florida diagnostic & learning resources system (fdlrs...
TRANSCRIPT
Winter 2017 Volume 17, Issue 2
Important Dates
January 15, 2018
No School
January 19, 2018
Superintendent’s Advisory Council
January 23, 2018
Parent Information Session:
Preparing for your Child’s IEP
January 24, 2018
Parent Information Session:
Preparing for your Child’s IEP
February 3, 2018
Out of School Time Resource Fair
February 16, 2018
Superintendent’s Advisory Council
February 28, 2018
Parent Information Session:
Mental Health 101
March 12—16, 2018
Spring Break
March 23, 2018
Superintendent’s Advisory Council
March 28, 2018
Parent Information Session:
Inspiring Cooperation
March 30, 2018
No School
Inside this issue:
Excellence in Action 2
Excellence in Action 3
FDLRS Parent Information Sessions
4
Out of School Time Resource Fair
5
ESE Parent Survey, Parent University, Creating a Plan for the Future & Parent
6
Superintendents Advisory Council, Special Ed Connection
7
Parent Press
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
A Newsletter for Parents of Students in Exceptional Student Education
Dreading [hōm wƏrk] time?!
If you missed our Parent Information Session on Homework strategies in November, here are a few highlights. Research says that we should give clear and appropriate assignments, use a homework calendar, teach study skills, ensure clear home/school communications and offer homework accommodations. While organizational skills is not a “real” subject offered in school, it is often one that needs the most attention. We have all seen the backpack “black hole”, the one where papers are found in various pockets and crumbled at the bottom buried under books and binders. Helping our students find an organizational system to keep track of their assignments, papers and due dates is a good first step to becoming organized and being prepared for homework. Students can use their school agenda to organize dates and possibly have a separate folder for each classroom to organize papers. Some students might prefer using different colors or using post it notes. Most importantly any organizational system is only good if the student is actually willing to use it. Talk with your child and see what might work best for them. We continue to stress the importance of communication between home and school. Your child’s teacher is the best place to start if you need anything. You can email your child’s teacher(s), correspond through agendas or for those in middle and high school, Edsby. Edsby is a great way to see your child’s progress, missing assignments and also send messages to your child’s teacher(s). Share any concerns or challenges that your child may have completing their homework assignments. Remember to share positive feedback when any changes implemented result in success. Lastly, our teachers are often using accommodations (chunking assignments or frequent breaks) in
school to help our students to complete classwork and other assignments. When your child is at
home, you should also be offering those same accommodations to ensure that homework time is
not similar to a game of tug of war or an epic battle of wills.
19th Annual
“Excellence in Action Awards” We are excited to announce Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Parent Services is now accepting nominations for the 19th Annual Excellence in Action Awards which will be presented on April 30, 2018. The Excellence in Action Awards (EIA) were established for parents to recognize individuals who have made a difference in the life of their child with special needs who receives Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. Over the last 18 years, family members, including students, have been inspired to submit hundreds of nominations for administration, teachers, support staff, transportation staff, therapists, community members, and volunteers who have touched their lives.
EIA nomination letters will be accepted from family members or students only, and should specify how the nominee has made a difference in the life of their child with special needs. EIA nomination letters will be verified and separated into categories. The winner of each category will be determined by committee solely on the content of the letter.
Special Awards have been added over the years to recognize individuals and organizations who have made broad contributions through their leadership and innovative programs that enhance the lives of families who have children with special needs and their communities. These special awards are the Millie Bucy Positive Parent Involvement Award and the Community Impact Award.
For these two awards, nomination letters will be accepted from anyone and should specify the individual nominee’s or organization’s accomplishments that enhance the lives of families who have a child with special needs and their communities. Nominations for schools, district sponsored involvement, and/or self-nominations will not be considered.
Nomination Process: Excellence in Action (EIA) Awards (to be submitted by parents or students only): Please submit an online nomination for an individual who has made a difference in the life of your child with special needs. This individual can be from your child’s school or from the community. This includes all teachers, support staff, therapists, administration, volunteers, district staff, transportation staff, crossing guards, tutors, sports & recreation, etc. Millie Bucy Positive Parent Involvement Award: Please submit an online nomination for a parent of a child with special needs who has positively and collaboratively advocated for their child and has taken their very personal experiences to encourage and support other families who have children with special needs. Community Impact Award: Please submit an online nomination for an individual, organization, or business that has shown their commitment to enhancing the lives of children with special needs by supporting their educational, personal, and/or recreational activities.
