Mustang Messenger
October 2019
A Note from Julie
Three years ago, Jeffco Schools embarked on a journey to examine instruction for students and look at how we prepare ALL students for life after school. One major focus has been on creating engaging and authentic learning opportunities for students. This newsletter highlights a few ways we do that here at Fletcher Miller School. For a more detailed view of Jeffco Generations, please check out this link.
October is National PT Month
The Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy states:
All domains of children’s learning and development interrelate. Motor skills are among the tools that are essential for academic success. Physical Therapists can foster academic performance, school participation, and obesity prevention by influencing school programs, routines, and curricula to address the motor proficiency of students in developmentally appropriate ways. School-based physical therapists collaborate with other specialized instructional support personnel and school community members to build student achievement in all domains that affect academic success and wellness.
October is National Physical Therapy month! At Fletcher Miller School, the PTs are dedicated to providing students the ability to access their educations. The Physical Therapy Department at Fletcher Miller School is lucky enough to have a combined 66 years of experience working for your child. Julie Palmer graduated from University of Pittsburgh and is passionate about seeing kids develop independence and learn to navigate their world. Amy Hughes graduated from Creighton University and loves seeing kids gain confidence and show their personalities as their mobility improves. Liz Richards also graduated from Creighton University and is excited to help students access their learning through seating and positioning. Carol Wittenburg is the newest addition to the Physical Therapy department. She has a background in physical therapy and is now the PT para-educator. She brings many skills to Fletcher Miller, including the ability to “whisper” students when they are upset.
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The PT department is exploring further travel training experiences for families. Please click the below link to offer us feedback: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScWyE8kCGrBZ0Et-dj4ynTNp7WMH1WydknGfvD0MfalvcKj1w/viewform
WHAT'S Happening
10/3 - PTA/SAC Meeting 1:30pm
10/16 - Picture Retake Day
10/25 - No School - Fall Break
10/28 - Teacher Work Day - No Students
10/31 - Halloween Celebration 1:30-3pm
Elementary
Social Studies Activities
The elementary classes have focused on social studies this month. In this unit, students are learning about working together at school. Classroom rules were established, as well as learning about voting as a means of selecting leaders. Students nominated themselves for an elementary student council. Elections will be held on 9/26.
As part of the social studies unit, elementary classes have chosen to help our larger community by hosting a drive. Megan and Lynette's classes are collecting toiletries for Urban Peak Homeless Shelter for Youth. Mary Rose's class is collecting pet supplies for Table Mountain Pet Shelter and Lynette's class is collecting toys for Operation Christmas Child. Any donation is greatly appreciated!
Boy Scout and Girl Scout activities have begun at Fletcher Miller. The scouts meet during school hours, twice a month, led by Scout leaders. It is a fun, social time for everyone to get together. All students from first to twelfth grade are invited to attend.
Secondary
Soccer Day
Student Council
REMINDERS
OCTOBER COUNT
Mark your calendar! October 2nd is October Count Day! Attending school that day is the most important action you can take to support school funding. Much of public education funding from the State of Colorado is based on student count taken on this one official count day. So we will see you on the 2nd!
Community Resources from JEFFCO Schools
TechforEd Digital Citizenship Resources for October
Each month, schools are asked to provide digital citizenship learning for our students. This month’s topic is Cyberbullying, Digital Drama & Hate Speech. Visit Ed Tech’s Digital Citizenship webpage for October’s 5th and 9th grade resources.
...AND for family engagement on digital citizenship, here is a communication on October's topic you may wish to share with your families: English - Spanish
Safe2Tell Materials Being Delivered
Vaping Challenge and Resources - American Heart Association
JEFFCO GENERATIONS
RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Save the Date! Autism Resource Fair
Where: Sunday, September 29 from 1 - 4 PM
Where: Temple Grandin School, 3131 Indian Rd, Boulder, CO 80301
This FREE Resource Fair is for PARENTS of children with autism and ADULTS on the spectrum. Come and learn about services and support for individuals with autism, sensory processing disorder, ADHD and related challenges.
This is an outdoor event. There will be 50+ exhibitors including: ABA, occupational and speech therapy, school advocacy, respite support, recreational programs, camps, educational therapy and employment resources.
For more information please click here. You can also call ( 303) 554-7363 or e-mail events@templegrandinschool.org.
Parent Support Group Meets October 19
Are you a parent or caregiver of a child with a disability? You’re invited to be a part of a Parent Support Group! The group will meet Saturday, October 19, from 10 AM to 12 PM at The Arc’s offices*, located at 13949 West Colfax Ave., Building 1, Suite 150, in Lakewood (across the street from Best Buy). This is a “for parents, by parents” group. All parents and caregivers of children with special needs are welcome, no matter the diagnosis. This will be a safe, welcoming place to talk with other parents, vent, cry, laugh, celebrate "little" milestones, etc. Please email Carrie at specialkids.parentgroup@gmail.com if you’d like to attend! *This support group is not affiliated with The Arc. At this time, childcare will not be provided.