Parent Connection newsletter (PDF). - Special School District

SSDparentwinter 2015dFred Saigh Parent Leadership InstituteFall 2015 – Sept. 12, Oct. 10, Nov. 7Parents describe the three Saturdays in September, October andNovember as a “life-changing experience.” The Fred Saigh ParentLeadership Institute (PLI) will provide you with:• A vision for the future of your child.• Knowledge to help you to effectively participate in yourchild’s education.• Leadership skills to improve the educational climate for all children.Hear from nationally known speakers and authors with time to share and discuss how toapply what you have learned with other parents.Call 314.989.8460 for an application or visit http://bit.ly/parentleadership to download theelectronic application.Michelle Levi Perez, ADMINISTRATOR314.989.8438 | mleviperez@ssdmo.orgWest Region: Parkway, Pattonville, Ritenour, Rockwood, Litzsinger andNeuwoehner schools, JDC, LakesideLaTrisa Morgan, M.A., ADMINISTRATOR314.989.8194 | lamorgan@ssdmo.orgNorth and Central Regions: Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings,Normandy, Riverview Gardens, University City, Northview andAckerman schools, North Technical High Schooldd dC O N N E C T I O NA publication of SSD’s Parent Education and Diversity Awareness ProgramIEP Process Improvement SurveyAt the end of your child’s IEP meeting this school year you will be asked to take a fewminutes to complete a short, online, confidential survey conducted for SSD by K12 Insight, anindependent research firm.Your responses will be used to improve the Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetingprocess countywide and will not be shared with your child’s IEP team.You may ask to use a school computer to complete the survey if you wish. Thank you forhelping us improve!QUESTIONS? Contact SSD’s Parent Education and Diversity Awareness Program at 314.989.8460or email ssdpeda@ssdmo.org.From left to right: Sarah Geer, Michelle LeviPerez, Rachel Myers, Joann Noll, LaTrisa MorganJoann Noll, M.Ed., ADMINISTRATOR314.989.8108 | jnoll@ssdmo.orgSouth and Central Regions: Affton, Bayless, Brentwood, Clayton, Hancock Place, Kirkwood, Ladue, Lindbergh,Maplewood-Richmond Heights, Mehlville, Webster Groves, Valley Park, Southview School, South Technical HighSchool, Vocational Skills ProgramRachel Myers – 314.989.8431 | rdmyers@ssdmo.org Family & Community Resource CenterSarah Geer – smgeer@ssdmo.org Program AssistantdSSD Mission: In collaborationwith partner districts, we providetechnical eduction and a widevariety of individualized educationaland support services designedfor each student’s successfulcontribution to our community.SSD Vision: Partners for everystudent’s successSSD CORE Values:Student Success • Collaboration• Integrity • Stewardship •Continuous Improvement • EquitySpecial School District Noticeof Nondiscrimination andAccommodation: Special School Districtdoes not discriminate or toleratediscrimination based on race, color,religion, sex, national origin, sexualorientation, ancestry, disability, veteranstatus, age, or activity protected byfederal or state law in its programs,activities and employment. Directinquires and complaints under thispolicy to Special School District’sCompliance Coordinator, 12110 ClaytonRoad, St. Louis, Missouri 63131; telephone314.989.8100 or to the Office of CivilRights, 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037,Kansas City, Mo. 64114-3302; telephone816.268.0550. Information about theexistence and location of services,activities, and facilities accessible toimpaired persons can be obtained fromSpecial School District’s ComplianceCoordinator at the phone number andaddress listed above.W E P ROV I D E :• Advice and consultationabout your child’s IEP• Free parent workshops• Free lending library• Help in finding communityresources and supports• Ability awareness resourcesd*** Teachers – Please send home in your students’ backpacks ***

Events & Supports in North CountyNorth County Parent Outreach MentorsAre you a parent of a child with a disability who lives in North or Central County?Do you ever feel lonely, isolated or unsure of how to make your child’s life better?Would talking to another parent “who’s been there” help?If so, please contact LaTrisa Morgan at lamorgan@ssdmo.org or 314.989.8194 formore information.North County disability resource fairWednesday, April 224-7 p.m.Ackerman School1550 Derhake Road, Florissant, MO 63033Come visit with agencies and organizations anddiscover recreation, respite, health care and othercommunity resources for your child!Look for the symbol to the left throughout this newsletter – it indicatesparent workshops that will be held at locations in North County.what to dothis summer?Don’t Delay – Summer ProgramsMany summer camps/programsand vouchers fill up quickly andbegin the enrollment processmuch earlier than April or May!Here are some resources