RUSD CAC Newsletter
Community Advisory Committee December / January 2020
National Special Education Day December 2
International Day of Persons with Disabilities is December 3
from idpwd.org website
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF ACCEPTANCE -January 20th
Acceptance is an Empowered movement that educates others to embrace diversity and love life by seeing beyond abilities. Let's tell the world you embrace who you are; a person with social rights, who has an opinion, who has interests, who has goals and who loves life; a person who is empowered to make a difference in the world and not be without a voice in society. You are not living disabled, you are living. Start the conversation of acceptance TODAY! Help promote January 20th.
from 3elove.com website
Message from Special Education CAC Chair and Co-Chair
Dear Families,
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. It has been a long and very challenging year and we are ready to welcome a new year. In order to provide more support, the CAC has requested to start a virtual support group network not affiliated with CAC for all RUSD Special Education parents. We have scheduled a Virtual Santa Day in December and a Coffee Chat in January. Dr. Tincup was very supportive of all of our ideas and he was happy to see all the positive changes we were making . He informed us in late October that he has taken a job with another school district closer to his home. We wish him well. He has left us in good hands with Interim SELPA Director Doreen Lohnes as the district seeks to fill the position. We have our calendar of meetings set and soon we will be reviewing the District Local Plan for Special Education and the Budget. We will share that information with you as soon as possible.
We are also seeking nominations of RUSD staff that have a real heart for our children and who have shown they go a step beyond in providing care and support to our children. We will be presenting this award at the Very Special Art Night coming soon in March. Because of the school closures, we cannot have Very Special Art Festival in person where family and friends can see all the amazing art work made by our talented artist. Our students who look forward to this event will not miss out on the fun this school school year because we will be having a Virtual Very Special Art Night where students will paint and share their artwork by Zoom. Information will be shared in our next Newsletter in February.
As we end the year, I want to applaud all parents and teachers for all their efforts in trying to provide a good education and supportive environment. Parents have been faced with extraordinary challenges as we cannot log off to our children needs day and night. My hope for the holidays is that we find ways to take care of ourselves in the midst of reviewing IEPs, searching the internet for resources, and filling out loads of forms. Our work doesn't end for the holidays, but may we have a chance to reflect on all we have done right for our children and all we have been able to accomplish. May we enjoy something for ourselves without guilt and be assured it is very well deserved.
Wishing you a safe, restful, well-deserved holiday break.
Elizabeth Cuevas, Parent and CAC Chair
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Dear World's Greatest RUSD SELPA CAC families,
As Coco Chanel states, "In order to be IRREPLACEABLE one must always be Different." And that truly depicts our children in our RUSD Special Ed. Our child(ren) are truly irreplaceable because of their one of a kind character they each behold and shine upon us daily. They teach us when we least expect it... to laugh when we're stressed, wait when we are impatient, and be grateful for the simplest things.
I just wanted to say Thank You for your continued persistence, diligence, and dedication in supporting your child, and one another, throughout this outrageous virtual year of 2020.
I believe considering the challenges of logging on (and off) Zoom and navigating our child's daily class schedules we have done pretty darn well. PLEASE make sure to take care of yourself and DON'T forget self-care (taking time for yourself to breathe and have some "tea and me" time) this winter break. As Co-Chair, I look forward to working harder with your CAC Chair, Elizabeth, and collaborating more with our parents in Special Ed in 2021 to help our RUSD students in special education. We will have a very Very Special Virtual Art Festival this March 2021 and I hope that this event will draw many of our Special Ed families to participate and celebrate your students art creations this year. "Sharing is Caring" so make sure to mark your calendars and share this fun day with your fellow SPED families.
Additionally, I am also highly concerned about you and your families' safety and health during this COVID surge. With the surge numbers out of control, my colleagues working in the hospitals are exhausted and frustrated by these rising numbers. Therefore, I have committed my time this month to help our community, by working with your East Valley Community Health Center and LA County Dept of Public Health, to do a virtual COVID Community Outreach to help as many people as I can by educating and providing free hand sanitizers and masks. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me (909-417-9168 or manoji@evchc.org) so that I can help share information on COVID and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Please share my contact info with more friends, families, and neighbors around you so YOU can help keep them safe. I will make safe drop offs to all. This December will be tough but with our teamwork in following safety measures, patience, and good knowledge we can help keep our children and our families stay safe. As parents and individuals with special needs we have resilience in our DNA! Stay safe and strong, everyone.
