Pupil Services Post
from Kate Ryan, the Director of Pupil Services
Hello Families
On behalf of the Millbury Public Schools, I want to say "Thank you!" Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and understanding as we navigate these uncertain times together. We are in this together, every step of the way!
My office oversees many departments within our school district: Special Education (in-district and out-of-district programs), 504 Plans, English Language Learners, Educational Stability (Homeless Education, Supporting students in Foster Care and those with military connections). Within this newsletter, you will find some resources to support you and your family. Some of these resources may have been shared by your child's classroom teacher, special education teacher, 504 coordinator, ESL teacher, or related service provider. My purpose in sending this to let you know that I am available to assist with any questions or concerns you may have.
The administration continues to heed the guidance provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In speaking with area school districts, we are very proud of our staff as they are ahead of the curve in their shift to a virtual platform. As the district continues its shift of learning to a virtual platform, please know that we are aware that all of you are doing your very best and IT IS APPRECIATED!
Please continue to reach out to your child's teachers, building administrators, or me with any questions.
Thank you very much, and we appreciate everyone's efforts to keep our community healthy.
Be well,
Kate
HOW DO I PUT MY (SUDDENLY) STAY-AT-HOME KID ON A DAILY SCHEDULE?
Do you need assistance quickly? Get the answers you need. It's FREE, confidential, and multilingual.
Dial 2-1-1. Or search online MASS 211.
Youth Services, Elder Care, Fitness, Food, Escape Violence, Housing, Income Assistance, Legal Aid, LGBTQ, Medical Care, and Insurance, Mental Health, Nutrition, Parenting, Safety Equipment, Sexual and Health Testing, Special Health Care Needs, Transportation, Utilities, Work.
HEARING IMPAIRED INFORMATION
Callers can use Mass Relay (7-1-1). 7-1-1 is the single, toll-free, nationwide number that gives everyone access to relay services. People can simply dial 7-1-1 from any phone to reach someone who uses a standard phone or a TTY. An operator will relay verbatim the conversation between the parties.
You can also chat with us online at mass211.org
Call 2-1-1 or 1-877-211-6277
Runaway Assistance (Police Officers) ext 11
Childcare ext 23
Call2Talk (Mental Health Line) ext 25
Child Requiring Assistance ext 24
Disaster ext 20
Non-screen activities you can do at home
Your kids are going to be fine
Social Distancing: What does it mean?
SPECIAL EDUCATION and 504 PLANS
We understand that the recent public health mandated district closures have been extremely challenging for all families and particularly complex for families of students with disabilities. We appreciate your collaboration and support as we navigate this difficult time as a school community.
We are in unprecedented times and doing the best we can under the circumstances to ensure students have equal access to enrichment resources. MPS is providing activities to support engagement and continuity of learned skills. Staff will continue to share resources to support you in working with your child. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this process. The resources sent home to students are for enrichment only and not intended to replicate learning and modifications in a school day. They are not required and will not be counted or graded by the district. We are doing our best to help families keep students engaged in practice of previously learned skills and materials and to make them as accessible as feasible under the circumstances. The combination of modified materials and alternative enrichment resources that special educators have been sharing ensure that all students have equal access to enrichment activities during this difficult time. Special education staff are happy to connect with you on ideas about how to make the activities more accessible for your individual child. Teachers and providers are also available for check-ins and may answer questions about the materials and resources provided, but will not be providing any direct instruction.
At present, the District is not holding IEP meetings during the school closure. We will be reassessing this possibility as we move through the school closure period. Team Chairs and 504 Coordinators will be in touch regarding Annual Review meetings. Please know we will reach out to reschedule your meeting when we have a better sense of our return date.
English Language Learners
Please use Google Translate or Microsoft Translator to help with any attachments sent out by your child's teachers and the district.
Online resources shared by the MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
HEALTH SERVICES
Distinguishing the Difference: COVID-19 vs. Allergies vs. Flu
Please respect and adhere to medical experts' advice to not use facilities like public playground structures, avoid contact with people outside your family and avoid group events during this unprecedented time. For the most up-to-date information regarding the ongoing pandemic, please visit the CDC’s website.
SPECIAL EDUCATION: Related Services
Behavioral Supports
Please do not hesitate to reach out to one or both of our BCBAs:
Mr. Jason Avakian: javakian@millburyschools.org
Ms. Rose Mahoney: rmarmahoney@millburyschools.org
Occupational Therapy
Healthy tips for working from home:
https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/243589
Tips to avoid computer eye strain:
https://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm
Ergonomics: How to set up a work station:
Social/Emotional Supports
Social/Emotional Learning Menu of Home Activities
Mrs. Conlon's COVID-19 Handout for Parents and Students
7 WAYS TO HELP STUDENTS COPE WITH CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ANXIETY
How to Talk to Children about the Coronavirus (click here for link)
Talking to Teen/Tweens about Coronavirus (click here for link)
A Comic created from NPR based on interviews with experts (click here for link)
The NASP released a resource for parents (click here for link)
Massachusetts 2-1-1 (call 24/7 to learn about coronavirus in 150+ languages) (click here for link)
Resilience and Routines for Families During the Pandemic (click here for link)Autism Central Family Resources (click here for link)
CDC- Helping Children Cope with Emergencies (click here for link)
Contact the Director
Kate Ryan, Director
Mary O'Brien, Administrative Assistant to the Director
Email: kryan@millburyschools.org
Website: https://www.millburyschools.org/domain/15
Location: 12 Martin St, Millbury, MA, USA
Phone: 508-865-0875
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MillburyPublicSchools/
Twitter: @MPS_SpecialEd