The Parent Mentor Digest

Fall Application for Roosevelt Warm Springs Opens on 4/1/24 and closes on 7/12/24

GROW Application Due 4/14/24

Webinar - For Parents & Professionals - Vocab Rehab 4/16/24

Cobb Therapeutic Recreation Kickback Club Starts 4/16/24

Cobb Therapeutic Recreation Soccer Begins 4/16/24

Marietta City Schools Transition Fair 4/18/24

Emory Autism Center Virtual Session Transition Planning For Young Adults with Higher Support Needs 4/18/24

Camp Puzzle - Cobb County Safety Village 4/20/24

Transition Talk For Spanish Speakers 4/23/24

Department of Student Services Webinar: ESY & Summer Camps 4/25/24

Webinar - Moving Up - Planning Your Child's Successful Transition 4/25/24

GA Symphony Orchestra Presents a Sensory Friendly Concert 4/27/24

MDE Music Fest Camp 5/28-5/31

Extra Special People - Paint Party 6/3/24

MDE Sports Mania Camp 6/3-6/7

MDE Master Chefs Camp 6/10-6/14

Extra Special People - Summer Camp 6/10 - 6/14

Therabeat Sports Camp 6/10-6/14

Cobb Therapeutic Recreation Nerf Wars 6/15/24

Extra Special People - Family Dinner - 6/20

MDE Beach Bash Camp 6/17-6/21

Horizon Adventures Camp (ages 7-12) 6/17-6/21

Horizon Adventures Camp (ages 9-12) 6/24-6/28

Camp Therabeat 6/24-6/28

MDE Nature Explorers 6/24-6/28

The Strand's Sensory Friendly Showing of Frozen 6/26/24

The Strand's Sensory Friendly Showing of The Little Mermaid 7/3/24

The Strand's Sensory Friendly Showing of Beauty & The Beast 7/10/24

Horizon Adventures Camp (ages 13-18) 7/8-7/12

MDE Olympics Camp 7/8-7/12

Extra Special Party - Pool Party - 7/14

Therabeat Beach Camp 7/15-7/19

McKenna Farms Saddle Up Camps 7/15-7/19

Extra Special People Summer Camp 7/15-7/19

The Strand's Sensory Friendly Showing of Finding Nemo 7/17/24

Extra Special People Family Dinner 7/23/24

The Strand's Sensory Friendly Showing of Frozen II 7/24/24

Each school year, we offer parent training and informational sessions about topics important to students with disabilities and their families. We collaborate with school administrators and teachers, supporting educators in their efforts to help families and students plan for and achieve their educational and post-secondary goals.

You may also contact our Parent Mentor, Lauren Graves, via email lgraves@marietta-city.k12.ga.us or via telephone (678)-695-7267. Use the link below to learn more about the Parent Mentor partnership.

https://www.marietta-city.org/Page/3878

My flyer is attached in English and in Spanish.

The Department of Student Services is holding a webinar series. April's date is 4/25/24 from 6:30-7:30 PM and ESY and Summer Camps will be the presentation. There will be a webinar held each month starting in January through April. Each month will have a different presenter and topic. These topics were chosen to be impactful and for parents to learn information to be the best advocate for their child as possible. Please reference the flyers below and register using the Google Form. The flyers are in both English and Spanish.

Every year the GA Department of Education releases a survey for parents to complete. The Department of Education wants your input as parents to make education in the state of GA as successful as possible. The Survey will open on 1/16/24 and close on 5/31/24.

Please use this link to complete it. www.gadoe.org/Parent-Survey

Please reference the attached handouts for more information

April is Autism Acceptance Month. Access the link to find great resources.

From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee:

In celebration of Autism Acceptance Month, the Office of National Autism Coordination (ONAC) within the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) honors the contributions of people on the autism spectrum and the autism community to our nation and the world. We join the United Nations and the U.S. government in recognizing the needs of people on the autism spectrum and their families. Our office acknowledges the need to support, understand, accept, include, and empower people on the autism spectrum. Throughout the month of April, we will be updating this page with the latest news and events.