Mahalos and Have a Safe and Bright Winter Break.
Sincerely,
Margaret Noji-Huynh,
RUSD SELPA CAC Co-Chair
Community COVID-19 Health Worker
East Valley Community Health Center and LA County Dept of Public Health
RUSD CAC Meetings and Events
RUSD Special Education CAC Meeting Dates
December - No meeting
January - No meeting
FEB 23, 2021, at 4:00 pm. - 6:00 p.m - How to Maximize Generic Resources
MAR 23, 2021, at 6:00 pm. -7:30 p.m. - Arts Festival Night and Memorial Award
APR 27, 2021, at 4:00 pm - 6:00 p.m.- Conservatorship: What is it and how much does it Cost?
MAY 25, 2021, at 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - Executive Meeting and Planning
LOCAL SUPPORT AGENCY Meetings and Workshops
ESGV SELPA Meeting
January 28, 2021- Virtual Family Winter Bingo Night
register at Cacselpa@gmail.com
West San Gabriel Valley SELPA
January 30, 2021 9:00 - 10:30am WSGV SELPA Family Webinar 3: Thinking about the Future
Part 2. Please contact Dr. Julie Fercho, WSGV SELPA Program Administrator, for any questions: jfercho@emcsd.org
Hacienda/ La Puente CAC Meeting
January 25th at 2pm. CAC Parent Workshop - CAPTAIN - Evidence-Based Strategies for Learning
to Register email Tara Jones at tcjones@hlpusd.k12.ca.us
Parents Place Meetings and Support Groups-Call to register 626-919-1091 or go to www.parentsplacefrc.com
English-REACH Support Group
First Thursday of each Month
January 7th, Thursday 7-8pm/ Understanding Siblings
Nuevo Día Grupo de Apoyo en español
2nd Wednesday of the month- segundo miercoles del mes
Diciembre 9, y Enero 13 de 10-11:30am
Teen Social Group for 13-17-year-olds Teen Titans
2nd Friday of the month
December 11th 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m- Christmas Social
January 8th, 7-8:30pm .
Workshops-Call Parents Place to register 626-919-1091
Assessment Process by TASK
Tuesday December 8
2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. English
Clients Rights Advocacy on IFSP and IPP
Friday, December 4th 1:00pm-2 . English
Office of Clients Rights on IHSS
Friday, December 11th. 1-2pm English
East Valley Community Health Center with LA County Dept of Public Health
Community COVID-19 Outreach Initiative for our RUSD/RH/La Puente families
until December 30, 2020
Free hand sanitizers, masks, and materials with reminders of these healthy habits and information for what to do if you or someone you know becomes sick, how to get tested, and other resources. Please contact Margaret Noji-Huynh, your Community Health Worker, at (909) 417-9168 and manoji@evchc.org.
Please contact me asap and I will make a safe drop off to you.
Student Highlight : Darla Donna Olguin
Darla Donna Olguin is a super happy and thriving 7yr old who is a 2nd grader in the Rowland Unified School District. She loves to read books, socialize with her peers, learn new languages and sing. Darla Donna misses going to school (in person) and she can't wait to hug & learn along with her peers; when it's safe again of course. Darla Donna hopes to go to college one day and go to her dream school of UCLA 💙🐻💛 where she 1st started school at the young age of 18-months.
Vianet Guzman,Parent, MBA
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Free Holiday & Family Events
RUSD Special Education Social & Support Parent Network
Sunday with Santa, Sunday December 20th 11am-12noon
Meeting ID: 343 796 5727
Passcode: Santa123!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://rowlandschools-org.zoom.us/j/3437965727?pwd=UUU0SGNXeFBpdWp4alVBRnRQRCtuQT09
Virtual Coffee Chat & New Year Social - Saturday, January 2nd 10:00am -12noon
Meeting ID: 343 796 5727
Passcode: COFFEE4us!
