september october november 2013 final

September-October-November 2013

Our NeighborhoodAn Employee Magazine

Volume 9, Issue 2711 St. Joseph Ave.P.O. Box 364Berrien Springs, MI 49103

www.berrienresa.org

O.N. September -October-November 2013• 2

ContentsFeatures Events/Workshops

Strategic Plan 5The Moxie Strings 7ASD Programming in Berrien County 8Projects Around the District 10RESA to Return $2.5 Million 11Our Neighborhood Award of Merit 11RESA Welcomes Deb Silver 13BLC On Stage 142013 Partnership Awards 18

Festival of Families 16The Berrien RESA Compass 20Silver Hawks Outing 22Berrien RESA Blood Drive 26

The views and perspectives shared in “Our Neighborhood” do not necessarily reflect those of the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency, affiliated schools, staff or board members.

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ContentsResources

Cover Photo: A guest has his face painted during the 2013 Berrien RESA Festical of Families

Details

Make a WishEmployee Birthdays 26Upcoming Events 26

A More Perfect Union 4AdvancED Accreditation 6What to do When Injured 23Welcome New Employees 24

Berrien RESA complies with all federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination, and with all requirements and regulations of the United States Department of Education and the Michigan State Department of Education.

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A More Perfect UnionLooking to our past to shape our future

It was 150 years ago this November that our 16th president, President Abraham Lincoln, delivered one of the most famous speeches in our history. While short in its delivery (no more

than an estimated three minutes long), its impact has lasted decades. This speech, the Gettysburg Address, signified a turning point during the Civil War; a call to action for every American to recognize all individuals as equal. President Lincoln also recalled in that speech the work of our nation’s forefathers, reminding Americans that the efforts of those who sacrificed their lives during the War were done not in vain, but in an effort “to form a more perfect union” as they (our nation’s founders) described in the Preamble of the United States Constitution.

Both the Gettysburg Address and the Constitution are reminders to today’s society that our work, whether it be in government or edu-cation, is never done. Our nation’s forefathers and President Lin-coln were impressing upon us the concept of continuously improv-ing the systems we have in place, knowing that future needs will change as will the avenues in which those services are delivered. We can apply this concept to Berrien RESA in that we are always working to improve how we educate our children.

Berrien RESA Board of Education

President Sharon Kalling Vice Pres. Cathy J. Bair Trustee J. Allene Smith Treasurer Linda Holt Secretary Tom Fanning

Berrien RESA is currently working to create a “more prefect union” by implementing our Strategic Plan. Unlike years past, this plan is dependent on measurable outcomes that will help all of us determine if we are meeting expectations. It is very likely that we will be able to review our first pieces of data this spring, which will serve as a compass indicating if we are on the right path to success. Additionally, as part of Strategic Plan Goal #2, Berrien RESA is starting the Accreditation process which will help us measure if the systems we have in place are working (as well as providing us with a system for continuous improvement).

While both a data-driven Strategic Plan and the Accreditation process are new ventures for our organization, it is important that we carry out these tasks to ensure that future generations of students are afforded the academic opportunities our forefathers envisioned and deserve.

I look forward to working with each of you as we implement these plans. I also wish each of you a peaceful winter break!

Sincerely,Dr. Kevin M. Ivers


As has been shared with you in previous issues of Our Neighborhood, via a podcast and discussed during your staff meetings, Berrien RESA’s ap-proach to the Strategic Plan is one that is data-driven. For each of our

Strategic Plan goals, the Management Team has been working to identify measurement tools that will help us determine if in fact we are reaching our number one goal; student achievement.

The Management Team has identified five areas in which to focus to learn if RESA’s programs and support services do in fact impact learning by raising the student achievement rate by 5 percent. They are: Kindergarten readiness, lit-eracy (being able to read by third grade), student engagement, attendance, and college readiness. To determine baseline data in each of these areas, Berrien RESA is collecting survey results, looking at standardized test scores and school attendance information. Once this baseline data has been obtained, the Man-agement Team can then administer “litmus” tests to learn about our progress. It is the Team’s goal, by the spring, to have our first data results. Based upon this data, we can then begin to assess what changes need to be made to help stu-dents reach that 5 percent achievement mark (Strategic Plan Goal #2).

