A Letter From Our GNETS Director
Greetings!
The fall and winter seasons are a time for family and celebration. Ash Street Center is excited to usher in this exciting time of year with PBIS celebrations for staff and students. So far, South Metro GNETS (Ash St. Center and JB Henderson) have had an agenda packed full of exciting therapeutic activities and events designed to foster student growth both socially and emotionally. We look forward to continuing to support the students of Clayton and Henry Counties with the educational and therapeutic supports grounded in principles of the Neurosequential Model of Education (NME).
During the upcoming winter months, we plan to complete student data triangulation (which assigns specific therapeutic supports to students individually)--this process calls for teams to meet and review student data to determine tier placement for each student. Additionally, we are excited to continue the program's momentum and success. This process enables us to eventually transition students to a less restrictive environment (LRE).
In addition to student data triangulation, South Metro students have participated in the I-Ready mid-year assessment (as well as other district assessments). The instructional teams are working hard to incorporate therapeutic supports in each classroom like morning and afternoon circles. Lastly, students continue to benefit from our program implementation of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) conferencing and activities.
Our clinical team has a variety of activities planned for parents and caregivers of students assigned to South Metro. We plan to share beneficial information and resources for families. We look forward to seeing you all at Ash Street Center or JB Henderson Center at our upcoming lunch and learn series.
Sincerely,
Derrick Gilchrist
Students Love the New Group Therapy Curriculum
South Metro GNETS Social Workers facilitate small-group sessions set on improving identified interpersonal, coping, and behavioral challenges, as well as, developing the self-awareness,
self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.
The philosophy is that students with strong social-emotional skills are better able to cope with everyday challenges and benefit academically and socially. From effective problem-solving to self-discipline, from impulse control to emotion management and more--social emotional learning (SEL) provides a foundation for positive, long-term effects on kids, adults, and communities. In addition, GNETS social workers also integrate curriculum based on the Neurosequential Model of Education (NME). This added curriculum has the goal of helping students to understand their brain and how it can help to recognize and manage emotions, control responses to stress, increase learning and improve relationships.
NME Staff Training Continues (From Hodges & Welty-Green):
Last year, staff was provided an introduction and overview of Dr. Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential model through trainings and a book study of The Boy Who was Raised as a Dog. This year, as we attempt to fully integrate the Neurosequential model concepts into programming at SMP, we continue to deepen our understanding through monthly NME Cohort meetings. Staff watches a short topic-specific video and answers a few questions before the meeting where we then discuss how the concepts apply to different classroom and student scenarios. So far this year we have covered:
- The Human Brain & The Learning Cycle
- Sensitization & Tolerance
- Threat Response Patterns
- State Dependent Functioning
Our discussions allow us to explore student behaviors through a Neurosequential lens and formulate future responses and interventions that promote safety, trust and social/emotional growth.
Hello, South Metro GNETS Parents and Guardians!
Happy Holidays! Today we will discuss 5 practical strategies for
self-care during the holidays.
1. Exercise- We have a busy life but taking 30 minutes a day for a brisk walk or exercise helps promote your physical health and lowers stress.
2. Get at least 6-8 hours of sleep- Sleep helps the body recover and heal. Going to bed at a consistent time helps make sure you are receiving the ideal amount of sleep needed to recharge.
3. Make plans with friends- Take the time to schedule a lunch or outing with a friend to
connect with your very own support system.
4. Meditate- Meditation does not have to be hard and can take as long as 1 minute to
complete. Having awareness of your breath by deep breathing and counting down
from 10 to 1 helps you be more aware or your situation and can help you plan out
your thoughts before your actions.
5. Laugh- Laughing is the most available tool when it comes to self-care. Laughter
strengthens your immune system, boosts mood, diminishes pain, and protects you
from the damaging effects of stress. You can find enjoyable ways to laugh by
watching movies, having a dance party with your children, or watching a comedy
show on YouTube.
Check out more self-care tips at https://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/self-care/self-care-for-parents!
Community Resource Spotlight
Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P of GA)’s vision is to be the source of choice support, information, education, and leadership development for Georgians with disabilities or special health care needs, ages birth to 26, and their families.
Parent to Parent of Georgia offers 7 core services to Georgia families impacted by disabilities or special healthcare needs.
- Supporting Parents is their signature program that matches you to another parent who has had similar experiences.
- P2P of GA’s Special Needs Database is an online searchable database to help you find providers in your area.
- The Roadmap to Success provides resources and information to guide you through the trip of a lifetime.
- Learn about leadership, support groups and community volunteer opportunities in your part of the state as part of the Navigator Project.
- P2P of GA provides online opportunities that allow you to learn about upcoming special events and volunteer news through our mailing list and social media platforms.
- P2P of GA provides face-to-face and virtual parent trainings.
Check out these helpful links from Parent to Parent of Georgia:
- Parent to Parent Road Map to Success: https://www.p2pga.org/roadmap/
- Support from Other Parents: https://www.p2pga.org/support/
- Trainings Provided by P2P: https://www.p2pga.org/training-topics/
Upcoming Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2P) Events:
Transition to Adult Healthcare Training
Date: December 6, 2022 Time: 12pm -1:30pm
Must Register Using The Following Link: https://tinyurl.com/HCT-Dec6th
For more information call Parent to Parent of Georgia at 800-229-2038 or email Sitara
Nayak sitara@p2pga.org. P2P of GA are providing a $25 e-gift card incentive for parents who attend the session in full.