Special Education Parent Newsletter
January 2024
Happy New Year!
We hope the holiday break was rejuvenating and just the right amount of adventure and relaxation. As we start the second semester of the 2023-2024 school year, our wish is for continued student learning and growth.
Please review the new opportunities for January and February. Thank you all for your continued support!
Special Education Services Team
Fort Bend ISD
Getting the Support You Need: Who to Go to With Questions
1. Transportation:
Customer Care Contact (281) 634-4077
transport.support@fortbendisd.com
Hodges Bend Transportation Center (281) 634-1970
Lake Olympia Transportation Center (281) 634-1930
2. Specific course, assignment, or learning resource: Teacher
3. Supports or accommodations: Teacher or Case Manager
4. Documentation (ARD/IEP, FIE): ARD Facilitator (MS, HS)/Campus Compliance Coordinator (ES)
5. Student Schedule: Counselor
6. Personal or Social Emotional Concern: Counselor
7. Special education procedural or programming questions: Programs Managers, Special Education Services
8. Parent Support Network: Campus SEPAC representatives*
District Events, Resources, and Trainings
Parent Training
When: January 11, 2024, 6-7 pm
What: Self-care for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education Services
Description: This session will explore ways for parents to participate in self-care and make time for themselves. There will be a discussion of community activities, parent groups, and resources.
Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95515001250?pwd=bnhHUDNiSk5uV0FPSVJFUFR2Ky9QUT09
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District Webinars
Click here for the webpage: https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/165705
When: January 17, 2024, 6-7 pm
What: Student Success Webinar on Stress & Anxiety
Description: Students will learn practical strategies for managing stress and anxiety in their academic and personal lives.
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When: February 21, 2024, 6-7 pm
What: Parent Webinar on Study Habits & Test Anxiety
Description: Parents and caregivers will be equipped with research-based strategies and tools to help students be better prepared for school, state, and national assessments. Information about test anxiety symptoms, current district and campus-based support systems to address it, and best practices regarding how to lower and/or minimize it will also be shared.
2023-24 Parent Training Opportunities
The Special Education Department provides parent training opportunities throughout the year. Sessions occur through Zoom from 6-7 pm. Upcoming dates and topics include:
January 11: Self-Care for Parents of Students Receiving Special Education
February 26: Mental Health Support for Students with Disabilities
March 20: Related Services for Students Receiving Special Education Services
April 11: Trauma Informed Care Practices
May 8: The Texas Work Force Commission
Get Involved!
What is SEPAC?
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a support network where parents can ask questions, meet other parents on the special education journey, and learn about relevant issues in the state and district that pertain to educating students with disabilities. The mission of the FBISD SEPAC is to:
- Advocate for innovative and inclusive educational environments
- Advise Fort Bend ISD on programs, parent/teacher trainings, and policy related to special education, and
- Support and facilitate effective communication between parents, students, and the school district
The role of a SEPAC representative is to:
- Be a liaison between campus parents and the district
- Facilitate communication between campus parents, the SEPAC, and the district
- Share information from the SEPAC and the district to campus parents
- Gather feedback from campus parents and relay back to the SEPAC and the district
- Provide feedback to the SEPAC and to the district from an engaged parent perspective as to what is working and not working at your campus
If your campus has a SEPAC representative, your principal will be reaching out to you shortly to share their contact information.
We are still seeking parent representatives for the following campuses:
Elementary Schools:
Lynn Armstrong Elementary School
Barrington Place Elementary School @ Meadows-Grades K-2nd
Barrington Place Elementary School @ Lakeview-Grades 3rd-5th
Sonal Bhuchar Elementary School
Walter Moses Burton Elementary School
Rita Drabek Elementary School
Dulles Elementary School
Alyssa Ferguson Elementary School
Edgar Glover Elementary School
Lula Belle Goodman Elementary School
Mary Austin Holley Elementary School
E.A. Jones Elementary School
Barbara Jordan Elementary School
Lakeview Elementary School
Malala Yousafzai Elementary School
Mission Bend-Glen Elementary School
Mission West Elementary School
Rosa Parks Elementary School
James Patterson Elementary School
Quail Valley Elementary School
Ridgegate Elementary School
Ridgemont Elementary School
Jan Schiff Elementary School
Settlers Way Elementary School
Sienna Crossing Elementary School
Walker Station Elementary School
Middle Schools:
David Crockett Middle School
Macario Garcia Middle School
Lake Olympia Middle School
Missouri City Middle School
Sartartia Middle School
High Schools:
Stephen F. Austin High School
L.V. Hightower High School
Ridge Point High School
Willowridge High School
If you are interested in applying to be a SEPAC representative for one of the campuses listed above, please complete the SEPAC Application Form 2023-2024.
If you have any questions about the SEPAC, please contact Cindy Manthey, Program Manager.
Special Education Department Website
The Special Education Department website is a great place to start when you have a question or when you are seeking resources to assist your student. Our department website and its various pages are uniquely designed to provide information and keep parents updated on programs and services for students. Be sure to visit our website and bookmark it!
Community Events, Resources, and Trainings
The resources and events shared in this section are for information purposes only. Fort Bend ISD does not recommend or endorse any activity or organization. Parents and families are encouraged to determine whether an activity or organization is appropriate for them, given their unique needs.
Hope for Three Autism Advocates Upcoming Events
What: Caregiver Empowerment with Samantha Katchy, M.A., BCBA, LBA
When: Saturday, January 6 @ 10:00-11:00 am
Where: Online
Description: Hope For Three is providing Caregiver Empowerment sessions to parents, caregivers, and extended family members. Vital training, tools, and valuable resources will help your child(ren) live the best life possible.
