Building The NEST: Reimagining Alternative Pathways for Elementary Students
Learning Presentation
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Audience:
This session is designed for district leaders, principals, directors of student services, special education staff, instructional coaches, and classroom educators who are ready to reimagine alternative educational pathways and behavioral supports for struggling elementary students
DESCRIPTION:
Learn how the School District of Baraboo developed “The NEST” (Nurture, Empower, Support, Transition) to support kindergarten through 5th-grade students who are struggling to maintain positive academic and social behaviors in the regular education setting. As districts look for creative alternative pathways for young learners, our model offers a part-day program in which students attend The NEST during their most challenging times, allowing them to remain connected to their home schools and experience success. This session will describe our district's journey in developing this supportive environment, detailing our six-step entry process, from initial observations to Student Success Team (SST) data review. The creation of an engaging, individualized routine alongside various educational concerns will also be discussed, specifically as it relates to delivering academic instruction, meeting necessary IEP minutes, and implementing behavioral interventions. Finally, we will show how ongoing collaboration with home school staff ensures that the skills and techniques students build are sustainable once they transition back to their general education classrooms.
Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies for designing, implementing, and managing a sustainable, part-day alternative program that keeps young learners connected to their home school communities.
PRESENTER: Steve Considine - Superintendent, School District of Baraboo
Steve Considine serves as the Superintendent of the Baraboo School District. In his role, he oversees the development of alternative educational pathways like The NEST, supporting district-wide efforts to provide environments where struggling elementary students can grow, build sustainable skills, and successfully transition back to their home schools
PRESENTER: Sean Stout - Director of Student Services, School District of Baraboo
Sean Stout serves as the Director of Student Services for the Baraboo School District, where he created the foundational structures of The NEST, oversees its day-to-day operations, and acts as the program's administrator.
PRESENTER: Mary Haseley - Regular Education Teacher/Program Lead, The NEST
Mary Haseley is the Regular Education Teacher for The NEST. She ensures that students continue to access grade-level curriculum while attending the alternative program. She frequently collaborates with home school staff to align academic goals and supports the seamless transition of students back into the general classroom setting.
PRESENTER: Melissa Lucido - Special Education Teacher, The NEST
Melissa Lucido serves as the Special Education Teacher for The NEST program. In her role, she provides specialized instruction, collaboration, and support to help young students and staff build stronger academic and social-emotional skills.
PRESENTER: Christy Saiia - Special Education Paraprofessional, The NEST
Christy Saiia is a Special Education Paraprofessional with The NEST. She works directly alongside elementary students and collaborates with the teaching staff to reinforce newly learned skills, provide essential encouragement, and support the establishment of positive daily routines.