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Parent Information Relating to Special Education from the Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA)

9/7/2020 7:22 am

The Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) provides valuable resources to parents related to special education. Most events are free unless noted, but many require registration. Please click "Read More" below for the complete list!

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Thank You for Making the Clermont PTA Town Hall a Success!!

7/14/2020 8:34 pm

Thank you to all of the families and staff (nearly 200!) that attended yesterday's Town Hall. Also, thank you to folks who submitted questions. We had over 100 questions come in!

 

The recording of the Town Hall is available here.

 

Remember that the FCPS Fall Enrollment form is due tomorrow, July 15. The Fall Enrollment form is available here.

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Parent Information Relating to Special Education from the Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA)

7/5/2020 7:56 am

Cathy Greulich from the Fairfax County Special Education PTA (SEPTA) provided the below information for families.
 
All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.  
In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.
 
The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members.  The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems.  prc@fcps.edu   703-204-3941
 
Neighborhood Community Services is providing NCS Connects, an online resource for youth, teens, and parents this summer.  Adapted resources are included at Exploration Station:  https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/ncs-connects
 
2020 Special Needs Summer Camp Guide — with Covid-19 Updates 
Some summer camps are still available for children with special needs.  This Guide, compiled by FCPS, includes private camps, in-person and virtual.
Request a copy by email:  prc@fcps.edu 
 
FCPS school counselors, psychologists and social workers are available during summer – Any FCPS parent may schedule a 30-minute phone consultation for themselves or their middle or high school student.  Consultations will provide support and strategies to students who may be experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, behavior, or peer or family interactions.
 
S.O.S.  A Parent’s Guide to Daily Routines, Screen Limits & Safe Social Outings
Wed. July 1, 1 pm, With Replay Option
Hear practical advice on creating effective summer routines, managing screen time, and arranging safe peer interactions.
 
ADHD Medication Part II:  Side Effects, Uneven Coverage and Discontinuation Trials
Thu. Jul. 2, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With Replay Link     $ varies
Learn from a behavioral pediatrician about managing ADHD medications, including side effects, uneven coverage. and stopping smoothly.
 
Una Introducción a la Prevención del Suicidio
Lunes, 6 de julio, 6:30–8:30 pm  Via Zoom
Los participantes conocerán los factores de riesgo del suicidio, cómo reconocer las advertencias de otras personas y cómo mantener a salvo a nuestros seres queridos. 
 
Summer Story Time at the PRC: Seven Essential Life Skills Every Child Needs
Tuesdays and Thursdays July 7 - July 28, 10:00–10:45 am. Online
These events are for children ages 5-8 and a parent!  Books and activities will be shared to support the executive functioning skills of your child, including at home.
Register for one or all sessions.          
July 7:   Focus and Self Control
July 9:   Perspective Taking
July 14: Communicating
July 16: Making Connections
July 21: Critical thinking
July 23: Taking on Challenges
July 28: Self-Directed, Engaged Learning
 
Financial Planning for Your Future 101
Thu. Jul. 9, 1:00 pm, via Zoom
Learn about goal based financial planning, budgeting, risk management, investments, estate planning, and the SECURE Act.
 
Learning to Manage Anxiety, Part I: A Systems Approach to Exposure Therapy
Thu. Jul. 9, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link     $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation. 
 
The Juggle: Building Your Resilience through Self-Care
Fri. July 10, 10:00-11:30 am, Webinar
This workshop will acknowledge and celebrate parents/caregivers and introduce practical strategies to build resilience based on brain science.  
 
Capacity Building for IEP Teams
Sun. Jul. 12-26, 3 hours — Available 24/7 Online
Learn practical strategies to help future IEP meetings be more positive, productive, and collaborative for parents and educators.
 
Learning to Manage Anxiety, Part II: Practical Strategies
Thu. Jul. 16, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link     $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation. 
 
Talk Saves Lives — LGBT Module
Sun. Jul. 19, 4:00-5:30 pm, Online
Suicide can be prevented. Learn about suicide prevention, including common risk factors, warning signs, and how to stay safe.
 
When Behavior Impedes Learning: A Parent's Guide to Advocating Objectively and Effectively at School
Thu. July 23, 1 pm, With Replay Option
Learn about functional behavior assessments (FBA) and how to use one to craft a behavior intervention plan (BIP) to help a child improve behavior.
 
Coexisting ADHD, Anxiety, and Autism
Thu. Jul. 23, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link     $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation. 
 
Screening:  Deej — #NoBodyIsDisposable Film Series
Thu. July 23, 8-10 pm, 
Deej, a movie about a nonspeaking child with autism who doesn’t give up his pursuit of learning and college, will be followed by a discussion with advocates. 
Register:  https://tinyurl.com/DeejNoBodyIsDisposable  ASL/Captioning provided.
 
