Using a Big Breath area to pause, reset, and practice calming strategies—building self-regulation skills one deep breath at a time.
📚 Building early reading skills! Using her “reader finger,” this student tracks print left to right and practices concept of word.
"I like being in the community to increase my socialization." -Rebekah
Learners are leveling up their culinary game in the Torch 180 kitchen! This week was all about the essentials: mastering knife skills and learning why precision measuring is the secret sauce to any great recipe.
It takes focus, steady hands, and a lot of practice, but these three are absolutely crushing it. Torch 180, working on knife skills and measuring.
Learners tackle the Marshmallow Challenge—communicating, sharing ideas, and using teamwork to build together. Great problem-solving in action!
Amy Baad, LESA AI Consultant, works with Early Childhood Special Education staff to develop interaction strategies for our learners using AI.
Sharing stories and building early literacy skills, one page at a time!
Communication in AACtion! These students now have a way to communicate while they are on the move at school.
Having the service dog visit made my day today!!
Our communication devices help us talk to each other, our friends and to ask for help.
I had the best time job shadowing Carie Cowger, Director of Special Education at Pinckney Schools! Even though a "typical" day for a Director is anything but typical, Carie gave me an amazing look at what it takes to lead such a dedicated team.
It was inspiring to see how she empowers her teachers and staff to be leaders themselves. We had some great conversations about the challenges we both face and the strategies she's used to overcome them over the years. Huge thanks to Carie for such a rewarding day!
Go Pirates!
Fueled by luck, laughter, and a whole lot of heart, Hartland bus drivers roll out the green carpet daily! Today we add a dash of Irish cheer. Happy St. Patty’s Day! 🍀🚌
Did you know that over 65 students in grades 9 and 10 went to Lake Trust Credit Union Headquarters last week to learn about careers in Business and IT? Our very own Mark Rogers was a featured presenter at this event, and, in his usual rock star fashion, made learning about his career in IT fun and educational!
✏️ Journal time! This student chooses his topic and writing utensil, building confidence and independence through free writing.
Our pot of GOLD runs over because of our drivers! We are Leprechaun Lucky here in Brighton!
Family photos in the classroom help preschoolers stay connected to the people who matter most to them. Children often visit this space to share stories, build language, and feel a sense of belonging between home and school!
Students are hitting the gym for Adaptive Hockey! 🏒 Building skills, confidence, teamwork, and having a blast along the way. So proud of their determination and sportsmanship! #AdaptiveSports #StudentSuccess
MTSA 2026 Spotlight: Communication is the cornerstone of the workplace, but it's often more complex than it seems. At the MTSA Conference, LESA’s own Melissa Woerner (Speech Pathologist) and Charlotte Martin (Work-Study Coordinator) shared their expertise on this vital topic.
Their session dove deep into the critical components of communication, including:
Receptive & Expressive Language: Understanding and being understood.
Pragmatics: Navigating the "unspoken rules" of social interaction.
Executive Functioning: Managing time, tasks, and focus.
Melissa and Charlotte provided invaluable insights into identifying workplace challenges and, more importantly, shared proven strategies and accommodations to help students thrive in their communities.
Hands in the soil! Learners volunteer at a local nursery, filling pots and planting seeds and plugs while building valuable work skills.
MTSA 2026 Spotlight: In the world of transition services, data is everything—but collecting it shouldn't take all day. At the MTSA Conference, LESA Job Coaches Amanda Hammond and Sarah Harvey shared their expertise on leveraging Google Forms to revolutionize efficiency.
Their session provided attendees with a "starter kit" of ready-to-implement strategies for:
IEP Goal Documentation: Streamlining progress monitoring.
Work-Based Learning (WBL) Data: Capturing real-time insights from the field.
Behavioral Data Collection: Making tracking simple and consistent.
Personal Accountability: Using digital tools to stay organized and effective.
Amanda and Sarah didn’t just talk about the "why"—they gave fellow educators the "how" by providing tools they can use on Monday morning. Way to lead the way in digital innovation, team!
