The birds are singing, the bulbs are sprouting, and the sun is shining longer! We hope your family is excited for warmer days ahead! This month, we celebrate Women's History, Irish Heritage, and National Disability Awareness. Additionally, there are SO many workshops and events happening in our community this month! Please see below for all the opportunities including HCPS Partners for Success' in-person Autism Workshop on Tuesday March 28th. Thank you to all of our community partners and staff members for making this event possible! We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

The single most difficult thing about parenting is staying calm when you're exhausted, annoyed, and triggered.

Here are helpful mantras to try in those hard moments:

⭐ "Embrace their individuality." Celebrating and embracing your child's unique qualities and interests can help to build their self-esteem and foster a positive and supportive environment.

⭐ "Lead by example." Children learn from what they see, so it's important for parents to model the behavior and values they wish to instill in their children.

⭐ "I am here to support and guide, not control." Being a supportive and guiding presence for your child, rather than trying to control their every move, can help to foster a strong and positive relationship.

Below are 5 mantras you can practice today.

Follow @biglifejournal for more on raising resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy kids.

"We are excited to announce that registration is open for the Empowered Expo on April 22nd (formally the Expo for Transitioning Youth). If you have a student in middle school or high school who has an IEP or a 504 plan, this free expo is your chance to meet and greet with over 40 local organizations who provide services and resources you may need on the journey from high school to adulthood. We have also curated 9 different workshops on hot topics for young adults with disabilities such as employment readiness, benefits after high school, special needs financial planning, advocating as an adult and more!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER to attend and reserve your spot in the workshops of your choice! If you have any questions about what topics would be right for you, please reach out to me or the HCPS transition staff at your school. We look forward to seeing you there!"

Rachel Harbin I Manager, Office of Disability Services

raharbin@harfordcountymd.gov

Harford County Government

125 N. Main Street I Bel Air, MD 21014 I 410-638-3373

Upcoming Webinars include:

• How to Teach Self-Regulation/Executive Function Skills for Independent Living, March 8th
• Borederline Personality Disorder and Its Connection to ADHD, March 15th
• ADHD Then and Now: How Our Understanding Has Evolved, March 21st
• The Nurtured Heart Approach: Positive Parenting and Teaching Strategies to Transform Problem Behaviors, March 29th

Highlights include:

How to Get SSI and Medical Assistance, Go to Work, and Live to Tell About It

Collaborative Conversations - an Autism Summit

Go with Your Gut - Autism and the Gut

Virtual Family Yoga

Virtual BINGO

Time to Unplug and Connect with Nature!

This resource provides information regarding counseling and treatment for mental health and addiction. They also have a resource for youth and families.

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.

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.

• What is the 5 Day Rule and How Does It Effect Me?

"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."

Click here for information on Fallston MOPS/MomsNext. Come find your "mom tribe!"

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.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Sharing-Table-497601243752813/