SUMMER 2025– This summer, our students had a blast expressing their creativity through a variety of hands-on art activities. They designed vibrant tie-dye canvas bags, practiced their photography skills by capturing digital photos of reptiles at the Jacksonville Zoo, created colorful mosaic tile coasters, and enjoyed a refreshing paint-and-sip session, where they not only painted beautiful pieces but also squeezed their own fresh lemonade!
Please mark your calendars for the Orientation, Meet the Teacher, and Spiritwear Store Opening dates listed below! View Spiritwear Store>
As the new school year approaches, we are excited to welcome our students back on Monday, August 12th for another amazing year of learning, growth, and fun.
Please be sure to visit our Parent Corner> to review updated school policies and procedures for the year.
Want to Shout Out a staff member for going above and beyond? Tell us about it here>
WHEN STAFF TURNOVER HAPPENS
By Dina Parisi, Head of School
A new school year brings fresh faces, new classroom assignments, and policy updates. Change can be hard – especially in the relationship-driven work we do with students who depend on consistency. It is no secret that the special education and clinical services sector is experiencing historic turnover and shortages. While we work hard to keep our team stable, staff changes sometimes happen.
Why Staff Might Leave
• Not the Right Fit for Them – Our students have complex needs, and the work can be more physically or emotionally demanding than some expect. Success here takes a special kind of commitment.
• Not the Right Fit for Us – Training can build skills, but reliability is essential. Our students need consistent attendance and timeliness from their staff to thrive, as well as ethical behavior from staff to protect their physical and emotional safety.
• Life Events – Childcare changes, relocations, illness, or personal situations can unexpectedly pull someone away mid-year.
• Burnout – Special education is rewarding but demanding. Even the most dedicated professionals need balance to prevent burnout.
You may be wondering why I am choosing to bring up such a negative topic in the first newsletter of the school year. It comes down to this…. transparency! As a parent of a special needs child (he’s actually an adult!), I know how frustrating it can be to experience staff changes. I once had my son’s entire ABA team leave their clinic over a 2-week period and I was devastated, not only by the loss of support, but for the loss of special relationships he built. I want to make sure you understand that if or when a staff change happens, we understand the impact is not just an issue of pragmatics, but one wrought with emotion.
Here is what I will and won’t do, as well as what you can do to help with the issue of staff turnover:
My Commitment to You
• Share teacher changes with parents as soon as possible.
• Avoid changes unless necessary.
• Provide as much coverage as possible so students’ days remain as consistent as possible.
• Maintain a supportive, responsive work environment for staff.
• To the greatest extent possible, support your child’s understanding that the person they are used to seeing is no longer here.
• Devote time and resources to recruiting.
What I Can’t/Won’t Do
• Ignore policy or ethical violations, there is no space for a lack of safety or integrity at our school- regardless of tenure or how popular and liked they are.
• Share private details about why someone leaves.
• Guarantee your child will have the same paraprofessional all year (sometimes we shift roles for training, fit, or versatility), but we will announce when there are changes.
How Parents Can Help
• Respect staff’s personal time—contact during work hours unless there is a truly pressing issue.
• Partner with your child’s team in a collaborative, positive way.
• Approach concerns with the assumption that everyone wants the best for your child.
• Say “thank you”—it makes a big difference!
While turnover is part of our reality, I want to reassure you: our team this year is strong, positive, and committed. The first two weeks of planning were filled with incredible energy and teamwork. I know that together—as staff and parents—we can keep this momentum going for a wonderful school year.
Here’s to a great year for TEAM MAINSPRING!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- Fri, August 8th – New Students Only Orientation 1: Callie, Nkenge (Ms.B), Luisa (Sub), Jilltorra, Liz, 9:00-10:30am
- Fri, August 8th – Meet the Teacher 1 for New AND Returning Students: Callie, Nkenge (Ms.B), Luisa (Sub), Jilltorra, Liz, 10:30-11:30am
- Monday, August 11th – New Students Only Orientation 2: Nicole, Lisa, Elise, Gabrelle, Che, 9:00-10:30am
- Monday, August 11th – Meet the Teacher 2 for New AND Returning Students: Callie, Nkenge (Ms.B), Luisa (Sub), Jilltorra, Liz, 10:30-11:30am
- Monday, August 11th – Mainspring Academy Spiritwear Store Opens unly until September 1st
- Monday, August 12th – First Day of School
- Friday, August 15th – Tuition and Extended Care Due
- Tuesday, August 19th – Open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting 9:00 in Mainspring Academy Cafeteria – Welcome Breakfast
Questions or missing any forms? Many questions and requests can be submitted in the Parent Corner of our website! More Information>
MSA BIRTHDAYS!
Ms. Callie – June 3rd
Deniz – June 27th
Turner– June 28th
Connor – July 2nd
Everett – July 8th
Miles – July 12th
Eliza – July 16th
Klayver – July 30th
Dylan – August 11th
Nicole – August 20th
Ms. B – August 22nd
DIFFERENCE MAKERS – Honoring Trailblazers this Summer
July – Disability Pride Month: A time to honor the history, experiences, and achievements of individuals with disabilities. It commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in July 1990.
August 8 – Temple Grandin’s Birthday: Dr. Grandin, who is autistic, is a scientist, author, and advocate who revolutionized humane livestock handling and inspired millions with her voice and brilliance.
These milestones encourage our students to see their challenges not as limitations, but as strengths that contribute to a more inclusive and compassionate world!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
A friendly reminder that all volunteers NOT listed as a student’s parent, guardian, or sibling must complete a Volunteer Application to be kept on file. More Information>
Our first open Parent Action Committee (PAC) Meeting and Welcome Breakfast will take place Tuesday, August 19th at 9:00am in the Mainspring Academy Cafeteria. Sign Up TBD>
Volunteer for our Special Olympics Events this 2025-2026 School Year. Sign Up Here>
Curious about Mainspring Academy’s needs and how to support us through donations, pledges, or sponsorships? Check out our Ways to Give Page. More Information>
