
Partners for Success Monthly Update
September 2022
WELCOME BACK!
I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are excited about the 2022-2023 school year! The Partners for Success Resource Center will reopen on Wednesday September 7th! As we start the new school year, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Rachel Trovato, and I am the proud Parent Coordinator as well as a HCPS parent of 2 boys. I am honored to be in this role serving HCPS families and staff members. As we begin a new year, I would like to remind everyone what our center has to offer!
What is “Partners for Success”?
Partners for Success centers are available to parents as a resource and information center. Specifically, we provide information about community services, assist families in resolving concerns, and increase parental involvement in the special education decision making process.
Where is Partners for Success Located?
Roye-Williams Elementary School
201 Oakington Road, Havre De Grace, MD 21078.
410-273-5579
e-mail: partners.success@hcps.org.
Office hours are usually Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30-3:00, by appointment.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions - we are here to help! I am truly looking forward to partnering with you this school year!
Back to School Resources/Tips
Please know - you are NOT ALONE! All of us struggle with these same concerns for our children. It is important we recognize our allies in all of this - our child's teacher, case manager, and IEP team. We need their support, just like they need ours! Here are some helpful tips to starting a successful partnership with your child's teachers this school year:
1. Reach out early on - tell your child's teacher your preferred communication methods. Offer information about your child. Take a look at these awesome All About Me surveys to get started!
2. Stay positive - you may be disappointed your child did not get the teacher he wanted. Or perhaps your child will be in a portable classroom this year. Whatever the concern, try your best to stay positive when talking to your child about school. This will help your child stay positive too.
3. Communicate effectively - Remember this oreo cookie analogy - before you go for the "cream" or your concerns, start off with the top of the cookie by giving a compliment when speaking or writing to your child's teacher/case manager. Always end with a positive too (bottom of cookie). This works well when trying to build any positive relationship.
4. Stay connected - many schools have social media pages where parents can connect and stay informed. Be sure to join or follow your school's page!
5. Update your calendar - See below for the current HCPS student calendar. If you're anything like me, those early dismissal days always sneak up! Be sure to plug in these important dates onto your personal calendar. Don't forget to schedule time for yourself this school year too! We can't pour from an empty cup.
6. Ask questions - You have a right to understand important information regarding the education of your child. If you do not understand something or need clarification - please reach out. Not sure who to contact? Start by sending an email to partners.success@hcps.org. We are here to help!
Back to School Growth Mindset!
Take a look below for two amazing ideas to help strengthen a growth mindset from biglifejournal on Instagram:
1. ✨ Growth Mindset Questions To Ask Your Child Instead of "How Was School?" ✨
These questions will get your child thinking about their school day in a way that inspires them to build grit and a growth mindset.
💗 Check in daily with @biglifejournal for more inspiration and tips about raising resilient, confident, and emotionally healthy children. biglifejournal
2. ☀️ A good day starts with a good beginning, but when school is in session, rushed and frantic mornings are often the norm.
But what if we can prepare our kids for the day mentally and emotionally, too?
👉 With a little planning, it is possible to create a drastically different kind of morning. One that encompasses your child’s physical AND emotional needs and provides a happy, peaceful start.
Practicing these ✨5 effective rituals✨ will help your family to not only have a better morning but also develop and strengthen a growth mindset. CLICK HERE TO VIEW!
Back to School Tips to Support Students with Dyslexia
Click on The Literacy Nest below.
PARENT WORKSHOPS
September SECAC
Harford County Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee
Growing on the Spectrum Harford County Monthly Meet Up!
Mission Statement:
EVENTS AND SOCIAL GROUPS
2022 Wheelchair Costume Workshop!
APPLICATION DEADLINE IS SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 10th! Please register here: Costume Workshop | Harford County, MD (harfordcountymd.gov)
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED:
Halloween is a fun time for kids to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating with friends and family, but this can be a challenge for some children who use a wheelchair. To make these kids’ dreams come true, Harford County is planning an inclusive Halloween event again this October. Applications are open for participants, and volunteers and sponsors are needed to build the costumes. https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/Archiv.../ViewFile/Item/2091
Time to Unplug and Connect with Nature!
A message from Harford County Therapeutic Recreation:
We are excited to offer Therapeutic Recreation Rock Wall Climbing this fall for both children and adults! Come out to test your skills, and to try to scale our rock wall to reach the top!
For more information please visit; https://secure.rec1.com/.../4a6d3d247147e2a80a52bae3ec06e....
Harford County Government Harford County Department of Parks and Recreation #HarfordPR
IEP RESOURCES
A messages from the Parents' Place of MD:
Looking for information about evaluations? "Your Child's Evaluation" from the Center for Parent Information and Resources is super helpful and easy to read!
Read to learn the purpose of evaluation, who is involved in evaluation, deciding if your child is eligible, developing your child's education program, and more!
Community Resources/Information
Parent Spotlight!
Bel Air, Maryland writer Antoinette Scaffidi has released a new children’s book “Not Down, Up Mommy!” about Michael, a boy born with Down syndrome. It’s based on her own nephew of the same name. Michael explodes his family's expectation of what a person with Down syndrome can do, giving them a life-long lesson one day while playing Hide ‘N Seek.
Back to school is right around the corner! If you are in need of after school care for your child we've got you covered! We are accepting elementary, middle and high schoolers into our program. We will also be adding social skills groups which will be run by licensed therapists and speech therapy in the Fall. Come be a part of our community, we welcome you!
30+ Fully Accessible Maryland Places For Kids To Have Fun (sunshinewhispers.com)
We just heard some great news and wanted to share it with you!
Six Flags America located in Bowie, Maryland, was recently designated as a Certified Autism Center, becoming the first theme park within the District of Columbia/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) area to expand access for guests with physical disabilities and autism. The park is now offering a specialized restraint harness which would allow physically disabled guests to experience ALL THRILL RIDES.
This harness, endorsed by an international autism organization, comes in "multiple sizes that are able to accommodate riders with physical disabilities such as a missing limb or appendages starting at 54” tall," according to a press release dated July 19, 2022.
Watch the WUSA9 news clip here:
https://www.wusa9.com/.../65-4deca308-8d6f-4b4d-9554...
Read the press release here:
The Sharing Table
The Sharing Table provides a free meal every Saturday to anyone in need. This meal provides nourishment for senior citizens, families with children, and anyone having a hard time making it through the month. There are no requirements and no qualifications. All in need of a good meal are welcome. Each family that visits the Sharing Table also receives a bag of groceries to take home.
The Sharing Table Facebook
Harford County Mental Health Resources
This resource provides information regarding counseling and treatment for mental health and addiction. They also have a resource for youth and families.