Helping Hands
The ETCSD Special Education Parent Newsletter, Nov/Dec 2016
We Want Your Feedback!
When your child's IEP paperwork gets processed administratively, we will begin emailing you a copy of the IEP for your records together with a link to a survey that you may complete to give us feedback about how the IEP process went for you and your family. If you have multiple meetings over the course of the year, you may receive this survey more than once and can complete it with each meeting if you'd like. You will be given the option whether you would like the information shared with your child's case manager; if not, we will compile information across the district to help inform future changes and needs.
If you have already had an IEP this year and have received the paperwork prior to us putting this survey in place, you may use this link to take the survey now if you would like.
We thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts with us as we work together to enhance the educational supports for our students!
Parents United: Anxiety
Please join us on December 6, 2016 to hear David Jacobi, PhD and Heather Jones, PhD from Rogers Memorial Hospital (Oconomowoc) speak on Understanding and Treating Childhood Anxiety Disorders. Dr. Jacobi and Dr. Jones will focus on:
- Current DSM-5 disorders in childhood
- How Anxiety differs from fear and can be adaptive
- Overview of cognitive behavioral model of Anxiety
- Evidence based interventions for childhood anxiety disorders
- How Anxiety manifests in school and how to manage
- Family accommodations
This event is presented by Parents United and is FREE to staff, parents and community members from our District, but reservations are requested. Please email Edie Scott at ediescott1950@zoho.com if you are interested in attending or contact Kate Harder at 262.642.6720 x 3223 for additional information.
Please note, this event is located at the Richard T. Anderson Education Center at WCTC in Pewaukee
Tuesday, Dec 6, 2016, 09:00 AM
Waukesha County Technical College, Main Street, Pewaukee, WI, United States (Richard T. Anderson Education Center)
Parents United: Childhood and Adolescent Depression
Please make plans to join us in hearing Greg Foker, PdD, from Cornerstone Counseling (Brookfield) speak on Childhood and Adolescent Depression. Details coming soon!
This event is presented by Parents United and is FREE to staff and parents from our District, but reservations are requested. Please email Edie Scott at ediescott1950@zoho.com if you are interested in attending or contact Kate Harder at 262.642.6720 x 3223 for additional information.
Wednesday, Feb 8, 2017, 09:00 AM
Country Springs Hotel, Golf Road, Pewaukee, WI, United States
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) Trainings for Parents
The Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI) is seeking families who have children with disabilities interested in participating in training opportunities beginning this fall.
All trainings are FREE of charge. Overnights, meals, and resources are paid for with a DPI IDEA Discretionary Grant, Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative - WSPEI. Register early because space is limited!
Parents in Partnership (PIP)
Parents in Partnership is a leadership development opportunity for parents of children with disabilities. Parents and other caregivers meet together five times during the year to share their family stories, challenges, joys, and triumphs of raising their children. They will learn about community and statewide resources for children with intellectual disabilities; explore issues around health, education, policy making, legislation, inclusion, self-determination, family well-being, and IDEA Special Education Law.
The program assists parents in developing; communication skills, leadership skills, positive advocacy skills, collaboration skills, their own Community Action Plan.
Door County Parents in Partnership is a training that will be taking place in northwestern Wisconsin beginning November 4 & 5, 2016.
Click on the link below to view the flyer for this training.
http://tinyurl.com/DoorCntyPiP
Families can contact Kate Harder at 262.642.6720 x 3223 for more information. To register, call 608-745-5422 or contact Martha DeYoung, deyoungm@cesa5.org for more information.
Trainings for Families and Providers
What’s After High School? is a broad overview of the transition to adult life for youth with disabilities and special health care needs and includes the following topics: envisioning a youth’s future in the community; the role of schools; long-term supports; transitioning to adult health care; legal options; advocacy; and the fundamentals of self-determination. This training will be available in Appleton, Nov. 29, 5:30 - 8:00pm with SOAR Fox Cities.
Advocacy for Change – Family Leadership Institute is a full day advocacy and skill-building event for families who have children with special needs. Participants will learn about policy issues, how to tell your family story in ways to impact change and meet with elected officials. (This event will be held on March 2, 2017.)
Learn More: To find out more and register go to the Family Voices of Wisconsin website at www.familyvoicesofwisconsin.com/2016-training-schedule or contact Lynn@fvofwi.org
Cost: All training sessions are free to participants and a light meal and resource binder will be provided. Stipends for childcare and travel expenses are available.
Help for the Holidays
Should you be in need of additional ideas or suggestions, please talk with your child's case manager or a pupil service team member (school psychologist, school counselor, etc. ) in the building for more specific suggestions for your child.
Likewise, if you are in need of additional supports such as clothes/coats for cold weather, consistent food options, a place to sleep or anything else, please contact our district social worker, Anne Jungwirth at 262.642.6760 x 5242 or Kate Harder at 262.642.6720 x 3223.
Sensory-Friendly Presentation of The Nutcracker
On December 21, 2016 at 6pm, Milwaukee Ballet, in partnership with Autism Speaks and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts, will present a sensory-friendly performance of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker. This performance will be welcoming and accessible for you and your loved ones with autism. Lights will be up and music down and our friends with autism can feel free to move around, make noise, flap their hands and express themselves throughout the performance. Assistive devices such as iPads can be used during the performance as well. Check out the full list of ways this performance will be accommodating to individuals on the spectrum here.
Autism Speaks Wisconsin is excited to partner with both Milwaukee Ballet and the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts on this performance and hope that you and your family can join us! Tickets are General Admission at a reduced rate of $25 for the special performance. A portion of the ticket sales will support Autism Speaks.
There will be a social guide available for download here and each family that purchases tickets will receive a hard copy in the mail courtesy of the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts and Milwaukee Ballet.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Marcus Center website at www.marcuscenter.org/mcaccess using the group code AUTISMSPEAKS. You can also call the Marcus Center at 414-273-7121 ext. 213.
We can’t wait to see you and your families on December 21st! If you have questions, please contact Autism Speaks at 312-515-1452.
Contact Us!
Email: harkat@easttroy.k12.wi.us
Website: http://www.easttroy.k12.wi.us/district/specialeducation.cfm
Phone: 262.642.6720 3223
Special thanks to Matt Katzenberger for the use of his photo on the background of this newsletter.