Partners for Success Monthly Update

October is National Bullying Prevention Month. It's a good time to remind all of our young people about the value of friendship and the power of being kind.

There are lots of resources to use when teaching your child to be an includer and encourage acts of kindness. Here are some tips from PBS Kids about teaching inclusive language:

For some kids, finding playmates is as simple as standing near a group and saying, “Can I play?” For many kids, however, joining groups at play isn’t so easy. Sliding in and out of groups is a fairly advanced social skill, and young children don’t necessarily know how to get involved in a group that’s already formed.

Teach your children to scan the room or recess yard for kids who might be left out and include them by seeking them out with friendly invitations:

• Do you want to sit with us for lunch?
• Do you like kickball? You can join our team!
• Do you want to play tag with us?
• We always need extra players.
• Are you looking for a game to play? Play with us!

While these might sound like simple statements, until children get into the habit of including others, they tend to assume that other kids will join in if they want to. When you use inclusive language at home — “Would you like to go for a walk with me?” — your kids learn to do the same with their peers.

At HCPS Partners for Success, we want all of our students to feel safe and valued. We are committed to providing resources and support to families of children with disabilities, helping to nurture their physical, mental, and emotional well-being while promoting academic achievement.

We share the same goal as the families we serve: raising safe, supported, confident, and contributing members of our community. Whether you are seeking information about supports, therapies, interventions, educational resources, or simply need guidance on your next steps, we are here to help.

If you have questions or would like personalized assistance, please contact our office using the phone number or email listed below.

What is “Partners for Success”?

HCPS Partners for Success center is 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 HCPS 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 Monday, Wednesday, 9am-3pm, and Friday, 9am-1pm, by appointment.

Do you have questions about your student's education plan? Could you use some support?

Please remember we are here to help address any needs you have regarding special education and community resources.

Partners for Success want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to complete this short survey to help us plan meaningful meetings and workshops for next school year. Your feedback is invaluable when planning. Let us know what is important to you. Thank you for your partnership!

Click here to take the survey!

Come to a Harford County SECAC meeting to…

• Learn how to advocate for your child;

• Attend presentations by outside professionals on topics that affect the special needs student such as Anxiety, IEP Development, Social Skills, Bullying, and Transitioning;

• Network with other parents/guardians and community service providers;

• Meet staff members from the Department of Special Education and other HCPS departments;

• Participate in discussions about how to enhance programming, services, and supports for students with disabilities;

• Provide input at Harford County SECAC Parent Forums on special education-related topics which will be shared with the HCPS Department of Special Education and Board of Education.

In September, the HCPS Director of Special Education Services, Colleen Sasdelli discussed updates to the delivery of special education services for the 2026-2027 school year.

If you missed the September meeting and want to watch the recording; please send an email to harfordcountysecac@gmail.com

Follow SECAC on Facebook!

Wednesday, October 14, and Wednesday, October 21, 2026

6:00 - 7:30pm

Partners for Success is thrilled to offer TWO IEP workshops presented by the Parents' Place of Maryland!

Come to one or both presentations!

During these virtual workshops, families will:

• review the basics of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans
• learn about your role in school meetings
• improve skills in advocating for your child's needs
• learn more about PPMD’s services and supports

Click here to register for these events!

Would you like to access caregiver trainings from the comfort of your home? Look no further! This month, we have trainings from the Mental Health Association of Maryland, Maryland Coalition of Families, ADDitude Magazine, and more!

Click here to view the Partners for Success Virtual Events Calendar!

Increase the Amount of Money You Can Save and Keep Critical Benefits

With Maryland ABLE, you can contribute up to $19,000 per year (or more if the beneficiary is working) for a wide range of qualified disability expenses.

The account’s growth is tax-free and your contributions could qualify for an income deduction on your Maryland State taxes.

Best of all, you can save and invest up to $100,000 before impacting SSI cash benefits. Other federal means-tested benefits such as Medicaid, housing and food assistance are not impacted by the balance of your ABLE account. Similarly, ABLE account balances are disregarded for the purpose of determining eligibility to receive any assistance or benefits from Maryland means-tested programs.

Click here to find out more about Maryland ABLE!

Children's coverage is not affected

The new requirement applies only to certain adults ages 19–64. Children's Medicaid coverage remains unchanged.

What is the new requirement?