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Parent Press
Deadline for Submissions: Please submit your nomination(s) by 5 p.m. Monday, March 19, 2018
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Volume 17, Issue 2
Excellence in Action Awards Frequently Asked Questions Where do I go to submit a nomination? Please visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/EIA2018 to submit a nomination Who can help me with the nomination process? If you have any question regarding the nomination process or do not have access to the online form, please contact Debbie Valdes, FDLRS Parent Services for assistance: Telephone (813) 837-7732 or email [email protected] Who is eligible to submit a nomination for the EIA Awards? Any parent or caregiver of a student with special needs or the student with special needs. What are the different EIA Award Categories?
Teacher: ESE teacher or General Education teacher who works with your child Administrative: assistant principal, principal, etc. Therapist: speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, etc. Instructional Support: nurse, ESE specialist, social worker, psychologist, district resource teacher, etc. Support Staff: paraprofessional, health, food service, office, custodial, etc. Transportation Staff: bus driver, attendant, supervisor Other / Community Agencies: crossing guards, sports & recreation, etc. Volunteers: peer buddies, parents, etc.
What information do I need for the EIA nomination? Your name and contact information, your nominee’s name and contact information, your child’s name, and a short paragraph specifically explaining how your nominee has made a difference in the life of your child with special needs. We recommend typing the paragraph in a document which can be copied and pasted into the online form. May I nominate my co-worker or family member for an EIA award? They work with students. We appreciate the thought, but unless they work with your child with special needs, they do not meet the criteria for nomination. Who is eligible to submit a nomination for the Special EIA Awards? Everyone is eligible to submit a nomination for the Millie Bucy Positive Parent Involvement Award and the Community Impact Award. However, nominations for school or district sponsored involvement or self-nominations will not be considered. What information do I need for the Millie Bucy Positive Parent Involvement Award or the Community Impact Award? Your name and contact information, your nominee’s name or organization and contact information, and a short paragraph specifically explaining how your nominee or organization’s accomplishment has made a difference in the lives of children with special needs and their families. Who will be invited to the event? In addition to the individuals who have been nominated and the individuals who have submitted nominations, invitations will be sent to the nominee’s supervisor, area staff, the superintendent and his staff as well as school board members. When is the event? The evening of Monday, April 30, 2018. When will the winners be announced? During the Excellence in Action Awards Ceremony
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Parent Press
Sessions Information
FDLRS (813) 837-7732 (English) (813) 837-7728 (Spanish)
Presentations provided by Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Parent Services and
Hillsborough County Public Schools for Families of Students Receiving Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services.
Empowering Families Enriching Communication Navigating Education
Parent
■ ■ ■
Preparing for your Child’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) Meeting Monday, January 23, 2018 | 6:00pm or Tuesday, January 24, 2018 | 10:30am
What is an IEP and what key pieces of information should parents bring? What do parents need to know when their child goes from
one school level to another? What does it mean when the IEP team wants to discuss transition? Have you ever wondered what your
child’s last IEP will entail?
LOCATION: Sam Horton Instructional Services Center (ISC), 2920 N. 40th Street, Tampa, FL 33605
Mental Health 101 Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 10:30am or Wednesday, February 28, 2018 | 6:00pm Join us as we review some of the most common mental health disorders today and discuss how we can promote positive mental health within our families. Information will also be shared on where to look for mental health services within our community.
LOCATION: Sam Horton Instructional Services Center (ISC), 2920 N. 40th Street, Tampa, FL 33605
Inspiring Cooperation Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | 10:30am or Wednesday, March 28, 2018 | 6:00pm Are you looking for some positive parenting strategies to help your child follow instructions? Would you like to learn more about teaching limitations and managing those difficult moments?
LOCATION: Sam Horton Instructional Services Center (ISC), 2920 N. 40th Street, Tampa, FL 33605
Visit the Parent Services Workshop page for more information on these sessions
http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/Parent_Services/Workshops
Balancing Work and Family Thursday, May 17, 2018 | 10:30am Do you struggle with managing multiple responsibilities? Take part in learning effective behaviors for achieving balance in your work and personal life.
