State Support Team 11

📬 Stay Connected with SST 11!

Looking for the latest professional learning opportunities, district highlights, resources, events, and updates from across our region? The SST 11 Newsletter is your one-stop source for information that supports educators, administrators, families, and community partners.

Whether you're interested in special education, literacy, early childhood, school improvement, PBIS, transition planning, or upcoming professional learning opportunities, we've got you covered! 📚✨

Check out the latest edition and stay informed about the work happening throughout Central Ohio.

Visit our News page: https://www.sst11.org
Our Summer Newsletter is here. Don't miss our conference highlights, district celebrations, and summer learning opportunities!

☀️📚 Last week, several SST 11 consultants had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Summer Conference hosted by the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC)!

The conference provided valuable learning experiences focused on evidence-based practices, innovative strategies, and the latest developments in special education. Our team enjoyed connecting with educators and leaders from across the country while gathering resources and ideas to better support students, families, and educators throughout our region.

We are excited to bring back new insights and continue strengthening outcomes for all learners! 💡🍎

❤️🖤💚 Today, we recognize and celebrate Juneteenth — a day that marks the end of slavery in the United States and honors the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.

Juneteenth is both a celebration of freedom and a reminder of the ongoing work to create communities where every individual is valued, included, and empowered to succeed.

At SST11, we believe that education plays a vital role in fostering understanding, opportunity, belonging, and equity for all learners. As we commemorate this important day, we encourage reflection, learning, and meaningful conversations about our shared history and the future we are building together.

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🏈📚 SST 11 Consultants were proud to celebrate another year of partnering with districts to reduce chronic absenteeism at the Stay in the Game Conference!

This impactful event brought together educators and leaders dedicated to helping students stay engaged, connected, and present for learning. Attendees were honored to hear from Stephen Dackin, Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, and Kirsten Baesler, Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education.

Together, we continue the important work of supporting schools and districts in creating positive attendance habits and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.

🏆 Celebrating Excellence in Education! 🏆

Please join us in congratulating two outstanding recipients recognized for their dedication, leadership, and commitment to student success!

🌟 Franklin B. Walter Award – The Buckeye United School District Dream Team (Dr. Michael Jackson, Dr. Gene Smith, Dr. Christine Kohler, Matthew Grube, and Akeyla Ragland) is being honored for their exceptional work in improving graduation outcomes and creating meaningful pathways to success for students, including those with disabilities and other at-risk populations. Their collaborative leadership and innovative approach continue to make a lasting impact on students' lives.

🌟 R.A. Horn Outstanding Achievement Award – Yadira Becerril is recognized for her remarkable leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to creating an inclusive school community within Columbus City Schools . From spearheading her school's first Hispanic Heritage Celebration to serving in student council and the National Honor Society, Yadira exemplifies resilience, self-advocacy, and service to others.

👏 Congratulations to these deserving award winners for inspiring others through their dedication, perseverance, and positive impact on their school communities!

💚 The most meaningful learning happens when students can see the impact of their work.

Projects like this help students build technical skills, solve real problems, contribute to their community, and leave a lasting legacy for future students. When learning is connected to purpose, everyone benefits. 📚🛠️

We love seeing students given opportunities to create, contribute, and make a difference.

📚✨ Learning, Growing, and Leading in Literacy! ✨📚

This week, State Support Team Region 11 consultants had the opportunity to attend the 2026 ReadOhio Literacy Academy, engaging in professional learning focused on evidence-based literacy practices and the Science of Reading.

We are excited to bring back new knowledge, resources, and strategies to support educators and students across our region. Investing in literacy is investing in student success, and we are grateful for opportunities to continue learning alongside literacy leaders from across Ohio.

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☀️🌳 What better way to wrap up the school year than with some fun and team building?

Following our final staff meeting, the SST 11 team spent the afternoon enjoying outdoor yard games, laughter, and time together. 🎯🏐🌟

These moments remind us of the importance of collaboration, connection, and celebrating the amazing people who make our work possible every day. We are grateful for a year of learning, growth, and teamwork and look forward to what lies ahead.

Wishing everyone a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer! 😎☀️

🎉🎂 We had plenty to celebrate at SST 11's final staff meeting of the year!

We recognized five summer birthdays and honored two outstanding retirees as they prepare for their next adventures. 🎓✨

Thank you to our retirees for your years of dedication, service, and impact on the students, educators, and communities we serve. Your contributions have made a lasting difference, and you will be greatly missed.

We also wish our summer birthday crew a fantastic year ahead filled with happiness and success! 🎈🎁

📚✨ As the school year came to a close, staff at North Columbus Preparatory Academy spent their final day engaged in meaningful reflection and planning for continued student success! 🎉

Working alongside Regional Literacy Specialist James Cutlip in his role as their ReadOhio coach, Teacher-Based Teams analyzed 📊 OST results, short-cycle assessment data, and i-Ready End-of-Year screener data to monitor progress toward this year's goals and celebrate growth. 🌟

The team also began action planning for the 2026–2027 school year 📝, using data-driven decision-making to strengthen instruction and support positive outcomes for all learners. 🚀 Thank you to the dedicated educators and leadership team for their commitment to continuous improvement and student achievement! 🍎👏

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