BURLESON ISD SPECIAL SERVICES
February 2023 Parent Liaison Newsletter
Make February a Fantastic Month! - Now Say That Five Times Really Fast 😂
The Ice Storm was a very interesting way to close out January, 2023.
Nonetheless, I hope everyone fared okay and remained safe during the unexpected mini-break and enjoyed the semi-down time for those of you who were snowed and iced in and unable to leave your homes. I realize that for many families, access to certain items were limited and with the increasing cost of food and other essentials, your pockets might be feeling strained.
With that being said, please remember, if you are a Special Services family in need of certain light toiletries such as shampoo, deodorant, soap, face wash, etc... do not hesitate to reach out to me. Also, please don't be embarrassed because occasionally, we all need support and/or assistance in some way or another. More importantly, it will be a discreet process and I can provide the items to campus staff who could put the items in your child's bag or I can do a home visit and drop the items off at a time that is convenient for you.
Although we wish we could do so much more and supply the entire district of students with these various items, we simply cannot. Therefore, keep in mind your needs and those of other families in Burleson and only request what is reasonable enough to meet your family's needs. Lastly, since the toiletry items are in limited supply; they are provided on a first come basis. If you are in need or aware of another family in need, please send me an Email or give me a call at my direct extension 817-245-1232. Thank you for your help!
African American History Month
Each year, during February, across Texas and the US, many people acknowledge and celebrate the history and cultural contributions of African Americans in the United States. Students learn about the achievements, perspectives, struggles, and experiences of African Americans throughout more than 400 years of American history. The following websites provide a variety of lessons, activities, and instructional materials that can be used to honor African American History Month.
Texas State History Museum - The African American Story
From the Bob Bullock Museum, this website provides a historical overview of the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in Texas.
Prairie View A & M University - Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture
The Texas Institute for the Preservation of History and Culture (TIPHC) at Prairie View A&M University was established in 1999 by the Texas Legislature. TIPHC gives special emphasis to collecting, preserving, and studying information and items relating to the contributions of African Americans to Texas history and culture.
Texas Historical Commission - African American Heritage
This Texas Historical Commission website provides a historical overview of African Americans in Texas along with both print and digital resources.
Texas State Historical Association - African Americans
This resource provides an overview of the history of African Americans in Texas, with links to external resources embedded within the text.
Texas State Library and Archives Commission - Texas Remembers Juneteenth
This website provides an overview of the history of Juneteenth, along with archives of documents, images, and manuscripts.
National Museum of African American History and Culture
The newest museum of the Smithsonian Institute is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African American life, history, and culture. It was established by Act of Congress in 2003, following decades of efforts to promote and highlight the contributions of African Americans.
African American History Month
The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve full citizenship in American society.
National Archives - African American History
The National Archives has compiled video resources, blogs, documents, and online exhibits including both primary and secondary sources documenting the African American experience.
National Endowment for the Humanities - African American History and Culture
The National Endowment for the Humanities website provides a collection of lessons and resources for K-12 social studies, literature, and arts classrooms that center around the achievements, perspectives, and experiences of African Americans across U.S. history.
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum - Black History Month
This website details the involvement of African American troops in World War II as both liberators of concentration camps and prisoners of war.
For additional resources, please visit: Texas Education Agency
Celebrating Black Leaders
Questions to Ask Your Child
- What makes someone a hero? Who are some Black heroes that you have learned about?
- When looking at art created by Black illustrators, designers, and painters, ask your child: What stands out to you first and why? What Black history story does this art tell you about or remind you of? Do the people look happy, sad, anxious? Why?
- Who are the Black heroes who have broken barriers in history and today?
- What is a role model? What Black role models helped to make the world a better place? How can you be a role model at school or in your neighborhood?
- How have Black people helped our country (or your community)?
Let’s make Mental Health First Aid as common as CPR.
Identify. Understand. Respond.
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.
The Self-Reg Show Biweekly Podcast Series
Do you want to learn more about self-regulation? Want to dive deeper into the science and stories behind Dr. Shanker’s process for recognizing and responding to stress? Short on time?
If this sounds like you, then consider tuning in to The Self-Reg Show! You can listen while you drive to work or drive the kids to school, do the dishes or during your workout.
Several topics will be discussed including parenting, child behavior, stress, teaching and learning, brain-body science, the power of relationships, the history of self-regulation and its current understandings, and so many more topics will be carefully examined through a Self-Reg lens in the lighthearted and easy-listening podcast.