LOCATION: UF/IFAS Extension Hillsborough County, 5339 County Rd. 579, Seffner, FL 33584
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Parent Press
FOR STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
FEB 3, 2018
OUT OF SCHOOL TIME
RESOURCE FAIR
Register Online: https://february2018fdlrs.eventbrite.com
Questions?
Email: [email protected] or Phone: (813) 837-7732
DO YOU PROVIDE OUT OF SCHOOL TIME ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS?
WOULD YOU LIKE TO RESERVE A TABLE AT OUR OUT OF SCHOOL TIME RESOURCE FAIR?
FOR CONSIDERATION, REGISTER AT HTTP://TINYURL.COM/OST2-3-18
FREE EVENT
Event Hours 8:30 am – 12:00
pm
Breakout Session available in
English & Spanish 9:30 am* 10:45 am*
*times tentative
LOCATION
Sam Horton Instructional
Services Center (ISC)
2920 N. 40th Street
Tampa, FL 33605
Are you looking for activities for your child while they are not in school (weekends, after school, or during breaks)? Join us at our annual Out of School Time Resource Fair for an opportunity to discover services, programs and activities available for your child with special needs including respite programs, sporting activities, tutoring, camps, karate, dance, art, after school care and more.
In February, 2018, the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) will send out surveys to parents of children with an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) to determine how well your child’s school is partnering with you and promoting your involvement in your child’s education. Your feedback is very important in helping the state and local school systems continue improving education programs for children with disabilities. Let your voice be heard!
● ● ●
For results from the 2016-2017 school year, visit http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/departments/38 and click on ESE Survey Results.
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Volume 17, Issue 2
Parent University is a FREE conference supporting
the academic life and success of students Pre-K through 12th grade. Free childcare is provided
for children in grades K-5 only (advance reservations are required).
Save the Date
February 17, 2018 Bloomingdale High School
7:30 am—11:30 am
For more information or to register, visit
http://all4schools.org/hillsborough
or call (813) 272-4443
Creating a Plan for the Future
5th Annual
Did you miss our annual Creating a Plan for the Future provider fair for information about opportunities and services available after high school for all students with disabilities on Saturday, October 28, 2017? For a complete list of providers, school personnel to assist with transition services and presentations provided by our break out session presenters, visit
http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/Parent_Services/Workshops
ESE Parent Survey
Parent Involvement Equals Student Success
Creating an environment where learning takes place, not just in a classroom, but as a central part of family life, requires that families play an active role in their child’s education. Parent involvement can begin with your attendance at parent teacher conferences and open houses at your child’s school. It could also be helping with classroom projects, chaperoning a field trip, spending time reading to a group of students, or joining your school Parent Teacher Association (PTA)/ Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and help with family school events. Ask your teacher or principal how you can be involved.
There are many opportunities to be involved in your child’s education outside of your school too. Increasing your knowledge by attending a Parent Information Session, or Parent University will allow you to learn different ways to help your child. Resource Fairs provide an opportunity to network and learn about community resources and services. Involvement at a district level, such as the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, gives you a chance to advocate for the benefit of all students. Each family is unique so through the Parent Press, we try to provide information and many opportunities for parent involvement.
Stay informed and involved in all aspects of your child’s education.
You are part of the team!
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Volume 17, Issue 2
Mission
To provide an education and the supports that enable each
student to excel as a successful and responsible citizen
The Parent Press is designed to be an informational source for parents of students who receive Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services. In addition to Hillsborough County Public School (HCPS) supports and services, the Parent Press strives to offer as much information as possible from community agencies and
groups that provide services to persons with disabilities.
Vision
Preparing students for life
Continuous Notification of Nondiscrimination Pursuant to Title VI, Title IX, Section 504/Title II and other civil rights regulations, the School District of Hillsborough County (District) does not
discriminate nor tolerate harassment on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, genetic information or pregnancy in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices; and
it will take immediate action to eliminate such harassment, prevent its recurrence, and address its effects. The District also provides equal access to its
facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act.
