ISSAQUAH SCHOOL DISTRICT
In September 2021, the program faced another year of uncertainty with regards to internships. Determined to maintain past relationships with community partners while also keeping everyone as safe as possible, the program decided to look internally for more opportunities. Whether delivering coffee orders, selling snacks at CAFE ACT, helping with mail delivery, supporting teachers in the ECE program or librarians at elementary schools, ACT students stayed busy and focused. While everyone is looking forward to reconnecting with past internship partners and developing new opportunities, this year has allowed students to highlight their abilities across the school district. To see these young adults working with confidence, maturity and skill is a panacea to a school system that has mostly been stretched to the brink over the pandemic.
In addition to our partners within the school district, we are grateful for new collaboration this year with the Sammamish Animal Sanctuary, Fortunato Chocolate, The Garage and Starbucks.
What is the Issaquah School District Special Education PTSA Network?
volunteer position is part of the ISD PTSA Council that supports all the ISD PTSA units. The Special Education group was originally organized as a small committee, but I’ve expanded it to the larger network.
your school’s PTSA or you would like additional information on the ISD PTSA Special Education Network, please email special-education@issaquahptsa.org.
The Network is continually working towards improving communication between families and ISD and towards providing ISD families with special education students a resource for answers to common issues. We regularly advocate with ISD administration leaders, administer a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/groups/ issaquahspecialed/), update PTSA presidents monthly at our Issaquah Council meetings, and we’ve created a series of webinars that can be found on the ISD Council website (https://www. issaquahptsa.org/programs/specialeducation). The Network is working towards having a representative on each school’s PTSA to represent the students with special needs of our community. We are making great strides towards our goals and are always working to expand and improve how we can support special education families in ISD. If you are interested in volunteering as a Special Education Representative with
Club Inclusive
The Issaquah School District Special Education PTSA Network (the Network) is made up of members from all the PTSAs within the Issaquah School District. We strongly believe in your student and your family being an inclusive part of the school community that you attend, and our group is set up to foster that relationship. If you are a member of your school’s PTSA, then you are included in this group. There is no separate membership required. My name is Betsy Grant and I am the chairperson of the Network. I am the mother of 4 children currently in Issaquah Schools District (ISD) – a freshman at Issaquah High School, a freshman at Gibson Ek High School, and two 5th graders at Clark Elementary. My son at Issaquah High School has a rare genetic disorder that has caused global developmental disabilities and epilepsy. He has received support from LRC2 classrooms in ISD starting from preschool through now. I’ve been working in this position since August 2020. My
Every young adult deserves an opportunity to gain vocational skills and find meaningful work in their community. They deserve to wake up every morning with purpose and the knowledge that they make a difference and that someone is counting on them. If your business would like to create an inclusive work environment that includes differently-abled adults, please reach out to discuss potential opportunities to collaborate with the ACT program in the Issaquah School District. cowant@issaquah.wednet.edu 425-837-6397
This is a free community club for kids of all abilities. The group meets on the second Thursday of every month from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Garage, a Teen Café: 235 1st Ave SE, Issaquah, WA 98027. During the meetings, children get to sing, dance, and participate in an art workshop led by Epic Art. For more information, visit: https://www. facebook.com/ClubInclusiveIssaquah
Athletes for Kids
This program pairs a high school athlete with a child. The two work together to find common ground and learn from each other in a variety of ways. Both participants bring their own interests and abilities to the mentorship. Over time, many of the pairings grow into strong friendships. For more information, visit: https://athletesforkids.org/
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