Data will be collected and analyzed regularly. Based on the results of the data, adjustments can be made at a variety of levels; by district, by grade level, by classroom and by student. By carefully monitoring student success, Berrien RESA will be able to identify and provide assistance early, ensuring every child is able to achieve academically.

Strategic PlanMeasuring our success one child at a time


AccreditationWhat does this mean for Berrien RESA?

This fall, Berrien RESA began the process of becoming accredited.

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a systems approach to embed and sustain improvement.

Why is Berrien RESA seeking Accreditation?

As a strategy to help us achieve Goal #2 in the Strategic Plan, Berrien RESA is starting the AdvancED Accreditation process. This process will assist us in measuring the quality of the programs and services we offer.

Berrien RESA will be using the AdvancED model of Accreditation. What should I know about AdvancED?

AdvancED uses a national protocol based on 5 Standards. The standards are designed to build the capacity of our RESA; ensure that all people, processes, departments and operations work as a team; strengthen the effort to provide accountability to our constituents; encourage growth beyond compliance and to promote continuous improvement.

How will Berrien RESA become Accredited?

Berrien RESA’s administrative staff will be working with AdvancED facilitators to collect and analyze data which will eventually help us measure our performance across all 5 standards.

When will Berrien RESA become Accredited?

The process can take 2 to 5 years.

What is expected of me in relation to the accreditation process?

Employees should:1. Understand Berrien RESA’s Strategic Plan and how

your role in the organization lends itself to achieving those goals.

2. Participate in accreditation activities when offered (work groups, brainstorming sessions and discussions).

3. When participating in accreditation activities, be honest and willing to problem solve. Be a thoughtful listener and accepting of constructive criticism.

What are the benefits of becoming accredited?

Berrien RESA will:• Have a better understanding of the quality of our

programs and services and be able to measure their impact on student outcomes.

• Receive local, state and national recognition; • Meet state reporting expectations; • Expand our professional network and resources; • Provide more transparency regarding the alignment of

our organizational goals; • Build internal capacity within Berrien RESA; and • Participate in an external review every 5 years to help

us stay on track.

Additionally, through this process not only will our District become accredited, but Blossomland Learning Center and Lighthouse Education Center will become accredited too!

Who should I contact if I have questions regarding the Accreditation process?

Staff members are encouraged to talk to their supervisors or they may contact Becky Meier, Berrien RESA Process Consultant, at ext. 1190 or at [email protected].

The Moxie StringsIn October, the Moxie Strings (fiddler, Diana

Ladio, and electric cellist, Alison Lynn) performed in area schools and were featured during a public

performance at the Howard Performing Arts Center as part of the Berrien RESA Arts in the Schools program. Along with their performances throughout the Country, Moxie Strings visited with schools to demonstrate their style of music to students. While there, they identified young musicians who were invited to play with them on stage during their public performance. The students learned two tunes and

were then asked to improvise melodies of their own during the performance.

This activity was sponsored by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation and was offered as part of the annual activities associated with the Berrien RESA Arts in the Schools Program.


From 2006 to 2012 the number of students identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Berrien County grew

from 107 to 173 students, or an increase of 60 percent. During that same period of time, every other special education eligibility category decreased within Berrien County. You can speculate with the researchers on why this may be happening, but our increase has been less dramatic than other parts of our state and across the country.

Our focus, with the increasing numbers, has been providing appropriate programs and services for students with ASD. Increasing numbers has ne-cessitated the need to open additional programs to provide services to students with ASD. At the current time we run 11 classroom programs spread across Berrien County:1. Berrien RESA – Lighthouse Education Center2. Berrien RESA – Lighthouse (second room)3. Berrien RESA – Lighthouse/South Shore

Health & Racquet Club4. Berrien Springs Public Schools – Sylvester

Elementary5. Coloma Community Schools – Washington

Elementary6. Lakeshore Public Schools – Roosevelt

Elementary7. Niles Community Schools – Ballard

Elementary8. St. Joseph Public Schools – Brown

Elementary9. St. Joseph Public Schools – Upton Middle

School10. St. Joseph Public Schools – High School11. Watervliet Public Schools – South Elementary

Additionally, Berrien RESA has expanded the number of ASD Consultants from two to three to increase the ability to address ASD service needs across the county. While we have opened additional classrooms a number of ASD students function with-in other environments and consultation is needed to keep those students as closely connected with the general education environ-ment as possible.

