Voices
Holding high expectations for all kids will lead to better outcomes
As stated in this article, “[e]xperts believe that the vast majority of students with disabilities — more than 80 percent — can meet the same academic standards as other students, when they have the right support. But right now, only 8 percent of the 6.6 million students with disabilities in U.S. public schools are prepared to…
Read More…When good men do nothing
On Tuesday, 16 April 2019, the state of California effectively decided that the San Mateo Foster City School District can hold my son, Geoffrey, back in preschool forever. This is an absurd decision. We will challenge it – as long and as far and as long as it takes. You will lose eventually. But he…
Read MoreStart from the very beginning… accessing special education
Even after researching and analyzing special education laws and policies for years, I can still get caught up on the question of whether a special need or disability does or does not qualify a child for an IEP and/or a 504 in school… this may be in the form of accommodations, services, or other supports…
Read MoreOn Observing National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month – Thank you!
Every month is Something Month. Every week is Something Week. Every day is Something Day. It is easy to get jaded or cynical. Or we can use these opportunities to inspire and educate and bring real awareness in the best spirit these occasions are offered. March is National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. My local Board…
Read MoreIs your child in mental health crisis? Your school can help you today… Ask about ERMHS and Wraparound Supports
Is your family in crisis? Does your child have a mental health diagnosis? Or do you suspect one? Are you working within or toward an IEP, whether in a public school or NPS placement? Do you have a 504 Plan? *** I was in crisis with my now-10 year old son for many years, with…
Read MoreA Longstanding Discussion of Equity
On September 13, 2018, the San Mateo-Foster City School Board began discussing an Equity Resolution – 6_1_Resolution091819Equity_0 – to address issues in the District. The Draft Resolution proposes to form an Equity Task Force to assist the District is addressing these issues. The Board will continue their discussion at future meetings or study sessions. I am a strong…
Read MoreI am disgusted with our school district. Please, please help our kids
I am thoroughly disgusted with our school district. Please don’t blame our kids. I was at the school board meeting last night. I am angry. I am embarrassed. I am ashamed. Please don’t punish our kids. Stop playing the blame game. Help our kids today by passing Measure V and help change the system tomorrow.…
Read MoreSNPride Picnic & Sponsorships
FREE Registration at SNPride Fair and Picnic. Become an #snpride picnic SPONSOR today! snpride picnic Sponsorship Form Sponsorship Levels: Bronze – $100 Silver – $250 Gold – $500 Platinum – $1,000 Platinum ($1,000) Gold ($500) Silver ($250) Bronze ($100) Special recognition at Event; Logo…
Read MoreBack to School 2018 – a rough start
Hello, My name is Maggie C, I have 2 daughters who attend elementary school in San Mateo. I’m here today because I wanted to share my back to school experience with you in particular with my daughter Rosie who has special needs. We ended last year with a teacher we loved, a therapy team that…
Read MoreYou are not your child’s best advocate
You are not your child’s best advocate (probably) It’s the first thing you start hearing when you find out that you are a special needs parent… You are your child’s best advocate It sounds good. But, it sure doesn’t feel true. Yes, you care more about your child than anyone else. But, you aren’t an…
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