Listen Here: Self-Reg Pods
HUMANITY LIVES HERE.
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum in Dallas, TX
This museum was founded in 1984 by Dallas-area Holocaust survivors and features Holocaust survivors’ testimonies, floor maps of Europe during World War II, a restored Nazi-era boxcar, a collection of suitcases with personal items from victims, and more.
For additional activities to do at home with your children and teens, click here: Family Resources
How to Teach Your Children About the Holocaust
How to Teach Your Children About the Holocaust
"We need to help them to understand the role of the bystander and what it means to speak out and use your voice. And ultimately the power of hope"
— JANE FOSSNER PASHMAN, THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF UJA-FEDERATION'S WITNESS PROJECT
Ask the Expert: When Smart Children, Teens and Young Adults on the Autism Spectrum have ADHD
Did you know that more than half of children and adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder also have ADHD?
Register for the FREE Webinar to Learn more: CHADD
BISD Educators, Parents, and Guardians Collaborating as a TEAM!🤜🤛
It Truly Takes a Team "Village" to Raise Children". Let's Remember as Educators and Parents - WE ARE A TEAM!! Let's continue to WORK TOGETHER as we Parent, Train, Educate, Motivate, Encourage, Support, Guide, Strengthen, Fortify, Praise, Commend, Applaud, and "Breathe Life and Bear Witness" to both the Challenges, and more importantly, the Progress and Successes now, those to come in the near future, and later in life for all of our BISD Students!
This educator is definitely "working together" with her Parent Support Team.
Burleson ISD Film Festival Contest
We’re excited to announce the BURLESON ISD FILM FESTIVAL, a filmmaking contest that showcases students’ creativity and production talents. Everyone has a story to tell, and filmmaking can provide an outlet and a fun way to share ideas and creativity. Students with access to an iPhone, Android, iPad, Windows tablet, or high-quality equipment have the tools to plan, shoot, and edit short films!
Getting Started - Visit the BURLESON ISD FILM FESTIVAL WEBSITE for more information:
Film theme, required elements, and category details
Filmmaking resources for students
BISD Film Festival contest rules
BISD Film Festival Submission Form
Important Dates for BISD Film Festival
March 21, 2023: Deadline for Burleson ISD Film Festival entries
March 24-30, 2023: Viewer’s choice voting
March 31, 2023: Film Festival Finalists announced
April 13, 2023: Screening of finalists and winners announced at the BISD Film Festival Awards Ceremony
Everyone has a story to tell, and we can’t wait to see yours! If you have questions, please email filmfestival@bisdmail.net.
Technology Device Rules in the Home?
FREE Webinar - Technology Device Rules in the Home
Do you set technology device boundaries in your home? Do you provide guidance to your children regarding the use of technology including the benefits and pitfalls? Technology devices have a large presence in our daily lives, surrounding us in our homes, schools, and workplaces. They assist us in many ways but can be equally disruptive or dangerous if not marshalled correctly. Dana Miller shares three critical things to consider when teaching or setting your own technology device limits for children and adolescents.
There is an undeniable link between how much time one spends on social media and the effect it has on an individual’s mental health. This presentation explains the link by defining mental health, showing that there are both positive and negative outcomes of social media, and providing law and policy. Students will hear peer testimonials as well as learn how to lead a balanced life by taking simple steps to improve social media habits.
3 Questions for Parents to Ask Their Kids About Their Tech Use
3 Questions for Parents to Ask Their Kids About Their Tech Use
It’s 10 pm, do you know where your children are? Do you know what your child’s online and off-line activities are? Dana Miller shares three critical questions for parents to ask their kids about their tech use.
Events in February 2023
Road Show presented by ESC Region 11 and Parent Resource Network (PRN)
Hi Parents and Guardians,
We are ecstatic to bring the "Road Show" to our Burleson ISD Families!!
Please join Burleson ISD, Region 11 and the Partners Resource Network (PRN) in February and following months for workshops and information sessions pertaining to various topics such as:
Parent Workshop Topics
• ARDs & IEPs
• Educational rights
• Positive behavior supports
• Transition planning
• ECI & IFSPs
• Parent/professional partnerships
• Assertiveness & communication, and more....
Youth Workshop Topics
• Differences or Disabilities
• Self-Advocacy and Education
• What is an IEP?
• Employment 101
Information and Referral
• Disability and behavior needs
• Educational rights
• Special education services
• Local, state & national resource referral
• Parent support group referral, and more....
