We are delighted to announce that West Washington has been honored as a recipient of the 2023-24 Paraprofessional Grant from the Indiana Department of Education Office of Special Education. This grant represents a significant step towards enhancing the quality of education for our special needs and resource students.
Grant Details: West Washington High School Principal, Dr. Angela Girgis has successfully secured the services of Melissa Dubie, an Educational Consultant from the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA) in Bloomington, IN. Melissa will play a crucial role in providing professional support, coaching, and intensive training in evidence based practices (EBPs) to our dedicated paraprofessionals. This grant is a testament to our commitment to continually improve and refine the support systems in place for our students with unique needs.
Paraprofessional Roles: Our paraprofessionals, including instructional or program assistants, school bus monitors, interpreters, note-takers, and job coaches, are the backbone of our commitment to inclusive education. They work tirelessly on a daily basis, ensuring that every student receives the personalized attention they deserve.
Focus on Life Skills Class: A significant portion of the professional development facilitated by Melissa Dubie will be dedicated to our Life Skills class. This tailored support will cover various aspects of, including learner development, instructional supports unique to each student’s needs, and the integration of assistive technology.
Dedication to Excellence: “We take great pride in how we instruct, provide, and care for our special needs students. These students deserve our very best, and I am thrilled to be able to provide our special education aides with this professional development.” - West Washington High School Principal, Dr. Angela Girgis.
Excitement and Readiness: Our paraprofessionals are eagerly looking forward to working with the IRCA staff. The enthusiasm and dedication of our team will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this initiative, creating a positive impact on the education of our students.
At West Washington, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment and the Paraprofessional Grant represents a significant stride in achieving this goal. We are excited about the positive changes this grant will bring to our school community.
