Family members, teachers, and guests applauded as three Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) students were awarded certificates of completion on December 17, 2008. The students are graduates of SCOE's program for high school and young adults with disabilities who are marking the transition to other educational programs in their local communities.
The graduation ceremony was held at the County Office's David P. Meaney Education Center.
"We are all thrilled to witness this tribute to great effort and success," said Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools David W. Gordon. "While it is thrilling, it is also humbling because we are recognizing the accomplishments of some students who, no doubt, surpassed the expectations of many people, and we now marvel at their achievements."
The students represent high schools in the Sacramento City Unified School District and the Galt Joint Union High School District. Many of them have received special education and other services from SCOE since they were young children.
"Today is a special event during a long journey. It is an end to one chapter and a beginning to another. Sometimes it is with sadness or anxiousness, or excitement that we face this journey, but today is a celebration. It is an event that affects the students, the staff, and the families. We will be changed forever," said Robin Pierson, Assistant Superintendent, Special Education.
Serving as master of ceremonies was SCOE Special Education Principal Mary Jo Johnson, and certificates of completion were presented by Sacramento County Board of Education President Gretchen Bender and Trustees Brian Cooley and Greg Geeting. A slide show was presented by Program Specialist Leora Bautista Hendricks.
As part of the SCOE Special Education Department, the program for Students with Severe Disabilities provides special education services to students with severe disabilities and students with emotional disturbances, from ages 3-22 years, throughout Sacramento County. These programs are located on more than 25 sites/schools located in eight school districts within the county.
The Special Education Department provides special day classes for students with severe challenges or with emotional disabilities. Other students served include district students with visual impairments, mobility needs, or speech and language disorders. Special education services are also provided at local schools operated for youth through Sacramento County Probation. SCOE's Infant Development Program provides individualized, home-based instruction and family support for infants and toddlers having special needs.
For more information about SCOE special education services, call (916) 228-2382.