Bridges4Kids News Digest

National News	*top*
Eli's Choice Amy Dockser Marcus, Wall Street Journal, December 31, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/WSJ12-31-05.html#top For years, Eli Lewis was the only student in his class with Down syndrome. But his parents felt strongly that he could succeed. They hired a reading tutor. An aide worked with his teachers to modify tests and lessons so that he could be in the same classroom as everyone else. He participated in his middle school's award-winning chorus and was treated as a valued member. But when all the other kids in his class were making plans to go to the local high school this fall, Eli, 14 years old, said he didn't want to go. He wanted to be in a small class with other students like him. CA Making Schools Safe For Children Korie Wilkins, Oakland Press, January 5, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/OaklandPress1-5-06.html#top Oakland County California Prosecutor Dave Gorcyca’s anti-bullying program is no more, but local officials are working to keep the problem of school violence in check. In fact, Oakland Schools has a committee that is looking at the entire issue of school safety. The committee is expected to present its findings and a recommendation in January, said Shelley Yorke Rose, the intermediate school district’s spokeswoman. U.S. Department of Education: Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Guidance Documents Frequently Asked Questions about FERPA http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/faq.html Model Notice for Directory Information http://www.ed.gov/policy/gen/guid/fpco/ferpa/mndirectoryinfo.html Big IDEAs: Dropout Prevention Strategies National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities http://www.dropoutprevention.org/NDPC-SD/enews/index.htm Big IDEAs: Dropout Prevention Strategies is the quarterly e-mail newsletter of the National Dropout Prevention Center for Students with Disabilities. You can browse back issues of Big IDEAs on the Center’s Website. Preparing and Supporting School Principals: Early Insights and Impressions (PDF) Laboratory for Student Success’ “Field Notes” Newsletter, Spring 2005 http://www.temple.edu/lss/pdf/fieldnotes/FieldNotesSLLC.pdf This issue documents findings from the first 24 grantees in the U.S. Department of Education’s School Leadership Program. This document describes what the grantees’ work reveals about research, practice, and recommended improvements for preparing and sustaining principals and those in the pipeline. Anything For a Snow Day Martha Irvine, The Concord Monitor, January 3, 2006 http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060103/REPOSITORY/601030332/1013/NEWS03 Eight-year-old Taylor Zelman has more than a few tricks aimed at getting the day off from school. She wears her pajamas inside out and backward. She runs around the kitchen table five times and flushes ice cubes down the toilet. And as she goes to sleep on winter school nights, she faithfully repeats, "I want it to snow, I want it to snow, I want it to snow." Do Brighter Walls Make Brighter Students? CNN, December 19, 2005 http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/12/19/paint.in.schools.ap/index.html Publicolor, a program in which students are permitted to paint over the industrial shades of their schools' interiors, is credited by school officials with lowering dropout rates, decreasing discipline problems and increasing attendance. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: Publicolor http://www.publicolor.org We are all deeply affected by the absence of warm rich color. A simple coat of color, thoughtfully chosen and placed, can have a profound and long-lasting effect on the users of the painted space. Our mission is to catalyze change in inner-city schools and neighborhood facilities though the power of color and collaboration. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: Teen Business Link http://www.sba.gov/teens/ This website helps teens identify ideas for businesses they could start, find a mentor, write a business plan, start a business, meet other entrepreneurs in their community, and protect their business’ idea, product, or name. It also includes information about the benefits of owning a business, legal issues, and insurance. New Leaders for New Schools Seek Candidates to Become Urban School Principals http://www.nlns.org/NLWeb/Leader.jsp New Leaders for New Schools is currently accepting applications for candidates who meet our 10 selection criteria (see website) and want to lead change for children in low income communities by becoming urban public school principals. Candidates should have a record of success in leading adults, an expertise in K-12 teaching and learning, a relentless drive to lead an excellent urban school, and most importantly, an unyielding belief in the potential of every child to achieve academically at high levels. Eligibility: a minimum of 2-3 years of successful K-12 instruction experience; a teaching certificate preferred. Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2006. Nickelodeon Announces Giveaway Program to Encourage Healthy Play http://www.everythingnick.com Children's television network Nickelodeon will distribute more than $1 million from September 2005 to June 2006. In the "Let's Just Play" Giveaway Nickelodeon will award a minimum of 20 winners per month for 10 months with $5,000 each to help facilitate play in their community. To enter, kids ( 6-15 years of age), partnering with teachers and other community-based leaders, must tell Nickelodeon what they need for their public or private school (grades K-9) or community-based after-school organization to help them play better and why, and give three reasons why play is important. Once the entry form is completed and mailed to Nickelodeon, the winners will be randomly selected and announced via Nickelodeon Online at the top of each month, beginning in September. Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community http://www.hitachifoundation.org/ The Hitachi Foundation presents the Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community each year to ten high school seniors from around the United States on the basis of their community-service activities. The award is accompanied by a gift of $5,000, dispensed over two years. Recipients may use the award at their discretion. (The award is not a scholarship.) Yoshiyama Award selection is based upon service and the opportunity for longer-term social change rather than on academic achievement or extracurricular activities. Grade- point averages, SAT scores, and school club memberships are not considered in the selection process. Deadline for submissions is April 1, 2006. Teachers Invited to Apply for ING Unsung Heroes Awards http://www.ing.com/ Created as a way for financial services company ING to demonstrate its commitment to the education community, the ING Unsung Heroes awards are given to K-12 educators pioneering new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes award by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students. The awards program selects one hundred finalists to receive a $2,000 award, payable to both the winning teacher and his or her school. At least one award is granted in each of the fifty states. Of the one hundred finalists, three are selected for additional financial awards: $25,000 for first place; $10,000 for second place; and $5,000 for third place. All K-12 education professionals are eligible to apply. Deadline for submissions is May 1, 2006.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
AZ Serving the Customers: Parents Arizona Republic, December 31, 2005 http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/1231sat2-31.html Scottsdale schools superintendent knows value of services. 'Secret parent' idea puts employees on notice that he's serious. MI Access To Student Directory Information (PDF) Jeremy Hughes, Michigan Department of Education, January 4, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/HughesMemo1-4-06.pdf Memo from The Michigan Department of Education Explaining When Student Directory Information Must Be Released to Military Recruiters and Others: No Child Left Behind (Section 9528) requires student directory information to be made available to military recruiters and institutions of higher education. Under the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) a student or his/her parents may request that information not be released without prior written consent. Also see: The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Student Issues unit has published information about parental rights, including information about FERPA in a fact sheet on the MDE website at http://www.michigan.gov/documents/parental_rights_122553_7.pdf For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: Get Ready To Read http://www.GetReadyToRead.org Get Ready To Read is a comprehensive website for parents and teachers offering activity cards, games, checklists, online games, fact sheets, and links to other resources. It also offers early literacy screening tools to help assess a child’s early reading skills. Bridges4Kids Featured Resource: Schools for Troubled Teens http://www.troubledteensinfo.com/ Troubled Teens provides advice and resource to parents searching for help dealing with defiant and/or troubled teens. Topics include substance abuse, mental health issues, certain disabilities, teen boot camps, wilderness camps, and more. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html
Early Childhood	*top*
Tykes Can't Read Words, But Can Read Music Lansing State Journal, December 31, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/1-06/LSJ12-31-05.htm To begin his class at the Pee Wee Patch, Ron West first rounded up his students. On a recent Tuesday, he gathered the 4- and 5-year-olds first. Parker Densmore, 4, and Jordan Richards, 4, both of Lake Orion, are ready to play. "I love upstairs," Parker said, as he skips excitedly down the hall. Upstairs is the classroom, equipped with a piano and an easel. The children are only preschool age, but they are learning how to play the piano. SC Judge: S.C. Fails to Fund Poor Schools John C. Drake, Boston Globe, December 29, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/1-06/Globe12-29-05.htm A judge ruled the state's system of funding poor schools unconstitutional Thursday, saying it fails to provide adequate education by not offering early childhood programs. National Birth Defects Month Educational Packet http://www.nbdpn.org/current/resources/bdpm2006.html January is National Birth Defects Prevention Month and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) has compiled