Gator Gab

May 5-9- Staff Appreciation Week

May 8- Green Oaks School Graduation and Family Prom (only for Green Oaks School families) at 6pm

May 9- Hope Ranch

May 22- Last Day of School

Jeff’s Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, May 17th at 11am at Advent Lutheran Church. There will be a section designated for Green Oaks. The family is asking people to wear floral and bright colors. In lieu of flowers, they are asking that a donation be made to Green Oaks Education and Support, Inc. or Advent Lutheran Church in Arlington. A lunch will follow the service. For those wishing to send a card to Jeff's family, (Judy, Jacob and Jeremy) the address is 4903 Thoroughbred Dr., Arlington, TX 76017.

Thank you for your help in celebrating our amazing staff! Through your generosity, every staff member was adopted. Yesterday our staff was fueled with a trail mix bar. Today everyone was provided a pizza lunch!

Please note that the prom is only for GOS families, it is NOT for GOAL or GOLP.

Follow the link to RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmDE6AyzDrc4GZZnJxWRxk2YYzphZD1EBHHFTK_mYmEhvB2g/viewform?usp=header

Building Bridges is a new speech therapy company who will come to GOES for services. This service can be billed through HCS and possibly Medicare or Medicaid.

For more information please call the number listed or visit the Building Bridges Website.

Phone- 469-634-6272

Email- admin@buildingbridgestherapy.org

Website- www.buildingbridgestherapy.org

Hope Ranch: ALL parents/guardians are required to complete the questionnaire titled 'Hope Ranch Planning' linked below. This is for both GOS and GOAL. Within this questionnaire, you will also find a link to download and print extra copies of the waiver for family members attending!

https://forms.gle/c3fC3DXTtNFfDpYv9

Your participants' lead instructor will reach out to you if more information is needed.

Family Site

Please visit the Green Oaks Family site by following the link below. Everything you need to know is in one place!

https://sites.google.com/d/1xCvTwwiPSbeNLZvoxfMiuz_0oYdcZWTm/p/1j12kvyzahk79HkXT0rCmRVAdkmjLt4G9/edit

Educational opportunities in the Lone Star State are growing. Texas launched its first-ever private school choice initiative, the Texas Education Savings Account (ESA) program. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, this ESA program will provide tens of thousands of families with flexible funding for K-12 education.

Eligibility: All PreK-12 students in Texas will be eligible to apply, including students currently enrolled in a public school, Pre-K, private school, or homeschooling. While eligibility is universal, there is a limit on the overall funding for the program, so students with disabilities and lower-income households will be prioritized.

How It Works: Once accepted, families can use the funds for private school tuition, homeschooling costs, online learning programs, textbooks, tutoring, and more customized learning options. The awarded amount varies from up to $2,000 per year for homeschooled students to about $10,000 per year for students attending accredited private schools and up to $30,000 per year for students with disabilities attending accredited private schools.

To learn more about school choice in Texas, click on the following link:

https://texasprivateschools.org/

As an accredited school program, Green Oaks Education and Support is evaluating the program and anticipates accepting ESA funds from families beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

The NDSC Annual Convention will be held in Dallas this summer (July 24-27). For those who have a loved one with Down syndrome, it is an excellent opportunity to hear a variety of experts present about topics relevant to those living with Down syndrome. Topics will include, behavior, dual diagnosis, medical issues and everything in between. In addition, Green Oaks will be set up as an exhibitor. We would love to see you there. If willing to volunteer at our exhibitor booth, please reach out to katiehowell@greenoaksschool.org.

For more information: https://www.ndsccenter.org/

Please help us grow our social media footprint. Like, love and share our content on Facebook and Instagram. Comment when appropriate.

Click the buttons below to view our social media profiles!

Absences- Office@greenoaksschool.org

Billing- Laurenweedman@greenoaksschool.org

Van Pool- Annamorgan@greenoaksschool.org

Prayer Request- Heavenluna@greenoaksschool.org

Classroom Concerns- Your participant's lead teacher

Please keep Graham Boyd's dad in your prayers as he is going through significant health issues.

iCan Shine Bike Camp

June 9-13

UTA- Maverick Activity Center

Join us for iCan Shine Bike Camp from June 9-13, at UT Arlington Maverick Activity Center. The camp fee is $150, and priority will be given to individuals with Down syndrome. All other applicants will be placed on a waitlist and notified if spots become available. To participate, riders must be at least 8 years old, have a disability, and be able to walk independently without an assistive device. Attendance for all five days is required, and a parent or guardian must remain on-site for the duration of each 75-minute session. Please register at BIKE CAMP.

Find rest, hope, and community at Retreats & Getaways!

Are you a family living with disability who would be blessed by a time of rest, refreshment, and spiritual renewal or a veteran living with visible or invisible wounds as a result of military service? Join us at a Joni and Friends Retreat or Getaway!

Texas Family Retreat 1: June 18-22

Camp Allen

Navasota, Texas

Camp Allen

Navasota, Texas

Camp Allen

Navasota, Texas

Camp Allen

Navasota, Texas

Joni and Friends Retreats offer a safe place for families living with disability to find rest, hope, and community in the body of Christ. At Joni and Friends Warrior Getaways, veterans, along with their families, are provided a safe space for respite, spiritual renewal, and healing. You will build lasting memories as you hear from powerful speakers, take part in Bible study, and participate in accessible activities—all while connecting with other families who face similar challenges.

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For questions or assistance, contact us at texas@joniandfriends.org or call 972-941-4525.