{"id":2119,"date":"2025-04-02T20:05:22","date_gmt":"2025-04-02T20:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/the-special-edge\/?p=2119"},"modified":"2025-04-02T20:05:22","modified_gmt":"2025-04-02T20:05:22","slug":"special-edge-april-2-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.bend.k12.or.us\/the-special-edge\/2025\/04\/02\/special-edge-april-2-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"SPECIAL EDGE APRIL 2, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Occupational Therapy Services Next Year<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will have some changes in Occupational Therapy (OT) services that will start in the fall of 2025.  Starting next school year, BLS will hire our own OT\u2019s, rather than purchase the services through the HDESD.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is BLS hiring their own OT\u2019s?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

After years of consideration and feedback from building staff, the decision was made to administer our own OT program in an effort to increase efficiency.  Having a local group of OTs, who only serve BLS schools, will allow for increased service, coordination, and local oversight of OT programming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What will be different?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will not see any remarkable changes in the programming that you have been receiving from OT\u2019s.  That said, we will engage stakeholders and continue to seek feedback as we design.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do I need to do anything different when writing IEPs or considering OT services at this time?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

No\u2026please use your typical process and consideration of OT services on student IEPs moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We will provide more information ongoing as needed.  If you have any specific questions, feel free to contact any student services administrator. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

CERTIFIED STAFF<\/strong>–HUMAN RESOURCES<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contract letters for licensed employees were sent to all licensed employees via UKG and must be returned no later than April 15.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have not yet completed yours, please log in to UKG to review and submit your response as soon as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Administrators, please ensure your staff are aware of this deadline and follow up as needed – and don\u2019t forget to return yours too!. <\/p>\n\n\n\n


If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Candy Gelatt or hr-certified@bend.k12.or.us<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

COACH’S CORNER<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

**MATRICULATION**<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re excited to share it is time to start thinking about the student matriculation process! As some of you know, we started a new process last year that is a systematic and streamlined approach to ensure a smoother transition for all students. Find the guidance HERE<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This matriculation process is designed to be efficient, transparent, and student-centered. What does this mean for you? Let us break it down:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Structured System: Say goodbye to confusion and hello to clarity! Our new process is carefully structured, guiding staff through each step with ease.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. District Management: With the support of our student services district team, we\u2019re ensuring that every aspect of matriculation is managed seamlessly. From student tools to communication systems, we\u2019ve got you covered!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Time to Complete: Rest assured, there\u2019s plenty of time to complete the process before the end of the school year. We understand the importance of a stress-free transition, and we\u2019re committed to providing ample time for students and teams to navigate the process.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Educator Network Day: Mark your calendars! Our upcoming Educator Network Day, 4\/24 will offer valuable insights and support to ensure a successful matriculation process. It\u2019s an opportunity for collaboration and learning of our collective efforts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

     If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your building coach<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    ORExt TESTING <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Oregon Alternate Assessment (Extended) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ORExt testing window for ELA and Math grades 3-8 is now open (April 1st). <\/p>\n\n\n\n