
ESC-20 Family Engagement Newsletter
September 21, 2021
Coming Soon!
*All sessions will be held via Zoom, unless otherwise indicated.
*Interpreter is available by indicating SPANISH in the Special Accommodations request box when you register or by calling 210-370-5286 with at least one-week notice.
TXGRG Services for Kinship Caregivers
Monday, September 27, 2021
9:00 a.m.--10:30 a.m.
TXGRG offers support groups for Kinship Caregivers who are raising children. We educate and train Kinship Caregivers on issues related to Child Protective Services and any legal issue they are facing to help them. We introduce the program to anyone who has contact to Kinship Caregivers who need assistance. This session will be presented by Mercedes Bristol, founder of TX Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TXGRG).
Academic Parent Teacher Teams, Day 1 of 2 (This session is only for district/campus staff.)
Wednesday, September 29, 2021
9:00 a.m.--12:00 p.m.
Are you looking to start the school year with a more effective way to conduct your parent teacher conferences that help support student learning in the home and builds positive relationships with parents? Academic Parent Teacher Teams is a model that accomplishes that! Academic Parent Teacher Teams (APTT) is a research and evidence-based family engagement framework and best practice that aligns grade level learning skills, student performance data, and family-teacher communication and collaboration in order to inform and enrich the way families support learning at home. Day 2 is scheduled for October 20th.
Fee: $25
(If your district is a member of the PDSC Cooperative, there is no charge.)
Title I: School-Parent Compact and Parental Involvement Policy
Wednesday, October 6, 2021
9:00 a.m.--12:00 p.m.
Policies and compacts! What goes where and when?! Let’s talk about what the law says and how it might look within your district/campus documents. Bring your existing School-Parent Compact and Campus/District Parent Involvement Policies so that we can work through the elements with colleagues.
A Conversation About the Importance of Mental Health and Wellness
Friday, October 8, 2021
1:00 p.m.--3:00 p.m.
Mental Health and Wellness? These “buzz words” have become more prevalent given the pandemic. But what does mental health and wellness entail--what does it mean? Join presenter, Dr. Nancy P. Razo, as she discusses mental health and wellness and how important it is for parents to understand this topic and how it can affect potential substance use.
Introduction to Raising Highly Capable Kids™
Thursday, October 14, 2021
9:00 a.m.--11:00 a.m.
Raising Highly Capable Kids wants to help you give your child that fighting chance to combat the negative influences that inundate them on a daily basis. This 13-week curriculum, bilingual, evidence-based program helps parents raise healthy, caring and responsible children. With some helpful information, encouragement from others and your commitment, raising highly capable kids really is possible. Come learn more about the Raising Highly Capable Kids curriculum in this introductory course that will take you through session 1--We’re All in This Together!
KidSmartz/NetSmartz Internet Safety
Tuesday, October 19, 2021
9:00 a.m.--10:30 a.m.
Learn the latest statistics, online resources, and expert tips to educate, engage, and empower children to be safer online and offline. Contains age appropriate tips, thought-provoking discussions, as well as candid, practical advice. This session will be presented by Gladys C. Ojeda, Prevention & Community Awareness Manager, from the ChildSafe San Antonio organization.
Shame, Blame, and More of the Same: Breaking Unhealthy Patterns of Behavior and Reinforcement
Thursday, October 21, 2021
9:00 a.m.--11:00 a.m.
Let’s discuss breaking unhealthy patterns of behavior and reinforcement. We will explore how our responses shape behavior and may lead to the exact result we are trying so hard to avoid. We will also challenge ourselves to mindfully choose to respond in a different way and gain a more desired outcome.
Understanding the Impact of Hearing Loss on Language, Communication, and Curriculum
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
9:00 a.m.--11:00 a.m.
In this session you will learn the basics of hearing loss and the potential impact that hearing loss has on language and communication development as well
as on academic success. Avenues of access to the curriculum for students who are deaf or hard of hearing (D/HH) will also be discussed.
Packing Healthier Lunches
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
9:00 a.m.--11:00 a.m.
This fun and festive class is for parents/caregivers interested in packing healthier more seasonal lunches for themselves and others. You will be treated with some tips, tricks, and resources. Don’t be scared to join this “spooktacular sesh,” especially if you enjoy recipes and the thrill of cooking. This session will be presented by Tracy West, Nutrition Education Coordinator, from the San Antonio Food Bank.
Virtual Community Resources Fair
Thursday, October 28, 2021
9:00 a.m.--2:00 p.m.
Join us at the Virtual Community Resources Fair! Come hear a short presentation from local community organizations about some of the supports they provide to school districts and families on transition services and more. This event provides resources for all ages of students, including children and youth with special needs. Visit “virtual booths”, get information, and discuss any concerns or questions.