to helpyou plan:• Attend the “What to Do ThisSummer” Recreation FairTuesday, Feb. 176:30-8 p.m.SSD Central OfficeRooms 60-61• Contact us for the SummerEducation & Recreationresources packetCall 314.989.8460 or emailrdmyers@ssdmo.orgParent Workshop InformationParent workshops are provided free of charge. Unless otherwise noted with this symbolall workshops are held on the lower level at SSD Central Administrative Office, 12110Clayton Road, Town & Country (just east of Ballas Road, next to Neuwoehner School).Childcare is not provided unless noted.Register by calling 314.989.7807 or 711 (Deaf/HOH), or register online atwww.solutionwhere.com/ww/ssd (call the registration number for help with setting up an account).When you are on the SSD professional development site WisdomWhere, view the calendar of coursesthat includes workshops on technology, literacy and more.Please be sure to register for workshops as they are sometimes canceled due to low enrollment or weather conditions – we need tobe able to contact you!If you need more information, or if you have special needs and require an alternative format as addressed by the Americanswith Disabilities Act, call Joann Noll, Administrator, Parent Education, 314.989.8108 or 711 (Deaf/HOH).Note: Workshops presented by MPACT refers to Missouri’s statewide Parent Trainingand Information Center that serves all disabilities and all ages.Register by phone or online at:314.989.7807 (or 711, Deaf/HOH)www.solutionwhere.com/ww/ssd2 Call 314.989.7807 to register for parent workshops

winter 2015 SSD Parent WorkshopsJanuarySSD Parent AdvisoryCouncil MeetingWednesday, Jan. 14, 7-9 p.m.SSD Central Office, Board RoomThis meeting is open to all parents. TheSSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC)is comprised of families advising andcollaborating to improve the education,confidence and social outcomes of eachstudent served by SSD.Charting the Life CourseTuesday, Jan. 20, 6-8:30 p.m.Presenter: LaTrisa MorganSSD Central Office, Room 60Charting the Life Course is a tool thatwas developed to help families at anyage or stage of life think about what theyneed to know, identify how to find ordevelop supports and plan for a more selfdeterminedlife. Learn how to apply thistool to your family situation.Understanding ADHDWednesday, Jan. 21, 6-8 p.m.Presenter: MPACT staffSSD Central Office, Room 61What is Attention Deficit HyperactivityDisorder? How do you qualify? Who candiagnose it, prescribe medications, andoffer counseling? Does a child with ADHDautomatically qualify for an IEP? Thistraining will answer these questions andmany more. It will also provide strategiesfor parents to teach their children how tomanage their symptoms.College Preparation forStudents with DisabilitiesTuesday, Jan. 27, 6:30-9 p.m.Presenters: Fran Kepler, Terri SchnitzerSSD Central Office, Room 60For families, students, high schoolcounselors and SSD teachers. Workshopaddresses college and other post-secondaryoptions primarily for students with learningdisabilities, attention deficit disorder orother mild disabilities. Information will bepresented about the planning and researchprocess, services available, ACT/SAT testingaccommodations and more.Mental Health First Aid TrainingWednesday, Jan. 28, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.(one-hour lunch break on your own)Presenter: NAMI-St. LouisSSD Central Office, Room 61The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA)program is an interactive session thatintroduces participants to risk factors andwarning signs of mental health problems,builds understanding of their impactand provides an overview of commontreatments. The adult MHFA course isappropriate for anyone 16 years and olderwho wants to learn how to help a personwho may be experiencing a mental healthrelatedcrisis or problem. Topics coveredinclude anxiety, depression, psychosis andaddictions.FebruaryUnderstanding the IEP ProcessWednesday, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.Presenter: MPACT staffSSD Central Office, Room 60Workshop offers an in-depth look at theevaluation process, qualifying for an IEP, themany components that must be addressedin the IEP document, and how progresswill be monitored. Parents will gain a betterunderstanding of their role as an equalparticipant in the IEP process.Online Participate in the workshopoption above in person or fromhome through WebEx. Be sure to registerfor the online workshop. You will receive alink to the presentations.Early Childhood Parent Training:Visual Supports & Social StoriesWednesday, Feb. 4, 6:30-9 p.m.Presenters: Megan Browne, Peggy Cassani,JoAnn HoehnSSD Central Office, Room 61Participants will learn about visual supports,how they are helpful, and when to implementthem. Examples of visual supports (e.g.,schedules, choice boards, routines, rules,visual stories, and behavioral expectations)will be presented. The