Partners for Success Monthly Update

Let me introduce myself. I'm Megan Fitzgerald, the new Special Education Services Parent Coordinator here at Partners for Success!

I have two autistic children and have been heavily involved in HCPS Special Education as a parent for the last 11 years. I started working for HCPS last December as a substitute teacher and I accepted the position to be a Parent Coordinator this past October.

I am thrilled to be here!

I love our kids. I love our educators. And I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue growing our partnerships between Harford County families, communities, and staff members.

I'm so thankful for all you do to help every one of our students feel successful!

Do you have questions about your student's education plan? Could you use some support?

Please remember we are here to help address any needs you have regarding special education and community resources.

What is “Partners for Success”?

Partners for Success centers are available to parents as a resource and information center. Specifically, we provide information about community services, assist families in resolving concerns, and increase parental involvement in the special education decision making process.

Where is Partners for Success Located?

Roye-Williams Elementary School

201 Oakington Road, Havre De Grace, MD 21078.

410-273-5579

e-mail: partners.success@hcps.org.

Office hours are usually Tuesday 9:30-3, and Thursday from 9:30-1:00, by appointment.

You can check out your student's grades for the first quarter on the Home Access Center (HAC). This is located on the HCPS homepage. If you need assistance, please contact HCPS Technical Support at 410-588-5242.

HAC is always available during the school year, so it's a great way to monitor your student's assignments and progress. It's always a great idea to check HAC frequently. You can set a reminder to check once a month and have a chance to address problems before they arise.

Below is a list of common acronyms you may find in your student's grade reports. We've included what the acronym stands for as well as how it affects the students' grades. Thank you to Havre de Grace Middle School for sharing this with families!

It’s National Family Caregivers Month, how are you showing support and celebrating the caregivers in your life?

We love our caregivers! In honor of #NFCMonth, the Autism Society has several resources to share over the month of November:

• The Autism Society created this resource guide for long-term caregivers of adults with significant needs. https://bit.ly/3PIrDhg

• Did you know? Respite care is a temporary relief service that provides primary caregivers with a much-needed break. Learn how this service can assist with your caregiving needs. https://bit.ly/3t9hJMF

• The Autism Society proudly celebrates National Family Caregivers Month. Watch their Facebook live episode featuring Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society of America, along with guest speaker Shaina Purser. https://bit.ly/3thsKLQ

• Finding the right caregiving services for your family can be a challenge. Learn how to navigate these decisions and choices to provide the best care. Check out the Easterseals Caregiving Services page here: https://bit.ly/3PuNYgS

Low Intensity Support Services (LISS) provides up to $2000 to assist eligible children and adults with developmental disabilities with purchasing eligible services and/or items to address their needs through a random selection application process. LISS offers 2 windows each year to apply. Penn-Mar, the LISS administrator for Harford County, is currently accepting applications for Round 2 of funding. Learn more and apply here!

​​​The FY 2024 Random Selection Schedule​

​​I. FY 2024- Round 1

1. ​The online access link will open on May 1, 2023.
2. The online access link will close on June 30, 2023.
   
3. Random Selection will take place on July 17, 2023.
   

​​II. FY 2024-Round 2

1. The online access link will open on July 16, 2023.
2. The online access link will close on November 30, 2023.
   
3. Random Selection will take place on December 15, 2023.

Come to a Harford County SECAC meeting to…

• Learn how to advocate for your child;

• Attend presentations by outside professionals on topics that affect the special needs student such as Anxiety, IEP Development, Social Skills, Bullying, and Transitioning;

• Network with other parents/guardians and community service providers;

• Meet staff members from the Department of Special Education and other HCPS departments;

• Participate in discussions about how to enhance programming, services, and supports for students with disabilities;

• Provide input at Harford County SECAC Parent Forums on special education-related topics which will be shared with the HCPS Department of Special Education and Board of Education

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR UPCOMING MEETINGS:

Meetings usually occur the first Thursday of the month September through June from 6:30 to 8:30pm. The next meeting on Thursday November 9, we will learn about Anxiety and our Kids with Co-Existing Conditions. Join us as we meet via Zoom and click here for the ZOOM registration.

