Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Special Report: Informed Instruction Marcy Levin-Epstein, eSchool News Online http://www.eschoolnews.com/resources/reports/informedinstruction/index.cfm Delivering individualized instruction targeted to meet each student's needs once was no more than the stuff of educators' dreams. Today, thanks to a growing number of offerings and some creative financing on the part of districts, this model is becoming a reality for teachers and students nationwide. Today's software solutions have the capability to provide curriculum tailored to every student's strengths and weaknesses, allow teachers to monitor student performance in real time, administer assessments and adjust instruction in line with the results, interface with grade books, send reports to parents--and more. Statement by Mary Kusler, President of the Committee for Education Funding, on President Bush's FY06 Education Budget Press Release, Committee for Education Funding (CEF), February 7, 2005 "The Committee for Education Funding (CEF) believes President Bush's budget undermines the federal commitment to educate all of our nation¹s students by cutting total education funding for the first time in a decade." "By cutting education funding by $530 million, and completely eliminating 48 programs, the President¹s budget underfunds NCLB, takes away the very programs that help at risk students prepare for college, undermines the quality of vocational education programs and falls even further behind on its commitment to fully fund special education. Online Courses Help Boost Advanced Placement Results eSchool News staff and wire service reports, January 31, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/eSchool1-31-05.html#top More students are taking--and passing--Advanced Placement (AP) exams in every part of the country, as college-level work in high school becomes increasingly common, the College Board reported Jan. 25. Many state education officials attribute the gains in participation at least in part to online courses that expand the reach of advanced-level instruction. How Many Did I Overlook? The Transformation of a School Psychologist Sharon Moxley, 1995 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Moxley95.html#top During my first ten years as a school psychologist, I was not aware of the neurobiological nature of mental illness. I had no inkling that many of the students that I saw had the symptoms of what we now are beginning to understand as diseases of the brain. I variously labeled these students seriously emotionally disturbed (SED), conduct disordered, and out of touch with their feelings. That many of these children might be suffering from the initial stages of major mental illnesses rarely occurred to me. MI 'Gym' Designed to Pump Up Kids' Brains Gary W. Morrison, The Grand Rapids Press, January 27, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/GRPress1-27-05.htm Workouts for Congress Elementary School students might result in better grades instead of bulging biceps. Before class, students participate in "Brain Gym," where exercises are based on the premise that whole body movement develops the brain. Job Opportunity: Executive Director for Lawyers for Children America Lawyers for Children America (LFCA) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving abused and neglected children by working to create best outcomes through effective legal advocacy seeks an Executive Director, to be located in the Washington, DC program office. LFCA maintains programs in the District of Columbia, Hartford, New Haven, and Fairfield County, Connecticut, and Miami, Florida. Deadline for applications is February 28, 2005. For more information visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/MichiganInfo.html#4. Teens’ Risk-taking All in Their Heads? Elizabeth Williamson, Washington Post, February 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Post2-1-05.html#top NIH study: Part of brain that inhibits risky behavior isn’t fully formed until age 25. By most physical measures, teenagers should be the world's best drivers. Their muscles are supple, their reflexes quick, their senses at a lifetime peak. Yet car crashes kill more of them than any other cause -- a problem, some researchers believe, that is rooted in the adolescent brain. A National Institutes of Health study suggests that the region of the brain that inhibits risky behavior is not fully formed until age 25, a finding with implications for a host of policies. Juvenile Law Center Leads Amicus Effort for Foster Youth in College Juvenile Law Center, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/JLC05.html#top The Juvenile Law Center has taken the lead in advocating for state support for foster care youth enrolled in college by drafting an amicus brief to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. The brief is on behalf of S.J., a college student petitioning for the legal right to remain in the foster care system while she earns her degree. KidsVoice, a child advocacy organization based in Pittsburgh, represents S.J. Understanding Medicare & Medicaid: Fundamentals and Issues for the New Congress