We look forward to families coming and supporting you. It truly takes a village (home, school, and community collaboration) to raise a child.
Wednesday, Feb 22, 2023, 06:00 PM
Ann Brock Elementary School, 12000 Oak Grove Road South, Burleson, TX, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
How to Turn Anxiety into Positive Action by Scarlett Lewis
Workshop: How to Turn Anxiety into Positive Action
Join Scarlett Lewis for a parent and educator workshop on Monday, February 27, 2023 from 7-8PM EST.
Scarlett will be discussing inspiring ways to turn our children's and student's anxiety into positive action by using the Choose Love Formula every day in your classroom, home and community.
Registration Link: Anxiety into Positive Action
Texas Youth Preparedness Camp - Watch Application Process Below or See Attached Flyer
In case you missed it... View some pictures from the STEP Expo on January 28th
Questions about Social Security, Guardianship, and Medicaid? View Webinars Presented by The Consolidated Group
The Consolidated Planning Group invites you to learn with them as they partner with amazing people who support special needs families and their concerns for the future.
DATE/TIME: Wed., February 15, 2023, at 12:00 noon
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Government Benefits 101 – Addressing the Ongoing Care and Planning Concerns for an Individual with Special Needs
Do you need help understanding and navigating the Social Security Administration? Come hear from Allison Schaberg, a Special Needs Financial Planner and National Social Security Advisor, as she helps you think through the complexities of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
PARTNER: Partners Resource Network - PEN
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 814 1540 1854
REGISTER HERE: https://tinyurl.com/PEN-February
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DATE/TIME: Fri., Feb. 17, 2023, at 12:00 noon
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Making Your Dream Vacation Come True!
Everyone, regardless of their disability, is entitled to a safe, enjoyable, frustration-free vacation. Please join Senior Travel Advisor and SNG® Certified Accessible Travel Advocate Denise Williams, Williams Global Travel – Dream Vacations, as she shares insider insights, travel tips, supplier and destination recommendations for families traveling with special needs. Your dream vacation awaits!
SPEAKER: Denise Williams
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 848 2126 7299
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_CipK1G2zQmezT36frVf8zA
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DATE/TIME: Sat., February 18, at 11:00 am
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Educational Options After High School for Special Needs Families
Looking for an educational experience after high school for your teen who learns differently? You will not want to miss this webinar with Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner from Consolidated Planning Group. Allison will offer ideas, options, and suggestions about how to choose the best option for your student with special needs when transitioning out of high school.
PARTNER: Down Syndrome Assoc. of Houston
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 874 3317 8228
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jBIJEbHWSFOJArz4IwIhxA
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DATE/TIME: Tues., Feb. 21, 2023, at 12:00 noon
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Educational Options After High School for Special Needs Families
Looking for an educational experience after high school for your teen who learns differently? You will not want to miss this webinar with Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner from Consolidated Planning Group. Allison will offer ideas, options, and suggestions about how to choose the best option for your student with special needs when transitioning out of high school.
PARTNER: Partners Resource Network
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 847 9475 5879
REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__L_vhzUuRXOwPMYR6t4Bcg
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DATE/TIME: Wed., Feb. 22, 2023, at 12:00 noon
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Starting and Navigating the IEP Process: How do we move forward to support our kids in school?
What do we do when things are not running on automatic and our children are experiencing struggles at school? Join this webinar to learn from Christina Cabral from Let's IEP Together. Christina says, "I often hear from parents that they had no idea these resources existed or how to effectively access them when their child needs special education. My goal is to help equip families with the knowledge to support their child, and ensure that every child has a voice at the IEP table."
This webinar is hosted by Chatterbox Therapy Center in Dallas, TX.
PARTNER: Chatter Box Therapy
SPEAKER: Christina Cabral
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 833 9242 4602
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xOBfChmgTT6eCZWPKiFTOw
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DATE/TIME: Mon., Feb. 27, 2023, at 12:00 noon
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Special Needs Planning - Key Steps to Achieving Financial Success
As a parent of a child with special needs, you know there are many decisions to be made as it relates to the future of your family member with special needs. Considerations such as transitioning, future care options, and preservation of benefit eligibility are a few items that require intentional evaluation. These are especially important if you have a child who may need care for the rest of their life.
Join this webinar as Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner, explains how to successfully plan for your financial future.
