Special Services Parent Newsletter
February 2021
Sibshop - Back in Person!
Monday, February 8
6:30-8:30 pm
Crowley Middle School - 3800 W. Risinger Road
Do you have a typically developing child, age 8-14, who would like to get to know other kids who have a brother or sister with a disability? SIBSHOP is resuming face to face fun! Playing games, talking, and having fun with others who 'get it' - who understand the good...and not so good...things about having a sibling with special needs. We will be following safety protocols including 6 ft. distancing, hand sanitizing and mask-wearing. Limited space available, so please register asap! Register here.Parent Engagement Meeting: Texas ABLE Accounts
6:00-8:00 pm virtual
The Texas Achieving a Better Life Experience (“Texas ABLE®”) Program was established to encourage and assist individuals with disabilities and their families in saving funds to pay for many disability-related expenses critical to maintaining the individuals’ health, independence, and quality of life. Register now to learn more by attending this free, virtual presentation.
Reunión para Padres de Educación Especial
Lunes, 22 de febrero, 1:30-2:30 pm
Aquí tiene la oportunidad de conversar en español con otros padres: ¿Qué ha funcionado mejor para su familia? ¿Le gustaría escuchar y compartir algunos consejos sobre cómo enfrentar un desafío que esté ocurriendo? Esta reunión es un foro informal para apoyarse y animarse unos a otros. Venga a compartir su sabiduría, obtenga consejos útiles y simplemente disfrute un poco de tiempo con otros adultos en estos tiempos desafiantes. Regístrese aquí para asegurarse de recibir la invitación de zoom.
Stefanie Hartman-Sliger
Jacque Linville
Becky Oliver
Transition Specialist and Vocational Adjustment Coordinator
Our job is to assist students, teachers and families with planning for life after high school. As a team, we are happy to discuss with you potential resources for your student, assist in connection with outside agency supports, visit post-secondary settings with the family by request and help you research post-secondary opportunities for the student. The team also serves on the Transition Committee for the IDD Council of Tarrant County. If you have a question please email one of the team members. We may not know the answer to every question, but will work hard to help you find the answer!
Preparing for Your Child’s Future
Transition is the process of preparing a student and their family for life after high school.
Daily life can be chaotic enough and thinking long into the future can often be overwhelming! But procrastination will limit your child’s future options. True transition for students with disabilities should begin when you receive their diagnosis.
But where do you start? Crowley ISD has a team dedicated to supporting families with transition. The transition website is a one stop show for a plethora of resources for families of students of all ages! From the website you can navigate to information such as community events, information on college programs, and resources from some of the most important organizations for students with disabilities. Click here to check out the transition website! You can also find the website by visiting the Special Education page on the district website.
Transition Fast Facts Video Series
In January 2021, the Transition Team launched a video series, “Transition Fast Facts”. These videos are “bite sized” to give you the most important information on a variety of topics.
Check back each month for a new video! The monthly topics are listed below.
January - Supported Decision Making
February - Texas Transition and Employment Guide
March - Getting on “The Lists”
April - Levels of Support Through Medicaid Waivers
May - Guardianship 101
June - Texas Workforce
Cookies or Ice Cream?
COMMUNITY RESOURCES & EVENTS
Bullying & People with Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Tuesday, February 2
12:00-1:00 Register here
1:00-2:00 en Español Registrar aquí
Children with disabilities are at an increased risk of being bullied. Dr. Yoli Valenzuela will share information on bullying behaviors, recognizing the signs of bullying, tips for how to deal with a bully and resources when help is needed.
A Look Ahead
9:30 am -1:00 pm This is virtual.
A Look Ahead is a quarterly mini conference series for individuals with disabilities, family members, the people who support them. Click here to learn more or to register.
Funding and Grants for Children with Disabilities
Having a child with a disability or special health care needs can mean extra costs. This page has a list of different organizations that might be able to help. We found them by reaching out to other parents and researching online. Some places help only families who aren’t able to pay for certain things. Other places just want to help, no matter what your income. Click here to learn more.
PHOTO GALLERY
Learning Our ABCs
Ms. Thomas' Kinder-Co Teach students at Poynter Elementary using shields & comfy headphones received through Donors Choose.
Ms. Oko provides a warm, nurturing place to learn.
Sorting and Classifying
CISD Special Services
Email: donna.heim@crowley.k12.tx.us
Website: https://www.crowleyisdtx.org/Domain/115
Location: 512 Peach Street, Crowley, 76036
Phone: 817.297.5300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CISDspecialeducation/