ASD Programming in Berrien CountyRESA classrooms open to support studentsSubmitted by Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Eric Hoppstock


ASD Programming in Berrien CountyRESA classrooms open to support studentsSubmitted by Assistant Superintendent and Chief Academic Officer Eric Hoppstock

In an attempt to improve the outcomes for students with ASD there has been a concert-ed effort to not only expand programs and services, but target the strategies we utilize within our programs and services. Beginning with the 2012-13 school year we began implementing Strategies for Teaching Based on Autism Research (STAR) and the LINKS Curriculum. The STAR Autism Program teaches children with

autism the critical skills identified by the 2001 National Research Council to improve

in receptive language, expressive language, spontaneous

language, functional routines, academics,

and play & social skills. LINKS is designed to promote student independence in natural environments.

It is our desire to intervene early and reduce or eliminate the need for long-term intervention.

While these programs/services are spread across the county they are considered an extension of Lighthouse Education Center. During the 2012-13 school-year it became apparent that utilizing both Mike Marinello, Principal, and Sandi Brueck, Assistant Principal, to oversee these programs resulted in an ineffective use of supervisory effort. Therefore, for the current school year Sandi Brueck has been assigned to oversee the various programs and facilitate the ongoing improvement of programs/services toward improved outcomes for students with ASD.


Projects Around the DistrictThe Building & Grounds staff hard at work

Often, the Building & Grounds staff are hard at work before and after the school day making sure facilities, classrooms and our meeting rooms are in order. The team is responsible for ensuring a clean and hazardous-free working environment, responding to employee requests for room set-up and maintenance, as well as making sure

parking lots are free of snow and that our buildings are heated/cooled properly. Here is a snapshot of what the Building & Grounds staff accomplished last school year:

BLOSSOMLAND LEARNING CENTER:An intercom call button was installed on the playground; repaired the safety surface around all playground equipment; repaired the swings pole; completed installation of projectors in all classrooms (a 2-year project); pool unit completed and project closed; painting of the front curb on bus loading area for students; and the addition of new voice announcement lock down system and lights.

LIGHTHOUSE EDUCATION CENTER:Upgraded classroom overhead projectors; addition of new voice announcement lock down system and lights; and addition of air phone at front door of building.

ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER:Added controlled access to 16 doors; new carpet installed in conference room hallways; addition of new voice announcement lock down system and lights; and addition of a new tornado drill alert system.

Projects currently underway include a re-bid of the paving project; installation of safety rails on the roof; installation of a new rear door entrance at Admin. Center; and addition of a fire alarm system at the Admin. Center.

Custodial Work Orders

Labor Hrs.

Maint. Work Orders

Labor Hrs. Grounds/Snow Work Orders

Labor Hrs.

Admin. Bldg 863 1223 484 815 100 370BLC 209 119 736 1260 27 101B & G 37 31 101 991 3 96LEC 19 21 432 582 15 152Transportation 1 1 57 95 4 18Off-Site 14 32 19 52 0 0Const. Trades 0 0 45 23 0 0 TOTAL 1106 1427 1874 3818 149 737

Total Work Orders: 3,129Total Labor Hours: 5982

Total Events for the 2012-13 School Year: 621Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.: 545Between the hours of 4 and 10 p.m.: 76


Berrien RESA to return $2.5 million to local schools districts this year

During October’s Berrien Regional Education Service Agency’s (Berrien RESA) Board of Education meeting, area public schools learned that they will be receiving $2,522,000 in special education reimbursement over the course of the school year. The dollars are determined by a county-wide reimbursement formula from the organization’s

special education budget.

It has been Berrien RESA’s policy to direct excess special education funding to area public school districts to reimburse a portion of their unfunded special education expenditures from the prior year. The surplus derives from two sources, Fund Equity and Act 18 dollars levied through a county Special Education millage.

“Berrien RESA strives to provide the best educational services to area students while at the same time being fiscally responsible,” said Berrien RESA Superintendent Dr. Kevin M. Ivers. “This supplemental revenue will offset each local district’s cost of providing special education programs and services.”

