Email: parentadvisory@knoxschools.org
Website: https://www.knoxschools.org/domain/5429
Phone: 865-594-9582

We are proud to introduce our new Parent Advisory Council Web Page. Whether you want more information about Kindergarten Readiness or Tips on Preparing for an IEP Team Meeting this page is geared to help you find information quickly and easily. Come back regularly to keep up to date about upcoming school sponsored/ community events and trainings.

CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO VISIT THE WEB PAGE:

With summer break quickly approaching, many parents are asking how to make sure their child continues to learn and grow . It’s easier than you may think! Here are some easy, inexpensive and fun activities that you can do to build your child’s language and literacy skills over the summer break. And while we love the use of technology to support learning, NOTHING can take the place of real interactions and conversations with your child, so take some time to put those electronic devices aside and have an adventure! J

Spend time outdoors – Taking a walk is a great way to incorporate language skills. You can walk around your neighborhood or explore a new area. As you walk, talk about what you see and ask open ended questions like “What do you think that might be?” or “What do you think that bird is saying?”. For students who have less language, label items and let them hold and experience them. Creating a simple scavenger hunt is also a great way to build vocabulary.

Plan day trips – We have so many wonderful parks, museums, and places of interest around Knoxville! Giving your child the gift of developing background knowledge will build vocabulary and provide personal experiences that are essential for reading comprehension.

Get cookin’ – Making summer treats is a fun and easy way to work on skills such as following directions, learning new vocabulary, using descriptive words, and sequencing. Let your child help follow a recipe and then retell the steps.

Just play! – Getting together with other children helps to develop social skills, turn taking, interactive play, and communication. Provide some fun summer activities like sidewalk chalk or balls and encourage interaction but let play develop naturally.

Read, Read and then Read some more – Reading with your child is one of the very best ways to develop speech and language skills! Studies show that time spent reading with your child is the best predictor of academic success. Take advantage of the local library and book stores. Many offer free story hours and other activities during the summer to promote reading.

You’re never too old – Even though many of these activities may seem more appropriate for younger children, don’t forget that even our older children will enjoy and benefit from interactions with you. Day trips, cooking, taking walks, and reading together may look a little different as children get older, but that time together is still so valuable!

Submitted by Summer Tucker, Special Education Supervisor

With the summer nearly here, many parents and guardians are wondering how to keep their children engaged this summer. Summer should be a time of fun, but it also offers unique opportunities and to engage in hands on, educational experiences.

* Participate in community activities - Such as the Library Pass Port Program, Ijams Nature Center, The Muse McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture, Knoxville Botanical Garden, and Knoxville Museum of Art.

* Encourage the connection - Many schools open the playgrounds and have hours that the buildings are open to registration and or tours by appointment. (See your school for more information) Also tour the web site with your child and point out the pictures of teachers and other key people that the child will see next year.

* Remain positive - A few weeks before school starts, talk about how exciting the new school year will be. Pick out school clothes and materials, start practicing the change in routines (such as bed time rituals) so that starting school again in the Fall is a positive experience.

Some Community Programs with Youth Programming

IJams Nature Center: http://ijams.org/events/calendar-view/

The Muse: http://www.themuseknoxville.org/calendar

McClung Museum: https://mcclungmuseum.utk.edu/events/

Knoxville Botanical Garden:http://knoxgarden.org/classes-events/events/

Knoxville Museum of Art: http://www.knoxart.org/events/index.html

(All have activities geared toward children that are both fun and

educational. Families are responsible for any related fees)

Helping Tennesseans with disabilities, family members and those who serve people with disabilities become strong community leaders and advocates is one of our core goals here at the Council. This week, I want to highlight an upcoming opportunity for youth leadership training.

This year's Youth Leadership Academy, our second annual one, will focus on helping participants develop their own disability identity, sharpen their advocacy skills, learn about self-determination, and discuss strategies for making informed choices.

It will be in Nashville on June 27-28 for young adults with disabilities ages 14-24. We are partnering with one of the state's Centers for Independent Living, Empower Tennessee in Middle TN, for this year's Academy.

• Download the Youth Leadership Academy flier
• Download the Youth Leadership Academy Introduction Letter
• Download the Youth Leadership Academy Application or Click here to apply online

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS MAY 18, 2018