Parent Information Night

1. Parent Information Night

2. WELCOME TO High School District 211

3. Township High School District211 Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence

4. The mission of District 211 is … to serve the educational needs of the community by developing and implementing quality programs which challenge students to achieve their potential to become contributing, informed citizens capable of meeting the demands of a changing world. Dr. Nancy Robb Superintendent of Schools

5. District 211 Special Education Administrators Assistant Director of Special Education, Renée Erickson Assistant Director of Special Education, Mary Pat Krones Director of Special Education, Julie Nowak

6. Hoffman Estates High School Home of the Hawks

7. Important Hoffman HS People Special Education Chair, Diane Pfister Principal, James Britton

8. High School Can Feel Like a BIG Place • Facilities: • District 211 consists of five high schools and two therapeutic day schools. • Each state of the art facility has a swimming pool, an artificial turf athletic field and a 500-seat auditorium. • Personnel: • The district employs 993 certified staff and 888 support service personnel. • Students: • There are nearly 13,000 students enrolled in District 211’s schools.

9. High School Can Feel Like a BIG Place Supports: • Freshmen orientation • Student Services department • Special education case managers • Tutoring centers • Computer labs

10. High School HelpsStudents to … • become self-advocates. • become active participants in their education. • learn to take responsibility for their actions. • transition to adulthood. • become informed citizens.

11. To be Successful,Students Must … • Complete homework independently and on time. • Ask for help when needed. • Respect school officials. • Follow directions. • Be responsible for their actions. • Develop study skills - do more than just focus on doing assignments.

12. 4 years Physical Education 4 years English 3 years math 2 years social science 2 years science Health Consumer Education Driver’s Education –or- 30 hours of instruction in safety education Electives Graduation Requirements for the High School Diploma Mandated 20 Credits - 18 Academic - 2 Physical Education

13. How to get 20 credits • Earn AT LEAST 5 credits each year • Make wise choices when selecting classes • If you fail a class enroll in summer school to stay on track • Without 20 credits, a student WILL NOT graduate, regardless of how many years he or she has attended high school!

14. High School Activities • Athletics • Competitive Groups • Performing Arts • Career Clubs • Publications • Student Government • Honors • Special Olympics

15. Participation/Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities • Sports/Activities • Code of Behavior • IHSA Criteria • Attendance • Academic Eligibility • Driver’s Education

16. How Are Educational PlacementDecisions Made? • Student’s current academic performance • Student’s educational needs • Evaluation results • incoming freshman testing • case study findings

17. Special Education Services to Meet Individual Student Needs • Resource Service Center • Co-Taught classes • Resource/Strategies • General Studies classes • EDSC – Individualized instructional period(s) • SCED – Self-contained for entire day • Services for low incidence disabilities • Out-of-building programs

18. Services for LowIncidence Populations • Cluster Sites providing specialized services • ELS: Educational Life Skills (HEHS) • Functional academic curriculum • PH: Physically Handicapped Program (PHS) • Supports students with PH needs • MC: Multiply Challenged (SHS) • Serves students with severe medical and/or cognitive needs • MN: Multiple Needs (HEHS) • Functional and sensory-based academic curriculum • ATP: Adult Transition Program (HEHS) • Functional transitional program

19. Services for LowIncidence Populations • Life and Learning Strategies • 4 year curriculum for students with ASDs or who have related needs • Strategies include: • Communication, social skills development, problem-solving, emotional self-awareness, organization, time management • Sensory integration as needed • Hard of Hearing and Deaf • Visually Impaired • Member of NSSEO

20. Services for HighIncidence Populations • Learning Strategies • 2 year curriculum • Strategy instruction in: • test-taking, note-taking, reading/writing, study skills, organization • IEP self-awareness • self-determination skill building • post-secondary transition development • Life Strategies • 2 year curriculum • Strategy instruction in: • Problem-solving, coping skill development, emotional regulation, relationship skills, communication skills • IEP self-awareness • post-secondary transition development

21. Services for HighIncidence Populations • General Studies • Core academics at a modified instructional level, while meeting graduation requirements • Cross-categorical setting • IEP goal development intertwined into content instruction • Support Center • Core academics at a modified/separate setting for behavioral/emotional needs • Instruction in regular education curriculum moved at individualized or small group pace • Responsive to student’s behavioral/emotional needs with point system & immediate feedback • Self-Contained • “School within a school” • Highly supported and supervised • Social, emotional and behavioral needs addressed • Individual and group counseling • Point and level system used each period to provide immediate feedback and redirection • Instruction in problem-solving, emotional regulation and self-awareness

22. Role of SpecialEducation Staff • Assist with the transition process • Provide support – academic and emotional • Guide students in meeting IEP goals • Foster student self-advocacy and independence • Teach compensatory strategies • Facilitate IEP accommodations

23. Student Tips for Success inHigh School • Get involved in activities! • Self-advocate for needs • Ask questions • Apply skills • Demonstrate responsibility • Take advantage of academic opportunities • Work towards graduation requirements • Become familiar with IEP goals and accommodations • Use an assignment notebook • Set a homework routine (time & location)

24. Student Tips for Success inHigh School Strategies for Parents to Ease the Transition to High School • Utilize email to communicate with teachers and case managers • Utilize On-line Parent Access • Dialogue with your child about school • Encourage your child to practice responsibility • Encourage your child to self-advocate for needs and accommodations • Establish a routine at home for reviewing grade progress and homework completion

25. Timeline of Events • Fall 2010 • Junior high & high school meet/share student information • Dec 4, 2010 • Explore Placement Test • 8AM, bring calculator, snack for ext. time, call home when finished with extended time • Jan 19, 2011 • Incoming Freshman Parent Open House • 6:30pm – 9:00pm • Feb 2011 • Transition/IEP conference • course & program recommendations • summer school recommendation • freshman orientation information • Summer 2011 • Summer School – possible course recommendation updates • August 2011 • attend Freshman Open House activities

26. High School is a GreatPlace To Be! We want your student to be successful and enjoy his or her high school experience!

27. We Are Ready To Do Our Best! Join Us!

28. Many Thanks! We look forward to working together with you!