Dr. Ivers was careful to point out that schools cannot expect such allocations to occur every year.

“While I cannot guarantee the future returns, I am pleased that our Board has honored their longstanding policy to return any additional funds that we have back to schools. The districts benefit, the teachers benefit, and most of all, our children benefit.”

Our Neighborhood receives award of Merit

Out of nearly 900 entries nationwide, Berrien RESA’s online employee magazine, Our Neighborhood was selected as one of the best, receiving an Award of Merrit. This prestigious designation allows RESA to have its publication featured at the annual National School Public Relations Conference as well as serve as the model for other school

districts across the country.

Other entities receiving similar recognition were the Texas Association of School Boards and the School Superintendents Association (a national group).


Area teachers engage in an exercise during a visit with Deb Silver.


Berrien RESA Welcomes Deb Silver

Finding the Rhythm for Differentiated Instruction

Based on her best-selling book, Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers – Finding the Rhythm for Differentiating Learning, Debbie Silver offered her wisdom and humor to

answer the question, “How do we engage students from all backgrounds and experiences?” during a professional development workshop offered in the fall. During the presentation, Deb demonstrated how to capitalize on student strengths and elicit greater achievement gains and higher motivation among students. Debbie also discussed how to give students multiple opportunities to internalize information and to demonstrate what they know and understand. She demonstrated how to use components of differentiated learning,technology, and lesson design to engage learners of every sort.

Participants left with new ideas for creative instructional and assessment strategies as well as ideas for preparing for 21st century learners.


BLC’s “On Stage”Students particpate in a theatre program

Students attending BLC’s St. Joseph Off-site classroom are hitting the stage with a little help from Doug Fordyce and his Kids on Stage program. Students have been visiting his studio

location in the Orchards Mall once a week for the past 6 weeks. They have been learning theatre basics such as parts of a story, character development, props and stage location areas. Through this program, students are learning about spacial awareness, story telling, public speaking and self-expression.

During one of their sessions, students practiced identifying up-stage, down-stage, as well as stage right and left. They reenacted the story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, identifying the motions they felt would best match the story through their body movement. Students then took turns identifying the “who, what and where” the story took place, helping them understand that their actions had to reflect what was occurring in the story.

Doug Fordyce’s Kids On Stage is a theatre company dedicated to the development of life skills in children through the performing arts. Since 1996, as founder and former director of Children’s Music Workshop, Doug, along with his wife Jeri, has developed a solid reputation for impacting the lives of children with personal growth through the performing arts.


Berrien RESA Festival of FamiliesA new tradition beginsThe 2013 Berrien RESA Festival of Families proved to be an overwhelming success. Thank you to all those staff members who helped throughout the 2012-13 school year as well as on the day of the event to make the Festival an amazing community activity. Nearly 500 guests attended, including families from many of our programs.

Due to the overwhelming support from the Berrien RESA Board of Education, our local school districts and entire Berrien County community, it was determined that the event will be held annually, starting a new tradition for Berrien RESA! Next year’s event, which will be inclusive of every family with students in the County, will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2014.

Interested in volunteering? Sign up using the employee section of the Berrien RESA website!


2013 Partnership AwardsWe couldn’t be more proud !

For the fourth consecutive year, Berrien Regional Education Service Agency recognized a select group of community organizations as Berrien RESA Partners in Education for their long-standing commitment of fostering relationships that encourage student development and achievement. To

commemorate their status into this elite group of awardees, Berrien RESA hosted a reception in their honor.

The 2013 awardees are: • Busy Hands of Michiana• Home Health Depot• Honor Credit Union of Berrien Springs• Martin’s Supermarket of Stevensville• Niles District Library, Children’s Department• Woodland Shores Baptist Church

All Partners had their names engraved on the Partnership Tree sculpture located in the lobby of the Administrative Conference Center.

Martin’s Supermarket of Stevensville


Niles District Library, Children’s Department Honor Credit Union of Berrien Springs

Home Health Depot

Woodland Shores Baptist Church

Busy Hands of Michiana

Learning OpportunitiesUpcoming Professional Development Sessions

THE BERRIEN RESA

COMPASSA Professional Development Catalog for the Education Community

For a complete menu of upcoming workshops, please visit “The Compass” on the Berrien RESA homepage!

