May 2022 Special Connection |
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Dear Families and Friends,
Hope all is well. Did you know that May in Mental Health Awareness Month?
Here are some tips on how to take better care of yourself:
1.Life has numerous ups and downs. Some are solvable but others not so much. When your mental health acts up, seek the right treatment and make yourself better because, after all, life has much more to offer than just pain and suffering.
2.Take care of your loved ones
Check up on your friends and family. Many times, all people need is a shoulder to cry on and/or an ear to listen. Support and encourage them if they are being treated for any mental problems.
3. Talk about mental health
One of the best ways to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month is by talking about it with your peers. The more you talk about it, the more normalized it will become. This is one of the aims of the month as the stigma attached to mental health has led to countless delays in treatment AND research on the matter.
For complete article go to https://nationaltoday.com/mental-health-awareness-month/#how-to
Check out this newsletter with some other information you might find useful.
Take care, Your friends at ASCF 973-728-8744
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15 Ways to Be Happier
- Put Some Pep in Your Step
- Slap on a Smile
- Volunteer
- Make New Friends
- Count Your Blessings
- Break a Sweat
- Forgive and Forget
- Practice Mindfulness
- Turn on Some Tunes
- Get the ZZZs You Need
- Remember Your “Why”
- Challenge Your Inner Critic
- Tackle Your Goals
- Seek Positive People
- Ask a pro
For the complete article by Sabrina Felson, MD from Web MD go to
https://www.webmd.com/balance/ss/slideshow-be-happier?ecd=wnl_spr_041522
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Questions to Ask a Summer Camp
From Great schools.org
Not all summer camps are created equal. Here's how to avoid a summer horror story.
1.How are counselors chosen?
2.How is the staff trained in terms of safety?
3.What’s the camp’s policy vis-à-vis disciplining campers and staff?
4. Have there ever been serious injuries or deaths at the camp?
5. Does the summer camp do overnight trips or excursions, and, if so, what’s the safety protocol?
6. Does the camp have an emergency plan?
7. Is the summer camp accredited by the American Camp Association?
For more information about researching a camp’s safety, visit the ACA website.
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Empowering Families for Children's Vision Webinar
Thursday, May 12, 2022, 4:00 - 5:30 PM
The webinar will focus on children ages 3 to 8 years geared for parents/caregivers and professionals (Early Care and Education; Medical, School Nurses, and Educators)
Participants will learn: how to identify and use community, medical, and school resources to enhance the vision health of children with disabilities and/or special health care needs and how eye care providers work with families to diagnose vision problems early to ensure the best possible outcomes. Nicole Pratt from SPAN will share her story as the parent of a child who has a vision disorder, along with a panel of other experts. Register: https://nationalcenter.preventblindness.org/events/empowering-families-for-childrens-vision/
For information contact dfishman@preventblindness.org
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Junior Achievement of New Jersey Inspire- Virtual Career Expo
We are excited with our new connection with Junior Achievement of New Jersey and sharing their terrific programs with you.
Imagine being a middle or high school student walking into a virtual convention center, with a lobby, auditorium, keynote speaker, and an exhibit hall filled with virtual exhibit booths representing NJ companies, across a variety of career industries.
At the JA Virtual Inspire Career Expo, young people will “visit” booths to learn about companies, career opportunities and their pathways, culture, and more to see what it is like to be a part of the world of work. As they visit the booths, students will be able to “chat” with volunteers through a virtual chat functionality to hear the story, job, and learn about the skills important in the career. Students will walk away inspired and understanding the connection between what they are learning in school to their futures!
Live Days: Students can engage with the volunteers live via chat box to answer career questions on May 19, 2022.
We encourage you to check it out a soon as possible.
https://janj.ja.org/donor/opportunity/ja-inspire-virtual-a-virtual-career-expo
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SCIENCE CLUB FOR ALL KIDS |
Kids, join us on Saturday morning , May 14 at 11 AM for this special hands on program to introduce you to the excitement of science. The group will be learning all about Seashells. It will be live at Highlands Family Success Center, 1801 Greenwood lake Turnpike in Hewitt.
Scientist Andy and teacher Lori have some fun activities planned. Please register
973-506-6675
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ASCF Virtual Trainings
Conflict Resolution
Wednesday, May 18, 2022, 7 pm
We will explore elimination of stressful power struggles, non-productive emotional conflicts, and “them vs., us” attitude. We will discuss problem-solving strategies, building relationships through collaborative and understanding partnerships.
Basic Advocacy Tips
Sunday, May 22, 7 pm
Join Julie Rikon to discuss how to advocate for your child for educational, medical and other needs. Phone 973-728-8744
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SPAN TRAINING
PAPERWORK FOR FAMILIES
TUESDAY, MAY 24, at 12-1:00 PM
Are you overwhelmed by the mountains of paperwork created by your child's school records? Not sure what to keep, what to toss? Join us to finally get those papers organized so you can more effectively advocate for your child.
Presented by: Julie Rikon, ASCF. Contact for more information - Tammi Kaminski
kaminski@spanadvocacy.org
Register:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paperwork-for-families-getting-organized-registration-323173810567?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
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NJ Department of Education: Providing Additional Services to Students with Disabilities Beyond Age 21
The New Jersey Department of Education provided guidance to school districts, students, and parents/guardians of students with disabilities regarding the implementation of P.L.2021, c.109, which allows schools to provide additional or compensatory special education and related services to eligible students with disabilities beyond the age of 21.
The guidance includes information for school districts/LEAs about: The role of the IEP team in determining the need for additional services; Sharing information with families about this legislation; Dispute resolution and Reimbursements to school districts for providing additional services beyond age 21
Go to:
https://www.nj.gov/education/broadcasts/2022/april/20/ImplementingPL2021c109-ProvidingAdditionalorCompensatoryServicestoStudentswithDisabilitiesBeyondAge21.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1VKYrBB9nVDJkBHvW8xwgtHRg-rksCfNTFHpWgTqzH7BCuClZp2LAwzD0
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Support, Training and Informational Groups |
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Mom Squad Virtual Support Group.
Join this amazing group with ASCF and Family Partners on Thursdays,
May 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 6-7:30 pm.
Diane Varga: dvarga@familypartnersms.org
cell: 862-273-5046
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Family Support Organization of Passaic County and ASCF offer these virtual sessions on Tuesdays May 3, 10. 17 ,24 from 6:30 to 8 pm and in person on Tuesday, May 31 from 6:30 to 8 pm
at the Highlands Family Success Center.
Register with Nina Reams:
nreams@fso-pc.org 973 979- 0508
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SPECIAL EVENT
"Marriage: Hope Revived" Conference- May 20th @ 7pm & May 21st @ 9am
Location: The Almond Branch – 184 Marshall Hill Rd, West Milford;
Are you married? Soon to be married? Want to be married one day? Bill and Traci Vanderbush, authors of "The Four People you Marry", are coming to West Milford to do a special two-day marriage event. Bill and Traci are nationally recognized leaders who speak in conferences and churches around the world. Their humorous and insightful storytelling style will inspire and encourage you, and the insight and wisdom presented will strengthen your love and bring healing to your marriage. Scholarships available for anyone with financial need. Call 973-728-3479.
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Please think about supporting ASCF |
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DISCLAIMER:
The Association for Special Children and Families does not provide or give legal or medical advice.
DESCARGO DE RESPONSABILIDAD:
La Asociación para Niños y Familias Especiales no proporciona ni brinda asesoramiento legal o médico.
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Mental Health Resources
Mental Health America www.mhanational.org
(NAMI) National Alliance on Mental Illness nami.org
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