Kent ISD Parent Pulse

The Kent ISD Parent Pulse is a newsletter designed with parents in mind to provide information and opportunities for parents who have children with disabilities within Kent County. We hope this newsletter provides you with a way to connect with Kent ISD and community resources and helps expand your knowledge around special education.

Feel free to also check out the Parent Resource section of the Kent ISD website to view more resources and see upcoming parent opportunities.

Are you interested in an opportunity that allows you to connect with other caregivers in the county to share resources, learn and grow as you navigate raising a child with a disability? If so, please completed this SURVEY.

CADRE, the National Center on Dispute Resolution, believes:

• Conflict is a natural part of any collaborative effort or ongoing relationship.
• Effective resolution of conflicts at the lowest level appropriate can result in improved systems, relationships, and student outcomes.
• A multifaceted, relationship-centric approach is necessary to systemically and individually prevent and resolve IDEA disputes.
• Culturally and linguistically competent dispute resolution systems foster family engagement and improved access to and delivery of dispute resolution processes.
• Capacity to prevent and resolve disputes at all levels is ever evolving & influenced by numerous factors.
• Stakeholders are essential partners in developing dispute resolution capacity at all levels. Understanding their needs & context is critical to successful outcomes.

CADRE has a page designated for families who are navigating special education, covering various topics and offering an FAQ section covering many questions. Below is one support provided through this website that can help the enhancement of navigating school and family partnerships.

A Tale of Two Conversations is a two-part video showing actors playing a parent of a child with a disability and a school administrator. The meeting was requested by the parent and takes place in the administrator’s office. Take One shows the parent and administrator talking about the child’s special education program. They are talking, but not listening. Their communication is unproductive. Take Two shows each person using more effective communication skills.

All of our relationships can benefit from reflecting on and improving how we communicate. This Study Guide uses A Tale of Two Conversations as a learning tool, offering keys for more effective communication and problem-solving skills and approaches. It provides opportunities to reflect on how you communicate now and what you could do differently. The Study Guide is available for parents, educators and trainers.

The IEP must include:

• how your child’s progress will be measured; and
• when periodic reports on your child’s progress will be provided to you

Progress reports have to be provided “at least as often as parents of nondisabled children” [§300.320(a)(3)]. This generally means when students receive report cards. That is the minimum, an IEP team can decide that more frequent reporting of progress is needed to make informed decisions about teaching methods that work for a specific child.

Periodic reporting of a child’s progress gives parents and other members of the IEP team the opportunity to review the IEP and make adjustments as needed. You can request (in writing) that the IEP team convene a meeting to review the data and work to identify the reason behind the lack of progress.

For additional information related to understanding your child's IEP progress visit this LINK.

PASE is a parent driven forum to positively impact the educational opportunities for children with special needs through collaboration and dissemination of information.

PASE Will:

• serve as a resource for information to expand your knowledge
• communicate up-to-date changes and trends to the educational system
• improve parents' knowledge of the educational system
• provide points of contact for service organizations and support groups
• offer opportunities and workshops to learn how to assist in the educational process
• provide an arena for feedback from parents

PASE meets four to four times a year at 6:30 pm on a Monday at the Kent ISD Educational Services Center (see schedule for updates on in-person or virtual meetings). You'll find us at 2930 Knapp NE near the corner of Knapp and Beltline, just north of I-96 (click here for a map).

Please note that due to construction at Kent ISD beginning in November 2024 all meetings after October will be held virtually, with the possibility of April being in person. Links to the virtual meetings and any updates will be provided through Kent ISD website and these newsletters.

The Kent County Health Department provides a quarterly Parent Support Group!

Benefits of attending this group include:

• Meeting other parents for emotional and practical support;
• Learning practical skills to reduce stress;
• Getting support with the challenges you have and offering support to others;
• Making friends with other parents within your community;
• Knowing you are not alone in how you are feeling;
• Getting dinner and free childcare!

Meetings are held from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Kent County Health Department located at 700 Fuller NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505. Dinner and free childcare are provided by their program staff and volunteers.

During the months the support groups are not held other events will be held, such as office hours and various educational events. More information related to these can be found on the Kent County Health Department website, https://www.accesskent.com/Health/Families/ or their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/kentcountyhealth/.