CANCELLATIONS: Registration fee will be refunded only if cancellation is received two working days prior to the workshop start date. You must send an e-mail cancellation notice to [email protected] containing the title of the workshop. Your reply message will be your confirmation.

To view all of Berrien RESA’s professional development opportunities, please visit www.berrienresa.org/development

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, it is the policy of the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency to prohibit dis-crimination on the basis of handicap against qualified handicapped persons, in admission or access to, participation in, or treatment of employment in, its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to Human Resources, Berrien RESA, 711 St. Joseph Avenue, Berrien Springs, MI 49103; telephone (269) 471- 7725; fax (269) 471-2941.

Please note: Participants with physical or dietary limitations or requirements are asked to notify the workshop coordinator with any specific need before the workshop/event so appropriate accommodations can be made.

TO REGISTER, VISIT: http://www.solutionwhere.com/berrienresa/cw/showcourse.asp?223

Student Achievement Focus Area:

InstructionSchool Im

provement C

ategory: Teaching for Learning

Personnel and Professional Learning

Subject: Instruction

Credit of 5 SCECHs at a cost of $10

Registration Deadline: January 15, 2014

Target Audience:High School Health Teachers

Use your smart phone to scan the QR Code to register!

HIGH SCHOOL MICHIGAN MODEL FOR HEALTH: SKILLS FOR HEALTH AND LIFE CURRICULUM FOLLOW UP

Presented by Joyce Miller and Amy Williams on January 29, 2014 from 8:30am to 3:00pm

at the Berrien RESA Conference Center

BACK BY TEACHER REQUEST! Attention High School Health Teachers! Using a new curriculum

can create different challenges. Come support each other in using the new high school curriculum. How have you implemented the curriculum? What strategies are working well? What assessments

have been particularly helpful in measuring student learning? We’ll talk more about this curriculum’s connections to the common core state standards and the balanced assessments as they align to our content. Support when working with something new is critical

to success!

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN FROM ONE ANOTHER!

Questions? Call Joyce Miller 269-471-7725 ext 1126

Hey K-12 Counselors!!!






Capacity for Leadership

School Improvem

ent Category:


Leadership

Subject: Educational Counseling

Berrien RESAToday’s Purpose - Tomorrow’s Promise.


Session Dates• September 20, 2013 at Michigan Works!• November 15, 2013 at Berrien RESA• February 7, 2014 at Berrien RESA• April 11, 2014 at Lake Michigan Mendel Center

All sessions will begin at 7:45 a.m. and end at 10:30 a.m.

The sessions are free of charge, preregistration is required. Registration deadlines vary.

Want information on student career

planning?

Want to learn what community

resources are available?

Interested in best practices and

networking with fellow colleagues?

plan on attending the

Counselor Academies, sponsored by Berrien County Career and Technical Education, provide counselors with professional development opportunities for student career planning, available community resources, counseling best practices, and also provide opportunities for information exchange. Detailed agendas to be determined.

2013 Counselor Academy Series< <

http://www.berrienresa.org

COMPASS








InstructionSchool Im

provement C



Subject: Instruction

Use your smart phone to scan the QR Code to register!Questions? Call Liz Andrews 269-471-7725 ext 1331

Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 12:30 - 3:45 pm at Berrien RESA Audience: K-8 Music Teachers, K-8 Classroom Teachers, K-8 Physical Education Teachers, Pre-Service & Student Teachers.

Credit of 3 SCECHs at a cost of $10

Registration Deadline: January 27, 2014Registration fee: $5

Using Folk Dance in the elementary and middle school setting is an exciting and engaging way to teach simple music and movement concepts such as rhythm, meter, coordination, space and energy. Teaching and learning dances from various countries also connects students to the discoveries and understandings of different cultures, including their own. Learn and explore new dances for 2014!

