Message From The Superintendent - July 2023
Greetings!
We hope everyone is doing well! Here are the updates.
We wanted to let everyone know that although the closing of Happy Day School saddens us, we are focusing on being more impactful to a larger number of kids with developmental disabilities. Here is some information about the school closing and the new services we are offering:
The need was no longer there. We were down to 4 students. 2 referrals in the last four years, and the kids weren’t medically fragile like the kids in the school.
The kids being in an integrated and more inclusive environment is better for all kids.
The school districts have figured out how to integrate kids with developmental disabilities in the classroom-thus why they don’t make referrals. Kudos to the school districts!
We can now impact over 400 eligible kids instead of just 4 (We will still impact those four kids) because of all the new programs we have added. (PEERS)Parent Education Empowerment Resources and Support Program, two respite programs (one also having two kids live in the home), 12-17 social recreation program, expanded Family Support Services program, Transition Explorers/Community Explorers, increased support/resources for the Trailblazer Camp, Groovy Garfoose music classes, Building Independence program, utilization of the Happy Day Services building (pool, life skills, gym, and sensory room by other school district kids), lending library, social-emotional learning classes, CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) training, educational training for the school districts, insurance navigation (Root Consulting) and soon to be an expanded sensory room)—all new programs/services over the last 2 to 3 years.
We are not saving money. We are spending more money, but we are spending the money for the children eligible for services.
We wanted to congratulate Collen Brown. She is, and has always done, fantastic work with Portage DD and has earned a promotion! We also changed her title from Advocacy and Community Resource Coordinator to Advocacy and Community Resource Manager. Congrats Colleen!
We completed the 1st ever DSP-U summer program. This program is where we train juniors and seniors on what it is to be a Direct Support Professional for people with developmental disabilities. Thank you to Katrina Kohout and all the Portage DD staff who made this a successful start!
We thank Mike Studeny, Park Manager, from Wingfoot Lake State Park, for inviting us to participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new ADA Kayak launch at the park. Thanks, Mike!
We thank Crestwood Schools Sherry Peters, Director of Pupil Services, and Superintendent Dave Toth for inviting us to the ribbon-cutting ceremony to highlight the new Life Skills Room in Crestwood that Portage DD donated some funds to. Thank you, Sherry and Dave.
Congratulations to Special Olympic athletes and coaches who had a successful Summer State game.
We wanted to invite everyone to the 2nd annual Ability Walk and Roll. This event will be Portage DD’s first time participating in the event. Click Here to Register Today
Believe in People!
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.
Sincerely,
John Vennetti