Kristin Graham
Associate Superintendent of Instruction and K-5 Student Services
(616) 786-2084

Nicolette Pugh
Administrative Assistant
(616) 786-2058

Magdalena Ocampo
Administrative Assistant
(616) 786-2051

Becky Oudbier
Director of Special Education
(616) 786-2085

Nicolette Pugh
Administrative Assistant
(616) 786-2058

Magdalena Ocampo
Administrative Assistant
(616) 786-2051

West Ottawa takes pride in being responsive to the needs of ALL children. We offer a full continuum of special education supports and services to eligible students. Eligibility is based on meeting the specific criteria for one or more disability(s) and a determination of whether or not special education is necessary for the student to have equal access to and receive an educational benefit from an educational program.

We are committed to providing supports and services in the least restrictive environment (LRE) appropriate for each student. This means, that whenever possible, the student will be educated in the general education classroom with his or her peers and will attend a neighborhood school. Special education services and supports are provided in instructional areas directly impacted by the disability at no cost to parents. The classroom environment and curriculum may be accommodated and modified to meet individual needs. Placement of eligible students in specialized programs are made only after all available options are explored. A small number of our students may need more intensive, specially designed instructional programs throughout much or all of the school day. These programs are available at designated schools within our district and other schools in Ottawa County.

Teams of diagnostic, consultative, supportive and direct instruction professionals work with general education teachers to help each student maximize his/her potential and participate in the general education program as fully as possible. Special needs staff create an inclusive environment where ALL students are welcomed, accepted, and supported. We work to maximize student potential in a respectful and positive environment. We provide a wide range of programs, supports and services that empower ALL students to become career, college and life ready based on their individual strengths and abilities.

Section 504 is the section of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which applies to persons with disabilities. Basically, it is a civil rights act which protects the civil and constitutional rights of persons with disabilities. For a student to qualify for Section 504 services, they must have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, have a record of such an impairment, or are regarded as having such an impairment. Major life activities include such things as walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, working, caring for oneself, and performing manual tasks. If a student meets the criteria, a Section 504 is created and implemented by parents and school staff.

Becky Oudbier, Director of Special Education, also serves as our district Section 504 coordinator.

Becky Oudbier
Director of Special Education
(616) 786-2085

West Ottawa takes pride in being responsive to the needs of all children. Those who are identified as having a disability receive instruction with direct and indirect support in academic and/or social areas.

A broad range of special education instructional and support services were provided to 10.2% of the district’s total number of students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.

The decision to provide special education services is made by an Individualized Educational Planning Committee (IEPC) which minimally includes:

• parents
• teachers
• diagnostic personnel
• school administrators

Success of a program is monitored by improvement in the child’s functioning in the areas identified within his/her IEP (individualized education plan).

Services are provided under federal and state guidelines such as IDEA, which was reauthorized in 2004, and the Mandatory Special Education Act (Public Act 198). If you suspect a student has a disability, please contact the Special Education Office at 616-786-2085.

Our services include:

• Speech therapists
• School psychologists
• School social workers
• Teacher consultants
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Assistive technology
• Audio enhancement
• Adaptive physical wellness

Auxiliary aids and services, such as signers or audio tapes of printed materials, are provided at Board of Education meetings and district functions upon receipt of seven (7) days prior notice.

SLD Determination

SLD Determination PSW Process

Since 1993, the State of Michigan has participated in a Federal program called Medicaid School-Based Services. The program assists school districts by providing partial reimbursement for medically-related services listed on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Although this partial reimbursement is available only for students who are Medicaid eligible, services are provided to all students with disabilities regardless of their Medicaid eligibility status.

The Michigan School-Based Services program is under the direction of the Michigan Department of Community Health.

In 2013, the regulations regarding Medicaid parental consent for School-Based Services changed. Prior to accessing a child’s public benefits or insurance for the first time, and annually thereafter, school districts must provide parents/guardians written notification.

No – IEP services are provided to students while they are at school at NO cost to the parent/guardian.

The School-Based Services program does NOT impact a family’s Medicaid services, funds, or limits. Michigan operates the School-Based Services program differently than the family’s Medicaid program. The School-Based Services program does not affect your family’s Medicaid benefits in any way.

• Evaluations
• Speech & Language/Audiology
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Psychological/Social Work
• Orientation & Mobility
• Assistive Technology Services
• Nursing
• Case Management
• Personal Care
• Special Education Transportation

In order to submit claims for School-Based Services reimbursement, the following types of records may be required: first name, last name, middle name, address, date of birth, student ID, Medicaid ID, disability, service dates and the type of services delivered.

Information about your child’s School-Based Services may be shared with the Michigan Medicaid agency and its affiliates for the purpose of verifying Medicaid eligibility and submitting claims.

You have the right to withdraw consent to disclose your child’s personally identifiable information to the Michigan Medicaid agency and its affiliates at any time.

No – Regardless of whether you have Medicaid coverage or not (and whether you provide consent or not) the school district will still provide services to your child pursuant to their IEP.