Follow SECAC on Facebook!

Register for this webinar by clicking here.

Growing on the Spectrum Harford County is a local support group for families of children with autism in Harford County. The group meets the fourth Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 8pm at 1305 Pulaski Hwy, Edgewood, MD 21040. Check out their Facebook page for more information and to connect with the group.

Hosted by the xMinds Committee on Student Transitions to Adulthood

Date: Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

Future dates: the 4th Wednesday of every month, with adjustments for holidays.

Time: 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

The xMinds Committee on Student Transitions to Adulthood is hosting a monthly online discussion group for parents of an autistic student in middle or high school.Take a break from your busy schedule! Put your feet up, click your link, and take this opportunity to chat, connect, and share experiences with other local parents who are considering their autistic teen's post-high school plans.

xMinds now hosts a Facebook group that shares the resources that come up in these discussions. Want to join it? Just join the Facebook group and their moderator will approve your membership for access to the Zoom link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/618351869265897

Also, if you're looking for information, see the xMinds' Transition Resources page.

Don't miss out to enjoy the membership benefits below - become a member TODAY for only $15 a year, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page

Family membership includes:

• Access to member-only social events
• Up to $100 per family per year to attend Autism related workshops and conferences provided by the Charles J. Fowler, Jr. Memorial Fund
• Access to ASBC grants and funding opportunities (for families living in Baltimore City and County)

Your membership helps the Autism Society of Baltimore Chesapeake:

• Connect people to valuable information and resources through our phone line, website, calendar and info@baltimoreautismsociety.org email
• Provide monthly groups like our virtual discussion groups for adults with Autism, and parents/caregivers
• Provide monthly socials for those in the Autism community

Not a member yet? Don't miss out - become a member TODAY, sign up here: ASBC's Membership Page

We Rock the Spectrum in Forest Hill is a sensory gym providing a nurturing, fun, and sensory safe environment for kids/teens/adults of all abilities.

WRTS provides Open Play, Parties, Classes and Private Family/Friend Rentals to Forest Hill, Maryland and the surrounding area.

Here is information for their upcoming Thanksgiving celebration for children ages 3 and under.

Click here to like them on Facebook!

When: Saturday, November 11th (appointment times available between 10am and 2pm)

Where: The Child Care Center @ Towson University

8000 York Rd. (TU campus address) Center is on Auburn Dr. off of Osler Drive Towson, MD 21252

"Leaf" your worries behind and join us for a free fall family photo event on November 11, 2023, at Towson University's Child Care Center on the university campus. We are incredibly grateful to Towson University's Department of Special Education for providing our venue and the volunteers! We have incredible professional photographers who are volunteering their time and talent to provide our families with beautiful portraits. The TU students will be on hand to help everything run smoothly and there will be activities for the children while they wait. (We will do all we can to limit the amount of wait time.) Following the event, you will receive an edited, digital copy of your family photo!

Parking is free and ample. Look for students and signs to direct you. You will receive further instructions and directions once registered. In order to allow as many families as possible to have the opportunity, we are asking that if you register and are unable to keep your appointment to please let us know as soon as possible.

You must register for an appointment time in advance here: https://tinyurl.com/asbc-fallphotos

Sensory Santa registration will open Nov. 6 at 9am and close when full so register asap!

Achieving True Self offers Social Skills Groups in the Harford and Baltimore area for ages 2-21 utilizing ABA strategies. Groupings are arranged based on skills and age. All are welcome, regardless of diagnosis. Can email MDSocialSkills@achievingtrueself.com for further information."

Click the picture below to learn more!

The Developmental Disabilities Association has launched a brand new easy-to-understand version of our Guide to Services! Now, anyone can access valuable information about the DDA and our services in a user-friendly format. Whether you're an individual with IDD or a caregiver supporting someone, this simplified guide is designed to ensure everyone can understand and navigate the process effectively. Download your copy from the DDA website.

