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Last Day to Sign Up for Odyssey of the Mind: October 31

10/20/2020 3:05 pm

 

Sign up for Odyssey of the Mind: Please sign up here   Info session this Wednesday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m.  Please register in advance for this meeting: (After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.) 

Here's that Odyssey sign up form again! 

We look forward to an amazing Odyssey season with you!  Please feel to contact Clermont Odyssey coordinators Kathy and Adam Black at odysseyofthemind@clermontpta.org

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Support Clermont PTA Through AmazonSmile--at no cost to you!

10/20/2020 3:01 pm

 

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Clermont PTA every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is exactly like regular Amazon.com, but the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases. 

To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device and select Clermont PTA as your charitable organization. 

 

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Having Issues With Your FCPS Laptop?

10/20/2020 2:51 pm

Having issues with your FCPS laptop? FCPS laptops receive constant updates that only take place with a “reboot.” You can reboot the school laptop by clicking on the Windows button in the bottom left corner, select the Power button, and then select “Restart.” Restart often!

Every now and then, it is helpful for the reboot to take place while on the school's WiFi. The network can be accessed from the front loop of Clermont or near the school building.

If you're having additional IT issues, check out the FCPS Tech Support Page, submit a support ticket, or contact the Clermont Office. Please note that parents are not allowed inside the school building without an appointment, so please call ahead!

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Seeking Parent Volunteer to Help Manage Social Media

10/20/2020 2:39 pm

 

 

 

Do you get like a million Facebook likes? Do your TikToks hit the reddit Front Page on the regular? Then we need your help!!

The PTA is looking for someone to help manage our social media. Any and all ideas are welcome. Shoot a note to the PTA Officers if you have ideas or interest!

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Parent Information Relating to Special Education - September 2020

9/28/2020 10:26 pm

All these opportunities are online and FREE unless noted.
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
 
Ongoing and On Demand events and courses follow this monthly list of events.
Support Groups for Parents and Youth are at the end of this list.
When other events become available they will be posted at:  https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/
 
The FCPS Parent Resource Center Library now has a contact free procedure for lending their materials.   prc@fcps.edu  703-204-3941
 
Connecting the Dots: Accessible Instructional Materials 
Thu. Oct 1, 10 am
Learn about accessible instructional materials (AIM) for students with difficulty using print materials, including who qualifies, and how to access them. 
 
Helping Students Gain Perspective on Their Emotions
Thu. Oct. 1, noon-3:30 pm With replay access  $35
Emotions are central to social competencies, executive functions, and self-regulation.  Gain activities to help students learn about their emotions.
 
Children's Mental Health Symposium: Navigating the Adolescent and Young Adult Years 
Fri., Oct. 2, 8:00 am-4:45 pm
Tracks include cultural competency, substance use disorder, clinical topics, and transition to adulthood. 
 
How to Get Your Child/Adolescent to Open Up to You 
Fri. Oct. 2, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn strategies that you can use to open lines of communication with your children and increase productive interactions.
 
Tutoring Tips
Tue. Oct. 6, noon-12:30 pm
Learn strategies for finding a tutor, how to make tutoring organized and effective, bundling services, and possible tutoring discounts.
 
Strong Minds, Healthy Lives: Strategies to Empower People Affected by ADHD
4 Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, & 27, 7:00–8:30 pm
This year’s local CHADD Resource Fair includes four speakers with powerful ideas to help parents of children with ADHD.
 
We’ve Got This: Adjusting our Perspective to Help Kids Manage ADHD During the Pandemic
October 6, 7:00–8:30 pm, Via Zoom
Dr. Catherine McCarthy will discuss how the circumstances of the pandemic affect the treatment needs of kids with ADHD.
 
Strengthening Families — 8 week course
Mon. & Wed. Oct. 7 to Dec. 7, 5:00-6:30 pm, Via Zoom
Parents and youth (ages 10-14) can strengthen family bonds through discussion, games, roleplaying, and family projects. Raffles included.
Register:  Kristy Ferrufino 703-672-1410 or email kferrufino@scanva.org
 
Fortalecimiento de Familias — taller de 8 semanas en español
Lunes y miércoles, 7 de octubre a 7 de diciembre, 5-6:30 pm, a través de Zoom
Únase con otros padres y jóvenes, edades 10 a 14, y fortalece el enlace familiar con discusiones, juegos, proyectos familiares. 
Registrarse:  Kristy Ferrufino 703-672-1410 o emial kferrufino@scanva.org
 
Fall 2020 Transition University Virtual Training 
Sun. Oct. 11 to Mon. Nov. 23, 5 Week Online Course
This self-paced course for parents of school aged children with IEPs includes the major topics needed to plan now for your child’s future adult life.
 
