Online Supplemental Learning Opportunities - Kahn Academy

Who might Kahn academy benefit?

• Some kids are reluctant to ask questions in class, but are eager to learn.
• Some kids benefit from extra instruction to solidify skills.
• Some kids learn at a different pace than others - some are faster, some are slower and some just need reinforcement to move on.
• Some kids have "gaps" which once closed, allow them to advance.
• Some teachers might explore what Kahn has to offer and develop ways of using it as an additional resource.

Explore the over 2100 lessons, many of which are for math or science, numerous exercises and the terrific progress measuring tools provided for FREE by Kahn Academy.  A number of parents of special needs or typical children have already reported that Kahn has been helpful.

Please see the video and then tell us what you think -- Send an email with your feedback to Cecilia Absher

Board of Education Meetings focused on the 2011-12 budget, include the following:
 - Tonight -- Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m. MHS Tiered Classroom - Superintendent's Proposed Budget.  
 - Saturday, March 19, 2011, 9:00 a.m. MHS Tiered Classroom - Line-by-line Budget Review
- Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 7:30 p.m. MHS Library Classroom - Discussion between the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) and the Board. 

If you cannot attend the meeting in person it is available on TV and afterwards it can be replayed "on-demand" via LMC TV. Click Here.

New York State Budget Matters - Proposed Budget, Tax Cap & Changes in Special Education

State Budget:  As you know the Governor is proposing a 2% property tax cap and, so far, is not offering to have an upward adjustment for inflation, to exclude costs that are outside the control of local school districts (such as pension costs, unfunded mandates, or costs due to increases or changes in population etc.) and there is nothing in the proposed budget that reflects an effort to address systemic educational challenges that drive up costs.  To learn more about the state PTA's position and to express your views, visit PTA Advocacy.

From NYS PTA:  Proposed Mandate Relief  

By Joyce Cattani, Special Education Chair

At the February 2011 meeting of the Board of Regents, staff from the New York State Education Department presented a list of 53

education mandates for discussion and consideration for elimination, 22 of which deal specifically with special education. The proposals could lead to dramatic changes in the way students with special needs are evaluated and educated, as well as the members of the CSE/CPSE. For a list of the proposed changes click here.  The Regents final proposal were considered by the Governor's Mandate Relief Redesign Team on March 1, 2011. Legislative action is due in April.

Consider Joining Septa's Board for 2011-12! 

SEPTA is a dynamic partnership of parents, teachers and other staff - all dedicated to helping children with differences or special needs succeed!!  We are underway planning for next year and anticipate having a number of open positions on our Board. We work collaboratively, exude passion and make a real difference.  Learn more about opportunities on the SEPTA board for 2011-12.  Contact Amy Lieberman  - dashdoar@gmail.com or 552-1568, Amy Kass - amysuekass@yahoo.com  or 834-3752 or Kathleen Reale at kftwins@yahoo.com or 777-2907.

A Powerful Story - A Local Father and His Special Son Discover Golf 

A very special third grader at Central School got hooked on golf in part because of his love of and talents in math, and some physics too!  Michael Mancino's challenges as a child with Asperger's include social interactions, tracking and hand-eye coodination, but his love of angles, mathematical relationships and hitting a ball with dad have helped him develop his talents on the golf course and a deeper relationship with his father.  This is a heart-warming story of success -- and one we are grateful is being shared by Michael's truly terrific parents, Sal and Nicole Mancino  - not just with us, but with the world in Golf Digest.  You'll surely smile reading this poignant Golf Digest article. And, even more poweful is the Golf Digest Video!

Do you have a story to share? If so, please let us know! Email Cecilia Absher or Suzanne Prigoda

April 4 at 7:30 p.m. Hommocks Middle School Auditorium (Free) 

BPA & Phthalates:

They're in your plastic containers and baby bottles; in your cosmetics and the linings of your canned goods. Europe, California, and Suffolk County have banned these chemicals.  What do they know that we don't?

There are simple things you can do to protect your family.  Dr. Galvez can tell you how!

Sponsored by SEPTA, the Village of Larchmont Committee on the Environment, Town of Mamaroneck, Village of Mamaroneck, Village of Larchmont
Chatsworth Avenue PTA & Sheldrake Environmental Center

Community & Regional Events:

New York Presbyterian Community Lecture Series