10am- Parent Coffee Chat- breakout rooms for different languages
11am- Family New Year Social-fun virtual games and activities to download
Join Zoom Meeting
https://rowlandschools-org.zoom.us/j/3437965727?pwd=dEFjQ1JhaTFrellBRTEyeWRWT1NJUT09
DSFRC-Down Syndrome Family Resource Center
Saturday, December 12, 2020. 6:30pm-8:30pm
Free for ALL, DJ and prizes, wear your favorite pajamas
Register at www.dsfrc.org
Down Syndrome Family Resource Center
ESGV SELPA
Virtual Family Winter Bingo Night
January 28, 2021
register at Cacselpa@gmail.com
Holiday Party on Zoom
Saturday, December 19, from 6:00-7:00pm PST
Join Support for Families for a celebration of joy and giving. We will spend the evening playing games, dancing, enjoying music and hearing a story!
Register for event at Supportforfamilies.org
Spanish and Cantonese interpretation provided.
Rhythm For All: Virtual Family Drumming Night, Ritmo para todos: Noche familiar de tambores virtual
Get ready to move n groove with Aaron Kierbel in this FREE weekly interactive rhythmic event for people of all ages and all abilities. Grab a drum or a homemade instrument and join the rhythmic revelry!
Every Wednesday from 5:30-6:15pm
Register for event at Supportforfamilies.org
AutismSpeaks.org Registration required on website.
Pajama Story Time
December 9,16, 23, 30, 2020
7-7:30pm
Very Special Arts Night
Iniguez Memorial Award
Parent Zoom Social Network
Volunteers needed for Very Special Art Family Night
The First Annual Iniguez Memorial Award
I would like to remember a very special staff person who worked for RUSD as a bus driver for our special children. Mr. Alfonso, as he liked to be called, was an extraordinary individual with a loving family and a brother with autism. He saw the real person inside all of our children and always had a smiling face and warm greeting for them. My son was particularly fond of Mr. Alfonso and I believe Mr. Alfonso was his first real friend. When my son was under his care, I knew he was in good hands. We all know how rare that is and how anxious we are to leave our children with anyone. Our children aways felt welcomed, appreciated, and honored in his presence. Mr. Alfonso passed away in April due to a progressive illness. His wife, daughters, parents, siblings and brother with special needs, and all the children he served miss him greatly. We would like to honor his legacy with RUSD Special Education by establishing a Memorial Award. Families are asked to nominate a staff member from any department that has exemplified the true gift of honoring our special education children. We will be selecting an honoree in February. The honoree will receive the award at out Very Special Art Night event.
If you would like to nominate an RUSD staff member who has put our children first and foremost please email Elizabeth Cuevas at cuevasmom@mac.com.
RUSD Special Education Parent Network
NEW EVENTS:
Sunday with Santa, Sunday December 20th 11am-12noon
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 343 796 5727
Passcode: Santa123!
Join Zoom Meeting
https://rowlandschools-org.zoom.us/j/3437965727?pwd=dEFjQ1JhaTFrellBRTEyeWRWT1NJUT09
Virtual Coffee Chat & New Year Social - Saturday, January 2nd 10:00am -12noon
Meeting ID: 343 796 5727
Passcode: Santa123!
10am- parent coffee chat
11am- Family New Year Social
Join Zoom Meeting
https://rowlandschools-org.zoom.us/j/3437965727?pwd=dEFjQ1JhaTFrellBRTEyeWRWT1NJUT09
Looking for CAC Representatives for each RUSD School
1. Attend CAC meetings,
2. Share information with Special Education Teachers at your school (so they can share it with their parents via Google Classroom or SeeSaw)
3. Review School website and make recommendations to improve Special Education information.
4. Ask school to highlight Disability Awareness through Autism Awareness in April, Disability Awareness Week, etc.
5. Share ideas and concerns to improve schools for our children
Support Resources
http:geroweb.usc.edu/lacrc/
213-740-1376
Best Buddies California
323-939-0506
Local Food Pantry Information
register for E-Newsletter at parentsplacefrc.com
List of over 50 food pantries in area listed at the end of the newsletter
East Valley Community Health Center with LA County Dept of Public Health
Community COVID-19 Outreach Initiative for our RUSD/RH/La Puente families
until December 30, 2020
Free hand sanitizers, masks, and materials with reminders of these healthy habits and information for what to do if you or someone you know becomes sick, how to get tested, and other resources. Please contact Margaret Noji-Huynh, your Community Health Worker, at (909) 417-9168 and manoji@evchc.org.
