Hendry County School District showcases innovative ESE programs and teletherapy success

During a recent meeting of the Hendry County School District, significant advancements in the district's Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and Student Services departments were highlighted, showcasing a commitment to improving educational outcomes for students with special needs. Superintendent Swindle opened the session by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of his team, particularly praising Ms. White, the director of the ESE department, for her leadership and the progress made in recent years.

The meeting featured presentations from Ms. White and her team, who detailed the innovative approaches being implemented to provide effective support for students requiring specialized services. Notably, the district has adopted teletherapy solutions to address the challenges of accessing on-site speech and language pathologists, a move that has proven successful in reaching more students. Ms. White emphasized the importance of individualized care, noting that while teletherapy may not suit every student, many have thrived under this new model.

The district's partnership with Presence, a teletherapy provider, was also recognized. Paige Dershall, the partnership director for Florida, shared that Hendry County was awarded "Partner of the Year" out of 10,000 schools for its dedication to expanding access to services and leading with empathy. This accolade reflects the district's commitment to providing quality education and support to its students, with over 5,300 therapy sessions conducted in the past year alone.

In addition to the ESE updates, the meeting also touched on the district's achievements in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. Superintendent Swindle noted that Hendry County is setting a benchmark in rural Florida for workforce development, outpacing many urban districts in the number of industry certifications earned by students. This focus on CTE is crucial for preparing students for future employment opportunities and ensuring they have the skills needed in the workforce.

Overall, the meeting underscored the Hendry County School District's proactive approach to enhancing educational services for all students, particularly those with special needs, while also emphasizing the importance of workforce readiness through robust CTE programs. As the district continues to innovate and adapt, it remains committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment for every student.