Dyslexic Edge 2020: Pathways to STEM Excellence       $35
Mon. Oct 12, Recorded content released; Sat. Oct. 17, 9 am-2 pm Live 
Speakers, an exhibit hall, and live expert chat, will focus on on dyslexia, perseverance, and distance learning with assistive technology.
 
Teen Stress and Self-Care:  Strategies For Teens and Parents
Mon. Oct. 12, 7-8 pm
Learn how to recognize stress-based behavior and how to reduce stress moving forward.
 
Impact vs. Intention: The Importance of Collaboration When Dismantling Structural Racism    
Mon. Oct 12, 7:00-8:30 pm,  $15
The individual and organizational challenges of racial healing and collaborative decision-making will be discussed in view of the current structural racism in the US.
 
Homework & Organization Strategies
Tue. Oct. 13, noon-12:30 pm
Understand how to help your child reflect on what was learned, learn how to monitor multiple schedules and learning needs at once, additional organizational strategies will be shared during this webinar.
 
How to Prevent Opioid Use in Your Community
Tue. Oct. 13, noon-1 pm
Learn how you can take action to prevent opioid use, misuse and addiction in your community. 
 
Navigating the Teen & Tween Years — 7 week course
Tues. Oct. 13 to Dec. 1, 5-7 pm, Via Zoom
Join other parents of 10-16 yr. olds to address how to set routines, manage conflict and navigate exposure to drugs and tobacco.
Register:  Kristy Ferrufino 703-672-1410 or email kferrufino@scanva.org
 
Navegación de la adolescencia — taller de 7 semanas en español
El martes, 13 de octubre a 1 de diciembre, 5-7 pm, a través de Zoom
Se centra en crear un ambiente para apoyar cambios de comportamiento positivos con familias de niños mayores de 10 años.
Registrarse:  Kristy Ferrufino 703-672-1410 o emial kferrufino@scanva.org
 
The Secret Power of a Growth Mindset in Children and Adults with ADHD
Tue, Oct. 13, 7:00–8:30 pm, Via Zoom
Mary Cay Ricci will focus on ways a growth mindset can improve psychosocial skills, goal setting, and strategies for getting “unstuck.”
 
What Parents Need to Know About Teenagers and Autism
Thu. Oct. 15, 11 am-noon,
 
How Stress and Trauma Affect ADHD in Children of All Colors — and How to Heal the Wounds 
Thu. Oct. 15, 1-2 pm, Webinar with Replay Link
Learn about the similarity in symptoms of trauma and ADHD, how the two can interact, the role of racial trauma, and resources for healing.
 
Five Strategies for Parents Who Support Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Thu. Oct. 15, 1:00-2:30 pm,  With 30 day extended access    $15-$0
 
Alcohol, Drugs, and Vaping: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Fri. Oct 16, 10:00-11:30 am
Learn about current trends in substance use and what to watch out for in order to keep your kids healthy and safe.
 
Emotions Count:  From Research to Practice   $25-$105
Sat. Oct. 17, 9 am-5 pm, Virtual, On Demand & Scholarship Options
Learn the science and strategies to help students gain motivation and skills that will serve them well at school, at home and in the community.
 
Dyslexic Edge 2020: Pathways to STEM Excellence       $35
Sat. Oct 17, 9 am-2 pm, 
Speakers, a student panel, and a parent panel, will focus on on dyslexia, perseverance, and distance learning with assistive technology.
 
Falling Into Place:  Celebrating Family Resilience 
Sat. Oct 17, 9 am-noon
Foster, adoptive, and kinship families attend sessions for children and youth as well as real time learning for parents, caregivers and professionals.
 
AAC Parent Group
Sat. Oct 17, 10:00-11:30 am
This event provides support, resources, and a network for parents of children who use augmentative and alternative communication devices — AAC users.
Register:  email Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
 
Parenting ADHD Summit
Mon. Oct. 19 to Fri. Oct. 23,  36 hr access free; forever access $87 
Hear 30 ADHD experts on decoding and improving behavior, addressing common challenges,  nutrition, social struggles, and creating room for joy day-to-day,.
 
Parenting Autism Summit
Mon. Oct. 19 to Fri. Oct. 23,  36 hr access free; forever access $87 
Hear 30 autism experts on decoding and improving behavior, addressing common challenges,  nutrition, social struggles, and creating room for joy day-to-day.
 
Teaching: Keeping Students Engaged
Tue. Oct. 20, noon-12:30 pm
Learn how to set up a schedule to support your child's learning style in a virtual environment, and  how to increase engagement (even for squirmers).
 
The ABCs of Behavior
Sat. Oct. 17, 9-11 am
Find out how behavior influences our lives and learn how it is important in IDEA 2004.
 
Why Autonomy is So Important for Kids with ADHD (And for Everybody Else)
Tue, Oct. 20, 7:00–8:30 pm, Via Zoom
Dr. William Stixrud will focus on tools parents and educators can use to help students with ADHD develop a strong sense of autonomy and why that’s important.
 
