Recent and Upcoming Events

Welcome to REACH of Saline, Michigan

Recent and Upcoming Events

See the calendar for the meeting and program schedule for the 2005-2006 school year!

Recent Events

Plans For Gifted and Talented for 2005-2006

On Wednesday, May 11, 2005, REACH held its last meeting of the year with the Saline Schools Gifted and Talented Advisory Board. Superintendent Sam Sinicropi explained the plans for the District Instructional Services Coordinator in Saline for next year. Barb Cey, the current District Instructional Services Coordinator in Saline, will remain in that position for the 2005-2006 school year, but she will share her responsiblities with the new position of Director of Student Services.

Mr. Sinicropi explained how much consideration and discussion had gone into the decision to combine these two previously separate jobs. Many parents have legitimate concerns about whether this is a feasible job combination, but it seems that every effort will be made. The building administrators will be a vital part of making this new arrangement run smoothly. As we move into the new school year, children's placements have been recommended by Barb Cey and if any issues arise, parents should try to work first with the classroom teacher, then escalate to the building principal.

Barb Cey will be training the approximately 30 new teachers on how to differentiate in the classroom. This is going to make the pool of teachers who can work with able learners larger and better prepared.

Please join our mailing list if you would like to receive advance notice of our meetings.

Upcoming Events

What's New for 2005-2006?

Wondering what's up with the Able Learner Program in Saline? Here is an update of what's new for the 2005-2006 School Year:

Barb Cey, the former District Instructional Services Coordinator in Saline, is now the New Teacher Differentiation Coach. She is currently training new teachers in differentiation. Next year this position will be eliminated and training in differentiation will continue through outside resources.

Scott Orwig was hired for the new position of Director of Student Services. Scott will oversee Special Education as well as the Gifted and Talented population in the schools. Also, Betty Rosen-Leacher was hired as the Executive Director of Instruction. She will oversee the Director of Student Services as well as the curriculum for kindergarten through grade 8.

New DEPs will no longer be initiated. Current DEP files will be sent to the building administrators. Any meeting or updates to current DEPs will take place with the classroom teacher and building administrator. Parents are encouraged to ask for these meeting if you feel you need them. If you want your principal at your fall or spring conference, now is the time to ask!

Transitioning between buildings continues to be a big concern, not just from our group, but from Special Ed and other specific populations of students. Betty and Scott will be working with the principals to make sure they are communicating amongst themselves about which students need clustering, etc.

Scott has only had one call from a parent who didn't try and resolve their issue with their principal first. However, if you find that you cannot resolve your issue with the teacher and/or the principal, escalate to Scott first and Betty second.

We are planning to have another meeting with Betty and Scott in the spring to discuss what worked and what didn't work this year and how we can make it better for 2006-2007. Please plan to join us!

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