Join Sam Katchy on January 6 for what to do during a meltdown. Click HERE to Register!
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What: Gal Gathering!
When: Thursday, January 18 @ 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: State Fare Kitchen & Bar, Sugar Land
Description: Hope For Three is proud to host a Gal Gathering held at State Fare Kitchen & Bar for Moms and Female Caregivers! Join us for a casual get-together, light bites, and beverages on the house! Registration is required! Click Here to register for January 18!
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What: HOPE Session with Dr. Dana Walker & Katherine Krueger
When: Tuesday, January 30 @ 6:30-7:30 pm
Where: Online
Description: Hope For Three is ecstatic to announce H.O.P.E. sessions presented by Dr. Dana Walker, an Educational Diagnostician & Katherine Krueger, Program Manager of Safety/Restraint and Behavior Intervention, Fort Bend ISD! During this session, we will discuss 'What is In Home Training?' and the Autism Supplement updates. Click HERE to Register!
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What: HOPE Session with Dr. Dana Walker & Shelly Higgins
When: Tuesday, February 13 @ 6:30-7:30 pm
Where: Online
Description: Hope For Three is ecstatic to announce H.O.P.E. sessions presented by Dr. Dana Walker, an Educational Diagnostician & Shelly Higgins, Program Specialist with the Brazoria-Fort Bend Regional Day School Program for the Deaf! During this session, we will discuss the Individualized Education Program or IEP, which is the written document that is completed by an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee for every public school child ages 3-21 receiving special education services in Texas. Click HERE to Register!
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What: Guy Gathering!
When: Tuesday, February 13 @6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Longhorn Steakhouse, Sugar Land
Description: Hope For Three is proud to host a Guy Gathering, held at LongHorn Steakhouse Sugar Land, for Dads and Male Caregivers! Join us for lite bites and beverages, on the house! Registration is highly suggested!
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Hope for Three January Event Jigsaw Puzzle Competition - Click here for details
Click here for the Hope for Three newsletter link! Sign up for updates and news!
Brazos Bend Guardianship Services
What: Guardianship Information Session
When: January 17, 2024 at 6:00 pm
Where: University Branch Library, U of H Sugar Land Campus
Description:
Brazos Bend Guardianship Services is hosting a free Guardianship Information Session on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at 6:00pm at University Branch Library. Join the Brazos Bend Guardianship Services Executive Director, Kirk Monroe, along with attorney, Eric Junker, to learn about the guardianship process.
Please RSVP for this session by e-mailing Ercilia Rebeles at erebeles@bbgstx.org or calling 281-232-7701.
Click here for a flyer to the session
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What: Family to Family Network 17th Annual Special Education Conference & Resource Fair
When: January 20, 2024 at 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Where: Houston Community College-Katy, 22910 Colonial Parkway, Katy
Description: Family to Family Network helps individuals with disabilities and their family members define and achieve success for themselves and their loved ones.
Texana's Center for Advancement
What: Spring semester specialized courses
When: February 5 - April 19, 2024
Description: Embarking on the journey from high school to adulthood is a critical transition, especially for individuals with autism or intellectual disabilities. Texana's Center for Advancement understands these challenges and is dedicated to empowering young people and adults through specialized courses designed to foster independence and success.
The upcoming Spring semester, running from February 5th to April 19th, 2024 (with a Spring break from March 11th to March 15th), features an exciting array of programs aimed at honing essential life skills and opening doors to new opportunities.
Highlighted Courses for the Spring Semester:
- Social Connections Club
- Web Designing/ Development Technology Course*ONLINE COURSE*
- Rhythm and Movement Course
- Social Crafting Course
Courses cater to diverse needs and are open to individuals with autism, intellectual disabilities, or related disorders. Whether seeking better relationships, employment prospects, or personal enrichment, the programs focus on your journey towards independence and fulfillment.
How to Enroll: For more information, enrollment, and any inquiries, please reach out to (281) 239-1371 or email us at classes@texanacenter.com. Don't miss this opportunity to embark on a transformative learning experience!
The Arc of Fort Bend
Teen/Tween Social & Parent Night Out:
Teen/Tween Social program is a fun way for teens with IDD to practice social skills and build friendships with a network of teen peers while enjoying games & activities. Open to 11 - 18-year-old Fort Bend County residents who have an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). Events are held on the first Friday of the month from September – June at the Family Life Center of Christ Church Sugar Land, 3300 Austin Pkwy (across from First Colony Middle School). Each event is limited to 20 teens with IDD and 20 volunteers to keep it sensory-friendly and is staffed with Behavior Technicians to monitor behavior as needed.
Register for a Teen/Tween Social event here: https://arcoffortbend.org/respite-program-registration/
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Support Groups:
1. Parent Education & Support Group (Virtual): Monthly Zoom presentations about disability topics throughout the school year with a virtual support group meeting immediately following. (Presentations recorded & available on Facebook & website).
2. Sibling Connection Groups - Teens & Adults (A Chapter of the national Sibling Leadership Network) (Virtual & In-Person): Facebook Group with resources for siblings supporting a loved one with IDD that also meets in-person each spring and fall for support and comradery.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Organizational Tools Available in Microsoft
Check out this video that discusses all of the task organization tools in the 365 suite:
New Transition Resource
The Next Steps to Independence Checklist provides a framework to develop skills for independence in adulthood for individuals with disabilities. Families might use this tool to reflect on their child’s achievements, consider any areas of concern, or collaborate with educators. Educators might use this tool to identify critical skills to address, adaptations to consider, or as an informal transition assessment for self-determination skills. Within each age group, you will see lists of activities and suggestions for teaching these critical skills and connecting with community partners.