PCPS Department of ESE Instruction

10/06/2026

💚 Today, October 6, we recognize World Cerebral Palsy Day and celebrate the theme “Unique and United.”

Cerebral palsy affects movement, muscle tone, and posture in different ways for each person. Every person’s strengths, goals, and support needs are unique. Let’s listen to people with CP, respect their choices, and keep working toward accessible spaces and meaningful inclusion.

10/03/2026

A special shout-out to Nicole and Mary from Access Church, who generously volunteered their time today to help Mr. Faniel prepare a K–2 classroom for learning on Monday.

Their kindness and support helped create a welcoming, organized space where students can start the week ready to learn.

Thank you both for making a difference! ✨

10/01/2026

Late post, we had the opportunity to learn and collaborate with educators at Polk City Elementary! Together, we explored practical tools and strategies to support students with disabilities and strengthen inclusive learning environments.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and continues to put students first. Every student. Every day. 💚

10/01/2026

After school learning with our ESE team at Stephen’s Academy! 💙

We came together to strengthen our understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and keep building practical ways to support students in their learning and daily school experiences. Thank you to the Stephen’s Academy team for welcoming us and making time to learn and collaborate.

Every student. Every day. 💙

10/01/2026

October is a time to celebrate different ways of learning, communicating, and experiencing the world. We recognize individuals with ADHD, learning disabilities, dyslexia, and Down syndrome, and the strengths each person brings to our schools and communities.

Inclusion grows when we lead with patience, provide the supports learners need, and make sure everyone has a place to belong. Every learner deserves the opportunity to grow, participate, and shine. ✨

10/01/2026

Accommodations and modifications both support student learning, but they serve different purposes.

An accommodation changes how a student accesses learning or shows what they know while keeping the grade-level expectation the same. A modification changes what the student is expected to learn or demonstrate.

Knowing the difference helps us make thoughtful, student-centered decisions. Always use the student’s IEP and district guidance to guide support and decisions before providing accommodations or modifications.

Every student. Every day. 💚

09/28/2026

Congratulations to one of our very own! 🎉🎉

Congratulations to our next Focused on Excellence winner: Jacob Majors from the PCPS ESE department!

Jacob is a clerk specialist with the ESE team.

“I love serving our community,” he said. “Parents are so appreciative of the assistance, and it is so fulfilling knowing our ESE students are getting the support they need.”

This was the sixth year of our Focused on Excellence campaign, which recognizes the hard work and contributions of PCPS employees. Once again, employees were asked to nominate their colleagues from various departments for a chance to receive some great prizes, and be featured on our communication channels.

Jacob received an EXCELLENT package of gifts made possible by our sponsors: A.D. Morgan, Camp Margaritaville Auburndale, Central Florida Development Council, Chick-fil-A Bartow, The Club at Eaglebrooke, ConnectED Polk, Dixie Southern Industrial, Inc., Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, IDX Brands, MIDFLORIDA Credit Union, Orlando Health, Publix Super Markets, Inc., Sign Gypsies, and T-Mobile.

Thank you Jacob for your dedication to our district!

PCPS Department of ESE Instruction

09/28/2026

Instructional Toolbox Spotlight:

🎯 Your challenge: Find this strategy in the Instructional Toolbox in Schoology, learn more about it, and try it in your classroom within the next two weeks.

After trying it, return to this post and share in the comments:

1️⃣ How did you use the strategy?
2️⃣ How did your students respond?
3️⃣ What worked well, or what would you adjust next time?

Remember: At the end of our five-month Instructional Toolbox series, two participants will be selected from the comments to receive a special prize! 🎁

Let’s learn from one another and keep adding effective strategies to our instructional toolboxes!

09/25/2026

Our ESE Curriculum Specialist had the opportunity to attend the Math by the Bay Fall Summit on September 22. The day focused on using data with purpose, strengthening IEP practices, and collaborating across districts to improve math outcomes for struggling learners.

We’re bringing these ideas back to support meaningful, student centered instruction for every learner. Thank you to the University of South Florida’s David C. Anchin Center and Math by the Bay for bringing educators together!

09/24/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated the International Day of Sign Languages! 🤟

A special shout-out to our incredible DHH team, dedicated interpreters, and amazing students who use sign language every day to communicate, connect, and access learning. You help make our schools stronger, more accessible, and more inclusive! 💙