The Connection

Once again we have a Connection newsletter full of great information! Don't forget at the bottom of the newsletter you will always find a link to the breakfast and lunch menu for each school. You will also find out information about some exciting things going on for our Transition age students (13+). And don't miss the opportunity shared in this newsletter for a brand new special needs cheer team at Athletic Force Cheer!

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!

Being a caregiver is NOT easy! Rewarding, yes, but not easy! It's impossible to pour from an empty cup, which means it is SO important to take care of yourself.

It sounds easier said than done, but refilling your cup starts with small choices that help you feel more like you. It might mean driving through Sonic before carline and getting your favorite drink, or catching a 15 minute nap, or taking 10 minutes before everyone else gets up to sit in the quiet. Find the small things that help you feel restored and at peace.

Then make that a 10-15 minute priority each day. It is NOT selfish, it is important! You will be a better caregiver by making your own wellness a priority!

Check out the list of ideas below and try one TODAY!

Family Connection of South Carolina is our state's parent training institute. Their website has tons of helpful information, including a family resource portal, virtual library, dates for parent training and more!

They have detailed information here on IEPs and 504s. And if you have more questions you can always reach out and speak to a live person who can help at this number, 1-800-578-8750 and para espanol 1-888-808-7462.

Save the date for Thursday, October 19, 2023 from 9:00am-11:00am for the 2nd Annual College Transition Programs Fair at Wilson High School.

This is an opportunity for our non-diploma track students and their parents to hear all about opportunities and programs for their students after high school.

When: Thur., Oct 19, 2023 from 9:00 am-11:00 am

Where: Wilson High School 1411 Old Marion Highway

For more information contact Eveleyn Kitt-Wilson at 843-758-6608 or at ekittwilson@fsd1.org.

"Last year the 4th class of Florence 1's Project Search graduated successfully from the program. This year Raldex Hospitality will join McLeod Regional Medical Center as a host site for this award-winning Transition-to-Work program for Exceptional Education students. School districts across the country participate with local partners to offer Project Search. Florence 1 is the first district in South Carolina to have two partner sites.

Florence 1’s Project Search program began in 2019, as an expansion of the employability program already in place in the district. Non-diploma track students learn job skills in areas such as housekeeping, food service and surgery prep that will help them gain employment after high school. With the addition of Raldex Hospitality, more students will be able to take advantage of the program."

Check out this great article from Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce about F1S Project Search!

Athletic Cheer Force of Florence is looking for new members to join their special needs team, The Mavericks! The team will practice on Fridays from 4-5 pm at their location at 450 2nd Loop Rd. They will learn and practice their routine to show off at the Season 4 Showcase in November!

They are accepting new members of all abilities! The tuition is $50 a month and you can call 843-229-2838 for more information!

Erika Chapman is the Florence One Schools Parent Liaison for our Program for Exceptional Children. Erika serves as a liaison between teachers, parents, students, support staff and the community regarding educational programs, services and student issues in areas of Programs for Exceptional Children.

You will receive our PEC parent newsletter, The Connection, twice a month. It's full of helpful information, announcements and the dates for all upcoming parent training events. Erika can help parents/guardians to connect to resources both within and outside of the district; as well as get connected to agencies like DDSN, fill out paperwork for Medicaid and understand your child's IEP.

The Parent Liaison website also has lots of helpful resources for families. On the website you can find all past PEC newsletters and helpful webinars on Understanding Your Child's IEP and All About Resources in the Florence area. Check it out!

Please feel free to reach out to Erika if she can assist you in any way! Her email is echapman@fsd1.or and her phone number is 843-292-1008.

If you do, be sure to check out our Florence One Schools Health Services website for answers to your questions, including important forms you might need. You can print out the Permission for School Administration of Medicine here. You can also call the nurse at your child's school with questions.

Now is a great time to get a new prescription for school and have your child's doctor fill out the permission form.

Do you want to know what your student's school is offering for breakfast and lunch during the month of August? 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