State Support Team Region 2

PBIS Strategy #17: Celebrate Good Behavior.

When students feel seen and valued for what they’re doing right, it builds momentum for confidence, connection, and growth.

A little joy can go a long way in shaping a positive school culture.

Thanks to Josh Preece for the reminder this St. Patrick’s Day.

Stability in uncertain times starts with staying connected. Our March newsletter offers key updates, coaching opportunities, PBIS information, and resources to support your teams and students. Access the full edition in the link.

https://app.smore.com/n/m1kyb

Transition planning isn’t paperwork, it’s possibility. When we begin with where students want to go, the work changes.

Through backwards planning, educators partnered with Jenna Allen from OCALI and Kelly Schuck from DODD to design postsecondary goals rooted in real outcomes —employment, education, and independent living.

Melissa Wagner facilitated intentional work time, giving teams space to collaborate, ask questions, and begin mapping plans that feel purposeful, not procedural.

The result? IEPs that read more like roadmaps for life beyond graduation.

Supporting students in inclusive postsecondary pathways means helping them see what’s possible, and who’s walking that path alongside them.

Limitless! 2026 brings Ohio IPSE students together for connection, shared learning, and real conversations about adult life beyond high school. Families and professionals are welcome, too.

March 20 at The University of Toledo

Register soon!
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=BxdrHam6PUqo-N6r-z1Ge2Bf8XZTfIhClqsb5D7OZzxUOUZCQTNEV0hDSVpJVEs0RFcwT0dTOVJRTi4u&route=shorturl

Get Your Nominations in Now!

Please consider nominating a student with a disability or an educator who serves students with disabilities for one of the following awards.

The R.A. Horn Award recognizes the efforts and hard work of our students with disabilities.

The Franklin B. Walter Award recognizes the efforts and hard work of our staff members who serve students with disabilities.

Deadline: Tuesday, February 27, 2026.

Access the links below.

Nominate a student: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfjl5XTVetKbyA98eLvIeIGgiC59iJnGwsyvlEJdpbPQ_mxDQ/viewform

Nominate an educator:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSff16EJjvBIYT4zpcvVIRHdV5IY_s_fu8W4a6B_f_FZ2IW6wA/viewform

February can be a tough stretch for PBIS work. Join Josh Preece for our PBIS Champion Cohort on February 17 for a chance to pause, reconnect, and strengthen your implementation with updates, shared learning, and practical supports that keep the work moving forward.

SST2 PBIS Champion Cohort News SST2 PBIS Champion Cohort News

We’re proud to recognize professionals serving Lorain County who were recently named Charting the LifeCourse Ambassadors, a framework that supports person-centered, future-focused planning across the lifespan.

Pictured: Kennie Searight and Melissa Wagner (SSTRegion 2), Tori Woods-Rourke (Transition Coordinator, Educational Service Center of Lorain County), and Nikole Davis (Principal, Lorain City Schools).

We know how quickly things move in schools. Things 2 Know brings together updates and resources connected to student learning, support services, and school operations — shared clearly and with purpose.

Explore our February newsletter now!

Things 2 Know: State Support Team 2 Things 2 Know: State Support Team 2

This year reminded us of what’s possible when caring adults work together to create enriching, supportive schools for every learner. Thank you for the dedication you bring to your classrooms, buildings, and teams. We look forward to the meaningful work we’ll continue together in the new year. Happy holidays!

When a whole team works to strengthen MTSS, every moment becomes an opportunity to support students — and sometimes that effort is fueled by a little holiday magic. We had a wonderful day partnering with Western Reserve Schools' Principal Andy Gibson and his staff as they sharpened their systems of support.

Power Cards make tough moments easier by tying skills to something students already care about. A short scenario, a first-person cue, and a few clear steps can help students feel more capable and confident.

Learn more: https://ocali.org/resource_gallery_of_interventions/Power-Cards

As we wrap up the first half of the year, we’ve gathered the most important updates and resources to support your ongoing work — plus a message of appreciation from our SST2 staff. Open the December edition to see what’s ahead for winter and beyond.

https://www.sstr2.org/Downloads/SST%20Newsletter%20December%202025%20(3).pdf