elizabeth Kraft
Hollis Malberg
Daphanne McCray
Candice Metcalf
Christine Miller
Al Mitchell, Jr.
Ryan Morton
Ann Page
Robert Pizzio
Jason Pliego
Kelly Simmons
Jessica Spell
Ricki Tierney
Tina Triantafyllopoulos
Thomas Wilhour
Monica Young
ESE Middle School Teacher
Kourtney Barnum
Deborah Blackwell Owensby
Gregory Campbell
DesaRay Cochran
Lori Green
Megan Jarvis
Tonya Mathes
Paula Polson
Megan Rodgers
Tamara Stephens
Kyle Van Vlack
General Education Secondary
Teachers
Lisa Colon
Shiela DeDiego
Leanne Fink
Christopher Gries
Lisa Hammond
April Hasley
Jonnice Hewitt
Lorna Holtz
General Education
Secondary Teachers (con’t)
Michael Hosea
Annmarie Hostia
Maggie Johnson-Weaver
Nicole Kennedy
Taylor Kowalewski
Molly Kraus
Cristina Lanuez
Melissa Martinez
Louise Melendi
Louis Mooney
Jean Nickola
Melissa Patterson-Frigo
Sheri Perdue
Amber Roberts
Provy Slade
Juan M. Torres
Kristy A. Williams
Samuel Brown
Brooke Carleton
Wayne Ceallaigh
Daniel Guerra
Cheryl Hicks
Kristen Land
Robert Marasco
William Robinson
Thomas Simpson
Katrina Washington
Support Staff
Lori Abbas
Brandy Allen
Nancy Concepcion
Avril Coppola
Marla Defalco
Ronald Garcia
Nadra Syeda Gardezi
Romeaka Gray
Jaime Harbour
Marqui Hill
Latwanda Johnson
Teresa Kulp
Daniel Marcantonio
Carreen Massey
Cepeda McKay
Cindi Nunes
Maria Gabriela Oberti
Danielle Piazza
Jessica Puente
Shirley Rojas
Elizabeth Romero
Evelyn Salisbury
Tender May Vang
Lynn Vicciardo
Administration
Focus Academy Educational Staff
Community/Other
Brenda Springer
Bell Shoals Baptist Church
HOPE Special Needs Ministry
Transportation
Angela G. Lewis
Young Middle Magnet
Volunteer
Kenny Eastman
Buddy Baseball
Instructional Support Staff
James Landers
Plant High School
Therapist
Fay Bergeron
Riverview Elementary
ESE Pre-K Teacher
Phyllis Driggers
Grady Elementary
ESE Elementary Teacher
Alyssa Szymanski
Apollo Beach Elementary
ESE Middle School Teacher
Kourtney Barnum
Walker Middle School
ESE High School—Graduation Teacher
Mishon Glisson
Sickles High School
General Education Elementary Teacher
Melinda Abbinante
Apollo Beach Elementary
General Education Secondary Teacher
Robert Marasco, Lt. Colonel, Air Force (ret) &
William Robinson , Master Sergeant, Air Force
Sickles High School
Support Staff
Maria Gabriela Oberti
Riverview Elementary
Page 3 - Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 4 • June 2016
Special Award Winners
Dr. Jack R. Lamb Distinguished
Leadership Award
Sheryl Koscso
ESE Supervisor, Area 7
Millie Bucy Positive Parent Involvement Award
Bill & Carrie Jones
Circle of Influence Award
Susan Burkett
Principal,
Bloomingdale High School
Community Award
Michael Smith
Walmart
Thank you to Howard W. Blake High School photography students for volunteering their time and talents
Sherlyn Davila, Tristan Underwood, and Andrea Vizcaino
Page 4- Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 4 • June 2016
Transportation
Your Family Can Help Keep the Wheels on the Bus Turning!
It’s hard to believe summer is upon us and before we know it school will be out! Many of your
children will be attending Extended School Year (ESY) while others may not. Either way, in order to
best serve you, we need your help! Here’s what you can do:
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It is imperative that you keep your child’s school up to date regarding any address
changes for Extended School Year (ESY) or the coming school year. Be sure to call
the school before stopping in, as there are school closures over the summer.
Keep your child’s school up to date regarding any medical conditions or changes to
their medical condition. Your ESE contact at the school, teacher or school nurse will
share this information with all necessary parties.
Remind your children of the importance of bus safety and talk about bus safety at
home.
Practice street safety in your community.
Provide ideas to your child to help keep them busy while riding the bus. Some
examples are: counting cars, looking for specific colors/make/models of cars,
license plate searches, safety signs along the way, counting stops, seek and find,
word searches…. Let your driver and attendant know about these helpful games!
Get to know your child’s bus driver and attendant and keep open lines of
communication and inform them of any important information regarding your child.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding transportation, reach out to your
ESE contact at the school.
Vision
Preparing students for life
Mission
To provide an education and the supports that enable each
student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen.
School Board Policy ensures equal opportunity for all in its personnel policies and practices and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
marital status, sexual orientation, gender preference, political beliefs, social/family background, disability or age. The district accords preference in selection, retention, and
promotion procedures to certain veterans and spouses of veterans who are Florida residents. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Title IX
nondiscrimination regulations and requirements: Mark West, General Manager of Employee Relations, Title IX Coordinator. 813-272-4227; [email protected]; Division
of Human Resources, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33602. An alternate point of contact for complaints of discrimination or harassment may be directed to the Office
of Professional Standards at 813-840-7128.
For more information or publication assistance, please contact Karin Davis-Thompson via email or at 813-840-7059.
The Parent Press is designed to be an informational source for parents of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. In addition to Hillsborough County Public School
supports and services, the Parent Press strives to offer as much information as possible from community agencies and groups that provide services to persons
with disabilities.