FOLK DANCELIZ ANDREWS & DISTRICT TEACHERS PRESENTS

C O L L A B O R A T I V E

September 25, 2013November 13, 2013January 22, 2014March 19, 20144:30 pm - 6:00 pm Facilitator: Liz Andrews, Arts Education Consultant

Location: Berrien RESA Conference Center





TO REGISTER, VISIT: http://www.solutionwhere.com/berrienresa/cw/showsession.asp?6153412988/9/201311:19:25+AM

Target Audience: K-12 Arts Educators


Leadership & InstructionSchool Im

provement C

ategory: Leadership


Subject: Com

mon C

ore and Arts Education

Registration Deadline: September 23, 2013Registration Fee: $25.00 (includes light supper)

Register by using your smart phone to scan the QR Code.

AND THE COMMON CORE NET WORKArts and the Common Core Network: A coalition of district arts educators dedicated to exploring best practices in arts instruction and the Common Core State Standards.

What we do and teach in our arts classrooms is, by its very nature, aligned to the new Common Core State Standards. The arts provide a natural connection to every subject, and when cross-curricular connections are made, students become more engaged in the learning process. This workshop will help arts educators articulate the relationship between the Arts and the Common Core. As a participant in this network you will explore ways you are already making connections in your curriculum and ways to take these connections further within your classroom, school, and community. By collaborating with your colleagues in arts education, you will build a plan to use in your arts classroom as well as be able to share the information with your arts staff and other teachers in your district. With the adoption of the CCSS, our arts educators, (as well as classroom teachers, and administrators) can embrace the fact that what and how we teach in our arts classes clearly connects with and reinforce these new standards.

6 SCECHs available Cost $10






Capacity for Instruction

School Improvem

ent Category:


Teaching for Learning

Subject: Reading

Questions? Please contact Amy Williams, Berrien RESA English Language Arts Consultant

at [email protected]

Reading Apprenticeship is a research-based approach to adoles-cent literacy that helps middle and high school teachers engage, motivate, and empower students to develop the tools they need to improve their content area reading.

Participants will: • Learn about the RA framework and instructional practices that

support students’ reading improvement;• DevelopandrefinetheirownclassroompracticesinRA;• Collaborate with colleagues within and across schools to

deepen and broaden the local implementation of RA;• Investigate how they and others make sense of content area

texts in order to coach and model effective thinking and read-ing processes in the classroom;

• Explore students’ reading strengths and needs by studying student and classroom case videos and texts;

• Examinetheirownclassroompracticetorefineandimprovetheir practice of RA;

• Learn powerful instructional strategies that support content-area reading, writing, and thinking;

• Learn a set of rich routines to support the “metacognitive” conversation at the heart of RA;

• Explore multiple examples of students’ reading and of RA classrooms in action using video case studies; and,

• Learn effective processes for working with colleagues to suc-cessfully implement RA.



Credit: 18 SCECHs at a cost of $10

Registration Fee: $55 per participant

(meals will not be provided)

Location: Berrien RESA Conference Center

Registration Deadline: September 16, 2013

Reading Apprenticeship will feature various certified teacher trainers

Reading Apprenticeship (#14-009)Session Dates: September 23, October 22, November 25, 2013 & March 4, 2014From8:00a.m.-3:00p.m.forthefirstthreesessionsand8:00-11:00a.m.lastsession

Register by using your smart phone to scan

the QR Code.







Student A

chievement Focus A

rea: Instruction

School Im

provement C


Subject: S

pecial Education, A

SD

This training is intended for participants educating students with Asperger Syndrome (AS). The training explores characteristics of students with AS and effective practices identified in the literature to support students in their school environment. Relevant theories are covered, including social attribution theory and theory of mind, which are critical to supporting the social, emotional and behavioral development of students with AS. The Path A / Path B strategy is used to teach participants how attributions impact decision-making and responses to the behaviors of students with AS.

Registration Fee: FreeSCECH Hours: .6Number of Workshop Hours: 6

Location: Berrien RESA, Conference Room B/C

Presented by: Danea Gorbett, Kathy Hickok & Jane Miller Brinkley

Date: March 20, 2014 Time: 8:15 am - 3:45 pm

Questions? Please call: Danea GorbettPhone Number: 269-471-7725 X 1158


Student A

chievement Focus A

rea: Instruction

School Im

provement C


Subject: S

pecial Education, A

SD






Featuring Presenters:Danea Gorbett, Kathy Hickok & Jane Miller Brinkley, Autism Consultants

Evidence-based practices: FBA and function-based decisions

January 14, 20148:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m

Functional behavior assessment (FBA) is a systematic set of strategies that is used to determine the underlying purpose of behavior, so an effective intervention plan can be developed and implemented with fidelity. Components of FBA include a description of the interfering behavior, identification of antecedents or consequent events that control (maintain) the behavior and the development of a hypothesis.