Disability Visibility Project — Book Launch  
Sat. July 25, 7 pm, Webinar 
Readings from these first-person stories by disabled people will be combined with a panel discussion with five of the book’s contributors. 
Register:  http://tinyurl.com/dvbooklaunch 
 
“You’re So Emotional!” Why ADHD Brains Wrestle with Emotional Regulation
Tue. July 28, 1 pm, Webinar with replay link 
Learn about recent research on emotional dysregulation due to ADHD, current understanding, and effective treatments.
 
Helping Your Child Experience Social Success
Thu. Jul. 30, 7:30-9:00 pm, Via Zoom, With replay link     $ varies
After reviewing some background concepts and specific strategies, Dr. Dan will lead a group discussion of individualized approaches to implementation. 
 
Plan Ahead — Transition Series 2020       $25-$50
Sat. Sep. 26 & Oct. 17, 8:30 am-3:00 pm, Marymount U. Arlington
Students with developmental disabilities and/or their parents can learn how to plan ahead for the transition to many aspects of life after school.
 

On Demand

 
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.
 
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. Access:  https://vcuautismcenter.org/te/courses/parent_playbook.cfm
 
 
Dyslexia & the IEP: How to Make Sure the IEP is in Tip-Top Shape
Webinar On demand, available 24/7:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frehRL58UTs
 
Support Groups for Parents
 
All these support groups are open to newcomers, 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.
 
Alpha Moms  This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean.  Contact:  robin4brady@gmail.com
 
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly typically in the past in Falls Church.  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
  • Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm.  Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
  • 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 CHADD Evening Parent Support Group  3rd Thur. of each month at 8:00 pm Contact:  Sharon  clintob@aol.com  or 703-716-4646.
  • West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group  1st Tues. of each month, time TBA, Contact:  Sharon  clintob@aol.com  or 703-716-4646.
CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center  2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-7:30 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:  www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/
 
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.fairfaxcounty.gov/juveniledomesticrelations/juvenile-intake .
 
Meditation and Mindfulness: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday; 12:15 p.m.: https://www.si.edu/Events?trumbaEmbed=eventid%3D143846035%26view%3Devent%26-childview%3D
 
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 1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm. Contact:  familygroupocd@verizon.net   or  call 202-215-5859. 
 
Parents in a Pandemic is a group for families of children or young adults with developmental and/or behavioral challenges.  They currently meet twice monthly, 5:30-6:30 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 the 2nd Sat. of each month in Oakton.  Contact:  Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org
 
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Message to Clermont Families from Principal Salata

6/3/2020 9:58 pm

Dear Clermont Families,

 

Since the news coming out of Minnesota reached us all last week, Ms. Peace and I have been trying to process what this means for our nation, our school community, and our students. Many in our community are hurting right now, and therefore, we are all hurting. This is compounded by the fact that we cannot be physically together as a community. Our physical separation poses a challenge to supporting each other therefore I want to provide some resources that may help to support discussions within your family.

 

As educators, we strive to help our students see themselves in the world around them, and to learn empathy, respect, and understanding of those who are different from them. We spend time teaching our students to understand different perspectives that are presented through literacy and history, and how this is reflective of the world we live in. Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words to help children to understand and process difficult topics. I find that books can be very helpful to navigate through a difficult conversation. This website has a list of different children’s books that might be useful to you: https://www.embracerace.org/resources/26-childrens-books-to-support-conversations-on-race-racism-resistance.  A few other titles are available on YouTube as free read alouds, including: Rosa, The Day You Begin, The Day the Zebras Lost Their Stripes, and Skin Again.

 

A resource that may be helpful is the Parent Toolkit produced by NBC News Learn. 

 

Some additional resources I found helpful:

At Clermont, we strive to ensure a welcoming and culturally responsive environment where everyone in our community feels safe, seen, and heard.  Ms. Peace and I value our diverse school community and know that it’s these same differences that make each child and adult special. We know that we aren’t perfect, and we are trying hard to constantly improve. As a staff, we have participated in FCPS’ Cultural Proficiency trainings and engaged in conversations which have challenged each of us to think about our own perspective, privilege, and bias.  We all have work to do, and we will continue to do the work to make Clermont ES a safe place for you and your children.

I also want to remind you that our Mental Health Team is available to speak with you or your child. They can provide resources that may support you and can provide a safe place for your child to express how they are feeling. Should you wish to receive some support from the Mental Health Team, please reach out for support. 

As always, Ms. Peace, our Clermont ES staff, and I are here to support you and your family. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if we can help.

 

Take care of yourself and each other,

 

Roxanne Salata

Principal

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It's (Virtual) Spirit Week!

3/29/2020 8:16 am

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