workshop will alsocover the use of visual/social stories as astrategy to share accurate information andincrease pro-social behaviors.Supports for Your Familyin the Early Years –St. Louis Regional Officefor Developmental DisabilitiesThursday, Feb. 5, 6:30-8 p.m.Presenter: Kadesh BurnettHazelwood CentralEarly Childhood Center15955 New Halls Ferry RoadFlorissant, MO 63031If your child has a qualifying developmentaldisability (such as intellectual disability,autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic braininjury, multiple disabilities, epilepsy, certainlearning disabilities), learn how yoursupport coordinator can make sure youhave access to resources such as respite care,summer programs, and state, county andnot-for-profit funding for essential servicesfor your child.Transition Planning & the IEP:Through the Doorway to Adult LifeWednesday, Feb. 11, 9-11 a.m.Presenter: Michelle Levi PerezSSD Central Office, Room 60Focus is on the steps families and studentsneed to consider as they plan for the lastyears of school and the transition to adultlife: personal futures planning; IEPs withtransitional goals and action plans; resourcesfor planning for post-secondary education,supported employment and living; workingwith the adult service system.SSD Parent AdvisoryCouncil Listening SessionWednesday, Feb. 11, 7-9 p.m.SSD Central Office, Board RoomThis meeting is open to all parents. Parentfeedback plays a crucial role in helping thePAC communicate concerns and advocatefor improvements.Call 314.989.7807 to register for parent workshops 3

Orientation for Parentsto Special Education &the IEP ProcessTuesday, March 10, 9-11 a.m.Presenter: Michelle Levi PerezSSD Central Office, Room 61This orientation is designed to providean overview of special education servicesand how they are provided through SSD.Learn more about how to develop aneffective individualized education program(IEP), educational rights and communityresources/support.Sexuality Education: Talkingwith Your Teen or YoungAdult about DevelopingHealthy RelationshipsTuesday, March 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Presenter: Christina Meneses, YWCAEducation Supervisor – St. Louis RegionSexual Assault CenterSSD Central Office, Room 60Developing healthy relationships anddiscussing sexuality based on your family’svalues will be addressed. Families willreceive information to assist them inteaching positive social skills, appropriatepublic/private behavior, appropriate sexualexpression and skills to protect their familymember against abuse. This workshopwill be a combination of lecture andgroup discussion. It is designed for anyonecaring for or guiding a teen or adult with adevelopmental disability.SSD Parent AdvisoryCouncil MeetingWednesday, March 11, 7-9 p.m.SSD Central Office, Board RoomThis meeting is open to all parents. TheSSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC)is comprised of families advising andcollaborating to improve the education,confidence and social outcomes of eachstudent served by SSD.Let’s Get OrganizedThursday, March 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Presenter: Julie HoughSSD Central Office, Room 60Many families benefit from living ina simplified and organized home, butfor families with special needs, it canbe extremely important and helpful.This workshop will teach user-friendlyorganizing systems for household andkid-related papers and offer practical tipson how to have stress-free mornings andget out the door on time. Taught by JulieHough, a professional organizer and motherof children with special needs.Behavior 101:Understanding Behaviorand What to Do toSupport Your Child’s PositiveBehavior DevelopmentWednesday, March 18, 6:30-8 p.m.Presenter: Ryan GuffeyArrowpoint Elementary SchoolHazelwood School District2017 Arrowpoint DriveSt. Louis, MO 63138Does your child have meltdowns overhaving to stop a preferred activity? Aremeals, chores, bedtime or getting ready forschool difficult times at your house? Learnsome strategies to make your home morepeaceful and new ways to understand yourchild’s behavior at home and school.AprilPlanning for the Future:Dealing with My GreatestFears – 3-part workshopTuesdays, April 7, 14 & 21, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Hazelwood School District Learning Center15955 New Halls Ferry RoadFlorissant, MO 63031Series is designed to provide informationto students and their families about thetransition process and issues that causeanxiety for parents when planning for thepost-school years.