Special Education
Transitions for special education students require careful planning,
individualized support, and a collaborative approach. Whether your child is moving
between grade levels or changing schools, each transition presents both challenges and opportunities for growth. By working together—families, students, educators, and related service staff—we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive at each stage of their educational journey.
Key Activities by Grade Level
In addition to the activities that are scheduled for all students, the following activities are also implemented annually for students receiving special education services. These activities emphasize a team approach by involving staff, students, and parents to create a successful transition for each child.
If you have any questions regarding these activities, please contact your child’s case manager or the Assistant Principal at your child’s school.
Pre-K to Kindergarten
| Dates | Activities | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | School teams meet to discuss each student transitioning to next level | Teachers, Related Service providers, Administrators of sending and receiving schools |
| January–February | School teams visit preschool and each receiving school as needed to plan for incoming students | Teachers, Related Service providers, Administrators of sending and receiving schools |
| Spring | Planning and Placement Team Meetings | Teachers, Related Service Providers, Administrators, Parents |
| Spring | Special Education Parent Coffee | Parents and receiving school administrator; held at receiving school for all incoming special education parents |
Grade 5 to 6
| Dates | Activities | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Sending/Receiving school teams meet to discuss each student transitioning to next level | Teachers, Related Service providers, Administrators of sending and receiving schools |
| January–February | Sending/Receiving school teams visit elementary school as needed and each middle school to plan for incoming students | Teachers, Related Service providers, Administrators of sending and receiving schools |
| January–June | Planning and Placement Team Meetings | Teachers, Related Service Providers, Administrators, Parents |
| Spring | Special Education Parent Coffee | Parents and receiving school administrator; held at receiving school for all incoming special education parents |
| Spring | Middle School Administrator to visit incoming students at Elementary schools | Administrators, Students |
Grade 8 to 9
| Dates | Activities | Participants |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Sending/Receiving school teams meet to discuss each student transitioning to next level | Teachers, Related Service providers, Administrators of sending and receiving schools |
| January–February | School teams visit middle school and high school to plan for incoming students | Teachers, Related Service providers, Administrators of sending and receiving schools |
| January–April | Planning and Placement Team Meetings | Teachers, Related Service Providers, Administrators, Parents |
| Spring | Special Education Parent Coffee | Parents and receiving school administrator; held at receiving school for all incoming special education parents |
| Spring | SHS Administrator to visit incoming students at Middle Schools | Administrators, Students |