Emory University's Autism Celebration Month 2024 with kicks off with events on Thursday (at Oxford College) and Friday (at Atlanta Campus). Please see the Events Website: Autism Celebration Month - Autism Celebration Month — Emory Autism Advocacy Organization.

Brandon McClure is the Teacher Support Specialist at Dunleith Elementary. He wrote this piece to share with all of you!!

Within our educational institution, I am affiliated with the Special Education Department, with a particular focus on nourishing the unique needs of individuals along the autism spectrum disorder.

Marietta City Schools offers two specialized educational programs designed to meet the diverse needs of students with special requirements: the Self-Contained Autism Access Special Education Program and the Self-Contained Autism Focus Special Education Program. The Access classroom, characterized by its intimate size, fosters individualized attention and small group interactions. Within this setting, students benefit from tailored support designed to facilitate their engagement with the standard curriculum alongside their peers. The Focus classroom delivers a more intensive array of services aimed at optimizing student learning outcomes. Here, students engage in targeted activities aimed at honing behavioral, functional, and academic proficiencies. The overarching objective across both programs is to empower each student to achieve their maximum potential, ensuring they thrive academically and function optimally within their learning environment.

Below are suggestions for parents to implement at home to support their child effectively.

1. Establish a consistent routine: Consistency can provide stability and predictability, which is especially beneficial for children with special needs. Create a daily schedule that includes structured times for learning, activities, meals, and rest.

2. Communicate with teachers: Stay in regular contact with your child’s educators to understand their progress, challenges, and recommended strategies. Collaboration between home and school is key to fostering success.

3. Use visual aids and cues: Visual supports, such as schedules, charts, and pictures can help children with special needs understand expectations and navigate daily routines more effectively.

4. Encourage independence: Foster independence by teaching your child daily living skills and encouraging them to take on tasks appropriate to their abilities. Offer praise and reinforcement for their efforts and accomplishments.

5. Foster social skills: Provide opportunities for your child to interact with peers and family members, both in structured activities and informal settings. Practice turn-taking, sharing, and communication skills through play and social activities.

6. Be patient and flexible: Recognize that progress may take time and that setbacks are a natural part of the learning process. Approach challenges with patience, resilience, and a willingness to adapt strategies as needed.

For parental inquiries, please feel free to reach out to our dedicated team members:

· Brandon McClure, Teacher Support Specialist

bmcclure@marietta-city.k12.ga.us

· Dana Parker, Special Education Teacher (Focus Classroom)

dparker@marietta-city.k12.ga.us

· Thalia Douglas, Special Education Teacher (Access Classroom)

tdouglas@marietta-city.k12.ga.us

· Shauna Lloyd, Special Education Teacher (Access Classroom)

slloyd@marietta-city.k12.ga.us

Cobb Therapeutic Recreation opens their Spring registration on 3/6/24. Please use these attachments to check out their upcoming programs.

Cobb Therapeutic Recreation's Summer Camps are full at this time. 2025's camps registration will begin in March.

For any questions you have please call Matt Ulmer at 770 528-2562.

Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS) continues a tradition of compassion and quality care that spans over 90 years. Founded by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1927 Start to treat patients who had contracted polio, the campus continues to provide services to Georgians with disabilities.

The Roosevelt Academy provides opportunities for students with disabilities to gain skills and independence. Graduates may enter Employment Planning and Job Placement Activities, our on-campus Career & Technical Education program of study, or they may pursue further education in a college.

Here is the link for the website. https://gvs.georgia.gov/transition-school-work/roosevelt-warm-springs

Registration Opens on 4/1/24 and closes on 7/12/24.

The Big Picture is a six part virtual series starting on 4/9/24. It is for families planning for the future of their adult child with a disability. Use this link to learn more. The Big Picture Spring 2024 #2 (mailchi.mp)

The Emory Autism Center presents a Parent Education Series: Transition Planning For Students with ASD. There is a session on 4/11/24 and 4/18/24. Both evenings are from 6:30-8 PM. Use the attached flyer to register with the QR Code.