Participants will receive comprehensive information and hands-on practice collecting and analyzing data, determining the function of behaviors and implementing function-based strategies in order to meet the needs of students with autism and other learning and behavior challenges.

Registration Deadline:

January 13,2014

Location: Berrien RESA Conference

Center Room B/C/D

Cost: FREE



Workshop Hours: 6 • Questions? Call Danea Gorbett at 269-471-7725 ext 1158

Apri l 16, 20148:15-3:45Berrien RESA Conference Center Room C/D






Target Audience: General education teachers and administrators, special education teachers and administrators, social workers, counselors and speech/language therapists and paraprofessionals

Registration Deadline: April 15, 2014

Student A

chievement Focus A

rea: Instruction

School Im

provement C


Subject: C

omm

on Core

Featuring Presenters Kathy Hickok, Danea Gorbett & Jane Miller Brinkley

General education teachers and administrators, special education teachers and administrators, school counselors, social workers, speech and language therapists and paraprofessionals are invited to learn about Peer Mediated Instruction (P2P). Topics covered include the specific steps necessary to develop a peer-mediated instruction and intervention support program for students in elementary and secondary schools, recruiting and training general education students, strategies for maintaining the program, creating a “medium of exchange” for connecting general education students with students with disabilities, LINKS curriculum for high school credit, pupil accounting rules for credit courses. Additionally, all forms necessary for developing, implementing and maintaining a peer-to-peer program will be provided.


Workshop Hours: 7Questions? Call Kathy Hickok 269-471-7725 ext 1188

Peer Mediated Intervention & Peer-to-Peer Support


presents...

GROUP OU T INGGame Day: 6/12/14Game Time: 7:05pm

Arrival suggested by 6:05pmDugout Box Seats!

Cost per person: $12.00

Checks made out to Berrien RESAPayment due by May 23rd

See Karen Heath for payment & questionse-mail: [email protected]

or ext. 1147

HAVE SOME FUN; MAKE MEMORIES; SPEND TIME TOGETHER AS A FAMILY; AT THE COVE!!!

A FREE HAT included per ticket purchase.Transportation & food not included. Parking not included.


1. You first must fill out an accident report form. Forms can be found at the Nurses office, building secretary, or the Human Resource Office.

2. After the form is completed, it will be decided by your supervisor, the school nurse, or Human Resources whether you need to be seen by a doctor.

3. Should treatment be necessary you will be sent to the RESA’s worker comp. doctor at University Medical Specialties in Berrien Springs. Should the injury occur while on

2nd or 3rd shift please notify your supervisor and you may go to the emergency room or your own doctor.

4. All injuries must be reported no matter how small or minor you feel they are. Berrien RESA needs to document injuries for many reasons; one being should the injury develop into something major over the course of the next few days. If that occurs, then your employer has the docu-mentation as to when the injury occurred.

If your injury is life threatining, please call 911. The form can be completed at a later time.