PARTNER: Next Step Transition Center, LLC
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 899 7762 3627
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wRjyfbFXQ2iKo3AwBApwcg
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DATE/TIME: Tues., Feb. 28, 2023, at 12:00 noon
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Educational Options After High School for Special Needs Families
Looking for an educational experience after high school for your teen who learns differently? You will not want to miss this webinar with Allison Schaberg, Special Needs Financial Planner from Consolidated Planning Group. Allison will offer ideas, options, and suggestions about how to choose the best option for your student with special needs when transitioning out of high school.
PARTNER: Student HireAbility Navigator - Workforce Solutions of Central Texas
ZOOM WEBINAR ID: 831 2341 9001
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_C4tAYJ_gT8uK8IRzq9Lxqg
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DATE/TIME: Tues., Feb. 28, 2023, at 6:30 pm Central
TITLE/DESCRIPTION: Understanding and Supporting Executive Function Skills in Students
As parents, we want our children to achieve and do their best. Helping our children develop executive function skills impacts their success in school and in life.
Join us as Linda Schurman shares what these executive function skills are, what sometimes gets in the way of the development of these skills, and strategies we as parents can use to help support the development of these skills in our children
This event is hosted by Fort Bend ADDA Parent Support Group.
SPEAKER: Linda Schurman - Schurman’s Skills for Success
ZOOM MEETING ID: 823 9906 1351
REGISTER HERE: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dYZTfFSjR_y9EgBEd56ebw
Tuition Assistance at Post-secondary Schools for Qualified Persons with Hearing Loss
Certificate of Deafness for Tuition Waiver Program
https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/tuition-waiver
Research Study with The University of Texas at Austin - Seeking Parents of Children Receiving Special Education Services Are Needed!
The University of Texas at Austin is looking for parents of children who received special education services and attend a Texas public school to describe their experiences as they navigate through the special education system.
● You will be asked to participate in two individual interviews, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour each, and a one 1 hour focus group.
● The goal of this study is to inform educators and administrators of what a parent experiences in the special education process and empower parents to advocate for their children.
● You must be a parent of a child with autism, emotional or learning disability, or specific learning disability as classified under IDEA.
● Parents can participate in this study online via zoom. If you are interested in participating, please contact: Dr. David DeMatthews (Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy at the University of Texas at Austin) ddematthews@austin.utexas.edu OR (915) 747-7591.
Calling All 5th Grade Students! 40th Annual National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest
The National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest is a nationwide contest for 5th grade students and is designed to promote awareness among teachers, parents/guardians and children and engage them in discussions about safety. Learn more about the National Missing Children's Day Awards
at their website. Poster contest award winners will be honored at the National Missing Children's Day Ceremony on May 24, 2023 in Washington, D.C.
National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest - English
National Missing Children's Day Poster Contest - Spanish
Read the information packet for more details on the poster contest.
Down Home Ranch Camp - Nature-based Camps for Individuals with Disabilities
- Down Home Ranch Camp has added weekend camps for 2023!
- They are officially ACA accredited!
- The same week long experience they offer in the summer is coming for one week only in the FALL 2023!
Down Home Ranch Camp is a place for individuals with disabilities to participate in fun activities such as campfires, sing camp songs, do outdoor cooking, have fun with pumpkins and do more nature-based programming! Look out for the application for Fall 2023 camp, which will launch on April 1, 2023.
Down Home Ranch recently started their weekend camps. These camps will run from 5pm Friday to 10am Sunday, with sessions already scheduled throughout spring, fall and winter of this year. These are for adults, 18+ and have room for 10 Campers each weekend. They excited to be able to offer options on a sliding scale basis to provide all Campers access to the fun and families access to respite.
Ranch Camp is now eligible to accept payment from Texas Medicaid Waiver respite programs. If your Camper has HCS, Texas Home Living, CLASS or DBMD funding, chances are that your Ranch camp experiences could possibly be paid for! Check with your service coordinator or case manager to make sure that respite is on your annual plan.
Learn more about the costs and their application process here: https://www.downhomeranch.org/ranch-camp/#weekendcamp
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Say What! Students, Adults, and Youth Working Hard Against Tobacco
The Texas School Safety Center hosts several regional Say What! Action Summits during the spring of each year. Summits utilize service learning to train 6th – 12th grade students in effective tobacco prevention activities aimed at reducing the harmful effects of tobacco, nicotine, and e-cigarette use in Texas.
