Back to School
Oct 14, 2024
In This Issue
- About Us: Learn about our mission and goals
- Board Positions Open
- Staff Recognition: We need your recommendations
- Upcoming Events and Happenings: You don’t want to miss it!
- Did You Know: Info and resources
About Us
Our mission:
Camas School District Special Education Parent-Teacher-Student Organization (CSD SEPTSO) exists to equalize opportunities so every student is supported, included and accepted.
We believe this is accomplished by partnering with district administration, school staff, parents and students. We strive to provide support, information, resources and education. We connect, share, celebrate, advocate, and grow a sense of community and inclusion in Camas.
Our goals:
- Create partnerships between educators, parents, students and the community.
- Provide support, information, resources, awareness, advocacy and education.
- Create a more inclusive community where we can connect and spread awareness.
PTSO Board Positions Open
We are looking for at least 2 people to join our board. Specifically to help with financial duties, district partnerships and advocacy. If you’re interested in learning more, email us at team@camasptso.org.
CSD Staff Recognition
Do you know a district employee that should be recognized for the outstanding work they are doing? We want to acknowledge that they are seen, appreciated and encouraged to keep up the good work. This can be anyone who works within the district. The chosen nominee will receive a hand delivered custom Special Education PTSO coffee mug and coffee gift card. Email team@camasptso to nominate someone today!
Upcoming Events and Happenings
Book Club: Next meeting is October 18th @ 11:00 AM at Caffe Piccolo
Do you like to read and want to make some new friends? Read the book and then meet in person to discuss.
Family Farm Outing: October 23rd@ 3:30 pm at Son Rise Ranch 24003 NE 44th St, Vancouver
Join us at Son Rise Ranch for a farm outing. Practice brushing a horse, sitting on a saddle, riding a horse, or interacting with other animals on the farm – lamas, sheep, goats, and guinea pigs. All ages and abilities welcome. *WEATHER DEPENDENT (Check the website or Facebook group for weather related updates).
Parent/Caregiver Support Group: Nov 4, Dec 2 @ 6:00pm – 7:30pm at the Camas Public Library (Upstairs)
The Parent/Caregiver Support Group is for parents and caregivers to have a safe place to talk. It’s hard being a caregiver! The amount of energy, sacrifice and patience it takes can be overwhelming. We get frustrated, angry and discouraged sometimes and need a support system to navigate the ups and downs. Do you sometimes feel isolated, lonely or silenced? Would you like to make connections with other parents/caregivers? This is the group for you. Adults only please.
Led by Tori Watrous. Tori is a local mental health counselor living in Camas where she’s lived for more than a decade. She works in Vancouver where her clients include families, children, and adults ranging in age from four to 62. During her time in Clark County, Tori has worked as a school counselor, served as a Soroptimist, and as a Camas MOMS Club board member.
First General Meeting: Wednesday Nov 6th @ 6:30 – 7:30 PM at The Camas Public Library.
We will talk about our mission and goals, what we are working on and how to get involved. We will have 3 general meetings this year: 2 in person and 1 virtual. Your voice matters so please join us!
Holiday Craft Family Night: Dec 5th @ 6-8:00 PM at Prune Hill Elementary. Crafts available for all students at all ages and abilities. RSVP HERE.
Big Al’s Family Night: Feb 11th @ 5:30-7:30 PM. Big Al’s 16615 SE 18th St, Vancouver. **This event is limited. *RSVP will open the first week of January HERE.
Easter Bunny Meet and Greet: April -TBD
End of Year Party: May -TBD
CamTown Youth Festival: June -TBD
Did You Know
If your student has a special education plan (IEP or 504) make sure you have touched base with your new teachers about what the plan is, how your student will be supported in their class and any changes you want to discuss.
Meeting Handout
The PTSO met with district staff and collaborated with a select group to create a handout that will be given to families at IEP and 504 meetings. This will introduce our group as a resource for families, key to common acronyms, meeting tips and guide for concerns or questions. ***If you didn’t receive this at your meeting, please let us know!
IEP or 504 Meeting Feedback
Would you like to provide anonymous meeting feedback regarding your IEP/504 meeting experience? What worked and what didn’t? We will continue to get data from this survey throughout the year to share with the district.
Resources
We are constantly using and recommending the below resources. Check out how they can support you and your family.
- Camas School District Resource Center: The FCRC seeks to offer a sense of community and an abundance of resources so we can fulfill our common goal as a school district for ALL students to thrive. If you need ANY type of support, this is a great place to check out!
- Peace NW: Their mission is to enhance community for individuals of all abilities. On their website you can find resources, informational and fun events and get help.
- Pave: PAVE provides support, training, information and resources to empower and give voice to individuals, youth and families impacted by disabilities in Washington.
Important links
Facebook : Where the most up to date info is posted, where resources are shared.
Website : One stop to find everything you might need. *PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE OUT.
Volunteer Page : We need your help!!! Please let us know if you are interested in volunteering so we can reach out.
Event Page : Where all the events are listed and the details, RSVP links.
Get to Know You Questionnaire : We want to know who you and your family are!
Please consider becoming a member. We cannot continue without membership dues. You can purchase memberships here.
Next Newsletters will be WINTER and SPRING.
Subscribe to Camas Special Education PTSO Newsletter
By Camas PTSO · Launched 2 years ago
Camas School District Special Education Parent Teacher Student Organization