Clarkston PAC
(Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)
APRIL NEWSLETTER
Happy Spring Clarkston Families and Staff!
We are eager to catch up with all of you after missing the March newsletter. We have workshops and resources to see you through to the end of the school year.
Each section has new additions as well as the standard "go-to" buttons that are helpful to have at your fingertips every month.
Quick link to Resources Page on CCS Website:
https://www.clarkston.k12.mi.us/departments/student-support-services
Quick link to the public Google Drive from Oakland Schools, Students with Disabilities:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bYDH58wAasv6r1hljHtJ8BCuOdjWD5k3?usp=gmail
If you need further support or guidance beyond what is offered in this newsletter and links, please contact us anytime at mailto:clarkstonpac@gmail.com
Find the WINDMILL AND TULIPS - then you have read everything!
Click button above to register for the non-competitive Miracle League of North Oakland.
Public Comment for State Complaint Procedures
04/01/2021
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) is accepting comments on the Draft Special Education State Complaint Procedures. Comments about the proposed procedures can be submitted through the online survey, by email, or by mail no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2021. For more information about the proposed procedures, the opportunity for public comment, and for instructions on how to submit comments, please visit the MDE Office of Special Education website.
VIRTUAL LEARNING & TECH SUPPORT RESOURCES
Tech Toolbox Ideas from Oakland Schools
Peer 2 Peer Resources:
More tech tools and resources from Oakland Schools can be found in the all-access public Google Drive for Students with Disabilities: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bYDH58wAasv6r1hljHtJ8BCuOdjWD5k3?usp=gmail
CLICK THE BUTTON ABOVE to access the materials from the Assistive Technology Training for Parents presentation from October 29th.
Great resources for each area of need. These resources may include: Google Extensions, Google Apps, Apple iPad/Android Apps, or websites.
"This collection of resources in intended to support families with maintaining structure, engagement and support during this time of remote learning."
For Understood's most recent expert chat - Kara Ball, NBCT discussed how to improve distance learning for students with disabilities. Kara offers a valuable perspective as a student—and now educator—with learning disabilities.
This is a resource from our Clarkston Community Schools secondary level social workers.
ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Virtual Workshops from MI Alliance for Families
April 2021
April 12 Building Parent Leadership in Early Childhood Series, 7-8pm. Four Mondays: 4/12, 4/26, 5/20, 5/24. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2pof8dcs
April 13 Log On and Log In to Virtual Meetings with Special Education Mediation Services, 11am-12pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yy9ohgdo
April 15 IEP Course, 7-8:30pm. Four Thursdays: 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6. Event full, registration closed.
April 20 IEP: A Closer Look with Clare Brick, 6-7:30pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/2w789bwf
May 2021
May 5 Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy with Clare Brick, 10-11:30am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/y4rmdsaw
May 18 IEP: A Closer Look with Clare Brick, 10-11:30am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/d9jmd563
June 2021
June 15 IEP: A Closer Look with Clare Brick, 6-7:30pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/rzsnf2ya
July 2021
July 20 IEP: A Closer Look with Clare Brick, 10-11:30am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yb7m3326
August 2021
August 17 IEP: A Closer Look with Clare Brick, 6-7:30pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3ja4zrys
September 2021
September 21 IEP: A Closer Look with Clare Brick, 10-11:30am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/4ytzy6fa
Sign up for our e-newsletter to receive event updates. Remember, we do have a large selection of free recorded presentations available for viewing at home www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/webinar
OAKLAND COUNTY MICHIGAN WORKS! PARTNERS WITH OAKLAND SCHOOLS TO HOST VIRTUAL APPRENTICESHIP SHOWCASE. (CLICK BUTTON ABOVE TO REGISTER)
This FREE and highly interactive workshop is designed to impart skills that help the IEP team be effective. The cost is FREE for this workshop.
GREAT LAKES SPECIAL NEEDS PLANNING SYMPOSIUM - JUNE 18TH, 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
The Great Lakes Special Needs Planning Symposium is a one-day immersion course dedicated to building a foundation of knowledge to special needs planners and families. This course is for those who want to learn more about this area of practice as well as experienced planners. Lead by national experts in special needs planning, you will have an opportunity to learn, chat, and mingle with them and top resources to help you in your practice as you are Moving to Mastery™ in this complex and rewarding field.
{PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A WORKSHOP WITH A COST.}
CLICK Button above for comprehensive webpage with flyers and registration links to all upcoming events. All workshop webinars are recorded and available for later review on the MAF YouTube channel.
GENERAL HELPFUL LINKS AND RESOURCES
"Project Connect is a telehealth line that is free and available anytime for people with disabilities, their families, caregivers and other members of their support teams across the nation."
This is a public Google drive managed by Oakland Schools ISD. Click the button above to view folders on the following topics: government memos, transition, speech & language, school social work, school psychology, community programs, and MORE!
Information Line: 1-888-320-8384 or e-mail: mde-ose@michigan.gov
"It is with pleasure to share the updated Oakland Schools ISD Plan for the Delivery of Special Education Programs and Services (OS ISD Plan). Modifications to the OS ISD Plan have been approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE)."
"Disability Rights MI (DRM) is the federally mandated protection and advocacy system for Michigan."
"Figuring out what’s going on can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. Introducing a simple step-by-step tool to help you figure out if the struggles you’re seeing might be signs of a learning and thinking difference."
CLICK BUTTON ABOVE to access the list. Scroll to the bottom of the Student Support Services webpage, click on "Useful Links" under Parent Resources.
COVID RESOURCES
Recovery services are supplemental to the offer of FAPE and are in response to foregone learning that may have occurred as a result of closure during the pandemic and the potential additional impact of the loss for a student with an IEP. 7-7-2020
When determining whether recovery services are required, the IEP team must consider the actual impact of the extended school closure on the student’s ability to retain skills and make progress toward their IEP goals and in the general curriculum.6/20
Topics include: COVID-19 General, Health, Mental Health, Food Assistance, Household & Utilities, Legal Resources, Safety, LGBTQ+, and many more!
Return to School Roadmap provides guidance to districts creating local plans for in-person and remote learning in the fall. The Roadmap safety protocols are divided into required, highly recommended, and recommended for each of the areas. 6-30-2020
Who Qualifies: All adults age 18 and over Children 4- to 17-years-old. Child must have symptoms of coronavirus and be a resident of or attend school in Oakland County. Appointment required. Call 1-800-848-5533
"Our nationally recognized panel held candid conversations about parenting, child behavior, mental health and relationships during the ever-changing environment of the global pandemic." CLICK BUTTON ABOVE
" We’ll be providing updates on issues that impact learning, special education, talking with kids, and working from home. So keep checking back." MANY LINKS AND INFORMATION FEATURING MULTIPLE TOPICS ON THIS WEBPAGE.
WEBINARS AND PODCASTS
"Educationally Speaking is an Oakland Schools Intermediate School District broadcast which focuses on important topics related to education in Oakland County, MI."
Click the button above to access: "Planning a More Secure Future" and "MI ABLE: Save Without Losing Benefits". Webinars are ideal for those planning a future for a student who may be a disabled adult and/or attending the post-high program.
"We have an archive of recorded webinars available for when you need access to learn, understand, and manage topics related to special education. Our webinars (like all of our learning opportunities) are free for parents, caregivers, and educators."
"Shaping the world for difference.™ We’re dedicated to shaping a world where millions of people who learn and think differently can thrive at home, at school, and at work."
"In It: A Podcast on Raising Kids Who Learn and Think Differently"
UNITED STATES OFFICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES
CLARKSTON PAC IS ON FACEBOOK
Clarkston PAC
Oakland Special Education Parent Resource Network Group in Facebook
Action Calendar: Active April 2021
"Keeping active is a great way to boost our mental wellbeing. So this month we're encouraging everyone to get moving and get outdoors as much as possible. Whatever your circumstances or physical limitations, you can find your own ways to be a bit more active. We don't need to run marathons - there are simple things we can all do to take care of our bodies, like unplugging from technology, reconnecting with nature and getting more sleep!"
For more keys to happier living, head over to the http://www.actionforhappiness.org/ website. Look below the calendar to download their PDF guide "Ten Keys to Happier Living".
Michigan's own Micah Fialka-Feldman is one of the young adults featured in the documentary "Intelligent Lives". Now available for free streaming with English or Spanish captions on WORLD Channel https://worldchannel.org/episode/arf-intelligent-lives/
Clarkston PAC Representative
