Michelle Mace, Director of Student Services

509-340-4025
[email protected]

Referral or Focus of Concern is the first step in screening and/or testing children who are suspected of having disabilities. To refer your student to Special Education, contact your student's teacher or the school's Psychologist/Education Specialist.

Nine Mile Falls Elementary School

Steve Ward
509-340-4025 or 509-340-4047
Sward @9mile.org

Lake Spokane Elementary School

Steve Ward
509-340-4047 or 509-340-4107
[email protected]

Lakeside Middle School

Stephanie Schanbeck
509-340-4107 or 509-340-4047
[email protected]

Lakeside High School

Stephanie Schanbeck
509-340-4214 or 509-340-4025
Sschanbeck@9mile.org

Getting a letter
This letter tells you that the Nine Mile Falls School District is considering your child for Special Education services. Your rights as a parent are included in this letter(Procedural Safeguards). It will describe the steps we can take to support your child's education, and who to contact for information. Gathering information. Many people will work as a group to gather facts about your child. The School Psychologist will start the process. You will have a big role in sharing information as well. Together we will develop a picture of all the factors that influence your child's learning.

Completing forms
You will receive forms asking for your permission to evaluate your child. Your child cannot be evaluated without your permission. These evaluations will help us decide if your child would benefit from extra services.

Testing your child
After testing, Nine Mile Falls School District staff will meet with you to decide if your child meets IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) criteria. This will determine if your child qualifies for specially designed instruction.

If your child needs specially designed instruction, it begins with placement & an IEP.

Consent for initial placement
Nine Mile Falls School District must get your written permission to place your child in Special Education.

What's an IEP? (Individual Education Program)
An IEP is a yearly map of the learning progress we hope to see your child meet. An IEP sets goals and timelines. It also lists the team members who are responsible for helping your child achieve them. We want you to take part and add your goals. Each year you will be invited to attend an IEP meeting for your child.