Parent Resource Center Monday Message: 4.26.21

April 26, 2021
The team at your Parent Resource Center hopes you all enjoyed a restful and relaxing weekend. This week, the Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee (ASEAC) will meet on Tuesday evening at 7pm. The agenda, meeting details and a registration link are listed below. Last month, the Transition Series offered a wonderful session on Building Interdependence with Students. As students and children grow into adulthood, we often strive to support them in obtaining independence. What often gets left out is teaching them interdependence. Humans have the capacity for meaningful relationships with one another that are mutually beneficial. This is interdependence. Teaching interdependence to people with disabilities demonstrates that they are valued by society and demonstrates how building connections with others can support and enrich their lives. If you missed the first session, a link to the session recording is listed below, and you’ll have an opportunity to join Part 2 of this informative session on Wednesday evening. Register here

As a reminder, Arlington Public Schools is requesting parents/guardians to complete the selection process for either in-person learning or distance learning for the 2021-22 school year by Friday, April 30th. Learn more. 

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Check out these new PRC Videos:

The National PTA has shared several resources that may be of interest to parents/guardians:

downloadNotes from the Backpack: A PTA Podcast is designed to support busy parents and PTA leaders who have a lot to keep up with at home and throughout the school year. Each 30-minute podcast episode offers unique perspectives from experts, parents and educator guests who will give you real-life advice and ideas you can use on timely topics including what to expect when school reopens.

Our Children Magazine supports busy parents navigating the adventure of raising a child, offering parenting, education, wellness and family fun tips and advice to help children excel at school and in life.

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Arlington Special Education Advisory Committee (ASEAC) Meeting
Tuesday, April 27th, 2021 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Virtual Meeting –  via Zoom
Register Here
The Zoom meeting link will be sent to those registered prior to the meeting. Please note that the business portion of this meeting will be recorded through Zoom. Agenda:
7:00 – 7:20 pm  Welcome, Member Introductions and Public Comments
7:20 – 7:30 pm  OSE Updates and Response to March 2021 Public Comments
7:30 – 7:40 pm  OSE Special Education School Board Update
7:40 – 8:20 pm  Recovery/Compensatory Services
8:20 – 8:30 pm  ASEAC Updates
At the beginning of each meeting, ASEAC welcomes comments from the public regarding the needs of students with disabilities in APS. See the ASEAC Public Comment Guidelines for information about submitting public comments.
Any person who would like an interpreter and/or any person with a disability who needs accommodation to access the meeting should contact the Parent Resource Center at 703.228.7239 or prc@apsva.us as soon as possible to request assistance.

Understanding Transition Services: Building Interdependence with Our Students—Part 2
Wednesday, April 28: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Register here
Arlington Public Schools Transition Services, Parent Resource Center and Program for Employment Preparedness (PEP) continue to sponsor a monthly Transition Series. As students and children grow into adulthood, we often strive to support them in obtaining independence. What often gets left out is teaching them interdependence. Humans have the capacity for meaningful relationships with one another that are mutually beneficial. This is interdependence. Teaching interdependence to people with disabilities demonstrates that they are valued by society and shows how building connections with others can support and enrich their lives.
Join Deborah Hammer, Autism and Low-Incidence Disability Specialist; Christina Eagle and Karen Shimkus, Transition Team Members; and  Kelly Mountain, PRC Coordinator, to continue to explore the importance of interdependence, and learn strategies for how to build this critical lifelong skill.
For additional information, contact Kelly Mountain at 703-228-2136 or Kelly.mountain@apsva.us.

Can You Really Have It All?
How to Avoid Learning Loss Without Sacrificing Summer Fun
Tuesday, May 4, 2021: 7-8pm
Featuring Ann K. Dolin, M.Ed.
Register here
This spring, as we navigate hybrid learning and launch into yet another new normal, we’re all looking forward to a relaxing summer ahead. But this summer, more than ever, we want to make sure our kids are feeling confident and prepared academically for school success this fall.In this interactive virtual talk, Ann will share strategies for:

  • Planning interactive summer activities so fun that your child won’t even realize they’re learning
  • Ensuring your child is up to speed after a year of inconsistencies and setbacks
  • Accessing online and offline learning resources that make summer learning fun and easy
  • Incorporating math, reading, and writing into your child’s summer routine to minimize pushback
  • Encouraging engagement when your child seems burned out or distracted

Ann Dolin, M.Ed. is the President and Director of Educational Connections. She holds a B.A. in Child Psychology/Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education, with a concentration in Learning Disabilities, from Boston College. Ann is a former Fairfax County, VA public school teacher with over 20 years of teaching and tutoring experience. Ann is a recognized expert in education and learning disability issues, and she is also the author of the award-winning book Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework.

SAVE the DATE!
Don’t We Already Do Inclusion?
May 20th: 7:00-9:00 pm
This presentation is not only filled with ideas for teaching diverse learners, but is also focused on change itself and, more specifically, on how those concerned about inclusion can create change even when they are not in positions of power. The activities, examples, and illustrations in this workshop are designed to help participants refine their vision and their skills when it comes to inclusion. The ideas are no or low cost and many can be achieved by any number of stakeholders—including students and families. Come and learn tried and true techniques as well as some out-of-the box solutions such as involving traditional and social media,“shrinking” the change, phoning for help, advertising, and writing your way to progress.
Sponsored by Arlington SEPTA

Community Events

(Please see additional details on the PRC Events Page)
Responsibility and Your Military-Connected Child
Tuesday, April 27th: 12:00pm
Register here
Sponsored by Air Force Child and Youth Services School Liaison Program

ADHD, Executive Function, and The Art of Getting Kids to Listen
April 28, 2021 7:00 PM, EDT
Register Here
Presented by: Caroline Maguire ACCG, PCC, MEd, author of Why Will No One Play With Me? and founder of a SEL training methodology
Sponsored by CHADD

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Events

Sponsored by NAMI

Virginia Commonwealth University Autism Center for Excellence (VCU-ACE) Lunch and Learn Series

  • Preparing for Post-employment & the Benefits of Early Employment Experiences
    April 29, 2021: 2:00 – 1:00 pm ET
    Register here
  • Lunch and Learn: Autism and the Black Family
    May 6, 2021: 12:00 – 1:00 pm ET
    Register here 

Upcoming Events from PEATC – Virginia’s Parent Education and Advocacy Training Center