The Connection

Hey there!

This edition of The Connection is FULL of great information and opportunities for parents! Make sure you don't miss the registration info for the Understanding Your Child's IEP parent training that is on Oct. 11th, as well as the September AAC Family Support Group on Sept. 22nd! There is also a great online resource below that connects you to available resources in our area if you are looking for financial assistance, a food pantry, medical care or other free or reduced-cost help.

The Federation of Families of SC is hosting the Florence Wave Fest on Sat., Sept. 24th if you are looking for something fun to do in Florence! The F1S Programs for Exceptional Children Office of Transition will be hosting a Transition Fair, November 1st. If you have a high school student with an IEP you can come and meet representatives from all over the state to learn about post-secondary options for your student!

We also share some great tips for strengthening your relationship with your student's teacher, and a helpful article about Progress Reports and why they are important!

We hope you'll take some time to read through these resources, and don't forget that if you need a question answered or just aren't sure where to turn, you can contact our Parent Liaison, Erika Chapman, at 843-292-1008 or echapman@f1s.org. She would love to connect with you!

We all want a great relationship with our child's teacher. Some years though it can be more challenging than others. We have to be willing to do our part if we want to have a strong relationship with the teacher.
1. Stay in touch regularly. (Just a quick note in the folder, phone call or email can make a positive difference. Just make sure you aren't always complaining!)
2. Ask questions. (Assume positive intent. That means ask questions for clarification before you decide to be offended or upset.)
3. Ask how to support the teacher. (Our teachers need support now more than ever. Find out if there is something small you could do to help! Organize snacks once a week, offer to help in the classroom once a quarter or bring him/her lunch as a surprise one day! This helps build a positive, caring relationship.
4. Be willing to set emotions aside. (We are all protective of our children, but sometimes we have to think logically and not emotionally. Be willing to consider the situation without emotions clouding your perspective.)
5. Communicate directly with the teacher before escalating issues. (Don't jump the gun and go straight to the principal if you haven't addressed the situation yet with teacher. Give the teacher a chance to clarify, address and resolve the situation.)
6. Offer grace. (We all mess up at times and need grace. Extending grace is powerful toward building relationship and trust.)

While it's incredibly important to do your part in establishing trust and building a positive relationship with your student's teachers, there are some things you can ask from the teacher that will help you stay informed as a parent, as well as support what the teacher is doing in the classroom.

Ask to see:

1. Daily classroom schedule

2. Lesson plans

3. Information on the curriculum being taught

Many teachers post this information on their class websites or in their Google classroom, where you can easily access them. If they aren't posted, just ask them if you can see them so you can support them in what they are doing and teaching your student each day! This can be particularly helpful for parents that have students in a self-contained classroom.

Communication is key to a healthy relationship with your student's teacher. So if you want to know more, just ask!

Check out this great resource for families!

Findhelp.org

Search and connect to support. Find financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost help in your area, anywhere in the US.

https://www.findhelp.org/

September is National Self-Care Awareness Month! It’s a time to
reflect on the habits and techniques that you have in place to take care of yourself and live a more fulfilling life! Let’s get the care you need this September at the Florence Wave Fest!
Saturday, September 24
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Florence County Library, 509 S. Dargan St.
The Florence Wave Fest is a FREE community event that promotes wellness by connecting children, youth and families to available resources and fun activities! Food Truck(s)! Kids Zone! Live Entertainment! Resources! Health Screenings and much more!

This celebratory event is held in recognition of Self-Care Awareness Month which promotes the positive impact of mental health. We serve as Messengers of Hope by letting everyone know the importance of Self-Care.

Download the FLYER to share with family, friends and community members!
#CatchTheWave

Register Here

By this point in the school year, if your student has an IEP, you should have received an IEP Progress Report.

So what is it and why is it important??

Find out more here in this short article at Your IEP Source!

If your child uses a communication device or Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) and you would like to learn more about how to use the device, help your student use it or program it, then please join us!

You can register here: https://forms.gle/PSSioLkb6dWn3jwz7

If you have questions or would like to know more information, please contact Erika Chapman at echapman@fsd1.org or 843-292-1008.

On Tuesday, October 11th at both 10 am and 6 pm at Southside Middle School, we will hold a parent training on Understanding Your Child's IEP.

Our F1S Compliance Monitors, will provide training and information for parents on the parts of an IEP and what to expect in an IEP meeting. We would love to see you there!

Register here: https://forms.gle/qyXyV8gZmiL4WTny9

Contact Erika Chapman, F1S Parent Liaison, at 843-292-1008 or at echapman@fsd1.org with questions.

Do you want to know what your student's school is offering for breakfast and lunch during the month of September? Find out here!

We would love to hear from you! If you have a question or comment you can contact our Parent Liaison, Erika Chapman, at echapman@f1s.org or 843-292-1008 or visit the Parent Liaison website for helpful resources.

You also can contact us at exceptionalchildren@f1s.org or at 843-673-1161.

Email: exceptionalchildren@f1s.org
Website: f1s.org
Phone: (843) 673-1161