The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Dr. Pansy Houghton, Executive Officer, Compliance
813-272-4000; [email protected]; Office of the Chief of Staff, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33602.
Superintendent’s Advisory Council for the
Education of Students with Disabilities
The primary focus of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities, is to identify and recommend systemic strategies to improve outcomes for all students who have disabilities within Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). Voting members of the Council comprise school district personnel, parents of students receiving Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and community members. As a non voting guest, ESE parents and others are welcome to attend Council meetings and are eligible to serve on a committee to share thoughts and ideas. You can also share your willingness to be a future voting member of the Council (2 year commitment) by completing the Willingness to Serve form at http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/2053/
For questions, contact FDLRS Parent Services at (813) 837-7732 or email [email protected]
For meeting locations, visit
http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/Full_Calendar
Contact:
Debbie Valdes
(813) 837-7733
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources
System (FDLRS) - Hillsborough
Website: http://fdlrs.mysdhc.org/
Are you interested in finding practical guidance,
strategies and helpful tools for your child with special
needs? Have you ever wanted to find out about changes
and trends in special education law?
The Florida Department of Education is proud to provide
access to the Special Ed Connection® at no cost to
families of students with disabilities. To gain access to
this valuable online resource,
FDLRS Parent Services would like to offer a webinar that would provide more information on Special Ed
Connection® and how to best utilize this tool. If you
are interested in this online training, please register below so that we may contact you when it becomes is
available.
Register: http://tinyurl.com/SEdT2017
2018
January 19, 2018
February 16, 2018
March 23, 2018
April 20, 2018
May 11, 2018
Survey Time! Let us (FDLRS) know how we are doing.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/PP_Winter2017
Nonprofit Org.
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL
permit No. 1009
Hillsborough County Public Schools
PARENT PRESS
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Post Office Box 3408
Tampa, FL 33601
School Board Sally A. Harris, Chair
Tamara P. Shamburger, Vice Chair Lynn L. Gray April Griffin
Melissa Snively Cindy Stuart
Susan L. Valdes
Superintendent of Schools Jeff Eakins
Assistant Superintendent,
Educational Access, Opportunity, and Alternatives
Wynne A. Tye
General Director, Exceptional Student Education
Kimberly Workman
www.sdhc.k12.fl.us
Area 1 Area 2 Area 3 Area 4
Lisa Yost 272-3800 Marcos Murillo 631-4050 Dr. Anna Brown 558-1406 Donell Underdue, Jr. 558-1100
Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent
Sharon Foster 272-3796 Shelley Cedola-Hayes 631-4056 Carol Pauline 558-1412 Mikki Kenny 558-1097
ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor
Carolina Beltran 837-7740 vacant 837-7732 Mary Merryday 586-4233 Paula Thomas 837-7734
Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Blake, Jefferson, Plant, Robinson High,
D.W.Waters and feeder schools Alonso, Leto, Sickles, Steinbrenner High
and feeder schools Freedom, Gaither, King, Wharton High
and feeder schools Chamberlain, Hillsborough,
Middleton High and feeder schools
Area 5 Area 6 Area 7 Area 8
Dr. Michelle Fitzgerald 744-8630 Sharon Morris 707-7050 Owen Young 740-3710 Shaylia McRae 658-1970
Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent Area Superintendent
Dee Ward 744-8636 Michele McFarland 707-7056 Cora-Lynne Wimberly 740-3715 Jo Jennings 658-1981
ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor ESE Supervisor
Kimberly Bryce 421-4014 Leilani Cuello 707-7436 Beth Jenner 740-3715 Doris Jeffries 534-0383
Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison Parent Liaison
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Bloomingdale, Newsome, Spoto High and
feeder schools Durant, Plant City, Strawberry Crest High
and feeder schools Armwood, Brandon, Tampa Bay Tech.
High and feeder schools East Bay, Lennard, Riverview High
and feeder schools
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS) Michael Levine, FDLRS Supervisor: 837-7777, [email protected]
Debbie Valdes, FDLRS Parent Services Program Manager: 837-7733, [email protected]
Corinne Smith, FDLRS Parent Services Communications: 837-7872, [email protected] Parent Services Information:
813-837-7732 (English) 813-837-7728 (Espanol)