PAC Newsletter 2023-2024
SLCS Special Education Dept. & Parent Advisory Committee
Spring 2023-2024
The Oakland Schools Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) represents each local education agency or public school academy (LEA/PSA) within Oakland County. Parent representatives have a child/children with a disability(ies) and are appointed by the LEA's/PSA's and Oakland County School Boards. The committee participates in the development and review of the Oakland Schools County Plan for Delivery of Special Education Programs and Services. The PAC also provides advisory input on matters regarding improvement of Special Education services within the intermediate school district (ISD).
** The mission of the South Lyon Parent Advisory Committee is to welcome, support and educate families who have children with different abilities. We collaborate within and beyond our school community to empower parents and others to advocate for all children to ensure the finest quality of educational programs and services through South Lyon Community Schools. **
Meet your PAC Reps
The Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) requires each intermediate school district (ISD) establish a Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). A PAC is made up of parents of children with disabilities. Each local school district within the ISD has at least one parent as a member. The PAC gives advice and feedback on how the ISD provides special education programs and services. PACs are able to have a positive impact on special
education programs and policies.
Click Family Matters Special Education Parent Advisory Committees Fact Sheet to learn more about the expectations of a PAC.
Meet our SLCS PAC Reps:
Click https://www.smore.com/9x0ym to view the Spring 2024 PAC S'more Newsletter
Click PAC - Get Involved Form to get connected with the SLCS PAC Reps.
Oakland County Parks
Oakland County Parks has adaptive recreation events that look really cool (off-roading, flying, and more options)! Check out their website: https://www.oakgov.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/1485/720
Coffee Hour with SLCS Special Education Staff
Enjoy a coffee and the chance to meet South Lyon Community Schools Special Education Staff. Ask questions, put names to faces, and get to know the staff members that work to make your child’s school experience a success. Coffee Hours are held once per month and feature a new staff member each time. Click HERE for more information.
SibShops
SLCS is pleased to announce that SibShops have started back! This sibling support group offered on the first Monday of each month provides an opportunity for students with siblings who have special needs to connect and build friendships in a safe and positive environment. Our next meeting is Monday, March 4, 2024. Participants do not need to attend every event, so if you haven’t attended yet, it’s okay - Join us in March. For more info or to register, click here.
SLCS Parent Partnership Series
As part of South Lyon Community Schools’ commitment to supporting our community, a series of presentations has been scheduled for this spring. Please see below for information about the monthly sessions that South Lyon Community Coalition (SLCC) is facilitating at our meetings.
Click South Lyon Community Schools: Parent Partnership Series for more information.
* Note that the meetings will be held during our Sibshop events.
Summer Camps - Get a Jumpstart
Head to the link below for a comprehensive list of area summer camps for children with special needs. Many camps already have open registration so be sure to sign up promptly to secure a spot.
Winter 2023-2024
Infographic from Michigan Department of Education
Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has created a document that provides a visual for the procedure for initial evaluations to determine eligibility for special education programs and services.
Initial Evaluation Procedure for Special Education Programs and Service
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
DNR Outdoor Adventure Center is offering several sensory friendly dates on the first Sunday of every month [Jan - May] from 10am - 12pm.
Enjoy the opportunity to explore and experience the OAC with building sounds and ambient noises at a lower volume. While visiting there will be a quiet room with sensory materials available to use and a limited building capacity.
More info can be found here: https://www.michigan.gov/oac/experience/event-calendar/2024/01/07/outdoor-adventure-center-jan-7-sensory-friendly-days
Miracle League
Miracle League of Plymouth is offering both adaptive swim lessons [beginning Jan 7] and an adaptive bowling league [beginning Jan 14th] for children with special needs.
Head to the link below for more info and to register: https://www.miracleleagueofplymouth.com/upcoming-events.html
(REPEAT) Article Exploring Belonging
A desire to belong is not a “special need.” In fact, belonging is a very ordinary need shared by most everyone, with and without disabilities.
Read more about belonging in the short article:
REPEAT: Career Opportunities
Interested in learning more about special education careers?
Check out this site:
REPEAT: Children's Special Health Care Services
CSHCS provides child centered, family focused, and community-based assistance to children with chronic (long-term), and severe medical issues. Assisting over 3,000 children a year, Oakland County CSHCS staff connect families to resources, coordinate and manage care, educate, and remove barriers for children enrolled in the program. CSHCS covers over 2,700 diagnoses from birth to age 21; and covers Cystic Fibrosis, Sickle Cell Disease, and Hemophilia and related coagulation disorders for clients over 21.
REPEAT: Best Buddies at SLHS
SLCS is partnering with Best Buddies International. The purpose of the partnership is to increase inclusion by building meaningful friendships and to promote kindness, respect and belonging for all. At SLHS our chapter is overseen by Mrs. Courtney Hindersman and led by a SLHS student. The kickoff meeting was recently held. Take a quick look at the photos Kick Off Photos. Our hope is to build more chapters within our buildings.
For more information check out these resources: A summarization of Best Buddies can be viewed by watching this video and this video. You can also find more information about Best Buddies by visiting the national site, state site, and resource hub, Best Buddies University.
REPEAT: Parents and Homework
You likely can relate to the scenario of your child crying at the table over homework. What's a parent to do? Read this quick article for tips: “Parents and Homework: How Can Parents Best Support Their Children?” by Paul Oberman in Journal of Jewish Day School Leadership, December 2023;
REPEAT: Parent Advisory Committee Volunteers
SLCS PAC is made up of parents whose children receive special education services
through the district. Our goal is to be a voice for special education students and families. We're looking for parent volunteers to join us.
Click here to learn more!
REPEAT: Holiday Core Board Freebie
Click here to download a free core board to use over the holidays with students who use AAC!
REPEAT: Suggested Reading For Siblings Of Special Needs Kids
The lives of kids with special needs siblings often look quite different than their peers and friends. Books can help kids relate with others who are going through the same things and provide tips and advice. Here is a list of recommended reading for kids with special needs siblings.
(PAST DATE) Sensory Friendly Haircuts
Sensory Friendly haircuts are available for all ages at Bluestone Children's Center on Sunday, January 21st.
Limited spots remain, but the stylist is available each month at this location. Each time slot is dedicated to one individual and is free of unexpected noises or distractions.
More info/sign up link can be found below: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C094AAAAF22A1FFC61-46981643-haircut?fbclid=IwAR1aNdvvSDbpA-D1L8dJis-INl0OSxJ1AUtsz_OHPPVtIRvovwim4JdMkIQ#/
(PAST DATE) Michigan Alliance for Families
Michigan Alliance for Families is offering a free IEP workshop on Thurs., Jan 25th at 9am via zoom. This workshop will take an in depth look at the core areas of the IEP and assist parents and caregivers with more productive and effective conversations during the IEP.
More info and how to register can be found here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_MctUbJGpQESdphN0U70ZCA#/registration