Get Ready for Opportunities in Work (GROW)

Students looking for an opportunity to explore work and post-secondary education opportunities may now apply to participate in a week-long experience this summer on the campus of the Roosevelt Warm Springs (RWS) Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center.

Students will join their peers in work-based learning, career exploration and self-advocacy activities, all as part of the Get Ready for Opportunities in Work (GROW) program. Apply today to join us this summer! Deadline to apply is April 14, 2024.

2024 Summer GROW Application

Criteria:

• Pre-ETS permission form
• Current IEP or 504 Plan
• Enrollment in public school
• Independent in all daily living activities
• Able to ambulate and navigate campus
• Able to self-monitor behavior

What to expect:

• Tour post-secondary programs and local industries
• Visit 7 Career Pathways offered at RWS
• Complete vocational assessments
• Develop a transition resource toolkit
• Enjoy cookouts and other fun activities

Dates available in 2024 are:

• June 3rd – 6th (18 years and older)
• June 10th – 13th (18 years and older)
• June 17th – 20th (14-17 years)
• June 24th – 27th (14-17 years)

GROW is a program for eligible high school students with disabilities offered by the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA). For more information, call 706.543.9579 or 706.620.0073.

This workshop will cover various aspects of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) including:
What is VR?
Why VR?
How to Connect to VR?
Who is eligible for VR?
Who is involved in VR?
When can VR start?
Where do you go for VR?

Join this Webinar on 4/16/24 from 6:30-7:30 PM

Contact: Lori Jackson

Email: lori@p2pga.org
Phone: 678-736-7335

More Info: http://tinyurl.com/pnashxwm

Please join us as we discuss with Young Adults information on Preparing for and Getting a Job featuring Vocational Rehabilitation and the services offered and how young adults can participate in the program.

This webinar is on 4/18/24 from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Contact: Lori Jackson
Email: lori@p2pga.org
Phone: 678-736-7335

More Info: http://tinyurl.com/5s7tcvy3

This face to face event will allow students with disabilities and their families to explore a variety of services that can be accessed now and after completing high school. The Transition Fair will be held at Marietta High School on 4/18/24 from 5-7 PM. Please check out the flyers below in English and Spanish.

Enhance relationships between first responders and people with autism through sensory-friendly activities - Vehicle and equipment demos, games, crafts, bounce houses and more!

This event will be on 4/20/24 from 10 AM - 2PM. It will be held at the Cobb County Safety Village.

Come join Lisa Leiter, myself and Parent 2 Parent for an evening about the NOW COMP waiver. Parent 2 Parent will present in Spanish about the waiver. The event will be at Marietta HS on 4/23/24 from 6:00-7:00 PM.

.In honor of Autism Acceptance Month and in response to a growing need, the GA DOE has partnered with Emory Autism to provide two parent training sessions. The first session will focus on supporting communication at home and will be offered on April 23rd from 12:00-1:00pm and again on April 24th from 6:00-7:00pm. The second session will discuss how to maintain structure and routines at home. This session will be offered April 29th from 6:00-7:00pm and again on May 2nd from 12:00-1:00pm. We look forward to seeing you and your families at these events.

Supporting Your Child’s Communication at Home:

https://zoom.us/j/95398593241

April 23, 2024 12:00-1:00pm

April 24, 2024 6:00-7:00pm

Maintaining Structure and Routines:

https://zoom.us/j/93096835102

April 29, 2024 6:00-7:00pm

May 2, 2024 12:00-1:00pm

Prepare and plan for a smooth transition from Babies Can’t Wait/

early intervention. The presentation includes an overview of various

programs and services that may be available for three-year-olds

with special needs in your community.

This webinar will be held on 4/25 from 1PM - 2 PM.

Contact: Lori Jackson
Email: lori@p2pga.org
Phone: 678-736-7335

More Info: http://tinyurl.com/y5pcr7wk

On April 27, 2024 the Georgia Symphony Orchestra will present a Sensory Friendly concert. It will be held in the Marietta Performing Arts Center at 1171 Whitlock Avenue Marietta, GA 30064.

