News from the Special Education Department
The high school special education team has been active this fall. Currently, two of our students are engaged in daily work-based learning experiences within the community. Students are also participating in daily S.O.A.R. lessons, focusing on leadership, career readiness, enhancing school culture, and improving Math and English skills. Our goal is to customize instruction to address each student's specific needs and foster self-advocacy skills in the classroom. We have partnered with Quincy Smith from Iowa Works and Scarlett Craig from Southeastern Community College to provide post-secondary vocational education.
With Darlene Broadhurst's retirement after the 22-23 school year, we welcomed Hanna Blomme as the new special education teacher in the middle school. Hanna is a Central Lee native, graduating in 2017 and currently residing in Montrose. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Iowa in 2020 and completed her master’s degree shortly after. This marks Hanna's fourth year teaching special education, and she's enthusiastic about contributing to the school that ignited her passion for special education. When not teaching, Hanna enjoys coaching, outdoor activities, and spending time with family and friends.
Miss Blomme, along with Mrs. Sturdivant, are excited for an excellent school year working with middle school students! At home, you can support your middle schooler by playing card or board games to enhance their number sense, having them read aloud to an adult or younger sibling, and assigning chores to teach responsibility and accountability. We understand that the middle school years can be challenging, so please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Here's to a year filled with growth and learning!
In an exciting update, Central Lee high school student Aubrey Weber successfully completed a "Kindness is Key" Community Problem Solving project. Through this initiative, Aubrey secured a grant from the North Lee County Community Foundation. This grant funded the creation of our new elementary school sensory room, covering demolition, new construction, and the room's physical materials.
The sensory room is a therapeutic space equipped with various tools. It offers students a place to self-regulate and decompress, enabling them to return to class and perform their best. For some students, time spent in the sensory room is an integral part of their daily routine, rather than a punishment or reward. Our sensory room currently features a tactile wall, a Hug Tug Boat, a Roll and Ride bridge, a light-up bubble wall, and other small sensory items.