PISD Transition News
#LifeReadyAdults
October 23, 2020
A Message from Mrs. Crowder
We are often asked by families what they can do at home to help their young adults increase their independence in daily living and vocational skills. This is such an important question. As our young adults get ready to leave school their level of independence will determine what types of opportunities they may have in the future. Having your young adult take part in things like chores are a great way to build their skills and independence. We also encourage you to practice things like grocery shopping from a list at home and then practice at the grocery store. Shopping from your pantry can be a great way to start. You can create a list of items with prices and a budget for your young adult to practice budgeting skills. Developing the skills to cook simple meals from a recipe is also a beneficial skill that can be worked on at home. The key to success is to allow the student to work through these activities themselves with minimal assistance from family members. This way they build the confidence they need to engage in these activities by themselves!
We know that many of our young adults are very excited that Halloween is coming up next weekend! Just a reminder that costumes are not allowed at the Solomon Center, but students are encouraged to wear their favorite festive shirt on Friday if they'd like to! Thank you for helping us make sure all students feel comfortable as we move closer to Halloween day.
Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES)
Earlier this week Governor Abbott and the Texas Education Agency announced that a Supplementary Special Education Services program has been established to connect eligible students to funds that are meant to help offset learning disruptions related to COVID-19. Families that qualify will gain access to a spending account of up to $1,500 dollars in order to assist students to gain access to supplementary tutoring, therapy, and digital resources. Families will apply for funds through the state as this is not a program managed by the school districts.
Below you will find the website that has been established through TEA for this program as well as the FAQ that has been released by TEA. Our understanding is that there will be more information to come.
Upcoming Workshops for Families
Support Our Young Adults!
The young adults we work with are truly amazing! Click the link below and check out Jake and Noah in their latest NTPA production, The Lion King!
Break a leg, guys!
Free and Reduced Lunch Information
Free and reduced meal applications are now available at www.schoolcafe.com/pisd. Student eligibility status from the 2019-2020 school year will roll over only for the first 30 operating days of school or until a new application has been processed. It is important that households complete an application for the 2020-2021 school year as soon as possible. We encourage households to fill out an application online, however, if a household requests a paper application, we have them available for campuses to print out here. Student eligibility status from last school year expired on September 24, 2020, for households that did not reapply for meal benefits for the current school year. Even though we are currently able to provide free meals to all students, we are strongly encouraging households to complete applications now so when USDA funds run out, which can occur at any time, students, if eligible, can continue to receive meals at a free or reduced price. If the parent/guardian completes the application home, they will need to drop off or mail the completed application to Meal Application Processor; 6600 Alma Drive Suite B, Plano, TX 75023. Households should allow 10 business days for application processing.
We are looking for amazing Plano community members and businesses to partner with!
If you are interested in learning how you can support our young adults please contact Shelley Crowder at shelley.crowder@pisd.edu!
Solomon Center
Email: shelley.crowder@pisd.edu
Website: https://www.pisd.edu/ATC
Location: 1631 Dorchester Drive, Plano, TX, USA
Phone: 972-905-8803
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pisdtransition
Twitter: @pisdtransition