I hope is everyone having a wonderful 4th of July! Yes, I AM on vacation, and in spite of the gray and cool weather I have been enjoying every minute of my time; celebrating my daughter’s graduation from the University of Chicago, my own birthday, and today, the birthday of our country. I added the last of the classroom photos to my ‘09-10 file and I couldn’t help but reflect. Your children grew in so many ways over the course of the year and so did I. I can honestly say that the diversity of learning abilities in this class provided more challenges and opportunities for my own professional growth than any other in my 26 years of teaching. I was amazed and encouraged at the many ways the children in this class showed empathy and patience with classmates who were learning and socializing along a time line and in styles very different from the norm. While it may not be your child that is getting service from the special education department of Seattle Public Schools it is in the best interest of ALL students that parents are aware of the changes being made. The new system of delivery that will serve many of our special needs students is called an integrated comprehensive services delivery model. Educators and parents of the students being served will often referred to this model as ICS. You can read a list of frequently asked questions here. The integration of  special needs students into regular classrooms has an impact on all students. In order for it to become a workable system we (parents and teachers) all need to be aware and willing to give feedback to teachers and administrators.  The collegiality of the Sanislo staff, collaborative planning with Ms. Parker, the support of the Instructional Assistants, Tutors, and Parent Volunteers (you are SAINTS!) were all a part in making this year a successful learning year for the class of 09-’10. I hope you are reading to your child EVERY DAY and that as“> role models of reading, you have summer reading of your own. How many trips to the library have you made? Strive for one a week; our downtown library is spectacular but the Southwest, Delridge, and White Center certainly have enough open hours to serve southwest Seattle’s reading needs.Here are some parting photos: