PAC Newsletter
November, 2020
Volume 1, Issue 2
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Nichole Moore, Ed.S.
Director of Special Services
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Even during times of transition, as a community, together we are stronger! The COVID journey has been different and difficult for each child, family, and staff member. We recognize this and we are grateful to our school community for sharing their personal challenges and for working with staff to assist our children. Parents are encouraged to make decisions and to “pause” on hard days and give their child what they need (whether it is time, a bike ride, a nap, a read aloud with their siblings, etc.) to be healthy and balanced. As we continue to navigate through this global pandemic, we encourage families in the community to:
1. Wear a mask in public places and when you are with anyone not in your own home.
2. Social distance. This is six feet away or more from all individuals to avoid direct contact.
3. Wash your hands frequently at home and when you are out use hand sanitizer.
4. Avoid large gatherings of any kind.
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As parents of children with IEPs we feel it is vitally important to share information, resources and opportunities related to Special Education services. Navigating special education is no easy task and our hope is that this monthly newsletter will keep you updated.
PAC Executive Committee
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PAC MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to increase awareness and current best practices in special education while working towards a larger voice, meaningful communication and more inclusive practices and parental involvement.
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"Safe for Schools"
Hotline
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The Oakland County Health Department and William Beaumont Hospital are working together and have created a telephone screening resource to assist parents pre-screen and identify potential illness in children prior to entering school.
All screenings are conducted by healthcare professionals and hotline staff members can help answer questions about COVID-19 symptoms, determine if there is a the need for testing, as well as what is considered high-risk.
This FREE health screening is available for parents of school-aged children in Oakland County.
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Family Matters - Michigan Department of Education
Family Matters provides parents and families with information about special education and other resources. Find useful information about Transitions (age of majority), Personal Curriculums, PBIS, FBAs, ABA, FAPE, IDEA and more! A great resource to utilize.
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Advocating for Your Child with Epilepsy in School
Hosted by Michigan Alliance for Families with Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan
December 2, 2020 10am-12pm
Learn to advocate for your child with epilepsy in the school system by knowing:
• the laws protecting your child’s civil rights and rights to FAPE
• the eligibility difference between a 504 Plan & an IEP
• accommodations and ancillary services to meet educational needs as well as medical needs
• the complaint and resolution process when IEPs and 504s are not being followed
• how to use a Contingency learning plan during times of crisis, such as COVID
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School based & Clinic based therapy - What's the Difference?
Hosted by Kids in Motion
December 3, 2020 6:30pm-8pm
In times like these parents are looking for resources for their children and we have collaborated with many professionals to create this valuable information.
A clinic therapists goals regarding occupational & physical therapy or the family’s functional goals and the goals of the school’s therapist often differ.
We will present the differences between the Educational model and the Medical model of Speech, Occupational, and Physical therapies to help families be aware of the services that are available and can benefit children the most.
Register by clicking link below. After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Want immediate ANSWERS? Take the Online Interactive Checklist to see if your child is on track!
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Assistive Technology Webinars
December 3, 2020
Join Michigan Alliance for Families for a series of interactive Assistive Technology webinars with Carolyn O'Hearn from Alt+Shift.
One registration allows you to attend any/all of the sessions.
December 3- Partnering with your ISD/School District Around AT
This webinar will provide tips on how to address AT concerns with your learner's IEP team. Learn more about who to ask, how to ask, and what to ask when it comes to assistive technology.
Participants will have the opportunity to practice on these platforms and share their experiences.
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Log On & Log In to Virtual Meetings
December 8, 2020
Join Michigan Alliance for Families and Special Education Mediation Services for this free webinar.
Virtual meetings are probably here to stay and in this uncertain and ever-changing school year, communication between families and schools is even more important. Learn how to optimize the effectiveness of this new way of planning. This session will help you be prepared for a productive virtual experience. It will cover
• Pre-meeting preparation
• Communication techniques for during the meeting
• Protecting confidentiality while online
• Managing the challenges of virtual meetings
• Follow up suggestions
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Parent Advisory Committee Roles and Responsibilities
Hosted by Michigan Alliance for Families
December 15, 2020 6pm-7pm
The Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education requires all Intermediate School District boards to appoint a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). Local School Districts can use these same guidelines to form a district PAC for Special Education. This free online workshop will help you understand the important role of your PAC, as well as responsibilities and opportunities for your PAC.
Who should attend?
Parents who are current members of a PAC, as well as parents who are interested in serving on a PAC
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Assistive Technology Tips
Learn ways to manage your Google Drive by color coding and sorting folders. May be useful for getting yourself and students organized.
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Family Resources - Remote Learning
A collection of resources to support families with maintaining structure, engagement and support during remote learning.
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Wellbeing - Social Emotional Learning
Simple and effective videos offering tips for your social emotional health during this difficult time.
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Do you know an exceptional person who has supported the special needs community within Walled Lake Schools? Consider nominating them for a Shining Stars Award! Qualities include a positive attitude, dedication, dependability, self-motivation, helpfulness and more.
Nominees can be anyone within the special needs community: teacher, para, bus driver, aide, parent, volunteer, etc.
A panel of anonymous judges will select 2 top entries. All nominations must be received on or before March 1, 2021.
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Walled Lake Schools are lucky to have a parent and talented musician in the district.
Ms. Marlowe, of Swingset Mamas, works with the Special Services population providing music in fun and interactive ways.
Check out one of her many YouTube videos below
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Walled Lake has developed a Social Emotional Learning page where families can access resources and tools to help support the social and emotional growth of your child. Resources are organized by grade level and are constantly updated so be sure to check back often.
If you need additional resources please contact your child's classroom teacher, school counselor or administrator.
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Click on the links below to access the
newsletters of these organizations!
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For over 29 years Oakland Mediation Center (OMC) has provided conflict resolution and education services that are quite affordable and quickly empower community members, families, businesses, courts and schools to resolve conflict. OMC is an apolitical, non-profit, volunteer-based Community Dispute Resolution Program (CDRP) center whose volunteers represent and serve the community. |
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Michigan Alliance for Families provides information, support, and education for families who have children and young adults (birth to 26 years of age) who receive (or may be eligible to receive) special education services. This website can help you with finding information on special education issues, disability specific information and FREE webinars.
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Stay informed about our upcoming events! Click on the image to
access the Parent Advisory
Committee (PAC) website.
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