RESOURCES

Spring 2011 at the Beach

The VCASE Spring Conference, held in Virginia Beach, found 346 members “Building on Success:  Providing Opportunities.”  They joined internationally recognized speakers, Dr. Crystal Kuykendall ; Dr. Tim Lewis, Professor-Director, Center for PBIS, University of Missouri; Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Doug Cox from the Virginia Department of Education; district special education administrators from Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind; special education leaders from VDOE and the Virginia Commonwealth University and attorney, Kathy Mehfoud, and the team from Reed Smith, LLP, to hear the latest practices and developments in national, state and local trends on interventions, instructional practices and legal issues.  These featured speakers and special education leaders provided insights into a variety of topics, ranging from assistive technology professional development, autism programming to integrating comprehensive systems of Positive Behavior Instructional Support (PBIS).

VCASE concluded the conference on Friday with a 6AM Wellness Walk on the white sands of Virginia Beach.  A gentle breeze, ebbing waves and a raising sun motivated the twenty-three directors to savor the one mile walk.  Each completed the energizing walk and received a VCASE tee shirt for their effort.  You will want to check out pictures from the Spring 2011 VCASE conference at www.vcase.org!   

At the member luncheon, President Wyllys VanDerkerwer of Lynchburg City Public Schools commented on the State of VCASE and remarked on how proud he is to be a part of a vibrant organization with such dedicated educational leaders.  Treasurer Angela Neely of Culpeper County Public Schools reported that the organization is in sound financial shape.  The membership elected President Elect Jim Gallagher of Hopewell City, Secretary Scott Hand of Rockingham and Treasurer Angela Neely of Culpeper County to provide vision and leadership for the upcoming two years. The continuation of Exhibitor Bingo, under the guidance of President Elect Dr. Sheila Bailey of Hopewell City Public Schools, was a hit with the membership who enjoyed the opportunity to win terrific door prizes!  The VCASE Conference registration raffle was won by Maggie Van Huss of Waynesboro County, who will attend Spring 2012 compliments of VCASE!

Retirees Robert “Chip” Beylea of Shenandoah, Dr. Barbara Flanagan of Roanoke City, Kathy Goodling of Newport News, Dr. Judy Green of South Eastern Cooperative Educational Program and Cyndee Pletke of Campbell were honored for their years of distinguished service to our children with special needs.  President VanDerkerwer presented each with the traditional VCASE retirement gift, inscribed silver Jefferson Cup.  Our retirees are strong advocates for the members of VCASE, often acting as mentors, motivators and role models time and time again, giving generously of their skills and talents.  Collectively representing 118 years of service to students with disabilities, each had the opportunity to share wild and wonderful stories  of their “never a dull moment” in their special education careers ~ we all could relate!  We wish them the best of luck in their much deserved retirement!