If you have any questions regarding the information contained in this letter, please contact the Special Education Department at West Ottawa Public Schools at (616) 786-2058.

West Ottawa Public Schools works collaboratively with the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District and the State of Michigan to support families experiencing housing insecurity. Under the federal McKinney-Vento Act of 2001, our district program strives to identify families experiencing housing insecurity and works diligently to eliminate barriers to education. We work closely with area shelters, housing providers, and community agencies to help ensure educational stability, support, and encouragement for students and families as they seek to secure permanent housing.

WOPS McKinney-Vento Liaison
Pat Collins
collinsp@westottawa.net
(616) 786-1100 ext. 8107

Regional McKinney-Vento Liaison
Tracy Hernandez
thernand@oaisd.org
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
1.877.702.8600 ex. 4111

Doubled Up

• Family is living together because it’s mutually beneficial.

• Required documentation – Student Residency Questionnaire: English | Español

McKinney-Vento

• Family / student lacks a fixed, regular, adequate night-time residence.

• Required documentation – Student Residency Questionnaire: English | Español

Unaccompanied Minor

• Student is living with a relative / family friend because it’s in the best interest of the student.

• Required documentation – Student Residency Questionnaire: English | Español

Information for Parents

Determining Fixed, Regular, and Adequate

Michigan Dispute Resolution and Complaint Procedures

McKinney-Vento Indicators

National Center for Homeless Education

What is Title I?

The Title I program gives federal funding to school districts for supplemental instruction for students who qualify. Title I funding is used to offer support services to students who need extra time and instruction to master grade level curriculum. Title I schools are identified through a state formula each year that is based on the number of students from economically disadvantaged homes. For the 25-26 school year Great Lakes, Pine Creek and Woodside Elementary are identified as Title I Schoolwide programs.

 The purpose of Title I is to:

• help every child receive a high-quality education
• increase academic achievement
• build capacity for parent involvement
• provide professional development for building staff

Title I services provided by federal funds are based on the academic needs of students. Students who qualify for academic support may be served in language arts, mathematics or both. Eligibility is determined by screening tests (Acadience or i-Ready), classroom assessments and performance and teacher recommendation.

A parent letter will be sent home if your child is identified as eligible for support services funded through Title I. Title I services may be short term or long term, depending on the needs of each individual student.  We are pleased to offer these services to help students be successful.

Parents and guardians of students receiving Title I support services are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education.

Conferences are one of the most important ways parents and teachers work together as a team, as parents and guardians may share information about their child’s special interests. It is also a good time for discussing the child’s academic progress and for gaining ideas on how parents can best help their children at home. A translator is available upon request.

Parents and guardians influence their children’s education more than anyone else. Parental involvement can boost children’s achievement. By taking an active role in our school, parents show their children that they are valued and that education is important. Children learn that parents and the school are a team, working together to help them succeed.

Parents can participate in their child’s learning in several ways:

• Read to your child daily
• Listen to your child read daily
• Attend your school’s annual open house
• Attend parent-teacher conferences
• Participate in class field trips and school events (Donuts with Grown-ups)
• Come to school meetings and events

If you have any further questions, please contact your child’s building principal or the assistant superintendent of curriculum.

To provide parents an opportunity to learn about and provide input on the Title 1 program at West Ottawa, we hold an annual parent meeting.  This meeting will be announced each fall to parents of students attending Title I buildings as well be available virtually in the September Newsletter. 

Every parent of a student who receives title I funded services will be provided a school parent compact that describes what the school, parent, and Students will do to share responsibility for student achievement. Student success depends on this partnership between the home and the school. 

Great Lakes Elementary: Family-Student Compact / Family Engagement Plan

Pine Creek Elementary: Family-Student Compact/ Family Engagement Plan

Woodside Elementary: Family-Student Compact/ Family Engagement Plan

We encourage parents to be actively involved in any curricular decisions for their children. You may review West Ottawa Public Schools Board Policy for Title 1 Services to better understand your rights as a parent of a student receiving Title I support services.

The current Title 1 funding allocation is approximately $1,196,800. This funding supports students through the following services and personnel:

• Provides core (math and reading) support interventionists to support students struggling to meet expectations on literacy or math standards.
• Provides a Dean of Students at each Title building to monitor building attendance and create interventions to support student attendance.
• Provides transportation, tutoring services and supplies to students living in a homeless or transitional living situation.
• Provides supplies to support the annual Title 1 Parent Meeting and other parent engagement activities.
• Provides funding to support West Ottawa resident students who attend a private school within or outside district boundaries.  This is a requirement in the law.  

After reviewing the content of this webpage and the Parent & Family Engagement Policy for West Ottawa Title I schools, please consider providing feedback on parent involvement activities via the annual survey:

Great Lakes Elementary: Parent & Family Engagement Survey

Pine Creek Elementary: Parent & Family Engagement Survey

Woodside Elementary: Parent & Family Engagement Survey