The George Washington University National Health Policy Forum http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/GWU2-05.html#top This briefing book was distributed at an invitation-only seminar requested by congressional staff to provide an overview of the Medicare, Medicaid, and State Children’s Health Insurance programs. The sessions featured experts from the General Accounting Office, Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, Congressional Research Service, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, in addition to other public and private entities. This book contains links to the sessions’ presentations and handouts as well as to additional reports, Web sites, and other resources. AZ Schools Get by Without Junk Food Anne Ryman, The Arizona Republic, February 1, 2005 http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0201junk01.html No revenue loss shown in 5-month test of ban. Schools can make as much money selling healthy foods as they can pushing sugar and fat on students, according to a nutrition study released today by the Arizona Department of Education. PA Lead's Challenges Leaching Into Education Reform Sheila Simmons, The Philadelphia Public School Notebook, January 2005 http://www.thenotebook.org/newsflash/2005/january/lead%20poisoning.htm The patterns of red, green, yellow, and orange that colored a map of zip code areas in Philadelphia looked familiar to F. Joseph Merlino, glancing at the image tacked on an office wall. Drawing from his knowledge as project director for the Mathematics and Science Partnership of Greater Philadelphia, Merlino concluded the map plotted PSSA scores by neighborhood. He was wrong. It showed the rate at which children had tested for elevated levels of lead in their bloodstream. Role as Mom to Guide Spellings CNN, February 1, 2005 http://www.cnn.com/2005/ALLPOLITICS/01/31/spellings.ap/index.html Margaret Spellings, the first female education secretary with school-age children, said Monday her role as parent will guide her views in her new job.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
PA Schools' Tutor Program Must Change, U.S. Says Dale Mezzacappa, Philadelphia Inquirer, February 2, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/PhillyInq2-2-05.html#top The Philadelphia School District must make changes to its after-school program by September to continue as an approved tutoring provider under the No Child Left Behind law, the U.S. Department of Education has ruled. CA Schools Take Advantage of NCLB Loophole Elizabeth Johnson of The Modesto Bee and Michael Kolber of The Sacramento Bee, January 31, 2005 http://www.modbee.com/local/story/9867818p-10716297c.html Some California schools that failed to make adequate yearly progress under NCLB guidelines are taking advantage of a loophole in the law that exempts schools that don't receive Title I funds from being sanctioned. More schools may attempt to jump through the loophole if they fail to meet NCLB goals for certain subgroups of students such as special education and ESL.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Who's To Know? Dan Coulter, Coulter Video, February 8, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Coulter2-8-05.html#top Your son or daughter has a disability that's not necessarily obvious to others. Who do you tell? Who do they tell? This can be a tough decision. Schneider: Pierced Eyebrow Punctures Parental Peace John Schneider, Lansing State Journal, January 30, 2005 http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050130/COLUMNISTS09/501300348/1016/columnists09 Imagine, for the sake of argument, that on the eve of her 18th birthday, a girl you know and admire - a girl whose health and happiness are among your primary concerns – tosses out the possibility of getting her eyebrow pierced.
Early On/Early Intervention	*top*
Sweet Drinks Linked to Preschool Obesity Karla Johnson, The Associated Press, February 7, 2005 http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FIT_FAT_PRESCHOOLERS?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION =NORTHEAST&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT Sweet drinks - whether Kool-Aid with sugar or all-natural apple juice - seem to raise the risk of pudgy preschoolers getting fatter, new research suggests. That may come as a surprise to parents who pride themselves on seeking out fruit drinks with no added sugar. Vaccine Does the Job Against Chickenpox Stephanie Nano, The Associated Press, February 3, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/health/0502/07/A05-78345.htm U.S. deaths from chickenpox dropped to the lowest level ever after a vaccine to prevent the childhood disease was introduced in 1995, a study shows. In the five years before the vaccine, chickenpox caused or contributed to an average of 145 deaths each year. That dropped to 66 in just a few years, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in the New England Journal of Medicine. NAEYC Public Policy Update National Association for the Education of Young Children, February 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/NAEYC2-1-05.htm This public policy update includes