This event is designed especially for persons with sensory sensitivities and their families and gives audience members the ability to fully experience orchestral music without any of the constraints of a standard performance.

During this 50 minute program, audience members are free to move about, dance, speak, sing, or vocalize. Sensory sensitive listeners and family members will delight in the discovery of an orchestral experience that invites and welcomes all to the world of classical music.

Up to 30min before or after each concert, experience a myriad of instruments first-hand in the lobby. Many instruments like small percussion are simple enough to tap or pick up & shake. More complex instruments will have attendants to help them to strum, pluck, or bow themselves. People of any age or ability are welcome. There is also a Quiet Room for those who need a break from the instrumental sounds!

Use this link to get tickets!!

https://www.georgiasymphony.org/event/sensory-friendly-2024/

Please note: For the safety of all guests, running and skipping are not allowed inside the auditorium.

Way 2 Play Together is offering summer camps starting in Pre-K through High School. The ratio is 5:1 not including volunteers. The day will consist of snack, lunch, outdoor play, arts & crafts, technology, board games and music/movement. Their hours for camp are 8 AM - 4PM. Their phone number is (706) 688-9578. Use this link to learn more information.https://www.way2playtogether.com/

The weeks of camp will be: 5/28-5/31, 6/3-6/7, 6/10-6/14, 6/17-6/21, 6/24-6/28, 7/8-7/12, 7/15-7/19

The MDE School offers summer camps for children ages 2-5 with disabilities. Drop off is at 8:45 AM and pick up is at 3 PM. They do offer before and after care. Please reference the attached flyer for information.

The organization Extra Special People has found a home here in Marietta! They are offering lots of summer programs for our community. Please check out the attached flyer for dates and information.

Therabeat Inc. is a proud partner of In Harmony Pediatric Therapy, where they provide individual and group Therapy Sessions, Adaptive Lessons, and Harmony Kids classes. They also provide music therapy programs to schools, assisted living and memory care facilities throughout the greater Atlanta area. The Therabeat website can be found here. https://www.therabeat.com/#we-amplify-life Therabeat accepts the NOW COMP waiver.

Therabeats is offering a Sports Camp from 6/10/24 through 6/14/24 for ages 4-8.

Therabeats is offering a Sports Camp from 6/10/24 - 6/14/24 for ages 10-15.

Therabeats is offering Camp Therabeat from 6/24-6/28 for ages 4-8.

Therabeats is offering Therabeat Beach Camp from 7/15-7/19 for ages 4-8.

Horizon is offering Summer Camps! Children ages 7-12 can attend from 9-2 the weeks of 6/10-6/14 and 6/17-6/21. Children ages 13-18 can attend from 9-2 the weeks of 7/8-7/12. The cost is $125 per week . Registration opens 2/5. Register at this link www.acworthparksandrecreation.org

Come join McKenna Farms for Spring Break and Summer Camps! Use this form link to sign up! https://www.mckennafarms.org/saddleupform

Both camps are for ages 5-15.

Spring Break Camp runs from 4/3/24-4/5/24 from 10 AM - 3 PM. The cost is $300.

The June Summer Camp is full.

The July Camp runs from 7/15-7/19 from 9 AM - 2:30 PM. The cost is $425.

Please join The Strand for reduced capacity, adjusted lighting levels, adjusted sound levels and the the first showtime of the day! The first showing of the summer is Frozen on June 26th. Please check out the attached flyer for the dates of all the showings.

Lisa Leiter is Marietta City's Transition Coordinator. She is a wealth of knowledge within the world of Transition. Below are the Community Resource Guide and a Transition Timeline. These are valuable as our children grow and need different supports. Lisa's contact info is LLeiter@marietta-city.k12.ga.us.

I have created a QR Code handout. It has important district and community resources in it. It is easy to scan from your mobile device. I will continue to update it as I gain more resources. If you are viewing the document on your mobile device each resource is linkable.