Special Services Parent Newsletter
January, 2023
Welcome Back!
Dear Families,
Welcome to our January Newsletter!
As we mark Martin Luther King Day, I am sharing a quote that resonates with me and the work we do, "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” As we make our way through the 2022-2023 school year, I want to revisit a team goal which is to continue to ensure that we meet the needs of our students while consistently putting our students' needs at the core of decisions made regarding programming. The Child Study Team keeps the lines of communication open to continue to address any concerns while consistently working to meet the needs of our students.
In this month's edition, I am sharing some preliminary information on Self-Advocacy sessions for this school year, parent resources, and information on upcoming events in the District.
Enjoy your three-day weekend, and we look forward to seeing you back on Tuesday.
Until next month,
Mrs. Rouleau
Self Advocacy Sessions
To support our students' continued growth, we piloted Self Advocacy sessions with our 7th and 8th graders during the 2021 - 2022 school year. Our first year was successful based on informal qualitative feedback gathered from all stakeholders (students, parents, and teachers).
As I shared last year, one of the key goals of our Self-Advocacy Sessions is to support our students in their academic and socio-emotional growth while giving students the tools/skills needed for their continued growth.
It is our goal to expand these sessions to 6th grade in the coming years for several reasons, some of which include the fact that students generally need the most support to ease into the demands and changes in middle school.
Dr. Lopez, our middle school case manager will be the instructor. She will send a schedule of the six-week sessions out to students and we will share schedules with teachers. Sessions will occur during students' OP periods. Dr. Lopez will send permission slips to parents in the week of 1/18/23 and sessions will begin on February 6th, 2023. I will keep you informed of date adjustments.
You can always reach me via email at srouleau@mountainsideschools.org
and via phone at (908)232-882
You can always reach me via email at srouleau@mountainsideschools.org
and via phone at (908)232-8828 Ext 400.
For Your Information
Family Bingo Night Hosted by the PTO
Family Bingo Night:
Family Bingo Night will include Sensory Happy Half Hour this year!
What is the Sensory Happy Half Hour?
The Sensory Happy Half Hour is reserved for families with children who typically require an intentionally designed sensory experience. This event will provide families who need it with a calm and safe environment.
The Sensory Happy Half Hour will run from 5:30 a.m. 5:50 p.m. in the general event space. Students will also have access to a Sensory Space during the main event. This space will offer students an uncrowded space in addition to sensory-friendly activities.
If you have any questions about the Sensory Happy Half Hour for your family please do not hesitate to reach out via the contact information below:
Contact Michelle Blum at mblum@comcast.net or
Lisa Massimo at smzfam5@gmail.com
Per the flyer if you are available to volunteer, please click the following link to volunteer to help: https://tinyurl.com/BingoNight2023
As a reminder, our February Berkeley Heights Consultative Model Workshop will be held next month on Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 9:00 - 9:45 A.M. for parents of all middle school students.
The Berkeley Heights Special Services team will host a parent workshop for Mountainside parents on the Collaborative Consultative Model. This workshop is virtual.
The BH Special Services team will present and explain the Consultative model. Following the presentation, the team will allow time for a question-and-answer session.
I encourage parents of students in grades 6 - 8 to mark their calendars and attend this informative session.
Parent Resources
Trycan shared information on upcoming Winter and Spring sessions which are now open for registration. Please follow the link below to their page for more information on their programs.
TryCAN Multi Sports
In this 8 week introductory course, we will explore different sports. . A new sport including Basketball, Soccer, Hockey, Volleyball and more will be explored each week.
· Ages 5-10 on Mondays from 5:00-5:50 PM
· Ages 11-15 on Mondays from 6:00-6:50 PM
· Ages 16+ on Mondays from 7:00-7:50 PM
TryCAN Tuesday Night Hang Out
Each week we will play a different group game, do various active activities and communicate about what is going on in our lives!
· Ages 16+ on Tuesdays from 5:00-7:00 PM
TryCAN Yoga, Dance and Movement
· Ages 5-10 on Thursdays from 4:00-4:45 PM
· Ages 11+ on Thursdays from 5:00-5:45 PM
TryCAN Wednesday Social Skills
In this class, we specifically target languages skills we use in our daily interactions with others.
· Ages 5-9 on Wednesdays from 4:00-5:00 PM
· Ages 10-12 on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM
TryCAN Art
Join us we complete a new and exciting art project each week.
· Ages 5-11 on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 PM
· Ages 12+ on Tuesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM
TryCAN Cooking
In this 8 week introductory course for children with any sort of special needs or abilities, we will cook new recipes each week that
· Ages 5-9 on Thuesdays from 6:00-7:15 PM
· Ages 10-15 on Mondays from 5:00-6:00 PM
· Ages 16+ on Mondays from 6:00-7:00 PM
TryCAN Game and Learn
In this brand new class we will focus on the development of math and literacy skills.
· Ages 7 and up on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM
TryCAN Reading
Each class will capitalize on strengths, instill self-confidence and foster a Can-Do attitude to help children read more confidently.
· Ages 5-10 on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 PM
Important Dates in January
Important District Dates for January
No School - January 16th Martin Luther King Day
Special Needs Awareness dates in January:
January 20th - International Day of Acceptance
January 24th - Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day
How To Reach Us
Mrs. Somers: asomersguerrasio@mountainsideschools.org
Mrs. D'Antonio: edantonio@mountainsideschools.org
Dr. Lopez: clopez@mountainsideschools.org
You can always reach me via email at srouleau@mountainsideschools.org
and via phone at (908)232-8828 Ext. 400.
How To Reach The Mountainside SEPAG
Please be sure to visit the SEPAG website for news and updates!
Email: mountainsidesepag@gmail.com
Website: https://mountainsidespecialeducationparentadvisorygroup.com/
Website: www.mountainsideschools.org
Phone: 908.232.8828 ext 400