• Session 1: April 7 – SupplementalSecurity Income (SSI), Estate PlanningPresenters: Bhavik Patel, Attorney, & LynnCarter, Midwest Special Needs Trust• Session 2: April 14 – What HappensAfter GraduationPresenters: Representatives of VocationalRehabilitation, supported employmentagencies, sheltered workshops, andcontinuing education• Session 3: April 21 – Supports forRecreation, Community Participation &Community LivingPresenters: Representatives of St. LouisRegional Office, Recreation Council, postschoolenrichment/day programsHelping Children DevelopFriendships & Social SkillsWednesday, April 8, 9-11:30 a.m.Presenters: Michelle Levi Perez, Alicia WilsonSSD Central Office, Room 60Workshop will offer strategies for parentsto help children develop friendships,school strategies for building friendshipsthrough programs such as peer support andstrategies that help children with languageand learning differences, including autism,develop social skills.SSD Parent AdvisoryCouncil MeetingWednesday, April 8, 7-9 p.m.SSD Central Office, Board RoomThis meeting is open to all parents. TheSSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC)is comprised of families advising andcollaborating to improve the education,confidence and social outcomes of eachstudent served by SSD.Early Childhood Parent Training:The ABCs of Social Skills &Community ConnectionsWednesday, April 8, 6:30-9 p.m.Presenters: DeAnna Wright Coffman,Kathleen Walton, Michele PitmanSSD Central Office, Room 61This training will highlight the importanceof social skills, the impact without them,their definition, and the rationale for directteaching. The use of a systematic approachand strategies to embed them into everydayexperiences will be presented. Participantsare encouraged to share child/studentscenarios for meaningful application andimpact. An array of community resourceswill also be highlighted to educateparticipants on how to access them toaddress possible areas of need.Call 314.989.7807 to register for parent workshops 5

What About the Siblings?Thursday, April 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Presenters: Gabrielle Kerlick, St. Louis Arc,and sibling panelSSD Central Office, Room 60Sibshop facilitators will provide informationabout the Sibshop model. Strategies will bediscussed to help parents successfully raiseand understand issues that brothers andsisters of children with disabilities encounterthroughout life. A panel of brothers andsisters of individuals with disabilities willdiscuss their experiences.Executive Functioning –Understanding Your Child’sDifficulties with Organization,Time, Memory & Initiating TasksMonday, April 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Presenter: Karen NahnsenSSD Central Office, Room 61Families will receive tools for understandingexecutive functioning and helping theirchildren build some of these skills at home.Signs for Familiesand Friends – 6 sessionsTuesdays, April 14, 21 & 28, May 5, 12 & 19,6-7:30 p.m.Presenters: Greg Petersen, Mickey SchuchardtSSD Central Office, Room 61Participants will demonstrate sign languagevocabulary, sign sentence structure,conceptual accuracy, facial expressions,and body language. Focus is on families.Children 10 years and older are welcome ifaccompanied/supervised by an adult.Understanding AutismSpectrum Disorders (Autism,Asperger Syndrome, PDD)2-part class with breakout sessions basedon your child’s intervention needsTuesdays, April 14 & 21, 6:30-9 p.m.Presenters: John Bruno, Colleen Card,Melissa Duke, Moira Seyle – SSD AutismEffective Practice SpecialistsSSD Central Office, Rooms 60Identify and understand the characteristicsof autism spectrum disorders and learneffective, practical strategies throughbreakout sessions based on your child’sintervention needs in areas such ascommunication, behavior, sensory needs,social skills development, pragmaticlanguage, etc. that will support your childin being more successful at home andschool. The second session will focus moreon strategies, with time for discussion andquestions.Bullying Prevention –What Parents Can DoWednesday, April 15, 6-8 p.m.Presenter: MPACT staffSSD Central Office, Room 60This training contains an overview of thedynamics of bullying, including whatbullying is, what the types of bullying are,who is bullied, and why children are bullied.Other topics include steps to intervene inbullying behavior, how to encourage studentswho witness bullying to take action, the roleof the school, and laws and policies.Online Participate in the workshopoption above in person or fromhome through WebEx. Be sure to registerfor the online workshop. You will receive alink to the presentations.Access for Success –Making Inclusion Work!Monday, April 20, 6:30-9 p.m.Presenters: Pat VanDeRiet, Rachel ValentiSSD Central Office, Room 60Learn how quality inclusive educationprovides better outcomes for students withdisabilities. Create an action plan with stepsyou can take to help your school plan formore inclusive programming for your child.North CountyDisability Resource FairWednesday, April 22, 4-7 p.m.Ackerman School, 1550 Derhake Road,Florissant, MO 63033Visit with agencies and organizations anddiscover recreation, respite, health careand other community resources for yourchild! Participants