Exceptional Education
"Shining Stars" 

Valarie A. Moore                    Sol Tan                Sheryl Kemp              Maria Arzapala 

 Department Chairperson                       Resource                       Speech Therapist                   Paraprofessional/Interpreter

Resource  Reading                                  Language/Math

 The Exceptional Education Department at Cornelius Elementary School offers a Collaborative Consultation inclusion model in Resource and Speech Therapy.  We provide a multi-sensory approach to learning that focuses on all modalities:  tactile, auditory and visual.  We are delighted to work with students who press through learning adversities in order to make outstanding progress daily.  Our teachers and support staff add to the amazing progress being demonstrated in our department.  Let’s meet our “exceptional” staff:

Valarie A. Moore is a native Houstonian and product of the Houston ISD schools.  She is the mother of a 12 year old daughter and a three year teacher who enjoys singing, cooking, traveling and being surrounded by family and dear friends.  She is an alumnus of Cornelius and upon being hired, was delighted to learn that many of her previous teachers were now becoming her co-workers.  Ms. Moore is a cum laude graduate of Houston’s finest university, Houston Baptist University, with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies/Generic Special Education with an endorsement in Reading.  She plans to return to Houston Baptist University to further her education to the master’s level.  Ms. Moore loves her students and realized many years ago that her passion is encouraging, caring for and teaching individuals who are challenged spiritually, mentally, physically and emotionally.  She believes that “ALL students CAN learn!!”

Maria Arzapala is currently attending the University of Houston-Downtown where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in Interdisciplinary Studies/ Bilingual Education.  She enjoys spending time with family and friends and traveling.  Upon graduating, Mrs. Arzapala plans to further her education to the doctorate level while working as an elementary bilingual teacher.  Her greatest desire is to teach non-English speaking immigrant students the English language in order for them to become more productive citizens in the Houston area and eventually the world.  As a paraprofessional, Mrs. Arzapala understands the importance of being actively involved in the school system as well as the students’ lives.  Therefore, she encourages others who are considering going into the education arena to volunteer and gain knowledge from experienced faculty and staff.

Sheryl Kemp is a native Houstonian and a product of Houston ISD.  As a Speech Therapist, it is my job to make sure my students are effective communicators.  I love my students and it is always a joy to me when former students return to visit with me and share their accomplishments.  I look forward to the challenges that each year brings.

 Sol Tan is a Filipino.  She was born in the Philippines and educated in the Philippine public and private schools.  She holds a bachelor degree in Education, Business Administration and Law with Master units in Special Education.  Widowed after 24 years of marriage and left with 8 children who all are college graduates except for her youngest daughter.  She was hired as a Special Education teacher in HISD in August, 2000.  Having served as a public elementary school teacher in the Philippines for 24 years, teaching in the U.S. had been and still is both a challenge and shocking experience.  But having been born to a family of teachers, she is now trying her very best to fit snuggly within the Cornelius family.  Mrs. Tan is now married to an American and plans to remain in the U.S. permanently.  Teaching children with special needs is a commitment and loving pursuit for Mrs. Tan.

  

Food for Thought

 The secret of happiness is not doing what one likes, but in liking what one has to do.

-         James Matthew Barrie

 

For Your Information

Parents please be reminded that promotion ARD’s have been scheduled for the week of April 14-18, 2003 for all graduating 5th grade Exceptional Education students who have met promotion standards of HISD.  An invitation will be sent home at the beginning of April.  Please make the necessary arrangements to attend.

 

Lessons to Learn

 

Reading                                                Language                                  Math

 STARS reading program               Sentence structure                           Shapes

Understanding sequencing           Identifying nouns                                 Graphs/charts

Word meaning                              Subject/verb agreement                    Addition/Subtraction with

Initial consonant sounds                                                                        regrouping

Medial vowel sounds

 

Let’s Talk

 

Articulation – Phonological Sounds

 

Remember This!!!!

 

April

29 – SDAA Math

30 – SDAA Reading

 

May

TBA – 5th grade LDAA Science

TBA – Woodcock Reading Inventory (For students who qualify in Reading only)

TBA – 5th grade Graduation

TBA – 5th grade Picnic

  

Web sites you can visit (Hyperlinks)

 ADHD

Emotional Disturbance

Fun Educational Activities

TEA

 

Try This

       27                      32                       42

    +31                    -10                       x 3

 

The dog ___________________ barking.

                    (is, are)

 

Suggested Reading

 Curious George Visits The Zoo  by  Margaret and H. A. Rey

( character) Who is the main character?

( setting)      Where does the story take place?

(main idea)  What is the story mostly about?













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