Say What! Teen Ambassadors collaborate with Say What! staff to provide tobacco prevention education, teen leadership skill development, team building activities, and networking opportunities. Each Summit also includes a local community action event which each participant receives community services hours for.
Upcoming Locations with Dates in 2023:
Lufkin, TX
Saturday, March 4th
Pitser Garrison Convention Center
Register by: February 20th
San Marcos, TX
Saturday, April 1st
San Marcos Activity Center
Register by: March 20th
Kemah, TX
Saturday, April 22nd
Kemah Boardwalk
Register by: April 10th
Funding for the Say What! Action Summits comes from the Texas Department of State Health Services and allows TxSSC to offer this elite training and training materials completely FREE. Link to register is linked to the logo picture above.
Middle and High School students learn how to recognize signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety while destigmatizing mental illness. For all ages, through a four-part action plan, students are taught to notice those around them, invite change, and challenge themselves and others to be kind and be empowered to take action. Follow up lessons are provided.
This presentation covers the different types of bullying, the Internet’s effects, David’s Law, and reporting tools. Students will learn how to utilize campus resources and understand the importance of being an upstander versus a bystander.
Keep Your Kids SAFE! Teach them to be Aware!
Educates students on understanding the importance of situational awareness and how to utilize it in everyday life to stay as safe as possible. Explains how criminals use opportunity to victimize their target, covers safety tips for common teenage situations, and provides resources for teens to reinforce lessons at home.
Make Sure Your Children and Teens Informed and Aware!
Human Trafficking Awareness for Students (6-12th grade)
Defines Human Trafficking and provides statistics and information on traffickers. Illuminates where trafficking happens, who engages in it, strategies used by predators and traffickers to lure students, who is most affected by trafficking, and most importantly prevention and how to properly report and end Human Trafficking.
A Special Thanks to our Special Services Families who have provided donations!❤️
WE ARE GRACIOUSLY ACCEPTING DONATIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICES STUDENTS AND FAMILIES IN NEED
If you are a family that has small toiletry items such as soap, shampoo, lotion, feminine items, and the like laying around your home from hotels, events, or special showcases that you are not in need of and would like to donate to a family in need, then please contact me asap.
Additionally, if you have children and teen clothing or shoes that you no longer have use for, please consider donating those items to our Special Services Clothing Closet. I can make arrangements to meet with you at a nearby campus in Burleson or during a home visit. The donations will be provided to our Special Services students and families that are in desperate need of toiletries, care packages, and clothing. Donors can remain anonymous and ALL donations will be greatly appreciated!
Are you a family in need of clothing, toiletries or other items? If so, please do not hesitate to reach out. Although we may not have everything you may need or are looking for, your Special Services Team is more than willing to provide moral support and help to connect you to additional agencies for more resources!
Please make contact with me by email: tiffanie.whitfield@bisdmail.net or by phone: 817-245-1232, if you are in need.
** A SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO BISD SPECIAL SERVICES STAFF WHO HAVE ALREADY DONATED ITEMS - YOUR GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS IS MUCH APPRECIATED**
Notice of Procedural Safeguards
The Notice of Procedural Safeguards explains the rights and responsibilities of parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). For your convenience and easy access, the forms are available in English and Spanish just below. All you have to do is download either form of your preference (If another language is needed, please reach out for assistance).
Parent's Guide to the ARD Process
Teacher and Staff Shoutouts!!!
Is there a BISD teacher or staff member who is making a positive impact in your child’s life that you would like to publicly recognize and thank?
Well then… Send them a Shout Out!
Click the Shout Out link and we will send the message directly to the individual and we will also post it on our newsletter the following month.
Thank you for helping us support all those who contribute to our awesome BISD learning community!
Topics of Intrerest
Parents and Families,
The Special Services Parent Liaison Newsletter is a resource that is provided primarily for BISD Special Services families who are in need of school and community resources and supports. As such, I request that you please email me or call me directly, if there is a specific subject you would like more information on. I can coordinate with community agencies and other local providers, and make arrangements for them to present to our BISD families based on subject matters that meet your needs as a parent or family. Again, I am here to help support each one of you and connect you to viable resources and supports. Please do not be hesitant to reach out to me!
Meet YOUR Parent Liaison!
Email: tiffanie.whitfield@bisdmail.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/bisdmail.net/bisdparentliaison/home?authuser=0
Location: 517 Southwest Johnson Avenue, Burleson, TX, USA
Phone: 817-245-1232