Dear Parents and Guardians,

Since our last newsletter, we have had a few frosty days at home but also a groundhog that says spring is coming; hopefully we are finished with the white stuff for this season!

So far, we've had a few parents sign up to be mentors, and may be able to get our parent "buddies" program off the ground. However, I anticipate we may need a few more, so I've kept the form open and it is still linked below. We'll leave that open until April 1; at that point, we will put out another survey looking for "mentees" to pair.

Please peruse the resources below, and feel free to send me any feedback on parent information sessions you attend!

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.

Thank you in advance!

As a leader in special education, it is my goal to stay apprised of what is happening in our schools and community, and how that is impacting our children and our families. Starting in the fall of 2024, I plan to implement a family advisory committee that meets a few times per year to talk about general happenings in the District and community relative to our students with exceptionalities.

This small group will be comprised of parents/guardians who are willing to commit their time and energy to productive, honest, and mutually respectful conversation surrounding special education matters. Meetings will be held in person at the District Office and I will rely on this group to be the voice of our families in MTSD.

Please remember that these meetings are not intended to discuss individual students or replace the discussions that occur during IEP meetings.

Does this sound like something you would love to do?

Email me and let me know by May 1, 2024: mentzam@mtwp.net

I will be in touch over the summer to schedule our first time together.

Thank you for considering!

Our most recent parent information session was held on February 21, 2024. We discussed transition planning for students and opportunities available at MTSD for preparation for post-secondary education/training and employment. We had guests from IU programs with us as well! Our presentation and additional resources are attached below if you were unable to attend; as you can see, we had lots of information to share!

Our next session will be held on April 17 at 6 p.m., and will be focused on Extended School Year. We will define ESY, as well as discuss eligibility criteria and how determinations are made. This is our final session of 2023-2024, we would love to have your participation!

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.

Our MTSD Special Education Plan is posted for public review! Please visit it at the link below this section, and feel free to provide any feedback. It will be posted as a draft for public review until April 5; at that time, we will propose this document to the PA Bureau of Special Education and our MT Board of Directors before finalizing.

• April 4: Marking period 3 ends
• April 5: Special Education Plan public review ends
• April 17: Final parent session for 2023-2024

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

The events and resources below are not sponsored by Manheim Township School District, but are being provided for your information. Many events I share are provided at no cost to families.

The F2MAX January and February courses have passed, but the other three are available, beginning in March. 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