the following articles: Upcoming high stakes in the budget, new head start NRS test panel appointed, and new NGA report; Governors talk about early childhood. AZ Four-year-old Kindergartners Strain Arizona Karina Bland, The Arizona Republic, February 1, 2005 http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0201kinder01.html The little learners wouldn't be so controversial if they all were kindergarten material. But they are being held back for a second year in kindergarten at rates as high as 62 percent in Mesa and in Tempe at five times the rate for 5-year-olds. MI Early Childhood Ed A Rising Focus MIRS, January 31, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/MIRS1-31-05.htm The Family Independence Agency (FIA) is getting ready to roll out an aggressive early childhood development strategy that focuses on rewarding and recognizing the state's best community programs and creating a central clearinghouse parents can use to find the best places to send their young children. MI Grand Rapids' Black Baby Death Rate Among Highest in Michigan Detroit Free Press, February 6, 2005 http://www.freep.com/news/statewire/sw111283_20050206.htm The city's black babies are dying at a rate that is the highest of Michigan's big cities, and three times the rate of the city's white infants. "Grand Rapids has one of the highest infant mortality rates in Michigan, more than Detroit," said Caroline Pyle, executive director the African American Health Institute. Baby Boot Camp Helps Turn Men Into Fathers Mark Coomes, Gannett News Service, January 30, 2005 http://www.lsj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050130/LIFE03/501300302&SearchID=73197833170925 Whether it's held on Parris Island, S.C., or at Clark Memorial Hospital in Jeffersonville, Ind., the real point of a boot camp isn't to berate and intimidate the new recruits. It’s to prepare them to face the unknown terrors of battle. MO Missouri Governor's Budget Cuts Special-ed Early Childhood Program Carolyn Bower, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, February 1, 2005 http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/emaf.nsf/Popup?ReadForm&db=stltoday/news/stories.nsf&docid= DF6DDCC169FFF64886256F9C0017EF0C Gov. Matt Blunt has proposed cutting First Steps, a $23 million early-childhood education program that serves about 8,000 children aged 3 and under with developmental delays and other disabilities. bridges4kids Featured Resource: Early Childhood Education Newsletter Education World, February 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/EdWorld2-05.htm February's Theme: Hearts! Includes activities and websites which all contain ideas related to this month's theme: hearts! Also, includes information on how to subscribe to the Education World Early Childhood Education newsletter.
Michigan News	*top*
Commentary: With Watkins Out, Granholm Must Move on Fixes Detroit Free Press, February 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Freep2-1-05.html#top Gov. Jennifer Granholm got what she wanted in the fight to oust State Schools Superintendent Tom Watkins. Now that he has resigned, Granholm needs to show how far she is willing to go to solve the real problems with public education. With Watkins off to a new position at Wayne State University, Granholm has no room left for finger-pointing or stalling. Zero Tolerance Report "Nowhere to Go" Ruth Zweifler, All Kids in School Coalition, February 4, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Zweifler2-4-05.html#top A new report, "Nowhere to Go," paints a disturbing and vivid portrait of children directly affected by Michigan's zero tolerance policies. A special meeting to discuss this report will take place on Thursday, March 3, 2005 from 7-9 p.m. in the North Conference Room, Balas 2, 2555 South State Street in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Student Advocacy Center and the All Kids In School Coalition cordially invites you to attend. Please RSVP to perihs@mail.umich.edu. Get the Lead Out! Electronic Newsletter Get the Lead Out! Electronic Newsletter, February 2, 2005 Issue #3 http://www.bridges4kids.org/lead/GTLO2-2-05.html In this Newsletter: Governor Seeks GTLO Nominations for Childhood Lead Poisoning Commission; State Reports Increase in Medicaid Testing; Calvin "Young Leaders" Canvass Three Neighborhoods in Bitter Cold; Lead Safe Work Practices Training; Touch-Point Service Provider Training; City Lead Hazard Control Program gets Good Grades from HUD; and Change of Date for March Collaborative Meeting. At-risk Kids Get Education Boost Janet Sugameli, The Detroit News, January 31, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/schools/0501/31/B04-74590.htm Commerce Twp. middle-schoolers who struggle get help in alternative program. When Kandiss Keller tried to understand her homework last year, she would often get frustrated and give up. This school year, she has the help of Skills for Success, an alternative middle school program that meets twice a day, at the beginning and end of the school day. BRIAN DICKERSON: Coming Soon To a District Near You... Brian Dickerson, Detroit Free Press, February 2, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/Freep2-2-05.html#top But what if Detroit isn't a special case? What if the same factors that have pushed the state's largest school district to the brink of bankruptcy are about to engulf the rest of Michigan's 1.5 million schoolchildren? Michigan Earth Day 2005 Poster Contest The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) invites students to celebrate Earth Day 2005 by competing in a Poster Contest! The DEQ will select one winner in kindergarten through 5th grade from each grade level. The winner will be invited to receive their award at our Earth Day Celebration on April 21, 2005. Entries must be received by Feb 17, 2005. Any student from Kindergarten through 5th grade is eligible to participate. The posters must have an Earth Day theme. For more information, check out The DEQ’s Environmental Education website at http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3307_3580---,00.html and the Environmental Protection Agency’s Environmental Education website at http://www.epa.gov/kids/. Poster size must be 11 x 14 inches, in full color or black and white, and using crayon, pencil, colored pencil, watercolor, pen and ink, or paint. All entries must be received by February 17, 2005. Winners will be notified by March 24, 2005. Job Opportunity: Special Education/Early Childhood/Administration Clinton County regional Educational Service Agency (CCRESA) is seeking a master’s level candidate in special Education/Early Childhood/Administration, with experience with infants and toddlers for the statewide Early On Training and Technical Assistance Project (EOT&TA) for the professional Services Supervisor position. EOT&TA provides training and technical assistance to providers of early intervention services for children birth to three with special needs and their families served through Early On Michigan. This is a 210 day/full benefits, grant funded position located in our DeWitt CCRESA Office. Mail resumes by February 14, 2005 to: CCRESA EOT&TA, 13109 Schavey Rd., Suite 4, DeWitt, MI 48820.
Disability News	*top*
bridges4kids Featured Website: National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) http://www.nami.org A nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and other severe anxiety disorders, autism and pervasive developmental disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and other severe and persistent mental illnesses that affect the brain. Asperger Syndrome Experts Endorse New Peer Awareness Video (PDF) Press Release, Coulter Video, February 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/2-05/IntricateMindsPR.pdf Some of the country’s leading experts in Asperger Syndrome have endorsed a new video designed to help classmates accept and befriend students with AS, who are now frequently subjected to teasing, harassment and isolation. The video is titled, "INTRICATE MINDS: Understanding Classmates With Asperger Syndrome." bridges4kids Featured Giving Program: AMBUCS AmTryke "Wish List" Do you know a child with cerebral palsy, spina bifida, or poor motor coordination? Would you like to give this deserving youngster an opportunity to ride his own tricycle just like other neighbor children? Would you like to see him become stronger while strengthening his limbs? For years, the AmTryke® therapeutic tricycle has benefited and delighted children with disabilities. It has allowed them to experience the pleasure of riding freely even among peers without disabilities. Physical therapists acknowledge the AmTryke® tricycle's therapeutic benefits to patients, citing improved motor skills and strength development. In fact, the AmTryke® tricycle was inspired by a therapist. National AMBUCS™, Inc. has a "wish list" of children in need of an AmTryke® therapeutic tricycle. If your chapter is interested in sponsoring a child, please contact AMBUCS at http://www.ambucs.com/Acontactus.htm. Also, see the AMBUCS™ Confidential Information Guidlines (PDF) at http://www.ambucs.com/pdf/confidentialinformation.pdf.
Special Education Issues	*top*
Physical Restraint in School Joseph B. Ryan, Doctoral Student, and Reece L. Peterson, Professor, Department of Special Education and Communication Disorders, University of Nebraska-Lincoln http://www.bridges4kids.org/PBS/articles/RyanPeterson2004.htm The current emphasis on educating children in the least restrictive environment has resulted in the use of physical restraint procedures across all educational placement settings, including public schools. Since its initial use, restraint has been controversial. Professionals who use physical restraint claim that it is necessary to safely manage dangerous behaviors. Child advocates, however, argue that far too many children suffer injury and death from the very staff charged with helping them. The authors review research literature, legislation, and court decisions on topics related to the use of restraint in schools and identify position statements and recommended practices from nationally recognized professional organizations and advocacy groups. Recommendations are given for research, policy, and procedures for the use and practice of physical restraint in schools.
