The Connection

We are almost a month into the school year and we are off to a great start! In this edition of The Connection you will find information on how to get your student connected to the Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, which is so important! There are also some neat opportunities for your students to participate in around Florence! Make sure you check it out!

We hope you'll take some time to read through these resources, and don't forget that if you need a question answered or just aren't sure where to turn, you can contact our Parent Liaison, Erika Chapman, at 843-292-1008 or echapman@f1s.org. She would love to connect with you!

In the last newsletter we learned more about the power of positive reinforcement. Dana Howell, from Behavioral Institutions and Solutions, shares this week about Behavior Specific Praise and 3 ways to do it!

Her infographic above explains what Behavior Specific Praise is and check out her article here to identify 3 ways to deliver effective behavior specific praise.

Do you have questions about resources and supports for your child through the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DDSN)? There is now an incredibly helpful site that is easy to navigate and understand that will help answer your questions.

It explains how to apply, overview of services, waiver information, Employment First, case manager communication and more! Please check it out and share with others!

Overview of SC DDSN Services

Applying for Services

Save the date for Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 9:00am-11:00am for the 2nd Annual College Transition Programs Fair at Wilson High School.

This is an opportunity for our non-diploma track students and their parents to hear all about opportunities and programs for their students after high school.

When: Thur., Oct 19, 2023 from 9:00 am-11:00 am

Where: Wilson High School 1411 Old Marion Highway

For more information contact Eveleyn Kitt-Wilson at 843-758-6608 or at ekittwilson@fsd1.org.

Special program for girls and boys who like music and like to dance!

Join the fun at KFA Dance and Gymnastics. Visit our website www.kfadanceandgym.weebly.com to sign up for this fabulous free dance program specifically designed for children with special needs.

Boys and Girls ages 5-12.

Florence classes are on Tuesdays from 5:30-6:00pm.

Check out the national website at www.darbysdancers.com.

Direct all questions to kfadance@yahoo.com

or

Valerie Jones, Founder darbysdancers@yahoo.com

Darby's Dancers is a 501(c)(3) organization that believes all children have the right to participate in the performing arts regardless of any limitations they might have.

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month! It’s a time to
reflect on the habits and techniques that you have in place to take care of yourself and live a more fulfilling life! Let’s get the care you need this September at the Florence Wave Fest!
Saturday, September 16
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Florence County Library, 509 S. Dargan St.
The Florence Wave Fest is a FREE community event that promotes wellness by connecting children, youth and families to available resources and fun activities! Food Truck(s)! Kids Zone! Live Entertainment! Resources! Health Screenings and much more!

Explore the Wellness Village which has vendors providing free services to include financial advice, exercise instruction, health screenings, live entertainment and bouncy houses!

Visit www.fedfamsc.org/event/florencewavefest/

Saturday, September 16th at Sunset (predicted 7:30pm)

Come enjoy the Pirates of the Caribbean:The Curse of the Black Pearl at

The City Center Farmers Market

200 Sanborn Street, Florence, SC 29501

Concessions open at 6:30pm with hot dogs, candy & drinks - $1 each cash only

Popcorn is FREE

Bring your friends, family & chairs!

Erika Chapman is the Florence One Schools Parent Liaison for our Program for Exceptional Children. Erika serves as a liaison between teachers, parents, students, support staff and the community regarding educational programs, services and student issues in areas of Programs for Exceptional Children.

You will receive our PEC parent newsletter, The Connection, twice a month. It's full of helpful information, announcements and the dates for all upcoming parent training events. Erika can help parents/guardians to connect to resources both within and outside of the district; as well as get connected to agencies like DDSN, fill out paperwork for Medicaid and understand your child's IEP.

The Parent Liaison website also has lots of helpful resources for families. On the website you can find all past PEC newsletters and helpful webinars on Understanding Your Child's IEP and All About Resources in the Florence area. Check it out!

Please feel free to reach out to Erika if she can assist you in any way! Her email is echapman@fsd1.or and her phone number is 843-292-1008.

Do you want to know what your student's school is offering for breakfast and lunch during the month of August? Find out here!

We would love to hear from you! If you have a question or comment you can contact our Parent Liaison, Erika Chapman, at echapman@f1s.org or 843-292-1008 or visit the Parent Liaison website for helpful resources.

You also can contact us at exceptionalchildren@f1s.org or at 843-673-1161.

Email: exceptionalchildren@f1s.org
Website: f1s.org
Phone: (843) 673-1161