Student Services

Administrators:

Becca Anderson, Director of Student Services 206.393.4239
Scott Irwin, Director of Secondary Student Services 206.393.3387
Hillery Clark, Director of Early Learning 206.393.4250
Ellen Kaje, Director of Categorical Programs and Academic Support 206.393.4117

Coordinators:

Cassie Porter, Student Services Coordinator 206.393.4361
Jenn Zadow, Special Education Coordinator 206.393.4221

Behavior Intervention Specialists:

Kerri Schloredt, Behavior Intervention Specialist 206.393.4231
Kye Hong, Behavior Intervention Specialist 206.393.4328, available Tues, Wed and Thurs

Special Education Records Requests:

Ben Blackmer, Student Services Compliance Technician 206.393.4242, Fax 206.393.4241

Student Services Support Staff:

Aileen Finnigan, Student Services Specialist 206.393.4239
Carol Matsumoto, Student Services Specialist/District Homeless Education Liaison 206.393.3387
Dawn Hamid, Student Services Specialist 206.393.4117
Cynthia Cortes, Early Childhood Education Office Manager 206.393.4250

"Who do I talk to about ...?"

I have a question/concern about my child’s Special Ed program or services:

In general, the first place to start is the person most directly involved in that program/service - the sp ed teacher/provider, general ed teacher/specialist, school psychologist, SLP, etc.

• If no resolution, contact the building administrator
• If still no resolution, contact the district office - Becca Anderson Director of Student Services, Scott Irwin Director of Secondary Student Services or Hillery Clark Director of Early Learning

Sometimes, teams get “stuck” and it can be helpful to have a neutral person help facilitate special ed program discussions. There are two Alternative Dispute Resolution Options available to parents and districts. Both of these options are provided through Sound Options, and both are available at no cost to either party. Both options are voluntary and require the agreement of both parties:

• The first of these options is a Facilitated IEP Meeting. With this option, a meeting facilitator: (a) ensures that the IEP team addresses all the matters on the meeting agenda; (b) ensures that all team members are given the opportunity to provide input; and, (c) assists the IEP team in collaboratively reaching decisions about a student’s program. The meeting facilitator is a neutral, third party to the dispute.
• The second of these options is Mediation. With this option, a mediator: (a) helps clarify the nature of the dispute; (b) explores the point of view of both the parent and the district; and, (c) discusses options for reaching a mutually satisfying agreement. The mediator does not decide how to resolve the dispute. The mediator is a neutral, third party to the dispute.
• To use either of these options, please contact Sound Options at: (a) Phone: 800-692-2540; (b) Fax: 206- 780-5776; and/or (c) email: mail@somtg.com.

I have a question/concern about a staff member:

In general, the first place to start is the person you have a question/concern with

• If no resolution, contact the building administrator
• If still no resolution, contact Brian Schultz, Assistant Superintendent. The Assistant Superintendent supervises building administrators.

I have a question/concern about Student Services programs & services:

In general:

Tips for Successful Communication!

1. Go to the source
• Make sure there is space to discuss - set an appointment, ask “Is this a good time?” , be aware of when you approach staff (i.e. teachers are not able to be fully present in the conversation 2 minutes before the bell)
• Wait until emotions have subsided
2. Be clear on the question/concern - sometimes helps to write it out, especially if emotions are high. Be hard on the data, not on people.
3. Listen - ask questions, be present
4. Find where you agree and where you disagree
5. Plan for resolution - what are the next steps? Who will do what?

Email - the good and the bad…..

• The Good - it is quick, you can refer back to what was written
• The Bad - can be misinterpreted/misread, can be shared without full understanding of context, can be sent when we are emotionally charged
• Best use of email when you have a concern:
• Set up an appointment to talk face to face
• Provide additional information (i.e. reports, data, etc.)
• Clarify decisions after you meet - be clear on the decisions and action plan

For more resources, check out this resource from the CADRE website.