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Visitors from Ukraine - A Global Learning Experience for All! ADVOCACY AND INTEGRATION FOR SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN A Project for Ukraine "It reminded me, that we are all individuals who are trying to provide the best learning environment for all students regardless of home country, disability or label." Michele Mueller Autism Spectrum Disorder Special Education Para-Educator, Mortensen Elementary School Littleton, Colorado On Friday, October 26, 2018 Mortensen Elementary School had the pleasure of hosting visitors from Ukraine who were in the United States to learn about how we educate children with disabilities.  The group of Ukrainian visitors came as part of a program from our U.S. Department of State.  Here is some information about the IVLP program from the State Department: The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is a professional exchange program funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The mission of IVLP is t...

The Home School Connection Like most elementary schools during the month of October, Mortensen Elementary School is having Parent/Teacher Conferences this week.  I always love this week because of the power of the establishment of the relationships between home and school that are developing for the benefit of our students.  Here are some thoughts on the importance of these crucial collaborative sessions between our teachers and the students' parents: Parent/teacher conferences are one of the means for us to share our responsibilities so important to the learning process at our school. Research supports the importance of parents and schools  working together to encourage and foster student success. We are in hopes that our teachers and parents alike will use this conferencing time wisely through good planning and efficient conversation and goal setting. Parent-teacher conferences provide a great opportunity for parents and teachers to develop a relationship and collaborat...

A Principal's Reflections on the Beginning of a School Year Mortensen Staff 2018-2019 This is my second grader, Kylie who (on the first day of school) said, "Mrs. Hankins - I just wish this day would never end!"  I agree, Kylie - it was a very good day! Year #37 working in an elementary school was launched for me last week.  It also began my 20th year as an elementary school principal. First of all, it is so amazing to me it has been that long.  In some ways, I feel like I am just now starting to figure it out.  It is also hard to put into words the feelings associated with the beginning of a new year.  A myriad of emotions flooded over me periodically last week as I worked with my teachers for the few days before students arrived.  Balancing what must be presented is always tricky -  just the right amount of team building and motivational activities while keeping in mind that what teachers really want is to be in their rooms working to get their envir...

Vacay in the UK (Title credited to Andy) PART TWO Hello Friends, Here is part two of my Travel Blog of our recent trip to England, Wales, and Scotland! Thursday, July 12, 2018 Menai Bridge to Keswick Lunch at Ambleside Dinner and Stay at Swinside Farmhouse Ambleside is a town in Cumbria, in North West England. Historically within the county of Westmorland, it is situated at the head of Windermere, England's largest lake. The town is within the Lake District National Park. Interesting facts about Ambleside: ‘Steamers' (in reality diesel-powered ferries) run to Bowness-on-Windermere and Lakeside offering fine views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Ambleside is a base for hiking, mountaineering and mountain biking. It has a number of hotels, guest houses, pubs and restaurants as well as shops. In particular, there are a number of shops selling equipment for walkers and climbers in the town. Ambleside is a popular starting point for the Fairfield horseshoe, a hill-walking rid...