For questions related to this group or to have your contact information added to receive updates and alerts, please reach out to Brandi Berry at 616-632-7055 or Brandi.Berry@kentcountymi.gov

A Mother's Rest (AMR) is a public charity headquartered in New Market, MD. The purpose of AMR is to coordinate affordable, frequent respite retreats nationwide for caregivers of all kinds. AMR was created as a national network of parental respite inns. We coordinate respite retreats at bed and breakfast locations around the country. Our primary goal is to make these affordable, everywhere, and often. Self-care and mental health for these caregivers needs to be a priority.

AMR is open to families raising children with physical, cognitive, developmental, emotional, behavioral, past abuse and trauma-induced conditions. All adoptive & foster parents are welcome. We also support wives of disabled/ill spouses, including Wounded Warriors, as well as those caring for their own aging parents at home. There are no stated religious or family lifestyle restrictions. AMR is meant to be a safe place for all caregivers. We expect to keep a culture of mutual caregiver support.

To find out where you can stay and how to sign up please visit this LINK.

What are Sibshops?

Sibshops are evidence of love and concern for the family member who will have the longest-lasting relationship with a person who has a disability, their siblings. However, for the kids who attend them, Sibshops are pedal-to-the-metal events where they will meet other sibs (usually for the first time), have fun, laugh, talk about the good and not-so-good parts of having a sib with a disability, play some great games, learn something about the services their brothers and sister receive, and have some more fun.

Who can attend?

Most Sibshops are for sibs of kids with special developmental concerns, including intellectual and developmental disabilities. Increasingly, Sibshops are being offered for brothers and sisters of kids with health concerns (often at children’s hospitals), and we’re beginning to see Sibshops emerge for sibs of kids with mental health concerns. While Sibshops were developed for sibs in the 8-13 year-old age range, Sibshops (depending on the community) are being offered for sibs as young as six and increasingly for teens as well.

Did you know?

Sisters and brothers will likely have the longest-lasting relationship with a sibling who has a disability, one that can exceed 65 years. During their lives, they will experience most of the unique joys and concerns their parents do, yet few will have the chance to talk about their experiences with other siblings who “get it." Brothers and sisters of children with disabilities have a group that’s just for them, Sibshops.

You can reach out to Andréa Vugteveen, who currently facilitates the Sibshops groups in Kent County at 616-450-3781 or via email at amvugteveen@gmail.com. For more information related to this schedule or future schedules reach out to Andréa or visit the Grand Rapids area Facebook page where updates will be posted regarding sibling opportunities locally.

The Arc of Oakland County is hosting a virtual and in person training using the Elevatus Training Curriculum. This is open to anyone and is free. Check out the flyer to learn more and visit this LINK to register.

Michigan Alliance for Families is a statewide resource to connect families of children with disabilities to resources to help improve their children’s education. They help facilitate parent involvement as a means of improving educational services and outcomes for students with disabilities.

• Michigan Alliance for Families provides printed, electronic, and multimedia information/resources.
• Michigan Alliance for Families staff are available to talk to parents and professionals about special education and related services, and disability specific information.
• Michigan Alliance for Families hosts relevant workshops across the state. All of our events and materials are free of charge to parents/ families.
• Michigan Alliance for Families encourages and supports parents in leadership roles.

December 2024

December 3 Understanding Social Security Benefits at 3:30pm. Paving the Way to Self Determination is a series of workshops for families and their children with developmental disabilities (ages birth-12) to develop skills that lead to self-determined lives. Register with Disability Network Southwest Michigan.

December 4 Section 504@School: What Parents Need to Know with Michelle Driscoll & Stephanie Nicholls from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mrted8u5

December 5 Math for All: Supporting Your Child with Disabilities in Math with Rachel Tabron from 9:30am-10:30am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/36yeex69

December 6 & 13 Behavior is Communication (two part webinar) with Dr. Sally Burton-Hoyle from 1:00pm-2:30pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/bwees5ek

December 10 Instilling Disability Pride in Your Child at 9:30am. Paving the Way to Self Determination is a series of workshops for families and their children with developmental disabilities (ages birth-12) to develop skills that lead to self-determined lives. Register with Disability Network Southwest Michigan.

