Message From The Superintendent - November 2020
Greetings!
I hope this message finds you well! Here is an update of things that happened with Portage DD in October and what is happening in November.
Unfortunately, the virus has picked up steam. In terms of remote working, November will look the same for us as it has been since Mid-March. We still have most staff working remotely or coming into the building sporadically. The school staff, transportation department, maintenance department, and some management staff are regularly in the buildings. We only allow others in the buildings for essential work, but we continue to do a self-health check before anyone comes into the buildings.
Happy Day School has been open for two months. We have excellent staff, parents, and students that have been remarkable during these stressful times. Together we are keeping everyone safe, as well as assisting the students in learning. I can’t say enough about everyone who has helped make this happen. It has taken a team effort to get this far into the school year.
I also wanted to thank the Portage County Health Department. We have met with them weekly and talk more frequently if needed. They have provided invaluable direction throughout the pandemic.
The Portage DD administration has completed two negotiations over the last month. We have reached a three-year agreement with our maintenance staff and have rolled over our transportation contract for another year. Our maintenance staff has not missed a beat through the pandemic and has worked hard to keep our buildings running. Our transportation works front line with our students every day during the school year to make sure our students get to and from school safely. These two departments are crucial to what we are doing.
Portage DD is fortunate to have staff that adheres to our mission statement to help and support individuals developing their abilities through advocacy, inclusion, and empowerment. We will continue to keep that as our priority!
I know I have mentioned this before, but I again want to give a massive shout out to all the providers that improve the quality of life for the people we serve. The providers have done a fantastic job keeping the health and safety of the people we serve as a priority during this pandemic. We have not had a person serve test positive since April. This is a testament to the people we serve, the families, and providers. We know that everything we do here at Portage DD would be futile without all your dedication, hard work, and caring for the people we serve. Great job, everyone!
Colleen Brown, Advocacy and Community Resource Coordinator with Portage DD, and Ashleigh Lawrence, Program Manager with Unified Resources have done a great job keeping the people we serve connected. Colleen has virtual fitness, hiking challenges, and an advocacy social that she does weekly. We contract with Ashleigh from Family and Community Services to provide in-person activities, Facebook Live, and Zoom platforms 4 to 5 times a week. These two have done incredible work adapting to a changing landscape and innovating creative ways for people to get together still. Great job, Colleen and Ashleigh.
I am excited to share that we have received a joint grant (Innovative Technology Grant) with Mahoning County Board of DD and Safe in Home. This grant will allow us to continue improving technology for the people we serve. Great job by our SSA Director, George Winsen, to work collaboratively with local boards and agencies to secure this grant!
We want to make sure that we are meeting the needs of the people we serve, families, and providers—every day here at Portage DD, that is a top priority for us. With this in mind, we are working on brainstorming ways to make a difference. For example, we are working at keeping people connected. We are looking for creative solutions to assist with technology for those that can’t afford it. Portage DD’s SSA department and Community and Provider Relations department partner with The Arc to develop these solutions. We also feel there is more to do for the 3 to 21-year-old age population in Portage County. We are brainstorming ways to assist in this area as well. We will be formulating a survey to figure out what the needs of that age group are. It will be essential to get feedback, so we are heading down the correct path. To meet the demands, we must make sure we know what the needs are.
Thank you again for your continued support. We will get through this together! Portage DD will continue to be available via phone, email, and virtual meeting (ZOOM or TEAMS) as we navigate these unique times together. Portage DD will continue to strive to meet and exceed your expectations.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU.
Sincerely,
John Vennetti