Last updated April 3, 2020
Dear Wayfinder Family Services Special Education School Families,
I hope this letter finds you well. Since my last message (see below), we have all been adjusting the “new normal” of the Safer at Home order, social distancing and distance education. I want you to know that our commitment to our students remains steadfast, even in these challenging times.
For that reason, School will remain open for distance learning throughout next week (April 6-13). We are not going into Spring Break as planned for April 6-13th so that we can continue to refine our instruction delivery and also remain available to support families and students. Stay tuned for some extra seasonal lessons!
Our special education school mantra is “students and families first.” Of course, education and growth towards skills is dear to our hearts. However, Wayfinder’s special education school staff is determined to assist our families and students by maintaining relationships, offering routine and a sense of normalcy in these difficult times.
From the first week of school closure my staff and I began making plans to deploy distance learning strategies and materials to our families. I appreciate all of the feedback that you have given me and my staff about this new way of learning! We will be preparing and mailing new packets of activities, resources and schedules in about a week. Thank you for your support and participation!
In the weeks ahead, my staff and I will continue to innovate and improve our lessons so that we can give our students the education they deserve. These are challenging times but we are in this together and I appreciate each and every one of our families. I hope that you are all well. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns. I am here to support you and your families and would be happy to address any questions.
Regarding IEP meetings, we are awaiting information from our school district partners so that we can cooperate in meeting timelines and preparing proper individualized education plans for your children.
Especially at this challenging time, the Wayfinder Family feels like one big family. We miss seeing you and having the honor of working in person with your children, but we are still here for you! Please know that you can rely on all of us at Wayfinder to help move us forward together.
Sincerely,
Nancy Berger, MA
March 18, 2020
Dear Wayfinder Family Services Special Education School Families,
We are all hoping for a quick and healthy resolution to the current health concerns in our area.
We are very eager for the students’ safe return to school when we reopen!
At this time we are hearing reports that Special Education Students will be offered online/distance learning. Our Special Education School is working diligently to get up and running with a distance learning model.
This week our teachers and staff prepared packets with activity ideas, lesson plans and resources for our families. These packets should be in the mail by Friday. Our teachers and staff have reached out to all our families by telephone to check in and let them know we will continue to work to meet their needs.
I have also gathered some links to helpful resources:
For LAUSD Families please check the LAUSD home page frequently for new information and additional resources: https://achieve.lausd.net/latestnews
Also for LAUSD families please note the following information from the district’s web site:
Due to recent developments in the global coronavirus pandemic, Los Angeles Unified is opening Grab & Go Food Centers, giving families 60 sites where they can pick up food for their children.
Our Grab & Go Food Centers will be open beginning Wednesday, March 18, and will be staffed weekdays from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Please use the following link to find a grab and go near you or contact the school, we will help.
https://achieve.lausd.net/resources
If your child attends another district, please check your home district’s website for updates.
While schools are closed, students and families will continue to have access to services from the regional centers they currently rely on. Some regional centers are increasing their level of service since schools are closed. Please be sure to reach out to your Regional Center if you need any support.
LANTERMAN REGIONAL CENTER: Phone. – 213.383.1300
SOUTH CENTERAL LOS ANGELES REGIONAL CENTER: Phone: (213) 744-7000
I look forward to talking with all our families in the next few days,
Nancy Berger, MA
Principal
March 19, 2020