2010 Detroit Special olympics from Tell Us Detroit TV on Vimeo.
FROM CHRISTAL BONNER
To concerned citizens, community leaders and parents:
I recently learned that Felicia Baker, director of special education in DPS, is terminating support of the Special Olympics program in DPS. This would mean hundreds of special needs students would no longer experience the joy of victory, the feel of success, and the confidence gained from competing.
DPS teacher Christal Bonner
Furthermore, for many students it would signal the end to necessary physical education. Special Olympics is the only way numerous students get physical exercise. Moreover, ending Special Olympics in DPS will be a violation of the IDEA Act. Ms. Baker has yet to inform parents of her intentions to cancel Special Olympics in DPS, or what she plans on doing with $95,000 already allocated by DPS for Special Olympics.
I’m a teacher who has been part of the Special Olympics program at Finney High School last school year. Although, I’m no longer assigned to Finney, I plan to still be involved in Special Olympics at my new school.
We (special education teachers involved in Special Olympics) would appreciate any assistance you can give us in getting Special Olympics reinstated in DPS.
Please contact Beth, Area 26 coordinator of Special Olympics at (313)505-5177 Christal Bonner (313)350-2393 or Talisha Hurks (313)433-4618 if you have any questions, comments, or, feedback, [or can help out with the campaign to save DPS Special Olympics!]
FROM HELEN MOORE:
Helen Moore at school board meeting April 19, 2010
I have been investigating all morning concerning the changes in special education. I am trying to get the memo that states that over 3000 special ed. students have not been assigned. I also need the memo from Roberts that no student is to change schools until after the fourth Friday count. What a mess. These students are guaranteed that the system will be prepared for their entrance to their school of choice on the first day of school. We have a real mess getting ready to occur. We need to stop it. Special ed. parents need to send their IEP to Lansing to let them know that they are being illegally denied their rights. Helen Moore