Please contact me asap and I will make a safe drop off to you.
Santa Letter From A Special Needs Parent
I stumbled across this article inspired by a special needs mom blogger Alethea Mshar. I thought about how fitting to share with parents of like mind during this holiday season her letter to Santa. Writing to Santa is just as good as writing in your diary, therapeutic. The difference is that writing to jolly old Nick has more credibility in addressing a person than writing to a thing calling it "Dear Diary!" Maybe my 2021 resolution would be to start writing to "Dear Abby." Hmm...
Well, here is my letter to Santa and just like hers, I wish for the same.
_____________________
Dear Santa,
As the holiday season is here upon us, scrolling through Facebook and Instagram, these social platforms miraculously pop up ads that I have recently search on Google! These ads remind me of the 1992 Mervyn's commercial for their Super Sale of the woman waiting at the doors chanting "open, open, open!" Ok, I'm dating myself, and we all know that Mervyn's has permanently closed their doors since 2009. Besides COVID, online shopping has been a lot more convenient and much safer for everyone.
So what does this mean? Should I start jotting down things on my wishlist for those family members who are clueless about what to get me for Christmas? I wouldn't mind getting a matching diamond necklace and earrings, but as a special needs parent, there's so much that's more important to me this Christmas.
Santa, I hope you see me taking care of my child with his complex needs; I do the best I can, even though I always wish I could do more or better. Some days I'm convinced that I'll permanently be on your "Naughty" list because of my track record these days. That's actually why I'm writing, I get overwhelmed by the needs, and just a few little things would make things so much better; not just for me, but more importantly for my child.
- Patience. I try so hard to keep my patience, but it always seems to be running thin. If you could stretch it just a little bit every day, it sure would help.
- Sleep. That might help with the patience too. I can't remember the last time I felt well-rested. Maybe just a truly good night's rest once in a while would do the trick, but if you're feeling generous, a night or two a week of sleeping through the night would be life-changing!
- A healthy New Year. Yeah, a year is a lot to ask, but it seems natural after Christmas to think about the coming year. I just so hope that someday my child will get a whole year of good health!
- Just a "normal" day at school. I realize that this one isn't going to happen anytime soon, especially with COVID. Still, I can't help but dream of making his breakfast in the morning, watching him gather his things for school with his backpack in hand, grabbing the car keys and dropping him off. There would be no more internet issues and ensuring he's not late for "school" check-ins. No more need to periodically check on my child that he focuses on his teacher's instructions and pays close attention to participate in class fully. Something about him seeing himself on camera prompts him to act silly and turns the camera facing down because he thinks it's funny to "make the other kids laugh." Could his behavior have been inspired by those comedic YouTubers?
- A few fewer appointments Zoom and in-person, phone calls, and driving. I don't even begin to know where to thin out my schedule, but maybe, just maybe, it could happen.
- I realize that a healthy New Year and a "normal" day at school are big ones and that it might even be impossible to get rid of some of the appointments, so if that's too much to ask, could you send a bit of extra joy our way, and people to lend us their joy and strength and patience when ours runs low?
- If nothing else, I think that coffee and chocolate would help an awful lot. Is there some magical refillable cup you could send?
Thank you in advance, Santa!
I'll be sure to leave you milk and cookies and a few carrots for the reindeer.
With Love,
Mrs. Elynour Quan
A Special Needs Parent
Website: rowlandschools.org
Location: 1830 Nogales Street, Rowland Heights, CA, USA
Phone: 6269652541