Autism Acceptance Month is celebrated throughout the entire month of April to promote inclusion, support, and understanding for autistic individuals. World Autism Awareness Day is held annually on April 2nd, a day designated by the United Nations to spark global conversations, advocacy, and education about autism. 

Dawn Mawhinney, Director dmawhinney@nusd.org

Andrea Gibney, Admin Asst. III agibney@nusd.org

Leslie Zamarripa, Admin Asst. II lzamarripa@nusd.org

Alysse McDaniel, Early Education, TK/K Coordinator amcdaniel@nusd.org

Andrew Weiher, Behavioral Health Coordinator aweiher@nusd.org

Kelly Hourigan, Grades 1-5, MCOE, NPS Coordinator khourigan@nusd.org

Kevin Goyer, 6-12/Transition Coordinator, MCOE, NPS kgoyer@nusd.org

Special Education Office: (415)493-4265

As many of you may already know, the district has begun an Inclusion Audit focused on students enrolled in SDC classes on NUSD campuses. There are areas where the district is doing a great job of making sure students with disabilities are included with their general education peers, education, and activities, and there are areas of improvement. Its important to clearly identify both. There are a few steps we are taking: 

The survey was created with input from the Equity Imperative Committee and DSEAC parents during Coffee and Chat. There was an impressive participation rate. There are a little over 200 students in SDC classes on NUSD campuses, and there were 46 responses. The Community Liaisons did a great job contacting families to encourage participation, and the teachers were instrumental in sending it to families.

This Audit will continue into the 2026-27 school year.

Did you receive notification for the most recent school-wide event (assembly, fair, spirit night) at the same time as other families? (44 responses)

90.9% (40) Yes

9.1% (4) No

If you received notification, how did you hear about the school-wide event? (40 responses)  

47.5% (19) ParentSquare

20% (8) Principal Newsletter

15% (6) Classroom Teacher

5% (2) Social Media

5% (2) PTA

2.5% (1)Student

2.5% (1)Parent Group

2.5% (1)Other

When school events are announced, do you feel confident that your child’s specific needs (sensory, physical, or medical) have been considered? (44 responses)

63.6% (28) Always

25% (11) Sometimes

6.8% (3) Rarely

4.5% (2) Never

In the past 6 months, has your child ever been "opted out" by the school or left behind from a grade-level activity or field trip? (44 responses) 

70.5% (31) No, they have participated in everything.

9.1% (4) Yes

20.5% (9) Don't Know

Does your child feel like they are a member of the school community as a whole, rather than just a student in their specific classroom? (44 responses)

52.3% (23) Strongly Agree)

34.1% (15) Agree

9.1% (4) Neutral

2.3% (1) Disagree

2.3% (1) Strongly Disagree

Do you feel that the school's staff (Principal, Office Staff, Coaches, Yard Duty/Campus Supervisor) know your child by name? (44 responses)

86.4% (38) Yes

6.8% (3) No

6.8% (3) Don't Know

When you see school photos in the yearbook, is your child included? (43 responses)

39.5% (17) Frequently

27.9% (12) Occasionally

25.6% (11) Rarely

7% (3) Never

Are you invited to participate in school-wide parent groups (PTA/PTO, Site Council, Volunteer groups)? (44 responses)

75% (33) Yes, I feel my voice is valued

22.7% (10) I'm invited, but I don't feel the meetings are relevant to my child's experience.

2.3% (1) I do not receive invitations to these groups

Over the past 6 months, there have been quite a few updates to the NSUD Special Education website. You may find helpful information or resources.