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SPED PAC Newsletter

Volume 5 Number 3

SPED PACNewsletterVolume 5 Number 3
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Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SPED PAC)

Mission:


To support students with special needs and their families to successfully navigate the support services offered by Knox County Schools and the surrounding community.

Email: Advisorycouncil@knoxschools.org
Website: https://www.knoxschools.org/pac
Phone: 865-594-9582

Get More Information from the SPED PAC Web Page

Visit the Parent Advisory Council's website if you would like to learn about:


  • What Families Need to Know - Includes information by grade level as well as general information for all grades about procedures, supports, and resources. (Includes videos, checklists and other important information)
  • Events and Trainings - Calendars (Both for Knox County Schools and the Community) of free events, trainings, and family friendly resources
  • Newsletter Archive - Listing of the previous Newsletters
  • About Us - Information about the SPED PAC with contact information
Click Here to View the SPED PAC Webpage
Special Education Advisory Council (SPED PAC)

Enjoy the Season with Your Special Needs Youth

The holiday season can be stressful for families, but with a little planning, you can help your special needs child make special memories as well as allow your entire family to enjoy the festivities with loved ones. Click on the link below to find creative suggestions.

Can a Child with Special Needs be a Scientist?

Parents often wonder as their child grows, what opportunities are out there for their child. Neil deGrasse (From the PBS Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey and NOVA Science Now) responds to a young girl asking the same question. To hear his response, click on the video below.
Neil deGrasse Tyson on dyslexia

What are Executive Functioning Skills and How Can a Parent Help?

Executive Functioning Skills refer to skills that help the brain organize information. These skills are involved with setting goals, planning and finishing tasks. The three main areas of executive function are: Working memory, Cognitive or Flexible Thinking, and Inhibitory control (self control). To learn more, click on the video below.
What Is Executive Function?

KCS Transportation Information

During this time of year, the weather can be unpredictable. Click on the link below for information about Inclimate Weather, Parent Resources, and other related information
KCS Need to Know Transportation Information
Parent Resources, Inclement Weather Information, and Much More
Event Information

2021 Virtual Transition Conference

Knox County Schools Transition School to Work Grant Team will host the 2021 VIRTUAL Transition Conference: I Can. I Will. Partnering with more than 20 community agencies, this FREE, half-day, virtual event will connect students and families with community resources to help prepare for life after high school.

When?

Saturday, Apr 10, 2021, 09:00 AM

Event Information

A Forum on Financial Planning for People with IDD Webinar (ARC)

The ability to save is crucial in securing a life plan for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who often rely on public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, housing, and food assistance to pay for things that they need to live in the community. However, many public benefits have very strict limits on how much money you can have to qualify and keep the benefits. How do people know what public benefits they are eligible for? How can people save to buy the things they want and need when they have so little money to start with? What are special needs trusts and ABLE accounts, and when should people have one? While our panel of experts will not be able to provide advice on anyone’s individual situation, they will provide an overview of these important issues, provide helpful resources, and be available to answer your questions. Come learn how people with IDD can plan for their financial future.

When?

Tuesday, Dec 15, 2020, 02:00 PM

Click Here to attend the FREE Webinar
A Forum on Financial Planning for People with IDD (Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities)
Event Information

Grandfamilies Together Monthly Virtual Meeting

GAP is starting an evening Grandfamilies series to be held the fourth Thursday of each month beginning in January 2021. At this time, this meeting is scheduled to meet virtually using a video conference platform.


More details to come soon on how to access these events.

Contact Tracy or Anne if you have questions. (865) 524-2786

When?

Thursday, Jan 28, 2021, 07:00 PM

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Let Your Voice Be Heard

There are openings on the Parent Advisory Board. Members agree to attend monthly meetings, advocate for parental concerns, volunteer to assist in specific initiatives, and have a child receiving services in the Knox County Schools system. If you are interested, contact:


Sue Ownby, Parent Liaison

Knox County Schools

Sue.Ownby@knoxschools.org