Did you know that HCPS Parent Academy has started a monthly newsletter? It is chock full of information and resources for families. The newsletter will automatically be sent to all families within HCPS. If you missed it, click here to check out the latest issue of the Parent Connection.

Like the Parent Academy on Facebook!

Our Goal

"At Three Blessings Disabled Adventures, we offer fun outdoor activities for the whole family to enjoy with their dis-ABLED family member. Our goal is to serve disabled individuals, affected by spinal cord injuries and amputations, who require the use of a wheelchair."

"We currently offer biking, white tail, sika deer, and turkey hunting. Adaptive kayaking will be coming soon. Future offerings will include fishing, camping, and accessible hiking."

Connect with Three Blessings Disabled Adventures by visiting their website.

Harford County Special Olympics offers opportunities to play soccer, basketball, flag football, swimming, track, tennis, golf, snowshoeing, and so much more! Check out their website for more information.

Athlete Sign-Up - Special Olympics Harford County Maryland (soharford.org)

Time to Unplug and Connect with Nature!

Click below for upcoming family events at Anita C. Leight Estuary Center in Abingdon!

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is proud to produce a new Parent Education Series focusing on Special Education. The four-part series focuses on Special Education Process, Parental Rights, Understanding the IEP, and Secondary Transition. An additional guide on the Alternate Education Framework was recently added and there are plans for further topics.

These are great resources with a lot of information for families. To explore all the publications, click here. Be sure to bookmark for future reference!

Resources from the Parents' Place of MD:

• Looking for information about evaluations? "Your Child's Evaluation" from the Center for Parent Information and Resources is super helpful and easy to read!

• Read to learn the purpose of evaluation, who is involved in evaluation, deciding if your child is eligible, developing your child's education program, and more!

• Don't know where to start with requesting accommodations and/or modifications for your child's IEP plan? Check out this list of common requests in our handy resource.

• What is the 5 Day Rule and How Does It Effect Me?

Are you prepared for the differences between HS and College? Here are two differences:

1. Some students may not know that there are no course modifications in college courses. Harford will not provide modifications to change the course content or performance expectations that would substantially alter the essential elements of the course. Students with disabilities are expected to demonstrate the same level of understanding of course material and meet the same minimum skill performance standards as all other students in the college class.

2. In high school, the IEP team plays a key role in providing recommendations and documentation for requested accommodations. Decisions about the accommodations provided in college classes will be determined by the college. High school IEP’s and 504 plans are not applied at the college level. The accommodations identified as reasonable, that provide equal access to course material according to the disability diagnosed and supporting documentation are applied. Consequently, students are encouraged to meet with the HCC Disability and Student Intervention Services (DSIS) before beginning the college courses in order to determine what reasonable accommodations will apply and what additional student support resources are available to all students. Students who wish to obtain accommodations for their classes must follow Disability and Student Intervention Services procedures. If the student needs more support, they should contact the High School Dual Enrollment Liaison to determine supplemental services for remediation.

If you have any questions, please contact our office by emailing us at disabilitysupport@harford.edu or by phone at 443-412-2402.

*Click the attachment below to view the electronic guide for prospective students.

See below for the HCPS Special Education Organizational Chart. As a reminder, Staff's email addresses are usually firstname.lastname@hcps.org.

Click the PDF below to learn more!

https://harfordmentalhealth.org/

This resource provides information regarding counseling and treatment for mental health and addiction. They also have a resource for youth and families.

Did you know Maryland Mobile Urgent Care services Harford County? Click here to learn more about services that can be provided in your own home as well as accepted insurances.

Click here for information on Fallston MOPS/MomsNext. Come find your "mom tribe!"

The Sharing Table provides a free meal every Saturday to anyone in need. This meal provides nourishment for senior citizens, families with children, and anyone having a hard time making it through the month. There are no requirements and no qualifications. All in need of a good meal are welcome. Each family that visits the Sharing Table also receives a bag of groceries to take home.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Sharing-Table-497601243752813/