Special Education Parent Newsletter

Fall is here and we have made it through the first 9 weeks of the school year. I have had the incredible opportunity to be on campuses to see the amazing things that our students and staff members are doing. We hope that you are seeing the same things at home. As we approach the second 9 weeks, remember that fatigue can set in with our students and staff. Please keep encouraging them. They need your support. Additionally, the excitement of the upcoming holidays and changes in routine can create stress or anxiety for some of our students. Please remember to assure your students that they can do it! Provide as much consistency, routine, and support at home, helping to reduce any stress or anxiety that may come with excitement and changes in routine. Keep the lines of communication open between you and your child's teacher(s) so that we can all work together to support your child.

Together,

Nadine Hogan

Director of Special Services

We are so excited about this opportunity to share information from our parent group, district events, important information, and more! The newsletter will be published on the following dates:

• Volume 3: January 23, 2023

• Volume 4: March 23, 2023

Our SE-PLC now has its own place on our DSISD Website. You can click below to access that page or you can access it from the main website by selecting:

• Departments from the top bar on the District website

• Special Services from the drop-down

• Special Education tab on the left

• Special Education Parent Leadership Committee under the Special Education section

The Special Education Parent Leadership Committee (SE PLC) will meet from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. at Central Office (510 W. Mercer Street) on the dates shown below:

• November 1, 2022
• December 6, 2022
• January 10, 2023
• February 7, 2023
• March 7, 2023
• April 4, 2023
• May 2, 2023

Millions of families can now get free, high-speed internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program by signing up at GetInternet.gov.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households up to $30/month off internet bills (or $75/month on Tribal lands), as well as a one-time $100 discount off a laptop, tablet, or computer. Nearly 40% of U.S. households qualify for ACP, but millions of families have yet to claim their benefit. Households are eligible if they make up to 200% of the federal poverty level ($55,500 for a family of four), and are also eligible, regardless of income, if they participate in certain federal programs. Households qualify for ACP – without regard to income – if any member of the household:

1. participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program, including a child who attends one of the over 33,000 Community Eligibility Provision schools; or

2. is receiving a Pell Grant this school year.

Families also qualify if someone in the household participates in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, WIC, Supplemental Security Income, and other programs.

Through more than 30 projects, PACER provides individual assistance, workshops, publications, and other resources to help families make decisions about education and other services for their child or young adult with disabilities.

PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center® provides resources designed to benefit all students, including those with disabilities.

PACER is for:

• Families and their children or young adults with disabilities or special health care needs from birth through adulthood.
• Educators and other professionals who work with students with or without disabilities.
• Parents of all children and schools working together to encourage family involvement in education .

Kinetic Kids

• Created and run by two Physical Therapists

• San Antonio

• 4 seasons - 6-8 week programs - practice 1x per week - program finale

• 2 staff at every program (PT/OT/Rec Therapist & Sport Specific Coach)

• Scholarships available ($60 per program)

• 1:1 volunteer ratio

• Rec programs vs. more competitive (athletes try out)

• EXPO Resource Fair - Try before you Buy

• 1 Day Camps

• Just received national grant with Hudl & Gatorade

This is a guide for Texas parents and caregivers of children with diagnosed or suspected disabilities from birth through 5 years of age.

Use findhelp.org to search and connect to support. You can find resources for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help. Click below to get started!

Explore some of the many Special Education acronyms ! This list was created just for parents!

Check out the second installment of our new Parent Video Series. These are informational videos intended to help you learn about common topics families and guardians may encounter. Part 2 is called My Child Has an IEP...Now What? This is specifically for parents who have gone through the evaluation process, have had an initial ARD, and are now looking at an IEP for the first time. The first video looks at PLAAFPs and Goals, and the second video looks at understanding accommodations and modifications in an IEP.

We would love to hear from you! If you have a suggestion for a future newsletter, please click the button below to submit your suggestion.