Partners for Success Monthly Update
February 2023
Happy Valentine's Day!
This month, we celebrate LOVE! In honor of Black History month, I am inspired by a quote from Ella Fitzgerald - the most popular female jazz singer in the U.S. for over half a century. It was she who said, “Just don’t give up what you’re trying to do. Where there is love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” I hope you feel loved and inspired this month! Please remember to reach out when you need help - we are always here to address any needs you may have regarding the special education process 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 Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30-3:00, by appointment.
Monthly Growth Mindset from Big Life Journal
It's easy to underestimate the power of words. The things we say to children can have a huge impact on how they view themselves and whether or not they feel seen, loved, and heard.
Children are constantly taking in and internalizing messages from the people in their lives. If they are constantly criticized or dismissed, they may start to believe that they're not good enough or that their feelings don't matter.
On the other hand, when children are met with kindness and validation, they build their confidence and self-esteem. We want all children to feel valued and worthy of love and respect.
Below are 5 positive phrases you can say to your child today.
Follow @biglifejournal for more on raising resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids including:
- 7 Special Rituals for Siblings to Strengthen Their Bond
- Things to Tell Your Child Before They Fall Asleep
- What to do if Your Child Wants to Quit a Sport
- Teach Your Child to "Rain" on Negative Thoughts
PARENT WORKSHOPS
Save the Date! Autism Workshop at Harford Academy!
Join us for a free Autism Workshop held in-person at Harford Academy (formerly John Archer School) on Tuesday March 28th from 6:00 to 8:15pm.
6:00 - 7:00 Visit community partner tables and enjoy refreshments.
7:00 - 7:45 HCPS special education staff will present on effective behavior management strategies.
7:45 - 8:15 Staff members including BCBAs and school psychologists will be on-hand to answer your specific questions.
Please note - childcare will not be offered for this event. Questions? Contact HCPS Parent Coordinator, Rachel Trovato, at partners.success@hcps.org. We look forward to seeing you for an informative evening!
*CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Tuesday, Mar 28, 2023, 06:00 PM
John Archer School, Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, MD, USA
March SECAC
Harford County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISABILITY SUPPORT
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.
FREE ADHD Webinars from ADDitude Magazine
Upcoming Webinars include:
- The ADHD Love Languages: How to Communicate Better to Solve Relationship Problems (February 7th)
- Choosing the Best Summer Camps for Your ADHD Child (February 16th)
- 'Invisible' Disabilities at Work: How to Foster Neurodivergent Advocacy and Acceptance (February 23rd)
- When ADHD Triggers Emotional Outbursts (March 1st)
Growing on the Spectrum Harford County Monthly Meet Up!
Mission Statement:
Pathfinders for Autism Events
Highlights include:
Modern Money Webinar
Autism and Everyday Executive Function
Go with Your Gut - Autism and the Gut
Virtual Family Yoga
Virtual BINGO
Autism Awareness Night with the Baltimore Blast
PFA Night at the Baltimore Science Center
A message from The Parents' Place of MD
Coffee and Conversations is back in February!
Click the links below to learn more and join the group that works for you
- Birth to Kindergarten https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-07/
- Elementary https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-02/
- Middle and High School https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-06/
- Behavioral Challenges https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-08/
- Spanish Speaking Families https://www.ppmd.org/.../cafe-y-conversaciones-2/2023-02-15/
- Professionals https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-08/
- Bilingual Professionals https://www.ppmd.org/.../coffee-and.../2023-02-15/
Maryland Youth Leadership Forum!
Open to: Maryland Students with disabilities in their last two years of high school
Cost: The forum is FREE for all of our participants
Date: June 26th to 28th 2023
Location: Towson University
Deadline to apply: March 3rd, 2023
Interviews: Danielle Bustos, Maryland Youth Leadership Coordinator will contact applicants about scheduling interviews.
About Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)
« Learn about assistive technology and how it can help gain independence
« Participate in the exploration-stations, living in a college dorm, and other social activities.
« Meet people with disabilities who serve various roles in the community.
« Learn about how to give a testimony in front of a committee.
« Meet alumni and other students from the state of Maryland.
« Meet Your State representatives.
For more information contact, Danielle Bustos at 240-898-2189/ dbustos@innow.org
or Shannon Minnick at 240-638-0070/sminnick@innow.org
*See attachments below for application and additional information.
FAMILY EVENTS, SOCIAL GROUPS, and ACTIVITIES
Sign up for Special Olympics Harford County!
Register for Camp Sp'ARC!
Time to Unplug and Connect with Nature!
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Empowering Minds Resource Center (EMRC)
Harford County Mental Health Resources
This resource provides information regarding counseling and treatment for mental health and addiction. They also have a resource for youth and families.
IEP RESOURCES
HCPS SPECIAL EDUCATION CONTACTS AND RESOURCES
Maryland Department of Disabilities Assistive Technology Program
IEP Resources from Parents' Place of MD
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.
COMMUNITY RESOURCES AND INFORMATION
Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide
"What can this guide do for you? This “Parent and Family Digital Learning Guide” will help you, as a parent or caregiver, understand important approaches for using technology in a manner that focuses on the needs of your child. This guide provides resources that will help you as you work with your child, your child’s teachers, and school leaders to prepare your child for success in digital learning."
Tech Tips A guide on technology and electronic resources for families and caregivers
Local Moms Support Group Welcomes You!
Click here for information on Fallston MOPS/MomsNext. Come find your "mom tribe!"
The Sharing Table
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.