Some adults who receive Medicaid may need to show at least 80 hours per month of one of the following:

• Working

• Going to school or job training

• Volunteering

• Participating in an approved work program

When does this start?

States must begin implementing these changes by January 1, 2027. Maryland will share more information before the requirement takes effect.

What should I do now?

• Make sure Medicaid has your current address, phone number, and email.

• Open and read any mail from Medicaid.

• Watch for updates about reporting requirements and exemptions.

Questions? Contact Maryland Medicaid or your local enrollment assistance program. Visit the Maryland Medicaid website to learn more about eligibility and enrollment in your area. Read the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services fact sheet to learn more about the community engagement requirement and what it means for Medicaid recipients.

Here is a guide to services and events found on sites designed for the families of autistics. Some of the information could also apply to individuals with cognitive or neurological differences other than autism.

Click on the image to explore great Back-to-School resources from PBS Kids such as free printable checklists, daily routines for kids, and articles about easing back-to-school worries.

We invite families, staff, students, and community members to engage with Dr. Mack and her team for Community Conversations. In each conversation, Dr. Mack will discuss her strategic plan, budget, and partnering with parents. Join her to share feedback, ask questions, and help shape the future of HCPS.

Dates are:

October 14, Edgewood High School Cafeteria

October 19, Aberdeen High School Cafeteria

November 5, Patterson Mill High School Cafeteria

November 12, North Harford High School

Meeting time is 6:00 - 7:30pm

Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

WANT TO HAVE FUN AND BUILD SOCIAL SKILLS? COME TO THE GAME NIGHTS AND RESPITE SATURDAYS OFFERED THROUGH THE ARC NORTHERN CHESAPEAKE REGION!

Registration is required to attend Game Nights by emailing, FSS@arcncr.org. Space is limited to Harford & Cecil Families. Parents are invited to stay and chat with other parents while youth participate in games. Game nights are in-person at The Arc NCR's main office, located at 4513 Philadelphia Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001.

Game Night runs from 5:30-7:30pm, and includes dinner and games!

Dates are:

October 15th

November 19th

December 17th

Registration is required to attend Respite Saturdays by emailing, FSS@arcncr.org. Space is limited to Harford & Cecil Families. Meeting location will be The Arc NCR's main office, located at 4513 Philadelphia Road, Aberdeen, MD 21001.

October 3rd

10:00 Α.Μ.- 2 Ρ.Μ.

Includes Lunch, Games and Activities

November 7th

10:00 Α.Μ.- 2 Ρ.Μ.

Includes Lunch, Games and Activities

December 4th

5:00-8:30 Ρ.Μ.

Dinner & Trip to Herrs Christmas Lights

The Down Syndrome Association of Maryland - DSAmd (formerly Chesapeake Down Syndrome Parent Group or CDSPG) provides information and support to individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the broader Down syndrome community. We serve families of and persons with Down syndrome by providing information and support. Click here to download our general brochure. All current and future events can be found here.

Are you a Kinship Caregiver in Harford County? Join us every 2nd Wednesday of the month, for training, resources, and the support of fellow caregivers! It takes a village, and you are not alone! *Participation can be in-person or virtual.

*Childcare available during group!*

*Dinner provided*

Location: Harford Community Church

2504 Creswell Road Bel Air, MD 21015

Click on the image above to register for Coffee & Conversations!

Individuals with disabilities, families and professionals seeking information about and access to resources on intellectual, developmental and other disabilities and related disorders can contact the Resource Finder for assistance. The Resource Finder personnel can help with locating service providers, child care, recreational activities, financial resources, and much more.

Discover Harford County's Premier After School Program at Brighter Stronger Foundation!

Join our dynamic After-School Program at Brighter, Stronger Foundation in Harford County! We offer a supportive environment tailored to meet the unique needs of children at various levels of the spectrum. Our program includes:

Personalized Support: Tailored activities that foster growth and learning.

Skilled Care: Provided by experienced specialists in autism care.

Engaging Activities: Designed to enhance social skills and academic performance.

This program is fully covered under the Autism Waiver. Various services and levels of support will be offered outside of the Autism Waiver on a Fee for Service Schedule.

Call Today 410-574-0000

Click the link below for more information.

Find an HCPS 26-27 accessible calendar here.