Driving, Transportation, and Epilepsy
Tue. Oct. 20, 7 pm
Gain an overview of the local epilepsy driving restrictions and transportation options for non-drivers.
 
Trauma and Resilience-Oriented Care at Home and in the Classroom
Wed. Oct. 21, noon-1:30 pm, Webinar
Learn about skill development for children who have experienced complex trauma and how to help caregivers experiencing compassion fatigue.
 
Moving On To Life in the Community: A Resource Fair 
Wed. Oct. 21, 6:30-8:30 pm, For Students with Disabilities and their Parents
Learn about vocational, residential, leisure, independent living, and advocacy options for FCPS graduates needing ongoing support.   
 
Parenting Children of Color with Dr. Jamell White 
Wed. Oct. 21, 7-8 pm, via Zoom     $20
Join him and other parents to discuss the unique issues in raising children of color with special needs and the impact of recent race-related events on children.
 
The Fire This Time:  Building an Equitable and Inclusive Community
Wed. Oct. 21, 7:30-9:00 pm
After a look at systemic racism in education, we will focus on the need for equity and inclusion in building new systems to mold civic-minded individuals.
 
Challenging Behaviors:  Prevention Strategies and Teaching Self-Control
Thu. Oct. 22, 10:00-11:30 am OR 6:30-8:00 pm
Learn specific strategies to encourage positive behavior at home by preventing challenging situations.
 
Your Voice Matters Empowering Parents to Engage
Fri. Oct. 23, 10:00 am
Learn effective approaches to advocating for your child and practical tips and techniques that can be immediately implemented with your child’s school.
 
Calming the Chaos:  Productivity and Peace of Mind
Tue, Oct. 27, 7:00–8:30 pm, Via Zoom
Jackie Woodside will discuss how Calming the Chaos can help teens and parents move from “crazy busy” to meaningfully productive and less stressed. 
 
Better School Behavior:  How to Design and implement a Positive and Effective Behavior Plan
Thu. Oct 29, 1 pm, With replay link
Learn how a behavior support plan can use prevention, skill-building, and redesigning of the environment to aid struggling students.
 
The Voice of Families: Pathways to Integrated Employment for Individuals with IDD
Thu. Oct 29, 2:00-2:45
Gain insights and recommendations for strengthening the pathways to the world of work, from families who have pursued that for a family member.   
 
Launching Your Adolescent into Adulthood
Fri. Oct. 30, 10:00-11:30 am, 
Learn ways to help your young adult gain independence by your teaching money management, self-advocacy, and other “soft” skills.
 
Ongoing and On Demand Events
 
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP Is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar, available 24/7

 

Parent Child Journey
Online course; content available for one year  $200 (scholarships available)
This program is to help parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it.  For parents of children ages 3-12.

 

Accommodations for Recreational Classes and Camps with Fairfax County Parks
Accommodations include physical accessibility, ASL interpreters, assistive devices, sensitivity training for classmates, and staff training.
To request accommodations, email gary.logue@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703 324-8563

 

Scholarships for Classes with Fairfax County Parks
Children of families that receive public assistance (medicaid, free school lunch, SNAP, TANF) are eligible to take one set of classes per quarter for a $15 registration fee.

 

NAMI Basics
This 6-session course is for adults who provide care for youth (ages 22 and younger) who are experiencing mental health symptoms (including ADHD and ASD). 

 

Wrightslaw Special Education Law and Advocacy Training
Learn about special education law, rights and responsibilities; tests to measure progress and regression; SMART IEPs; and strategies for effective advocacy.

 

Get Ready for College: A Resource for Teens with Disabilities
Online, Self-Paced 8 Class Course from VCU
This course for high school students with disabilities focuses on preparation for college, selection of a college for best fit, and the disability services process. 

 

Access to Success — Online Self-Paced 8-class Course for Students with Disabilities
High school and college students can learn about their disability rights and how to obtain accommodations in college. Use the mp3 files for audio. 

 

The Parent Playbook — 9 Module Online Course on Autism
From the VCU Autism Center for Excellence & Virginia Autism Council. An introduction on Autism Spectrum Disorder for families, including tips for caregivers, characteristics, interventions and recommended programs and services. 

 

Adapted Recreation for Kids — Fairfax County Parks
Swimming, gymnastics, ice skating, fitness, park explorers.

 

Fairfax County Therapeutic Recreation
This program is not currently active but may start back again in the future.
 
Support Groups
 
All these support groups are open to newcomers, most are online, and they are free, except where noted.  No diagnosis is required to participate.  Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources.  Confidentiality is respected.
 
