Dear Educators and Parents,

Happy 2025 to one and all!  I’m so grateful for the time over this break to play, bake, dine, relax, and binge TV with my family as well as visit with friends.  I hope you had the opportunity to relax, reset, and rejuvenate as well.  The new year is also a time to reflect…here are some of the Special Services Fall Semester 2024 Highlights: 

• Acceptance to the “Charting My Path” Study, which will provide training and mentorship to current 11th grade students at randomly selected locations throughout the district through their 12th grade school year in partnership with the United States Department of Education and American Institute for Research.
• 10th Annual FERIA Conference held at Otay Ranch High School providing outreach and support to Latino parents of students with disabilities (with performances by the MOH Mariachi and ORH Baile Folklorico groups).
• Launch of the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) within the South County SELPA where SUHSD representatives provide input and voice to parents, students, and staff leading to collaborative progress.
• Parenting Partnerships trainer-of-trainers provided to parents, staff members, and community influencers to launch a 6-week series of workshops in 2025 at a school near you!
• Parent outreach on topics of Supplemental Security Income & Social Security Disability Insurance (September), Mental Health (October), and Understanding the IEP, 504, & ADA Processes (November); Alternatives to Conservatorship is coming to the SUHSD PDC on January 23rd @ 5:00 p.m.

As we begin this new year, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the tremendous work and the impact you have on the lives of your student(s). The start of January is not only a fresh chapter in the calendar but also a reminder of the hope and possibilities that lie ahead.

Although challenges of the past year may have been significant, your dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to the access of every student have been nothing short of inspiring. It is through your creativity, compassion, and hard work that students are given the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive.

As we move forward into this new year, I encourage you to hold onto the hope that your efforts are making a difference. Every lesson you teach, every moment of encouragement you offer, and every step you take to nurture your student(s) matters. Even when it feels challenging, know that you are helping to shape future decisions. 

I hope this year brings new opportunities for growth, both for you and your student(s). May it be filled with moments of joy, achievement, and connection. Together, we can continue to build a supportive and inspiring learning environment where each student is encouraged to reach their fullest potential.

Thank you for everything you do. Here’s to a year full of hope, progress, and continued success!

With Gratitude,

Michelle Sturm-Gonzalez
Director of Special Services