Back to School!

Hey everyone,

There's a special kind of energy in the air this time of year, isn't there? The excitement of a new school year is buzzing, with fresh backpacks, new teachers, and the promise of a clean slate. As students head back to the classroom, it's the perfect time to arm ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to make this a successful and empowering year for our children.

This week's newsletter is all about getting ready for what's ahead, whether that's the first day of college or the first day of kindergarten.

Podcast Updates:

This week, we're thrilled to share our latest episode:

• EP 133. Navigating College as a Visually Impaired Freshman?: I had the pleasure of welcoming back Olivia Wilkerson from Season 1! Now a college student, Olivia shares invaluable tips for visually impaired students who are heading off to college this fall. She also offers practical advice for younger students, helping them develop the skills they'll need to succeed in college after high school. Olivia, who has Leber's Congenital Amaurosis, shares her incredible story of growing up with a visual impairment, and her insights are a must-listen for both students and parents.

💻 https://waterprairie.com/2025/08/08/blind-college-student/​

Blog: https://waterprairie.com/2025/08/08/blind-students-in-college/​

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Coming Up Next: A Solo Episode on Communication!

With the new school year underway, our next episode will be a solo deep-dive into tips for better communication with your child's teachers and IEP team. We'll talk about strategies to build strong relationships and ensure everyone is on the same page from day one.

Haven't Seen It Yet? A Back-to-School Must-Watch!

With students heading back to the classroom, now is the perfect time to catch up on an episode you may have missed. Our episode EP 132. How The ADA Forced Schools To Change Everything! dives into the powerful impact the Americans with Disabilities Act has had on schools and special education.

Understanding the history and influence of this law can give you a better foundation for advocating for your child's needs this year. If you're looking for a quick and informative way to empower yourself for the new school year, this episode is a must-watch.

💻 https://waterprairie.com/2025/08/03/ada-and-education/​

Blog: https://waterprairie.com/2025/08/03/ada-history/​

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IEP Tip: The Power of a Positive Start

As the school year begins, one of the most effective things you can do is write a "get to know my child" letter to your child's teacher and the special education team. This simple act can set a positive tone for the entire year. In your letter, you can share a bit about your child's strengths, interests, and their unique needs. It helps the team see your child as a whole person, not just a list of accommodations. This is a great way to start the year with collaboration and mutual respect.

Don't Forget the Etsy Discount!

There's still time to use our special community discount! Get 15% off your purchases in the Water Prairie Etsy shop through the end of August with the promo code SUMMER25.

With students heading back to school, there's no better time to prepare for the year ahead. Having the right information and support can make all the difference.

If you feel like you need an extra layer of support as you navigate the IEP process this year, I'm here to help. IEP coaching can give you the confidence and tools to effectively advocate for your child.

Wishing you and your family an incredible start to the school year!

Tonya