Mamaroneck-Larchmont SEPTA E-News

Special EDition E-Newsletter

 
May 3, 2011
In This Issue
Support for Siblings of Special Needs Children
Annual Reviews & IEPs
Special EDition
Septa Talks
Community Events & Info
Quick Links

Special EDition Newsletter 

  

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Click here for our form.

Dear SEPTA Members & Friends,

 

Spring is in the air - it's a very busy time - take a moment now and then to enjoy it!

 

We hope you had a chance to review our Spring Special EDition Newsletter!  If not, see below about how you can get a copy of it - there are lots of in-depth articles and news.

 

SEPTA, along with the Hommocks PTA and MHS PTSA, voted to endorse the school budget which was recently adopted by the Board of Education.  The budget reflects not only the lowest tax increase in over 40 years but also the District's commitment and hard work to maintain programs, support services and staff.  More information to come. The community will vote on the budget on Tuesday, May 17th - please vote!

 

Please see the information about SEPTA's and other upcoming programs!  Also, we have some useful resources to share for the annual review "season". 

 

Cecilia Absher and Sam Jensen,

ctabsher@att.net or samjjensen@yahoo.com

SEPTA Co-Presidents 

 

SEPTA's Mission: Recognizing that students have a broad range of learning styles and abilities, SEPTA works to promote a quality learning experience for all children.  SEPTA aims to promote a better understanding of children's learning differences and to be a helpful resource for all parents. 

SEPTA Program -- May 11th - Siblings of Special Needs Children

Please join SEPTA on Wednesday May 11 from 7:30-9:00 in Hommocks library as we welcome Charley Moskowitz, Director of Special Needs Enrichment for the JCC of Westchester. With over 20 years of experience, Charley has been running The Special Needs Academic Arts Program Center, which is an all-inclusive social skills based program for children pre-K thru 18 years old. She also runs a sibling support group called SibConnection that has been pivotal in helping siblings of children with special needs and their families. Charley will be showing an educational film made by SibConnection called "The Other Child", which will educate you on the value and benefits of joining a sib group. She will also present information about how these programs work, and how you can get involved.  Any questions, please feel free to call or e-mail Linda Banta 584-8626, Lmbanta@optonline.net, or Patty Wolfe 646-824-7457 or patty.wolff1@gmail.com

See Flier here.  

Before the presentation we will elect SEPTA's officers for next year and announce SEPTA's grants to staff.

Annual Reviews and New IEPs

 

The Committee on Special Education (CSE) annual review season is well underway.  Students who will receive special education next year will have a new Individualized Educational Plan (IEP).  How is it developed?  What will be in it?   An in-depth article about annual review CSEs was published in the Spring 2009 Special Edition.  Here we focus on the important area of goal-setting - what will your child's goals be and how will they be measured.

 

Our District's Student Support Services (SSS) Department has a goal this year with an expected outcome that  "Professional staff will be able to create IEPs with more specific and detailed measurable goals."  This goal is one SEPTA, parents and staff all support as it helps align services to better meet children's needs and increases the opportunity for success.  To see the SSS Department goals for this year, click here.

 

Here are a few resources for IEP goals:

IEP Goal Tips from Wright's Law

NASET - Determining Measurable Annual Goals

NY State Guidance on IEPs 

 

Also, it may be helpful to have a team meeting prior to the CSE meeting and an advance opportunity to review recent testing or evaluations and ask questions. 

Special EDition  In-depth Newsletter - Have You Seen It?

  

Our in-depth newsletter featuring articles contributed by staff and parents is now available.  It is packed with informative pieces and news  - don't miss it!  We hope you will find it of interest and we look forward to your feedback.  You may read it online - and access links to additional information or print it off and read it at your leisure.  To later access the live links, just visit the SEPTA website and click on Newsletters/ENews for the digital copy.   Click here now!

 

If you would like to submit an article in the future or have any feedback about Special EDition, contact Suzanne Prigoda or Amy Lieberman.     

Septa Talks - With Treats!  Last one for this school year!  Thursday, May 19th at 9:00a.m. at Nautilus Diner.  Join us for an informal chat about any questions or concerns that you may have regarding your child. Seasoned SEPTA parents will be there to talk parent-to-parent, share experiences and provide some ideas. We hope to see you at the Nautilus Diner on Thursday, May 19th at 9:00a.m. Coffee and treats are on us. Bring a friend! For more information, contact Suzanne Prigoda (thefun4@aol.com) or Amy Lieberman (dashdoar@gmail.com).

Community & Regional Events:

 

View many Hudson Valley events and important information from Westchester Institute for Human Development. NEW May Events Newsletter

 

Tonight - Tuesday, May 3rd Transition Linkage Fair - White Plains HS - 6:30 - 8:30p.m.   Come learn more about the resources available to help

plan your child's transition into the adult world, including:

· Housing · Self-Advocacy · Benefits · Medicaid Service Coordination

· Mental Health · Legal Guardianship · Day Habilitation · Vocations & employment

· Respite · Travel Training · Financial Planning · Post-Secondary Education

· Recreation · Lifelong Learning · Self-Determination · Health Advocacy

✦ Families and students or graduates with disabilities, ages 12 - 25,

are welcome to attend. ✦FREE admission. ✦ A light supper will be served 

**PLEASE NOTE:  WE WILL HAVE A SPANISH TRANSLATOR AVAILABLE AT THE FAIR**
 Questions? Contact Ellen O. Weinstein, ACSW, LMSW

Transition Specialist, Education Advocate 914-843-4353

  

Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 · 12:30 p.m. - SPECIAL EDUCATION IN NEW YORK STATE: CURRENT ISSUES --Don't miss this opportunity to hear first-hand from Dr. Rebecca H. Cort, Associate Commissioner of NYSED on these important issues followed by a Q&A session. To register: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5-18Registration   Location: Westchester Institutefor Human Development
 Cedarwood Hall, Valhalla, NY 10595.  For info, call: 914-493-7665.

  

Sunday, June 5th --Sociable Kidz presents  1st Annual Special Needs  -Kidz Fair  FREE ADMISSION  www.skkidzfair.com  The expo will be fun day for all who attend. We will showcase different services and products for special needs children of all ages. There will be raffles, hands-on activities, sports, games, prizes, entertainment, food and a whole lot more. Radisson Hotel New Rochelle, One Radisson Plaza.   

  

Parent Support Group starting in Westchester County on May 10 for parents of children with anxiety and depression.  The group is geared for parents/guardians raising children with mood issues including depression and anxiety. The group's mission is to provide a safe place to share your experiences, seek and find support from other families, find ways to take care of yourself and your families and share resources. Email  Pam Moskowitz - pammosk@yahoo.com or call her at 917-270-6631.