will include SSD’sParent Education and Diversity AwarenessProgram, the Recreation Council of GreaterSt. Louis, St. Louis Regional Office and awide array of nonprofit providers.Early Childhood Parent Training:Understanding & Supporting YoungChildren Experiencing Anxiety orTransition-Related StressWednesday, April 22, 6:30-9 p.m.Presenters: Erin Capoccia, Sarah Lehman,Maria LindsaySSD Central Office, Room 61Participants will recognize how youngchildren express anxiety and learn waysto help all students build coping skills.Training will also discuss commontransitions for young children includinggoing to kindergarten, moving, and divorce/separation.Making DecisionsAbout GuardianshipThursday, April 30, 6:30-8:30 p.m.Presenter: Jane St. John, Missouri Familyto-FamilyResource CenterSSD Central Office, Room 60If you are considering guardianshipas your son or daughter turns 18, thisfamily-centered training will give you anopportunity to learn about Missouri’sguardianship options and alternatives. Toolswill be provided to determine the supportsand/or protection a person might need, andwhat alternatives or options might work bestfor your son or daughter.Online Participate in the workshopoption above in person or fromhome through WebEx. Be sure to registerfor the online workshop. You will receive alink to the presentations.MayPositive Behavior InterventionsWednesday, May 6, 6-8 p.m.Presenter: MPACT staffSSD Central Office, Room 61Participants will learn to thinkabout problem behavior as a form ofcommunication and will learn theimportance of a functional behavioralassessment, how to reinforce positivebehavior and how to develop a positivebehavior support plan.6 Call 314.989.7807 to register for parent workshops

Resource Packets from SSD’sFamily & community resource centerResource packets contain great articles on the topics below plus a list of books and videos available to check out from the Family &Community Resource Center. You may order up to THREE packets. We prefer to send them through school mail to come home withyour child whenever possible. We cannot mail packets outside of St. Louis County/City.Go to http://www.ssdmo.org/cool_tools/fcrc_resource_packet.html to order packets online or complete the form below.1. Ability Awareness2. Anxiety Disorders3. Applied Behavior Analysis4. Apraxia of Speech5. Asperger’s Syndrome6. Assistive Technology7. Attention Deficit Disorder8. Autism Spectrum Disorder9. Awareness for Grandparents and Extended Family10. Behavior Strategies11. Bipolar Disorder12. Blind/Visually Impaired13. Bullying14. Central Auditory Processing Disorder15. Cerebral Palsy16. Deaf/Hard of Hearing17. Depression18. Divorce and Children with Disabilities19. Down Syndrome20. Diagnostic/Evaluation Process21. District Overview — Policies/Procedures/Services22. Dyslexia23. Early Childhood Special Education24. Emergency and Disaster Preparedness25. Encouraging Independent Living Skills26. Estate Planning27. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome28. Friendship and Social Skills29. Gifted and Disabilty30. Guardianship31. Homework Strategies32. IEP Development/Implementation33. Inclusive Education34. Independent Living Skills35. Intellectual Disabilities36. Learning Disabilities37. Missouri Learning Standards38. Multiple Disabilities39. Oppositional Defiant Disorder40. Parenting a Child with a Disability41. Parent-Professional Collaboration42. Physical Disabilities43. Positive Behavior Support44. Post-Secondary Education45. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder46. Reading Strategies and Resources47. Resource Directory — Transition-Related Services48. Rights, Laws and Advocacy49. Self-Esteem50. Sensory Integration51. Sexuality Education52. Sibling Issues53. Speech and Language Disabilities54. Stress Management55. Summer Education and Recreation Resources56. Supported Employment57. Supported Living58. Talking to Your Child About Their Disability59. Toilet Training Strategies60. Transition Guidebook61. Traumatic Brain Injury62. Writing StrategiesTo send information through your child’s school, we need the following information:Your Name: __________________________________________Child’s Name: _______________________________________________Phone Number: _________________________________ Child’s Age: _________Child’s Grade Level: _________Email Address: ______________________________ Child’s Special Education Teacher or Therapist: _________________________________Child’s School: ____________________________________________ School District: ___________________________________________Please complete and return this form by mail, phone, email, fax or through your child’s SSD teacher to:SSD Parent Education & Diversity Awareness Phone: 314.989.8460 Deaf/HOH: 711 Fax: 314.989.844912110 Clayton Road Email: rdmyers@ssdmo.orgSt. Louis, MO 631318 Call 314.989.7807 to register for parent workshops