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. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. NBC & CNBC Series on Autism DESCRIPTION/DATES/TIMES: NBC's Today show is preparing a 10-part series that will run the week of February 21 airing at 8:10 AM and 9:10 AM (Check local listings). The series will look at autism from a variety of angles, with segments exploring topics such as etiology, diagnosis, treatment, educational programs, affect on siblings, and how to be an advocate for your with autism. In conjunction with the Today show series, CNBC is airing a four-part series from Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 22-25. Segments will air at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM during CNBC's Power Lunch program. Titled "Autism: Paying the Price," the CNBC series will focus on the financial implications of the disorder, with segments on the financial impact on families, the roles of government and private funding for research, the opportunities in healthcare and pharmaceuticals and autism in the workplace. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more details, visit http://www.autismcoalition.org/index.asp. Issues in Independent Living for Adolescents and Adults on the Autism Spectrum WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2005 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm WHERE: Adelphi University, Garden City, NY DESCRIPTION: Presented by AHA/AS/PDD and cosponsors Adelphi University, ASFI, YAI, and The Cody Center. Keynote Speaker will be Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D, a doctor of education, an author and a researcher with Asperger Syndrome. Topics include Medication, Role of research, Mental Health, Advocacy, Emotion regulation, and Creative Housing. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information visit the AHA/AS/PDD Website at www.aha-as-pdd.org, email Pat at patschiss@aol.com or call Bernice at 631-269-5709. Literacy Changes Lives - National Conference on Family Literacy WHEN: April 25-27, 2005 WHERE: Galt House Hotel and Suites Louisville, KY DESCRIPTION: Each spring, National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) presents the national conference on family literacy. Drawing approximately two thousand professionals from the literacy, research and policy fields, the National Conference on Family Literacy is a professional development opportunity. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call (502) 584-1133 or visit www.famlit.org/Conference/index.cfm for more details. Whole Schooling: Raising the Standard for All WHEN: April 29-30, 2005 WHERE: Concordia University College, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada DESCRIPTION: Our schools are filled with learners who bring with them a wide variety of culture, race, language, socioeconomic status and ability. Are we doing everything we can to foster teaching and learning communities? How do we empower our children as they journey to become true citizens? FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.wholeschooling.net for more information. Postsecondary Disability Training Institute WHEN: June 7-11 & 12, 2005 (7:00-9:30 Tu; 8:30-4:00 W, Th, F; 9:00-12:00 Sat) WHERE: Holiday Inn By the Bay, Portland, Maine DESCRIPTION: The objective of this Training Institute is to assist concerned professionals to meet the unique needs of college students with disabilities. Participants can select from a variety of Strands, Single Sessions, and a Saturday Post-Session taught by experts in the field, which provide participants with in-depth information and adequate time for questions and follow-up discussions. Participants also have opportunities to share information and network throughout the week. COST: Cost is $345 per registrant. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, contact carrol.waite@uconn.edu. CCBD International Conference on Behavioral Disorders WHEN: September 22-24, 2005 WHERE: Dallas (Irving), TX DESCRIPTION: Topics will include: data-based instructional decision-making, outcomes of educational reforms, differentiating curriculum/instruction within general education settings, use of technology in instruction, effective classroom management and instruction, development and utilization of home-school-community partnerships, implementation of systems care, demonstration of collaborative systems, and implementation of effective services for youth in juvenile correction settings. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call (940) 565-3583 or email bullock@coe.unt.edu for more information.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. Three Men and a Tenor to Give Free Benefit Concert for Families of the 119^th Field Artillery Unit, Michigan Army National Guard WHEN: Saturday, February 12, 2005 from 5-6:00 pm WHERE: Marshall Street Armory, 810 Marshall St, Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Three Men and a Tenor will be featured in an event planned for the families of the 119^th Field Artillery Unit of the Michigan National Guard Unit that was just deployed to Iraq. (Billy Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids Webmaster Jackie Igafo-Te'o's husband, is also from the 119^th FA and just returned from a year of overseas duty with over a hundred other troops from the unit.) Over 150 families have been affected by this latest deployment. Three Men and a Tenor have offered a concert to help ease the emotions of the War on Terror. This is a free show; donations are highly encouraged. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Learn more about this amazing a cappella group at www.threemenandatenor.com. If you are interested in how you can help support these families, please call Dana Rice at 517-749-8414. Transitions Workshop WHEN: Tuesday, February 15, 2005 from 6:00-8:00 pm WHERE: Vision and Sensory Center of Michigan, 4467 Byron Center Ave. Wyoming, MI (corner of 44th St. & Byron Center Ave) DESCRIPTION: Join us for an intriguing workshop that will guide you through the basics of the transition process for your adolescent child. Learn what's available through the school system and community agencies for: vocational training and Employment support, independent living, Life skills for students without cognitive impairments. Learn nontraditional approaches to completing high school credit. Learn how to begin teaching your child skills needed for everyday living! It’s never too early to begin thinking about designing a thoughtful and systematic process for helping your child become independent, confident and capable! Geared for middle school through young adult parents. COST: $25.00 per registrant FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more details or to register, call (616) 874-2090. All You Need To Know About Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Michigan (with Deb Canja, JD and Bernie Travnikar, EdD) WHEN/WHERE: February 22, 2005 at Holiday Inn West, 2747 South 11th Street, Kalamazoo, MI (Registration 8:30 AM; Session 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM) WHEN/WHERE: April 6, 2005 at the Troy Hilton, 5500 Crooks Road, Troy, MI (Registration 8:00 AM; Session 8:30 – 4:00 PM) DESCRIPTION: Both sessions will also include an update on the new IDEIA (IDEA 2004). Seminar highlights: Learn to recognize “early indicators” of ODD in a manner which does not lead to over-identification; gain an understanding of how ODD is often “intertwined” with other disorders; acquire insight regarding the impact of ODD and related disorders on both school and family; learn effective intervention practices and the “person-centered” intervention philosophy’ work in small groups to develop “real world” intervention strategies powerful enough to improve quality of life for the young person who experiences ODD and for caregivers as well. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 888.678-5565 for more details. Ingham Regional Healthcare Foundation’s Healthwise University Inspirational Series WHEN/WHERE: The Gift of Change: Thursday, February 24, 2005 – 6:30 p.m. at Hannah community Center, 819 Abbott Road, East Lansing WHEN/WHERE: The Gift of Perspective: Thursday, March 17, 2005 – 6:30 p.m. at Hannah community Center, 819 Abbott Road, East Lansing DESCRIPTION: Do you feel a little stressed? Come join our Healthwise University series for a little conversation about what’s important in life. Meet a physician whose own medical profession struggled to diagnose her son’s condition. Listen to a father whose interview with a single parent led to the “Gift of Change.” Discover the power of a young man’s encounter with 70 children who saw their teacher as a “guardian angel.” Each program includes a catered buffet, dessert and refreshments with servings starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by the presentation beginning at 6:30 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m. Advanced registration is necessary with a $15.00 fee payable at the door. Come, relax and enjoy hearing some truly memorable presentations! FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register or for more information, call toll free 1-877-224-4325 or 517-367-5159, or visit Ingham’s website at www.irmc.org and click on “Calendar of Events.” Positive Behavior Support For Young Children Training WHEN: Monday, March 7, 2005 and Tuesday, March 8, 2005 from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM WHERE: Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Rd., Waterford, Michigan FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Frances Paris at (248) 209-2353 or visit www.cenmi.org/pbsyc/workshops.asp for more information (brochure download available). Addressing the Educational Needs of Children in Foster Care WHEN: March 10, 2005 – 8:00 A.M. to 5:00P.M. WHERE: Kellogg Center, East Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this one-day, free conference is to consider new research, best practices, and state and federal mandates to ensure that the educational needs of children in foster care are addressed in a timely and appropriate manner. Download the detailed brochure and registration form at www.bridges4kids.org/pdf/events/FosterCare3-10-05.pdf. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information call Deborah Jensen at (517) 482-7533.
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