Page 5- Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 4 • June 2016
Special Ed Connection
Making the
Do you have a child with a disability of school age in Florida?
Learn where to find resources to help your child benefit from special education services at the
Special Ed Connection®
These resources include:
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A better understanding of special education topics.
A way to be more actively involved in meeting the special education needs of your
student.
Smart Starts, a quick way to gain a better understanding of almost 450 special
education topics, federal regulations, case law, assistive technology, and how the
special education law applies to your family member.
Special Ed Online Dictionary, which contains straightforward, easily understood
definitions of more than 1,400 widely used terms.
News and Updates, which can help you stay current on the latest news and
developments in the special education community.
Special Ed Round-Ups, an easy way to quickly access the latest news on hundreds of
special education issues from autism to bullying to postsecondary transition and more.
The Florida Department of Education is proud to provide access to the Special Ed
Connection® at no cost to families of students with disabilities. To find out how you can gain
access to this valuable resource visit the web at:
http://www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/parent-info
Local Contact Information:
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) – Hillsborough
Debbie Valdes, telephone 813-837-7733; email [email protected];
website http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/
Page 6- Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 4 • June 2016
Resources
Benefits of Summer Reading
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Every day reading increases fluency and confidence.
Time spent reading increases vocabulary, comprehension, and writing skills.
Reading every day helps students form a positive habit, increasing the likelihood they will establish the value of
lifelong literacy.
Hillsborough County Public Schools Library Media Services Resources
Hillsborough County Public Schools offers reading resources from home like Axis 360 and MyOn. Go to our website for more information
and how to log on at http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/606
 Axis 360: ebook library with elementary, middle school, high school and adult education collections. Students and
teachers may check out from home or school using a computer, tablet or smart phone with an Internet
connection.
 MyOn: a collection of over 4000 multi-user ebooks students can read from home or school using a computer or
tablet with an Internet connection.
Also available you can find our recommended 2016 Summer Reading lists at http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/54
The Florida Department of Education created the Just Take 20 campaign to provide
K-12 Florida families with practical, easy-to-implement reading activities that establish literacy
as a lifelong value. Visit http://www.justtake20.org/ for more information.
Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative offers books and
ebooks and offers many events, including storytime, shows, classes, movies
and much more. Visit your local library for more information or visit online at
http://hcplc.org/.
School Starts Wednesday,
August 10, 2016
Get Connected!
Don’t Miss Out on News & Events!
Student Early Release Dates
Each Monday—One Hour Early Release
Last Day of School—2.5 Hours Early
For other important dates go to:
http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/calendar/
The FDLRS-ESE Parent Newsletter contains FDLRS Parent
Services upcoming events, community events, and information
related to Students with Disabilities and their families.
Subscribe Now!
http://tinyurl.com/FDLRSENews
Page 7 - Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 4 • June 2016
School Board of
Nonprofit Org.
Hillsborough County, Florida
U. S. POSTAGE
PARENT PRESS
PAID
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Tampa, FL
Post Office Box 3408
permit No. 1009
Tampa, FL 33601
Area 1
Area 2
Area 3
Area 4
Maribeth Brooks 272-3800
Area Superintendent
Lisa Yost
631-4050
Area Superintendent
Brenda Grasso
558-1406
Area Superintendent
Henry Washington 558-1100
Area Superintendent
Dee Ward
ESE Supervisor
Sharon Foster
ESE Supervisor
272-3796
Carolina Beltran 837-7740
Parent Liaison
[email protected]
631-4056 Carol Pauline
ESE Supervisor
558-1412
Mary Merryday
406-8683 Vacant
837-7732
Parent Liaison
Parent Liaison
[email protected] [email protected]
Mikki Kenny
ESE Supervisor
558-1097
Paula Thomas
837-7734
Parent Liaison
[email protected]
Blake, Jefferson, Plant, Robinson
D.W. Waters and feeder schools
Alonso, Leto, Sickles, Steinbrenner
High and feeder schools
Freedom, Gaither, King, Wharton
High and feeder schools
Chamberlain, Hillsborough,
Middleton High and feeder schools
Area 5
Area 6
Area 7
Area 8
Sherrie Sikes
744-8630
Area Superintendent
Jerry Jackson
707-7050
Area Superintendent
Sharon Morris
740-3711 Marcos Murillo
658-1970
Area Superintendent
Area Superintendent
Shelley Cedola-Hayes
ESE Supervisor
744-8636
Michele McFarland 707-7056
ESE Supervisor
Sheryl Koscso
ESE Supervisor
740-3717
Vacant
837-7732 LaKeesha Shipman-Hines
Beth Jenner Lubeck
Parent Liaison
Parent Liaison
707-7436 Parent Liaison 740-3717 x228
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Bloomingdale, Newsome, Spoto High
and feeder schools
Durant, Plant City, Strawberry Crest
High and feeder schools
Armwood, Brandon, Tampa Bay
Tech. High and feeder schools
Jo Jennings
ESE Supervisor
658-1981
Doris Jeffries
658-1981
Parent Liaison
[email protected]
East Bay, Lennard,
Riverview High and feeder schools
FDLRS
Michael Levine, FDLRS Supervisor: 837-7777, [email protected]
Debbie Valdes, FDLRS Parent Services Program Manager: 837-7733, [email protected]
Corinne Smith, FDLRS Parent Services Communications: 837-7732, [email protected]
County School Board
April Griffin, Chair
Cindy Stuart, Vice Chair
Doretha W. Edgecomb
Sally A. Harris
Carol W. Kurdell
Melissa Snively
Susan L. Valdes
Superintendent of Schools
Jeff Eakins
Assistant Superintendent,
Student Services
Wynne Tye
General Director,
Exceptional Student Education
Maryann Parks
www.sdhc.k12.fl.us