an educational packet with a special focus on pre-pregnancy. Tots n’ Tech http://www.asu.edu/clas/tnt/home_files/ideas.htm The Tots 'n Tech Research Institute (TnT) has added a new section to their website called “IDEAS to SHARE” that features assisted technology ideas from early interventionist specialists from around the United States. It has great ideas under topics such as communication, eating, play, positioning, and others. The ideas are updated weekly with new categories and new ideas. Essential Skills for Occupational Therapists (PDF) FPG Child Development Institute, November 2005 http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~images/pdfs/snapshots/snap26.pdf Over the past 15 years the role of families in early intervention has changed and with it the role of the occupational therapist has also changed. This article profiles Chapter 2 of the book Pediatric Skills for Occupational Therapy Assistants (Mosby, 2005) which covers the expansion of the OT role, the importance of family-centered approaches to intervention, and those skills - including positive communication - that result in successful intervention. Commentary: Puffed up Promise of Preschool Darcy Olsen, My Turn, December 20, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/12-05/MyTurn12-20-05.htm Children with and without preschool perform the same on tests over time, and unfortunately, there's more. Preschool incubates negative social behaviors. The bureau finds that "Prekindergarten attendance increases aggression and decreases self-control." But unlike the cognitive gains which fade, "the behavioral effects persist." GA Pre-k, Smaller Classes Work Best Atlanta Journal Constitution, December 20, 2005 http://www.earlychildhoodmichigan.org/articles/12-05/AJC12-20-05.htm If Georgia ever hopes to close the achievement gap and brighten the educational futures of its poorest children, it must get them into the classroom earlier. That's the No. 1 recommendation of a groundbreaking Georgia State University study of the state's universal pre-kindergarten program. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org
Michigan News	*top*
Michigan Gets D+ For its Teacher Quality Effort Christina Stolarz, The Detroit News, January 5, 2006 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060105/SCHOOLS/601050372/1026 Michigan's efforts to improve teacher quality once again rank near the bottom of the nation, according to a national report released Wednesday. Family-to-Family Health Information & Education Center Announcement Lisa Cook-Gordon, January 3, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/Cook-Gordon1-3-06.html#top Michigan will have a Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center thanks to a $165,000 grant from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The center will improve access to quality care and supports for children with special needs in their communities by empowering families. The Little Town That Could Marisa Schultz, The Detroit News, December 22, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051222/LIFESTYLE/512220400&SearchID=73230373433117 Forget playing house. At West Bloomfield Township's Ferber Kaufman LifeTown, children have the opportunity to practice the game of life. Commentary: Redesign High Schools to Improve Student Skills Barry E. Stern, The Detroit News, December 22, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Stern12-20-05.html#top Almost any warm body can get into college, and blowing off the senior year has been the norm for decades. Perhaps the most significant message that colleges could send to school districts is that college admission is contingent on proficiency in reading and math. House GOP to Lead Task Force on Child Obesity Gongwer News Service, December 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/Gongwer12-20-05.html#top A task force made up of six House Republican members plan to meet statewide in the coming year to bring awareness and gather ideas on how to combat child obesity. Job Opportunity: Office of Children's Ombudsman Seeks Investigator This position is located in the Office of the Children's Ombudsman (OCO) and will serve as a member of a multi-disciplinary team conducting complex and sensitive investigations into the actions of the DHS, adoption agencies, and child placement agencies in child abuse and neglect cases to ensure compliance with laws, rules, and policies pertaining to protective services, foster care, and adoption. This position will function as the legal specialist serving as a resource for interpreting law and legal practice matters relevant to cases being investigated by the OCO. Deadline for applications is January 13, 2006. For more information, visit http://web1mdcs.state.mi.us/vacancyweb/VacancyInq2.asp?ID=14696 Job Opportunity: Lansing-based Lobbying Firm Seeks Professional to Manage Office, Technology, and Clerical Duties Flexible 20 hours p/wk. Minimum associate's degree or 3 years experience. Candidate must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, and have experience with all Microsoft applications. Desktop and web publishing required. Send resume and cover letter to: Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health, 416 W. Ottawa, Lansing, MI 48933 by January 16, 2006. For more information, contact Michele Strasz at mtstrasz@aol.com or 517-482-5807.
