Together We Can
April 29, 2024
I am not sure where April went, but May is just around the corner. Thanks to those of you that turned out for the Greenwich Hope Day Celebration this past weekend. The weather was beautiful and I am looking forward to many more spring days to come.
Last week, the SESS Department provided an update to the Board of Education. You can watch the meeting or download the presentation here.
Just a reminder that the SESS Department will be hosting “Making Connections,” an autism and transition resource fair tomorrow, Tuesday, April 30 from 4:00-6:00 PM for families and caregivers to learn about the resources available in our community for individuals with varying abilities. The fair will also welcome guest speaker, Dr. Stephen Shore, who will share his own experience as an Autistic individual. For more information please read their flyer in English and Spanish.
Best,
Stacey Heiligenthaler, Ph.D.
Chief Officer of Special Education and Student Supports
What We Are Seeing 👀 Around the Schools
FUNdations in Preschool
Students participating in a Fundations lesson in Ms. Melissa’s preschool class at Hamilton Avenue School.
Julian Curtiss celebrated BE SAFE
On March 28, Julian Curtiss School celebrated the BE SAFE norm with another amazing school assembly. The fifth graders put together skits to show how to solve problems and be safe at school and in the community.
New Leb Consumer Unit
New Lebanon School first graders completed a produce and consumer unit. Their final project was to present on a specific job of interest.
Bash the Trash at OG
"Bash the Trash" performed at Old Greenwich School. The band was there to share ideas of how to keep the planet green and play fun music! Their instruments are made of all trash.
Classroom Norms at Glenville
Mrs. Fulton's kindergarteners at Glenville School celebrated their behavior and social-emotional accomplishments of following the classroom norms and earning their Outstanding Certificates.
Riverside Rangers
On April 11, the Riverside Rangers visited Hamilton Avenue School to meet and train their new Rangers. The visit was packed with fun activities and collaboration between the two groups of fifth graders.
Parkway and Magnify Autism
Parkway School was excited to inform, educate, and raise awareness of autism! The school community promoted awareness for autism by wearing T-shirts donated by Magnify Autism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Magnify Autism is dedicated to supporting and promoting awareness for the autism community. Furthermore, the T-shirts were made by Spectrum Designs, a company that employs adults with disabilities - with every order helping to provide a salary that builds the confidence and self-worth of its employees.
ISD Stamp Act
International School at Dundee fifth graders were inquiring and writing about their research on the Stamp Act. In addition to their research, students engaged in a simulation experience that helped them to understand how the colonists felt when this act was imposed on them.
EMS Welcome Parent Coffee
Eastern Middle School Assistant Principal Mr. Duncan hosted a parent coffee on April 3 for incoming sixth grade parents. Topics covered developing partnerships with case managers, school psychologists, and counselors as well as holding discussions on the transitions from fifth grade to sixth grade.
EMS English
Eastern MS eighth grade students in the English Co-taught class are learning vocabulary related to the study of the Holocaust Unit.
International Day at EMS
On Friday, April 26, the Eastern MS community celebrated International Day! Students and faculty enjoyed viewing projects, participating in games and activities, and listening to music celebrating many cultures.
Workshops and Resources
GLOWING AND GROWING TOGETHER A Mindfulness and Yoga Parent-Child Retreat
Effective Self Regulation and Executive Functioning Strategies
Inclusion Corner
With Rachel Ruben
As you may know, GPS has a partnership with New York University’s PINE (Program for Inclusion and Neurodiversity Education). I am excited to share that this year’s PINE Summit will occur VIRTUALLY from May 1- 3. This year’s theme is “Co-Creating Inclusion.” There will be a variety of speakers and topics. Check out the event schedule online. Even more exciting is that the Summit will be offering a FREE session for parents on Friday, May 3 at 1:00 PM (all other sessions would cost $30 if you are not a PINE member). Check out the parent session details below:
Family Session–A Parent's Playbook for How to Squash Conflict and Stoke Connection, presented by Robert Galligan, PhD
When: May 3, 2024 from 1:00-2:00 PM
Session Description:
Join us in this engaging presentation for parents, where we delve into the concept of maintaining a "positive mental image" of our kids. Learn how this mental image serves as a powerful tool, enhancing communication, connection, and co-regulation between the parent and child, even in the face of difficulties. Gain valuable insights into concrete communication strategies and constructive approaches that strengthen this positive perspective. We'll also address the potential pitfalls of adopting a negative mental image and provide practical guidance on regulating, repairing, and reconnecting with our kids.
Learning Objectives
Parents will learn how a positive mental image of their child can facilitate connection and de-escalate conflict.
Parents will learn specific skills for improved interactions with children, including positive mindset, constructive communication, and adaptive action.
Parents will learn strategies for self-regulation so that they can help their children in moments of conflict.
Registration:
Click on this website: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/pine/1095650#
Click the blue “Click Here to Register Button” on the right side of the screen
Add your “tickets” by using the drop down for the sessions you want to register for (see screenshot).
Click “Next” and follow the prompts to checkout.
The Office of Special Education and Student Supports
Email: stacey_heiligenthaler@greenwich.k12.ct.us
Website: https://www.greenwichschools.org/teaching-learning/special-education
Location: 290 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT
Phone: (203) 625-7493