Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing time with your families during the break. It's hard to believe we are already here, but the weather is getting a bit more brisk and we've even had some snow already!

Our year is off to a great start as wrap up the second quarter of the year. Thank you for your continued support of your children and the teams who work with them each day.

Amber

We would like to try something new for our families at MTSD to help build a community among those who share experiences in special education: A "buddy" system wherein we pair more experienced mentor-type parents/guardians with those who may be newer to the world of special education. We are also looking to pair parents of older students with younger students, to help prepare for what's ahead.

It is so helpful to be able to connect with someone who's been there.

Before soliciting interest from those who are in need of a mentor, we need to know if there are folks willing to be a support to these families. If you are interested in being someone's special education go-to, please complete the form at this link.

Please complete by February 16, 2024; at that time we will determine next steps.

Thank you in advance!

Parent Information Sessions
Our most recent parent information session was held on December 6, 2023. We discussed behavioral interventions in school and how they may be applied at home. Our presentation is attached below if you were unable to attend.

Our next session is scheduled for February 21, 2024. We are still in the process of planning all the details, but our focus will be transition planning and options. For an overview of transition, please visit the PaTTAN website, linked here.

Please join us at the same link (click here!) from our previous sessions. An announcement via Sapphire will also be coming closer to the session date.

North Star Subcommittee

Our North Star at Manheim Township: To create a welcoming and supportive environment where all students, staff and families feel a sense of belonging

Thank you to our existing and new subcommittee members! We just met on January 17 for the second time this year along with our parents of students with giftedness. It was a great opportunity for sharing of ideas that benefit our families and students. If you are on the fence about joining us, and are considering for next year, please reach out to Amber (mentzam@mtwp.net).

• January 23 - end of marking period 2
• February 21 - parent information session 3 (see above)

Below are optional learning opportunities, specifically designed for parents and families. Please take a few moments to review.

These are not led by Manheim Township School District, but are being provided for your information. Events are provided at no cost to families.

The F2MAX January course has passed, but the other four are available, beginning in February. Learn more about this family network at the link: F2MAX

2023 Lancaster Campus Student Access Services Information Day

The link above takes you to information on a session with HACC regarding Student Access Services. This session will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is specific to the Lancaster Campus.

Touchstone Foundation - a resource for parent mental wellness

Understood - a resource for connecting with other families

Hope Served - community resource for adults with disabilities

Reagan's Journey - community resource that includes Reagan's Closet in Lancaster

Wunder app - community app by Understood.org

PA Parent and Family Alliance - resource for various mental health challenges for families/children