Parents of students in grades 6-12 can now view their child's academic plan, test scores, graduation requirements, and more through the new Student Planner parent dashboard. Click here to learn more, including how to register.

Click this link Anita C. Leight Estuary Center to find out about upcoming family events in Abingdon!

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SCOUTING?

Activities include BSA rank advancement, scout skills, cooking, camping, hiking and having fun. The troop welcomes any male 11 and older and with a diagnosed special need.
There is NO maximum age limit. Adults with special needs are welcome.
There is NO COST for registration or activities thanks to the generosity of Aberdeen Rotary, Bel Air Lions, Churchville Ruritan, St Mark's Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, American Legion, and other donations.

Charter Organization - Aberdeen Rotary
John S. Karas email - Charter Organization Rep

For more information, please contact Gary Nasuta, Scoutmaster, email or call or Maria Joesten, Committee Chairperson, email or call 410-775-3225.

Are you a teen with disabilities or know someone who's thinking about the next steps? College or career? Your first stop should be the Maryland Transitions Website. This is the perfect place to explore options on all fronts. There are sections for everyone-teens, parents, employers, and educators! Check it out at www.MDtransitions.org! Maryland Department of Disabilities

CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES AT HARFORD COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is proud to produce a new Parent Education Series focusing on Special Education. The four-part series focuses on Special Education Process, Parental Rights, Understanding the IEP, and Secondary Transition. An additional guide on the Alternate Education Framework was recently added and there are plans for further topics.

These are great resources with a lot of information for families. To explore all the publications, click here. If you need these guides translated to another language, just use the drop down menu in the upper right corner titled Translate. Be sure to bookmark for future reference!

Resources 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!

• Don't know where to start with requesting accommodations and/or modifications for your child's IEP plan? Check out this list of common requests in our handy resource.

• What is the 5 Day Rule and How Does It Effect Me?

The Department of Disabilities, Assistive Technology Program (MDTAP) enhances the lives of all Marylanders with disabilities, older Marylanders, and their families by providing access to assistive technology (AT) devices and services.

Take a look at their news brief on Guidance on AT in the IEP Process by clicking here.

For more information, visit us at www.mdtap.org or email MDTAP.General@maryland.gov.

Watch the Spring episode of Ability in Focus to learn about Pickleball offered through Harford County Therapeutic Recreation, programs through The Image Center, Harford County Public Library's commitment to hiring employees of all abilities, and accessing supports and programs across the county for individuals with disabilities.

Watch Ability in Focus on HarfordTV's YouTube Channel.

HARFORD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS THE SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH CENTER PROGRAM IN THE FOLLOWING SCHOOLS:

Halls Crossroads Elementary School

Old Post Road Elementary School

Magnolia Elementary School

Edgewood Elementary School

Swan Creek/Aberdeen High School

The Minority Health Program's goal is to improve the health of Harford County’s minority population.

The Minority Health Program is rooted in trust to meet the needs of the community. We focus on connecting people to the health services and resources that they need. We partner with local churches, community organizations, and leaders to make sure everyone is informed about community needs, concerns, and progress.

Signature Programs

Faith in Action Town Halls (Quarterly)

Youth Symposium (2 every year)

Monthly Community Programming Events

Parent Talks: Community Conversations

Get connected with us!

Interest Form Here

For more information contact Felicia Grant-Hopkins at 443-252-7692 or Faith Murray-Engh at 443-862-9477.

Harford County Public Schools Parent Academy is partnering with ParentGuidance.org to offer virtual webinars developed by licensed therapists to help parents and caregivers support student well-being.

Registration, attendance, and interactions are completely anonymous.

ALL SESSIONS ARE HELD

WEDNESDAYS 12:00-12:45 PM

LIVE VIRTUAL WEBINARS

JOIN ON ANY DEVICE

Oct 14

Milestones to Progress: Supporting Growth and Gaps in Early Childhood

Nov 18

Why Our Children Self-Harm and How Parents Can Help

Dec 16

Navigating Divorce When Children Are Involved

Jan 13

Children & Technology Addiction

Feb 10

De-escalating Cycles of Conflict

Mar 10

Establishing Healthy Boundaries

Apr 14

Grandparents Parenting Grandchildren

May 12

Military Families and Mental Health

TO REGISTER, SCAN THE QR CODE NEXT TO THE SESSION IN THE PHOTO