December 11 Disability is Not a Bad Word with Stephanie Nicholls from 12:00pm-1:00pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/yckx7z83

December 11 Tools for Supported Decision-Making with Mary Shehan from 4:30pm-6:00pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/fxxm33fd

December 12 Collaborative Communication in Special Education with Rebecca Kozlow from 9:30am-10:30am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/8w4b26xv

December 16 Moving On from Early On with Kelsey Biswanger from 9:30am-10:30am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/mwkpwc8t

December 17 IEP: A Closer Look with Andrea Beachnau from 9:30am-11:00am. Register at https://tinyurl.com/puup6vf6

December 18 Growing Up with Self-Determination with Karen Wang from 4:30pm-6:00pm. Register at https://tinyurl.com/5n8p4mta

December 18 The Power of Connection at 6:30pm. Paving the Way to Self Determination is a series of workshops for families and their children with developmental disabilities (ages birth-12) to develop skills that lead to self-determined lives. Register with Disability Network Southwest Michigan.

With education and awareness comes understanding and acceptance. The Arc Kent County views increased public awareness as one of the major components to greater understanding and community acceptance of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

To this end, The Arc Kent County staff provides members, families, professionals, organizations, and the community-at-large with direct and indirect training (in-person & virtual) about intellectual and developmental disabilities.​

Upcoming Events

1/14/25 (virtual)

The Utilization of Support Broker Services

Presented by Annette Downey, CEO Community Living Services

For Additional Workshop Opportunities see the attached Flyer or use this LINK.

Awesome Adults is a time for fun activities with friends. This program is designed for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their care partners.

The following KDL branches are offering this program:

Cascade: November 19, 2024-February 11, 2025 from 10:30-11:30am (8 Sessions)

Gaines Township: December 10, 2024-February 11, 2025 from 1:00-2:00pm (3 Sessions)

Grandville: December 16, 2024-February 17, 2025 from 1:30-2:30pm (3 Sessions)

Kentwood: December 20, 2024-February 21, 2025 from 1:00-2:00pm (3 Sessions)

Alpine Township: January 16, 2025-February 13, 2025 from 1:00-2:00pm (2 Sessions)

Movies begin at 11:00 am (except where noted below)

• December 7 – Moana 2
• December 29 – Sonic 3
• January 4 – Mufasa: The Lion King
• January 25 – Paddington in Peru
• February 8 – DogMan
• February 22 – The Smurfs Movie
• March 1 – Captain America: Brave New World

(These dates are subject to change. We will update this page with any new information as we receive it.)

Enjoy $2 off a show in December by using this LINK.

The R.E.C. Connect program provides opportunities in recreational and social experiences to enhance participants’ health and well-being. This is a year-round program offered by IKUS Life Enrichment Services in partnership with Community Mental Health of Ottawa County. Members can participate in a variety of recreational and social activities. If assistance is needed (depending on the member profile), members must bring support. There is a $1 annual membership fee to join the R.E.C. Connect program. Most classes and activities are offered at no cost and any expenses will be noted in activity description. For activities and events that are located off-site, participants meet at IKUS/Indian Trails Camp and we provide transportation to the activity or event. To join R.E.C. Connect, please complete the Member Profile. Mail or drop this off to us along with your $1 annual membership fee to O-1859 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534.

Pre-registration is required for all classes, activities and special events. To register, email maten@ikuslife.org or call 616-677-5251, ext. 119.

Kentwood’s adaptive recreation program exists to provide quality recreation and enrichment programs for people of all abilities. Alongside our community partners, we take pride in planning and implementing programs that encourage health and wellness, socialization and excellent quality of life for all. Through sports, clinics, social groups, and many other facets we strive to bring recreational opportunities to all people with disabilities in and outside of Kentwood.

Explore programs available using this LINK.

Special Olympics Michigan offers 24 Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. Select a sport from below for general information, coaching guidelines, quick-start guides, stories and more.

See opportunities specific to Area 11 HERE.

Register your athlete using this LINK.

This month I am sharing "The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn" by Sally J Pla. I stumbled upon this book last month when it was assigned to my son for his 7th grade English class. I was intrigued that not only was it a story about a neurodivergent little girl but it was also written by an autistic author.

This book is about Maudie who always looks forward to the summers she spends in California with her dad. But this year, she must keep a troubling secret about her home life—one that her mom warned her never to tell. Maudie wants to confide in her dad about her stepdad's anger, but she’s scared.

