Partners for Success

With lots of Summer fun coming up, it is important to plan especially when traveling. Amy Kelly, MBA, MNM shares her travel tips for families of children with disabilities in this article.

May is Mental Health Month and, while promoting mental health is important all year, this special month of recognition raises awareness about mental illness, its prevalence in today's society, and its impacts on people of all ages and backgrounds. Help is always available through FCPS. To learn how FCPS can help and to learn about other resources, click here.

Click to view May's disability and diversity calendar

To all the mothers, mother figures, and care takers out there we want to say Thank you and Happy Mothers Day! Here are 55 ideas on how to celebrate created by Sarah Lemire at the Today Show.

A Transition Fair for all ages! Come see what you need to know going through all stages of special education and beyond graduation.

Families, please take a moment to complete the MSDE Parent Survey. The purpose of the MSDE Parental Involvement Survey is to determine how well schools partner with families and promote parent involvement in a child’s education. States must collect this data as part of their State Performance Plans, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The MSDE Parent Involvement Survey is available now through May 24, 2024. Please click here to complete.

An All Behaviors Welcome event is joyful, free of judgment and traditional concert hall norms, where the whole family can enjoy a high-quality concert experience. We create a sensory-friendly space where all can interact with the performance in any way they feel - movement, vocalizations and reactions of all types are welcome. Compagnia TPO will adjust the lighting, the volume of music and the projections to be congruent with the stage action. We will have fidgets available and audience members can exit the space when needed. click here

On May 14, 2024, Pathfinders for Autism will be in Frederick for Mock Traffic Stops!

Click on here to learn more and register.

Parks and Rec of Frederick County is hosting a Sensory Friendly Bingo Night at Scott Key Community Center! click here

Camp Jamie is for children, adolescents, and teens, ages 6-14 who have experienced a loss. Cam Jamie campers learn to express their feelings about death and how to connect to their loved ones through this process. Applications are now open! Click here to learn more.

Take a look at the calendar and consider taking some time for yourself. This is a respite opportunity for both mothers, fathers , as well as caregivers who care for children and loved ones with special needs. Click here to learn more

Frederick County Local, Olivia Keeslar, wrote a book! This book is a heartwarming children’s book written by Olivia Keeslar, an intelligent young girl who is on the spectrum and illustrated by South Lakes high school student Natalie Moon.

What is it about?

"Where Did My Speech Go?" is a touching children's book that follows a young girl named Polly, who is on the spectrum and nonverbal, on her journey with her best friend Grace to find her speech. One day, she and Grace decide to venture on a quest in hopes of finding Polly's speech. They travel around town to different stores, from the grocery store to the hardware shop, trying different things and wishing to find the key to unlock Polly's speech. Check it out!

A magazine for special needs families! Click here to subscribe to their mailing list.

An amazing local coffee shop that employs and trains young adults with disabilities! They are located 203 E Main Street, Middletown, MD Monday- Saturday 7am-4pm. Check it out!

Events in May at The ARC of Frederick

Events

Upcoming May events click here

Basal Therapies camp registration for 2 year old's, preschool aged (3-4 year old's) and K-2nd grade is now open! Click here to see more

Parks and Rec just added more camps!

Check out the spring and summer camps /activities list! Click here to see them all!

View the YMCA of Frederick County's Kids Unlimited special needs summer camp on page 21-22. Scholarships are available through the YMCA for qualifying families.

View the summer camps that Play Frederick has to offer including day camps, sports camps, and dance camps!

SECAC works together to put children first. The Committee focuses on open and honest communication, improving effectiveness and accountability, identifying systemic issues, and advocating for appropriate resources. In collaboration with Frederick County Public Schools leadership of Special Education, parents, FCPS staff and community members, the Committee strives to facilitate positive changes in the delivery of special education services and the success and achievements of students with disabilities. Click here to learn more. Want to be a member? Click here to apply.

Important Dates

SECAC May Meeting - 5/20/24 6-8 pm

MSDE Parent Information Series booklets are now updated and available in 24 different languages. These booklets provide essential information for families of students with disabilities from ages 3 through 21 on important topics that increase collaboration between home and school in planning for their child's education. View

Contact

Rachel Spicer-Special Education Family & Community Involvement Liaison/Partners for Success Family Support

Rachel.Spicer@fcps.org or 240-236-8744

or

Isamar Grenier-Special Education Family & Community Involvement Liaison/Partners for Success Family Support

Isamar.Grenier@fcps.org or 301-644-5016

For the Partners for Success pre-recorded webinars and upcoming events, visit

https://www.fcps.org/special-education/partners-for-success

To get news quickly concerning all the great workshops offered by Partners for Success follow us on Facebook

http://facebook.com/FCPSPartners4Success

Sign up for Special Education News on Find Out First:

Go to https://fcps.ezcommunicator.net/edu/frederick/login_form.aspx?app=0

When signing up, make sure you request Special Education under News; or if updating your account, under Subscriptions.