What to do When you are Injured on the JobThe steps to follow


Welcome New EmployeesThe class of 2013

Alicia AndreeTeacherBLC

Kelli CampbellDirector of Gen. Ed.Admin. Center

Sangeetha HarikrishnanParaOff-site: Upton

Sarah KleeTeacherBLC

Amanda JonesSchool Social WorkerAdmin. Center

Lisa FloydParaLEC

Jennifer PossanzaTeacherLEC

Rose MontieTeacherOff-site: Sylvester

Virginia LeyTeacherOff-site: Roosevelt

Andrea SchuenemanAdministrative AssistantAdmin. Center


Kelly DargusConsultantAdmin. Center

Dr. Dan WeiEvaluation and Assessment ConsultantAdmin. Center

Jane Miller-BrinkleyASD ConsultantAdmin. Center

Dr. LaWanna SheltonLanguage Acquisition Program ConsultantAdmin. Center

Lenka PascanuParaOff-site; Sylvester

Roxanne SoetheOccupational TherapistAdmin. Center

Janis Dowell-WoldParaLEC

Anna SiegelTeacherLEC

Anton LockettParaLEC

Nichole CarollaSpeech Lang. PathologistLEC

Nicole MottPerm. Sub. TeacherLEC

Mark MottonParaLEC


A publication of

Make a Wish Employee Birthdays

December 23-Jan. 3Holiday BreakAll RESA offices/programs closed

January 6All RESA programs and offices return from holiday break

January 13Regular Board Meeting at 1 p.m.

January 20Martin Luther King, Jr. holidayAll offices/programs closed

February 10Regular Board Meeting at 1 p.m.

February 17Presidents’ Day holidayAll offices/programs closed

Next Upcoming Activities

OctoberAnna Siegel 10/2Jeff Jasper 10/3Mike Spenner 10/3Sarah Smith 10/3Larissa Morand 10/4Mark Smith 10/5Amy Williams 10/5Amy Davis 10/8Conni Wittorp 10/9Kim Knowlton 10/10John Krumroy 10/10Ingelin Kantor 10/12Tonya Keigley 10/13Autumn Zick 10/15Phil Seitenstich 10/17Matt Skalecki 10/18Kristine Stubelt 10/20Amy Jasso 10/21Anne Kreiger 10/25Tami Smith 10/29Jan Chaudoir 10/30Carol Farrand 10/31

NovemberKory Moore 11/2Andrea Schueneman 11/2Sally Brueck 11/7Dan Wei 11/7Julie Magrane 11/8Carol Bunch 11/10Susan Haselhoff 11/10Roxanne Soethe 11/10Candace Hathaway Onweller 11/11Tami Schacknies 11/11Christopher Bernick 11/12Lisa Peterson 11/13Kelli Campbell 11/15Shari Lidgard-Pullins 11/17Seth Amponsah 11/22Cheryl Leslie 11/24Jordan Nay 11/26Jillian Harris 11/29Shanda King 11/29Wendy Mitch 11/29Jeni Fox 11/30

DecemberTisha Junk 12/1Heidi Cuthbert 12/2Sharon Kalling 12/4Charlotte Jones 12/5Rhonda Davis-Chesire 12/8Sheryl Voege 12/9Lisa Floyd 12/12Carol Kiel 12/13Joyce Miller 12/14Shelley Schmaltz 12/20Mary Del Mariani 12/21Jeri Murphy 12/23

Tonya Snyder 12/23Kim Dillard 12/27Susan Hollis 12/27Aaron Rubley 12/29

JanuaryJohn Pickar 1/1Patricia King 1/2Jenna Hawkins 1/3Andi Lemon 1/4Mindy Watson 1/6Jessica Allard 1/7Rhonda Stubelt 1/7Mary Ann Graves 1/8Nancy Miller 1/8Joan Imler 1/11Larry Shane 1/11Darcie Rogers 1/12Sharon Davarn 1/13Rashelle Allen 1/17Becky Meier 1/17Sonya Schultz 1/17Bill Riley 1/18Char Farnan 1/19Liz Andrews 1/20Victoria Bedford 1/23Sarah Klee 1/23Susan Maxam 1/23Marilyn Duval 1/26Kathi Anserello 1/27Jim DeVeney 1/27Kevin Ivers 1/27Lynne Reuter 1/27Diane Boughton 1/30Kate Szczypka 1/31Julie Quardokus 1/31

FebruaryRhonda Fellows 2/2Molly Pate 2/2Char Quiriconi 2/4Matthew Rappette 2/4Cynthia Fetke 2/7Tara Wojtowicz 2/10Lorinda Robbins 2/11Steven Spenner 2/11Gus Damaske 2/13Karen Nave 2/13Deb Benson 2/14Doug Henry 2/14Mona Hunter 2/18Mike Jones 2/20Tina Lawson 2/20Maria Miranda 2/28

september october november 2013 final

Documents

berrien resa compass

berrien resa blood drive

berrien county

berrien springs

resa welcomes deb silver

president lincoln

nations forefathers

president abraham lincoln