Clarkston PAC
(Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)
BACK TO SCHOOL NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER
Welcome back Clarkston PAC families, friends, students, and staff! We hope all of you have had a pleasant, relaxed summer. Everyone needs a break from the school year and all of the responsibilities that come with homework and after-school activities.
RESOURCE SECTION: There are several links for area agencies and resources. WE HAVE ADDED NEW BUTTONS SINCE THE LAST NEWSLETTER - CHECK IT OUT! The gray rectangle "button" will take you to the website for the agency listed.
Stay tuned for a complete list of Clarkston PAC meetings for the 2019-2020 school year. Feel free to email us with ideas for topics or speakers. We really do want to hear from our families.
Please feel free to contact your PAC representatives ANYTIME. We are happy to meet with you and connect you to support and resources for the journey of Special Education.
Find the beach chairs - then you have read everything!
Join Michigan Alliance for Families Parent Mentors for a series of FREE webinars for parents and caregivers preparing for the new school year.
All webinars take place on Thursdays. Each topic is presented twice, at noon and 7pm. Attend the entire series or just the ones that interest you most.
September 5 - Preparing for Your Next IEP Meeting with Debbie Rock and Genevieve Hecht
Get ready for your child's next IEP. Learn tips for what to expect for each section of the IEP, and tools for writing an effective parent input letter.
September 12 - Effective Advocacy and Communication Tips with Emilie Mullins and Stephanie Nicholls
Explore the skills parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability, as well as tools to be a better communicator.
September 19 - Advocating for Inclusion with Clare Brick, Joyce Dearhamer, and Emilie Mullins
Hear from fellow parents about special education services and supports that are available to ensure that children with IEPs receive a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.
September 26 - Do I Really Need an Advocate? with Kristen Columbus and Nicole Miller
A parent is their child's first and best advocate. But if things aren't working, who can you go to for help? We'll discuss concrete steps that can be done before needing to call an advocate. Learn the difference between a mentor and an advocate.
TR THEATER CAMP - A FEW WORDS FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP
Parks, Recreation, & Seniors partners with a wonderful company call 4th Wall Theatre Company.
4th Wall theatre Company, aims to empower people with special needs, every age, to break through the fourth wall, get on stage, and shine.
Learning about theatre through singing, dancing, and acting.
Enriching the theatre experience with music and movement therapy creating a showcase performance for family and friends on the last day of the workshop.
MORE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION ACTIVITIES.....
UPCOMING WORKSHOPS and EVENTS IN THE METRO AREA
Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy TWO DATES AVAILABLE!
Skills for Effective Parent Advocacy
with Patti Banks
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19th- 6:30PM - 8:30PM
HAVENWYCK HOSPITAL -1525 University Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326
OR
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th - 6:00PM - 8:00PM
JUDSON CENTER - 4410 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak 48073
This workshop will explore skills parents can use to become more effective advocates for their child with a disability, including:
* understanding your child's disability
* knowing your school district
* knowing your rights and responsibilities
* using clear and effective communication
* understanding the special education process
* knowing the dispute resolution process
Register with Patti Banks
248-714-4426 or patti.b@michiganallianceforfamilies.org
Or online at www.michiganallianceforfamilies.org/rsvp
If it is after the deadline and you haven't registered, please call or email to check the status of the event.
If you require accommodations or materials in an alternative format, please let us know one week before the workshop.
dyslexia discuss:
• Testing
• Remediation
• Advocacy CLICK BELOW FOR PDF FLYER
October 7th, 2019
CLARKSTON PAC IS ON FACEBOOK
Clarkston PAC
Email: clarkstonpac@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clarkston-PAC-165604537104134/
Self-Care September
Self-Care is a common term in our wellness oriented world. In reality, it can easily slip away from our other priorities as caregivers of a child with a disability or other special needs. The old cliche, "put on your own oxygen mask first" truly does apply to everyone - especially caregivers, family members, and staff serving our children. September 1st sets the tone nicely for us: "Self-care is not selfish, it is essential".
For more keys to happier living, head over to the http://www.actionforhappiness.org/ website.RESOURCES
2019 Early On Resource Guide
Follow these steps to access the 2019 guide:
1.Click the link below to arrive at the Student Support Services webpage:
https://www.clarkston.k12.mi.us/departments/student-support-services
2.Scroll to the bottom of the page to the "Parent Resources Section"
3.Click on "Early On Oakland Community Resource Guide"
4.Click the link for "Community Resource Guide" to preview or download the guide.
Questions or problems accessing the guide? No worries, contact one of your Clarkston PAC representatives for further assistance.
Rebel Molina: mailto:rjm4087@gmail.com
Robin Maloney: mailto:robin.maloney40@gmail.com
Totally Social ASD services individuals with High Functioning Autism/Asperger Syndrome in the following areas:
- Social skills training to individuals and groups in a community setting
- Coordinate fun outings and engaging clubs to build relationships
- Executive functioning training
- Job coaching
- Legal and educational consultation
- Promote and teach self-advocacy skills
- Provide support in obtaining government assistance
- Develop and coordinate an individualized plan of action
- Conduct seminars and trainings for families, first responders & communities
- Recruit, integrate and support qualified individuals on the autism spectrum into community businesses