Disability News	*top*
Having a Job Threatens Federal Benefits Marisa Schultz, The Detroit News, December 20, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/METRO/512200385 Getting a job may mean independence, but for many people with disabilities, employment also means losing their safety net: government benefits. Disabled and Denied: High Joblessness Plagues Disabled Marisa Schultz, The Detroit News, December 20, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/METRO/512200361 Just 37% of those of working age are able to find and hold jobs in Michigan. Versatile, Free Science Resource for Deaf Students http://test2-signsci.terc.edu/dictionary/ A 300-word prototype 3D interactive Signing Science Dictionary is available free on the internet or can be delivered as a CD-ROM. Designed for use by elementary and middle-grade students whose first language is sign language, the dictionary covers words and terms found in discussions of Weather, Water, and the Human Body. 100% of students who participated in usability testing reported the Dictionary was easy to use and helped them read and write about the science they were studying. Understanding Learning Disabilities District Administration Magazine, December 2005 http://www.districtadministration.com/page.cfm?p=1205 This article provides an overview of learning disabilities, the IDEA definition of learning disabilities, information on useful classroom interventions for students with learning disabilities, and information on how districts can put research findings on effectively teaching students with learning disabilities into practice. Promoting Life Success for Students with Learning Disabilities LD Talk, September 28, 2005 http://www.LDTalk.org/transcripts/transcript_092805.html This is a transcript from the September 28, 2005 LD Talk online discussion with Roberta Goldberg, Ph.D. and Eleanor Higgins, Ph.D., researchers at the Frostig Center in Pasadena, CA. Goldberg and Higgins answered questions from parents and others across the country. Angelman Syndrome Forum & Instant Chat http://angelmanforum.org Join others in discussing and sharing information about Angelman Syndrome. The Rising Cost of Autism Strains School Budgets Fred Musante, Stratford Star, May 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/Star5-12-05.html#top Autism cases have exploded over the last decade here, just as it has across the state and the nation, putting a heavy burden on school budgets that experts say may grow worse in years to come. In Stratford, the number of children diagnosed with autism who receive special education services has increased 400 percent since 1996. Autism: An Epidemic is Finally Acknowledged James Ottar Grundvig, The Epoch Times, December 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/EpochTimes12-30-05.html#top The year 2005 is a year to remember in the autism epidemic: The debate came to a head between parents of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) children and the federal government, which has long denied an autism epidemic exists. The Age of Autism: Gold standards Dan Olmsted, United Press International, December 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/UPI12-31-05.html#top A published scientific paper suggests gold salts -- the treatment that may have prompted improvement in the first child ever diagnosed with autism -- can affect mental conditions. Spread the Word: “The Ringer” Film National Down Syndrome Society, November 22, 2005 http://www.ndss.org/content.cfm?fuseaction=NwsEvt.Article&article=1545 The National Down Syndrome Society and the Special Olympics invite you to see “The Ringer,” a Farrelly brothers film which opened nationwide on December 23, 2005. It tells the story of a young man who pretends to have an intellectual disability so he can compete in and “fix” a Special Olympics event. However, his attitude changes as he develops friendships with several of the Special Olympics athletes. “The Ringer” uses outrageous Farrelly Brothers humor (“There's Something about Mary,” “Stuck on You,” “Shallow Hal”) to promote the message that individuals with intellectual disabilities are people first. What if I'm Dyslexic? Sally McKeown, The Guardian, January 3, 2006 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/Guardian1-3-06.html#top Some teachers favor a structured approach, building up from sounds to words to sentences. Others argue that children need a range of strategies, depending on the nature of their dyslexia. If a child is a visual dyslexic, where words dance on the page, then all the drill and practice in the world will not lead to improvement. The (U.K.) government is now backing synthetic phonics, whereby children learn the sounds of letters and letter blends first and move on to books later. So what software is available to support young children who might be dyslexic? New 3-D Brain Scans Help Doctors Tackle Aneurysms Lauran Neergaard, USA Today, January 2, 2006 http://www.usatoday.com/tech/science/2006-01-02-aneurysm-3-D_x.htm Jets of blood beat against the cigar-shaped aneurysm pressing on Ursula Spear's brain stem. The bulging artery was inoperable, one set of doctors pronounced — and likely to eventually burst and kill her. Then Dr. Michael Lawton offered hope. The Christopher Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life Grants Program http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/1-06/Reeve1-06.html#top The Christopher Reeve Foundation's Quality of Life Grants Program offers grants to nonprofit organizations working to address the needs of persons living with paralysis particularly as a result of spinal-cord injury, but also including stroke, spina bifida, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and traumatic brain injury. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html