Seven habits of Successful Families (held in-person at the ESC-20)
October 22, 2021(originally scheduled for 9/30/21)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
What does it mean to be a successful family? It's no secret that families today are in trouble. Do you want or need to learn more on how to make your family a successful one? Then this is the training for you! Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Successful Families training offers a much-needed framework for applying universal, self-evident principles that enable family members to communicate their challenges and overcome them successfully together.
Tips and Resources
Digital Citizenship Resources for Families
Working together, schools and families can prepare kids to think critically and use technology in positive, creative, and powerful ways. Click here to kick-start family conversations about digital citizenship and home with tips, activities, and more.
Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES)
The Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program is a Texas Education Agency project that awards $1,500 accounts to families of students with disabilities that can be used to purchase educational goods and services for their student. The application is simple and there are many accounts still available. For more information click here. Para más información haga clic aquí.
Vaccine Hotline Flyer
Disability Rights Texas is now assisting Texans with disabilities who need information about the vaccine or are having trouble getting it through their new Vaccine Access Program. To view the flyer in English click here. Para ver el volante en español haga clic aquí.
Puzzle Play: Fitting Development into FUN!
by Marsha Walters, EIS ( excerpt accessed from ECI August 2021 Newsletter)
One of the toys that most families don’t have for their children who are ages 1 to age 3 is a puzzle. And, because toys are expensive, most families wait until a child is older to offer them a chance to play with puzzles. Read more on the benefits of puzzles for child development.
Family Resource Center
Concerned about a child, but not sure where to start? Find information to help you understand and support children who are struggling with mental health, behavior or learning challenges. Explore topics, find parent guides, ask an expert and more at the Child Mind Institute.
From Our Community
DSASTX Walk & Stroll
Join the Down Syndrome Association of South Texas on October 30, 2021! Unite for a common cause and raise funds at the DSASTX Walk & Stroll. Whether you have Down syndrome, know someone who does, or just want to show your support, take the first step and donate and/or register today!
Play & Learn @ Home
Readiness Program
Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Program training begins Fall 2021 for youth between ages 17 and 24.
Virtual information sessions are held every Tuesday and Wednesday at 5:30 pm. contact Cassie Lopez – cLopez733@alamo.edu or Ivan Pena – iPena47@alamo.edu for more information.
"Exceptional People's Pageantry" is a FREE event and open to all ages, regardless if you live in Southwest ISD or not. If you would like to participate in the pageant on October 30th, or know of someone who would, click on the crown icon below for registration information.
SMORES you don't want to miss!
ESC-20 Parent and Family Engagement Trainings Catalog
Thank you for your patience! The catalogs are on the way to your district's Special Education Director/Contact. Please share these with the parents and families in your district. If you need additional paper copies, please let me know. Furthermore, there are also digital, downloadable versions available in both languages at www.esc20.net/parentresources/; or you can access the catalog in English here. Para ver el catálogo en español oprima aquí.
2021-2022 Cluster Meetings
The Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative would like to invite you the 2-day cluster meetings. For the convenience of LEAs there will be 5 opportunities around the state to attend these meetings. Click below on Day 1 and Day 2 to access the meeting flyers. For registration, click on the following live link.
Day 1: Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative will present, "Five Core Principles for Customer Service." Through active activities and lively discussion attendees will learn how customer service can effectively impact student success and improve the school experience for both students and families through these five principles.
Day 2: Jaime Huerta will present, "Raising the Bar Beyond Compliance." Through active discussion and activities, attendees will learn how leadership can take their parent and family engagement programs to the next level.
Building Family Efficacy: Fall Virtual Best Practices Expo
The Title I, Part A, Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Initiative will continue to offer Best Practices' Virtual Expos. You are invited to join and hear from districts across Texas on their innovative parent and family engagement approaches. The first expo is on September 16th, don't miss out! For more information, click here to view the flyer. There is no cost for these events, but registration is required, register at https://www.escweb.net/tx_r16/catalog/search.aspx
The 2021 Virtual Statewide Parental Involvement Conference, Deep in the Heart, will be held virtually on December 9-10. Click here to view the registration brochure.
Claudia Irene Vargas, Consultant, ESC-20
Hear all about it! The ESC-20 Family Engagement Program in the Special Education Component will provide 3 free parent trainings per school year, per school district. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or to request a training for your campus/district.
Email: claudia.vargas@esc20.net
Website: www.esc20.net/parentresources/
Location: 1314 Hines, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: 210-370-5286
Facebook: facebook.com/escregion20
Twitter: @ESCRegion20