FAMILY ENGAGEMENT NEWSLETTER

World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed annually on March 21st to spread awareness, promote a more inclusive and supportive world, and celebrate the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. The date, 3/21, symbolizes the triplication of the 21st chromosome, causing Trisomy 21, aka "Down syndrome."

We celebrate WDSD to advocate for the rights, abilities, and contributions of people with Down syndrome. It’s a day to challenge stereotypes and recognize the talents, joy, and value that individuals with Down syndrome bring to their families, schools, and communities.

Click the logos below to for links to more information about Down syndrome and WDSD, videos and activities to share with your class, books to read, and other ways to celebrate at your school. Don't forget to reach out the families of students who have Down syndrome and ask them to come in and share their experiences!

March 9, 2:00 AM - Mark your calendars! The days start getting longer, thanks to Daylight Saving Time. In our November 2024 issue, you read a little history of this tradition, the misnomer of the plural "Saving", and the misconception of its inception's purpose. Many folks dread turning their clocks back one hour in the Fall.

But Spring is coming soon! What social factors affect your sleep disruption by moving your clock ahead one hour? What about your students? In a 2023 editorial in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Debunking myths about daylight saving time: ten things everyone should know about the benefits of permanent standard time, Drs. Krishnan and Johnson share some misconceptions and the effects of a one-hour sleep loss on different populations, e.g., employed adults have only a 19-minute...(read article)

February 27, 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced the launch of the Family Ambassador Pilot Program to help children transition more seamlessly from Preschool Early Intervention (EI) programs to Kindergarten.

“The Family Ambassador Pilot Program recognizes the essential role of authentic and open collaboration between families and schools as our youngest learners begin their K-12 education,” said PDE Acting Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe. “This pilot program...(read the announcement)

Patricia’s Pointers

Keep the Words Flowing

In conversations with parents and caregivers, consider working in affirming statements like: “I love that idea.” “You’re right.” “That’s so true.” “I completely agree.” “I never thought of that.” “I love that you just said that.”

These affirming statements can build confidence in your parents and caregivers and encourage them to keep sharing the information you need to help students succeed. You can even use these affirming statements if you’ve already thought of the idea or if you don’t really completely agree. It’s all about keeping the lines of communication open.

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Listen to Yourself

When you are finished writing a letter, email, or newsletter article, read what you’ve written out loud. This will help you identify cumbersome language and complicated sentences. You’ll also hear when your writing has too many details. And, if you read out loud, you’ll hear the tone of what you’ve written, and you can make sure you are conveying a sense of partnership. It may sound silly, but it works!

Patricia's Pointers are weekly emails with short, easy-to-use school-home communication tips.

Join our WEBINAR and learn skills to successfully resolve conflicts and communicate well throughout a child's educational experience. Topics covered will include: introduction to conflict resolution; conflict management styles and self-assessment; communication skills; perceptions and attitudes; and a six-step conflict engagement model. Don't forget to share this invitation with families and colleagues!

APRIL 9, 2025, 1:00 - 4:-00 pm

Virtual Webinar

ATTENTION GENERAL and SPECIAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS--You are invited to participate in a game-changing Learning Institute. K-2 Learning Institute: Building Foundations to Reach Every Learner, is being offered

June 16 (afternoon) and 17, 2025, at PaTTAN Central, Harrisburg.

The focus is on advancing literacy, math, and behavioral outcomes for all K-2 learners. Come explore, plan, and create strategies for inclusive, engaging classrooms.

Cost: The registration fee is $45.00.

K-2 Teachers traveling more than 50 miles to PaTTAN Central (6340 Flank Drive, Harrisburg, PA 17112) are eligible for a paid night of lodging on June 16th at a designated conference hotel. Applications are being accepted until April 30, 2025. To apply, use this link: https://forms.office.com/r/kdgS08b8ZN.

Episode 75: Preparing Educators to Engage Families, with guest Dr. Soo Hong, is a must listen! Take a deep breath and open your mind to a new approach to engaging families. It's a simple listen with quick and easy actionable advice on to create more engaging relationships with your students' families.

BRIDGING KNOWLEDGE TO KNOW-HOW:

Empowering Pennsylvania Educators and Partners Conference

July 28 - 31, 2025, State College, PA

Plans are being developed for this PDE's inaugural event, focusing on practitioners', families', and youth's learning and skill building around

🔹 Autism 🔹 Sensory Disabilities 🔹 Secondary Transition and🔹 Complex Instructional Needs

Here is just some of what you can look forward to:

🔹NATIONAL and LOCAL KEYNOTE and SESSION SPEAKERS

🔹CEUs - Act 48, ASHA, BCBA, OT/PT and more!

🔹FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OPPORTUNITIES for School Teams, Pre-Service Teachers, and Families

to attend

🔹FUN ACTIVITIES and NETWORKING for Secondary Transition-aged youth

🔹CAMP-like OPTIONS for Children and Youth (ages 4-22)

Don't miss out!

Please share this information with school staff, service providers, families, and your community.

🔗For more information, click on the image

or download the flyer.