Support Groups for Youth
 
Autism Social Club for teens and young adults with ASD meets virtually Saturdays, noon-1:00 pm.  Contact:  Dr. Nicci Dowd  autismsoclub@gmail.com
 
Back to School Online Support Group meets the 2nd Tues. each month at 6:30 pm. Talk with peers and get ideas.  Register:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeMCUsoJt-4SQnLkFR0Ij7OtV3WcEbEAA7got97KAG_Yi2omQ/viewform
 
Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups
These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm.
 
Stronger Together meets alternate Tuesdays, 7-8 pm, starting Oct. 6.   This peer support group is for youth ages 14 – 22.   Parents, caregivers, and guardians meet elsewhere at the same time, and both groups are facilitated by professionals.  Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-21-stronger-together-peer-support-groups-tickets-119246035101?
 
Teen Topics, for teens with and without ASD, meets some Saturdays, 4:00-5:00 pm to learn and practice social and life skills and to build independence. RSVP Director@ASNV.org .   
 
Support Groups for Parents
 
AAC Parent Group meets occasionally on Saturdays.  Contact:  Amanda amandam@skillbuildersllc.com or 703-941-7757 ext. 316
 
Alpha Moms  This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean.  Contact:  robin4brady@gmail.com
 
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly.  Contact:  George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
 
Autism Society of Northern Virginia Virtual Support Group 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month, 1:00-2:30 pm via Zoom.  Meeting ID:  83085728013 
 
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents
Alternate Fridays, May 29 and following, 9:00-10:30 am Via Zoom.  Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices.  Contact:  https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/ 
 
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group  4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm.  Contact:  Alyssa  ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com  or call 303-903-9972.
  • Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Tue. morning of the month in Sterling.  Contact:  Bonnie Little  571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
  • West Fairfax/Burke CHADD Parent Support Group  1st & 3rd Thur. of each month at 8 pm Contact:  Cathy,  ocgreulich@aol.com  
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center  2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6:00-7:30 pm via Zoom Contact:  Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
 
D.A.D.S.  Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm via Zoom.  Contact:  George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
 
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents Raising Challenging Children meets via Zoom on Mondays, 1-2 pm, Register:  http://survey.constantcontact.com/survey/a07eh2rnzqrk9vdghmb/a0179kbgrhnj1/questions
 
Epilepsy Parent Support Group & Discussion Series meets monthly on the 4th Thursday, 7:00-8:30 pm.  Register:  https://epilepsywdc.org/events/epilepsy-parent-support-group-discussion-series-virtual/
 
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. Sign up for a phone consultation at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0a44abab29abf85-juvenile
 
Family Recovery & Support Group meets weekly via Zoom on Mondays 6:30-7:30 pm for family and friends of those receiving CSB services for addictions.  Contact:  Natalie.Holmes@fairfaxcounty.gov   www.fairfaxcounty.gov/community-services-board/recovery/family-support-virtual-group
 
Grupo de Chat para Padres:  Unete a nuestro nuevo GRUPO DE CHAT mediante la aplicación de WhatsApp y podras mantenerte al tanto de todo lo que PEATC Latino esta haciendo. Entra al GRUPO: https://bit.ly/2VoU2vw   (Chat Group for Latino Parents: Join our new CHAT GROUP through the WhatsApp application and you will be able to keep up to date with everything that PEATC Latino is doing.)
 
Heads Up and Talk It Out — Teen and Parent Recovery Groups
These are concurrent virtual groups for teens (ages 14-17) who are working through emotional, mental health or substance use challenges and their parents every Thursday 6-7 pm.
 
NAMI:  National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.  Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm.  Contact:  Michelle Best mczero@yahoo.com
 
OCD Family Support Group meets the 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm.  Contact:  FamilyGroupOCD@verizon.net   or  call 202-215-5859
 
Parent Café (for all Fairfax County parents and guardians) meets via Zoom in English on Mon., 7:45-9:15 pm, for African Americans on Thu. at 6:00-7:30 and en español, miércoles, 7:00-8:30 pm .  Register at least 24 hours in advance by email:  BuildingStrongerFamilies@fairfaxcounty.gov   or 703-324-7720 
 
Parents in a Pandemic is for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges.  They meet twice monthly, 5:00-6:00 pm on Tuesdays.  Contact Diane Manning dmonnig@thearcofnova.org .
 
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC-NOVA) Parent Support Group meets on Saturdays occasionally.  Contact:  Brianne Russel-Morris administrator@poac-nova.org .
 
Parents of Autistic Teens meets some Sat. of each month.  Contact:  Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org
 
Stronger Together meets alternate Tuesdays, 7-8 pm, starting Oct. 6.  This peer support group is for parents, caregivers and guardians of youth ages 14 – 22.   The youth meet separately at the same time, and both groups are facilitated by professionals.  Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2020-21-stronger-together-peer-support-groups-tickets-119246035101?
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