Special Education Issues	*top*
MI Michigan's Special Education Ranks High Marisa Schultz, The Detroit News, December 20, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051220/METRO/512200384 State requires districts to offer programs up to age 26, much longer than the rest of the nation. If there is one bright spot for people with disabilities, it is in the area of access to education. IDEA 2004 Demonstration Announcement http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/12-05/IDEA12-20-05.html#top John H. Hager, assistant secretary of the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS), U.S. Department of Education, invites you to submit comments regarding proposed requirements and selection criteria for the Paperwork Waiver Demonstration Program and the Multiyear Individualized Education Program (IEP) Demonstration Program. Answers for Parents Technical Assistance for Parents and California Community Advisory Committee http://cactechassistance.tripod.com/id14.html Examples include: What to consider when they say...“She needs to try harder.” What exactly does try harder mean? How does the teacher know how hard the child is trying? How does the teacher know when the child should try even harder? What is the objective measurement for trying harder? What if the child is trying harder but trying “wrong”? Will that make things worse? What to consider when they say...“Let him fail." Once he sees the consequences, he’ll be motivated to improve.” So how can this possibly make sense?!! Usually a child is referred for special education or Section 504 because they have been failing. They have failed more than once. In fact, it is usually a succession of failures. So is it really an issue of motivation? Or is it a lack of appropriate specially designed instruction? What is the school’s definition of specially designed instruction? Let’s hope it’s not “let him fail”. Accommodations Manual: How to Select, Administer, and Evaluate Use of Accommodations for Instruction and Assessment of Students with Disabilities (PDF) Council of Chief State School Officers http://www.ccsso.org/content/pdfs/AccommodationsManual.pdf This manual from the Council of Chief State School Officers details a five-step plan for use of accommodations in assessments and provides fact sheets and teacher tools. The five steps are: expect students with disabilities to achieve grade-level academic content standards, learn about accommodations for instruction and assessment, select accommodations for individual students, administer accommodations, and evaluate and improve accommodations use. Navigating Special Education LD Talk, October 26, 2005 http://www.LDTalk.org/transcripts/transcript_102605.html This is a transcript from an online discussion with Alan Brue, Ph.D. and Linda Wilmshurst, Ph.D., authors of A Parent’s Guide to Special Education. Brue and Wilmshurst answered questions from parents and others across the country. For more information on Special Education, IEPs and Section 504, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Rules.html
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
Bridges4Kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html New York Summer Options For Children & Teens With Special Needs WHEN: Saturday, January 28, 2006 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Church of St. Paul the Apostle, 405 W. 59th Street NYC (Entrance to Fair on Columbus Ave. near W. 60th St.). DESCRIPTION: Representatives from 70 New York City day camps and sleepaway camps in the northeast will be on hand to help parents and professionals plan productive summer experiences for children with disabilities. The Fair will also feature information on travel programs, remedial education programs, volunteer and job opportunities and early childhood programs. Spanish and sign language interpreters will be available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: The Fair is presented by Resources for Children with Special Needs, Inc., (212) 677-4650. 19th Annual Research Conference "A System of Care for Children¹s Mental Health: Expanding the Research Base" WHEN: February 22-25, 2006 WHERE: Tampa, Florida DESCRIPTION: This annual conference is a nationally recognized forum to explore contemporary, empirical research on systems of care that promote the emotional and behavioral well-being of children and their families. This event is designed for researchers, evaluators, administrators, policy makers, advocates, and family members interested in applied practical systems-of-care research. Call for Papers Deadline is October 31,2005. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For registration information visit http://rtckids.fmhi.usf.edu. Nonverbal Learning Disorders Association's 10th Annual NLDA Symposium “A Decade of Progress in NLD” WHEN: South San Francisco Conference Center, San Francisco, CA WHERE: March 10-11, 2006 DESCRIPTION: At our 2-day event for parents and professionals, noted expert in learning disabilities, Rick Lavoie, plus over 30 nationally- and internationally-known speakers will present on the many interrelated aspects of Nonverbal Learning Disorders. Parents and professionals (MD, RN, SLP, OT, MFT, LCSW, psychologists, educators) will receive vital information on NLD, with special emphasis on the latest research and effective strategies to help individuals of all ages with NLD. Continuing education, ongoing poster session, exhibitors, and bookstore will be available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on registration, schedule, speakers, and program, visit www.NLDline.com, www.NLDA.org, or email NLDAsymposium2006@excite.com. National ADA Symposium & Expo WHEN: April 10-12, 2006 WHERE: America's Center, Downtown St. Louis, MO DESCRIPTION: The National ADA Symposium is the most comprehensive conference available on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other disability-related laws. The National ADA Symposium features an extensive session schedule with tracks in architecture, government, education, employment, and more. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact Eric Stockton, Symposium coordinator, ada@missouri.edu. Further information can be found at www.adaproject.org. 18^th Annual Postsecondary Disability Training Institute WHEN: June 6-9 & 10, 2006 WHERE: Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center, Burlington, Vermont DESCRIPTION: The objective of this Training Institute is to assist concerned professionals to meet the unique needs of college students with disabilities. COST: Cost is $365 per person if registered by May 1, 2006. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit http://vm.uconn.edu/~wwwcped/06pti.htm or email Carrol Waite at carrol.waite@uconn.edu.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html Macomb/St. Clair Chapter/ASA: Bullying WHEN: January 9, 2006 from 6:00-8:00pm WHERE: Memphis Public Library (Northern Macomb County), 34830 Potter St., Memphis, 48041 DESCRIPTION: Karen Massarro-Mundt, ARC of St. Clair will speak on Bullying. This event is free. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information, contact Paula Bellhorn at 810-357-1679 or pbellhorn1979@hotmail.com. Upcoming Detroit CHADD Meetings WHEN: January 10, February 14, March 14, April 11, and May 9, 2006 from 5:00 – 6:00 pm WHERE: Metropolitan United Methodist Church, 8000 Woodward Ave, Detroit 48202 (Located N. of W Grand Blvd between Marston and Chandler St.) FFOR MORE INFORMATION: or more information please call 313-333-5310. To inquire about CHADD Meetings or Programs call 313-421-5962 (Temp), email: detroitchadd@yahoo.com, or visit http://www.chaddonline.org/chapters/Chadd20U.html. Macomb/St. Clair Chapter/ASA: Person Centered Planning WHEN: January 19, 2006 from 7:00-9:00pm WHERE: St. Ephrem's Social Hall, (Macomb County), 17 Mile Road & Dodge Park, Sterling Heights DESCRIPTION: Sally Burton-Hoyle, Executive Director of ASM. Person Centered Planning turns the focus on the individual. Strengths, preferences and an individualized system of support are identified to assist the individual to achieve meaningful goals and objectives. Person Centered Planning involves a team of family members, friends, professionals and most importantly the individual. This event is free. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information, contact Paula Bellhorn at 810-357-1679 or pbellhorn1979@hotmail.com. Parenting 101 - Basic Parenting Skills WHEN: January 23, 2006 WHERE: Creole Gallery located on Turner St. in Old Town Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Class size is limited, so pre-registration is required. Child care and refreshments will be provided. Parents will learn what normal developmental milestones are, how to diffuse difficult situations without the use of corporal punishment, age-appropriate tasks, and will have the opportunity to ask questions and share stories in a relaxed and parent-friendly group. Parents will also learn how to avoid parent burn-out in a fun and interesting way. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, call Morgan at 517-485-4283 or Robin at 517-374-0933. West Michigan Inclusion Network's IDEA Workshop WHEN: January 24, 2006 from 7-9 p.m. WHERE: GVSU's Eberhard Center DESCRIPTION: WIN will be teaming up with The Gray Center for Social Learning and Understanding to bring you an educational workshop covering IDEA 2004. This will be an informative workshop, sure to educate you on what the changes in IDEA 2004 mean for you and your child. Please see the attached flyer. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or the have a flyer sent to you contact 616-889 3808 or visit http://www.wmin.org. An Introduction to The Michigan Department of Education's (MDE) Continuous Improvement and Monitoring System (CIMS): A Webinar Formatted Education Offering and Discussion for Parent Leaders WHEN: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 at 7:30-8:30 p.m. and Friday, January 27, 2006 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. WHERE: Your nearest computer and/or telephone DESCRIPTION: The CIMS is a new monitoring system for Michigan's Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE/EIS). It is important for parents to become familiar with the process, since selected parents across the state are (or soon will be) involved with it at the local level. Additionally, helping parents understand the special education monitoring system is a CIMS priority. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Deborah Hall hallds@michigan.gov or 517-335-6485.
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff Deborah Canja Chief Executive Officer deb@bridges4kids.org Jackie Igafo-Te'o Director of Information Technology & Information Systems jackie@bridges4kids.org Bella Djordjevski Resource Assistant news@bridges4kids.org