When a wildfire strikes, Maudie and her dad are forced to evacuate to the beach town where he grew up. It’s another turbulent wave of change. But now, every morning, from their camper, Maudie can see surfers bobbing in the water. She desperately wants to learn, but could she ever be brave enough?

As Maudie navigates unfamiliar waters, she makes friends—and her autism no longer feels like the big deal her mom makes it out to be. But her secret is still threatening to sink her. Will Maudie find the strength to reveal the awful truth—and maybe even find some way to stay with Dad—before summer is over?

One review from Cracking The Cover stated: "Maudie is the star of this book from beginning to end. And she’s lovely. Told in first person, you get a front-row seat to Maudie’s innermost thoughts and reactions to the world around her. Her sensory and social interactions are immediately understandable and relatable. She may be “different” but those differences make her the wonderful person that she is. The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn is one of the best middle-grade novels I’ve read this year. Maudie’s growth and journey toward defining herself rather than letting her autism define her is beautiful. It’s an excellent choice for readers 10 and up. And it’s a good option for parents who want a greater understanding of the diverse group of kids their own children interact with."

The Children's Book Review noted the following: "Sally’s insightful commentary on the importance of reading about characters who are different from us to broaden our empathy and understanding is truly inspiring. Also discussed is her resource for mental health and neurodiversity representation in children’s literature, anovelmind.com, which serves as an incredibly valuable tool for all those who seek to expand their knowledge and gain a deeper appreciation for diversity and inclusion."

I could not agree more and after reading this book alongside my son I would recommend it to both young readers and adults.

This special event will showcase the talents of over 50 artists with disabilities who are enrolled in a weekly Art Enrichment Program. A diverse range of fine art and holiday gifts including original paintings, home decor, greeting cards, jewelry and more will be available. All proceeds will benefit the artists. Come join and celebrate the diversity of artistic expression for all abilities. Find a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays that will be sure to warm your heart.

EVENT WILL INCLUDE:
- Handmade Goods from 50+ Artists
- Make & Take Ornaments
- Free Kids Craft Table
- And more!

This FREE event is open to the public - All ages are welcome!

Sunday December 8th from Noon – 3 p.m.

Hearts for the Arts Studio!

1141 Quarry Ave NW, Grand Rapids

For the past 16 years, Hearts for the Arts has been dedicated to providing a creative space where individuals of all abilities can learn and create, together. They offer a variety of ways to be involved in the arts through community art classes, kids camps, student art exhibitions, private parties and corporate events. They also specialize in disability services which include therapeutic art, entrepreneurial training and art enrichment programs.

Arts in Motion Holiday Show

Join FHF for a memorable movie experience and extra fun on December 15, 2024 at:

Celebration Cinema Grand Rapids North & IMAX!

2121 Celebration Dr NE

Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Doors open at 9am

Get ready to embark on a magical journey as we bring you a private, sensory-friendly screening of The Polar Express. Immerse yourself in the heartwarming tale of a young boy who embarks on a thrilling adventure to the North Pole. Feel the excitement as the train whisks you away to a world of wonder, friendship, and holiday spirit.

The magic starts at check-in, where you pick up your Golden Ticket, granting you access to all the morning's wonders.

Next, you and your family can capture the spirit of the day for a lasting memory in our custom photo area. Grab a family selfie or hand your phone to one of our "elves" to snap a pic.

Next stop, Refreshmentville. Pick up your complimentary box of popcorn and 16 oz. cup to be filled with your choice of soft drink.

Wait, who's that at the theater entrance? Might just be a visitor or two from the North Pole...

Now find your seats! You'll want to check out the special pre-show on the big screen AND be ready for some giveaways! And you never know what other surprises await...

Don't miss out on this enchanting event that will leave you filled with joy and the spirit of Christmas. Gather your loved ones and come aboard the Polar Express for some movie magic and more!

Have ideas to connect with caregivers across the county? Have thoughts on topics to be discussed? Do you know of learning experiences you would like to know about? Aware if an untapped resource you would like to share?

I'd love to hear your ideas and thoughts!

Send them my way at jennifergard@kentisd.org.

Should you desire to no longer receive this newsletter please email Jennifer Gard at jennifergard@kentisd.org to be taken off the mailing list.

Email: jennifergard@kentisd.org
Website: https://www.kentisd.org/special-education/special-education-menu/parent-resources/
Location: 2930 Knapp Street Northeast, Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Phone: 616-447-2448