Hillcrest Elementary’s special-education teams recognized for schedule and 'nest time' intervention

Board members recognized Hillcrest Elementary’s teams for a year-long effort to better serve students with IEPs by reorganizing schedules and support staff. Paula Seaman (introduced by the board as from Hillcrest Elementary) and Rebecca Washington were highlighted for their leadership of ELA, math and social-emotional teams that developed a master schedule and an intervention block called "nest time."

Paula Seaman described how the team reviewed data and restructured supports so staff could push into core instruction and provide targeted intervention. "We created something called nest time, so that was intervention time, so all students got their needs met during that time," Seaman said. Board members praised the team's flexibility and focus on students; the recognition was ceremonial and did not include additional funding or policy action.