Special Education Parent Newsletter
February 2024
Leap Year
February, although the shortest month of the year, is packed full of holidays, awareness and recognitions: Black History Month, American Heart Month, Valentine's Day, President's Day, National School Counseling Week, and Random Act of Kindness Day. 2024 is also leap year so enjoy one extra day this month.
Please review the district and community events and resources available to your family in this month's newsletter.
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: February 26, 2024, 6-7 pm
What: Emotional and Behavioral Regulation for Students with Disabilities
Description: This session will discuss how to recognize and manage challenging behaviors at home. Parents will learn how to identify triggers, what the behaviors communicate, and how to use proactive strategies to prevent and respond to the behaviors. Methods for accessing resources in the school and community will be shared.
https://zoom.us/j/95515001250?pwd=dDg0MVlWMmlUMVI4S0t2ZTZEREE5Zz09
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
District Webinars
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.
https://www.fortbendisd.com/Page/165705
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2023-24 Parent Training Opportunities
The Special Education Department provides parent training opportunities throughout the year. Sessions occur virtually from 6-7 pm. Upcoming dates and topics include:
February 26: Emotional and Behavioral Regulation 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!
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
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
Representatives are needed for the spring semester of 2023-2024. If you are interested in applying to be a SEPAC representative, 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.
Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo
February 27 - March 17, 2024
View the full Accessibility Guide to HLSR here.
SENSORY KITS
NRG Stadium has partnered with Kulture City to ensure all stadium events are sensory inclusive. This initiative promotes an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue. Sensory kits are equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools, verbal cue cards and weighted lap pads, and are available to all guests who may feel overwhelmed by the environment.
Sensory kits are located at Guest Service booths at sections 113, 133, 319, 346, 517 and 543.
SENSORY FRIENDLY EXPERIENCE
Thursday, February 29th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Rodeo will host a Sensory Friendly Experience on Thursday, February 29th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in a select area of the carnival to promote an accommodating and positive experience for all Rodeo guests with sensory sensitivities or challenges. During this time, there will be minimal lights and sounds permitted in the carnival.
Sensory Day Map | Sensory Day Ride List
ASSISTANCE FOR BLIND OR LOW VISION GUESTS
Aira access is available at NRG Park. This service improves accessibility for blind and low vision guests by using a combination of artificial intelligence and augmented reality. Guests must download the Aria app to access this service.
Play-by-play descriptions of Rodeo events during select RODEOHOUSTON performances are provided on the following dates:
- Tuesday, March 7th
- Thursday, March 9th
- Monday, March 13th
Email for these two opportunities: specialchildrens@rodeohouston.com
LIL' RUSTLERS RODEO
The Lil’ Rustlers Rodeo puts 4 to 10 year old special needs children in the middle of the action as they compete in the Main Arena of NRG Center. This lively, fun event occurs on three nights with nearly 60 participants each night. Little bull riders, steer ropers and barrel racers let their imaginations run wild as they live out cowboy dreams with fun and safe critters, assisted by real cowboys and cowgirls.
SPECIAL CHILDREN'S COMMITTEE DAY TOURS
The Special Children’s Committee hosts tours for more than 1,500 special needs individuals. These groups, which are primarily from schools, have the opportunity to tour AGVENTURE, see the pig races, spend the day at Fun on the Farm, and more.
Hope for Three Autism Advocates Upcoming Events
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!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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!
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!
Brazos Bend Guardianship Services
Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship Information Session
Brazos Bend Guardianship Services is hosting a Guardianship Information Session. The goals of this session are:
• To learn what guardianship is and why it may be needed
• To learn what alternatives there are to guardianship
• To learn about the guardianship assistance program that is available
• To have an opportunity to ask an attorney legal questions about guardianship and alternatives to guardianship.
The next Guardianship Information Session is scheduled for:
When: Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Zoom
Reservations: Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcrfu-srD0rHtfWa_vfHDRfPjFe2B2NodYS
Visit www.brazosbendguardianship.org/info-sessions for more information.
Contact Brazos Bend Guardianship Services at 281-232-7701 if you have any questions or by e-mail at info@bbgstx.org
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/
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas Transition
Recently Released: Student Video Collection - Advice for Transition
The Texas SPED Support website has added a new video collection. This collection captures real-life examples and recommendations for transition planning. In each video, the young adult shares the story of their successful transition to life beyond high school. The videos feature four different young adults from across Texas sharing their transition journey: Abigail, Daylan, Sydney, and Juan (Spanish).
Spectrum Learning Center
Spring Break Camp is March 11-15.
Our Spring Break Camp is the perfect opportunity for your child to have a blast while developing important social, physical, and emotional skills. Our experienced staff and fun activities are designed to create a supportive and inclusive environment, where children with special needs can thrive. Join us for a week of adventure and make new friends along the way!
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.
TEA Resources
Texas Education Agency (TEA) provides a 5-page overview of the special education process and services. See attachment.
To understand the 13 categories of disabilities and eligibility, you can find information on this website: