Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Bullying Can Push Students Over Edge Joe Menard and Mike Martindale, The Detroit News, March 25, 2005 http://www.detnews.com/2005/schools/0503/25/A01-128962.htm "A very substantial percentage of the population views bullying as a rite of passage," said Ted Feinberg, assistant executive director of the National Association of School Psychologists in Bethesda, Md. "One of the common areas that binds all of the school shooters together is all of them were the victim of bullying. Their lives were made miserable. What we have also found is many of them felt there is no other recourse to stop this behavior other than going home and getting a weapon and taking care of the bullies in a dramatic and final way." CO Student Who Wrote 'Kill Lists' Was Bullied Sarah Langbein and Felix Doligosa Jr., Rocky Mountain News, March 25, 2005 http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/local/article/0,1299,DRMN_15_3649863,00.html The 13-year-old Laredo Middle School boy who police said confessed to authoring two "kill lists" has a history of being bullied. MN Jeff Weise: A Mystery in a Life Full of Hardship Chuck Haga, Howie Padilla and Richard Meryhew, Star Tribune, March 23, 2005 http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/5308100.html Even as a member of a loose confederacy of loners, Jeff Weise seemed to be an afterthought. "He was a goth," said Allan Mosay, 14. "He had no friends. He didn't communicate." Sondra Hegstrom, who said she had had classes with Weise, said he was quiet and "never said anything." He was teased -- "terrorized," she said -- by people who thought he was weird. MN 'The Clues Were All There' Ceci Connolly and Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, March 24, 2005 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/03/24/MNG7UBU2GT1.DTL&feed=rss.news Two days after a shooting rampage on the Indian reservation here left 10 dead, friends, relatives and neighbors of Jeff Weise, the 16-year- old assailant, began to sketch a portrait of a deeply disturbed youth who had been treated for depression in a psychiatric ward, lost several close family members, sketched gruesome scenes of armed warriors and was removed from the school where he gunned down most of his victims Monday. “The clues were all there," said Kim Desjarlait, Weise's step-aunt. "Everything was laid out, right there, for the school or the authorities in Red Lake to see it coming. I don't want to blame Red Lake, but did they not put two and two together? This kid was crying out, and those guys chose to ignore it. They need to start focusing on their kids." Communication is Often the Security Gap at School Ben Feller, AP Education Writer, March 22, 2005 http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2005/03/22/communication_often_security_gap_at_school/ Federal government figures show violent crime against students in school fell significantly between 1992 and 2002. But the numbers don't capture what school safety specialists say is the most critical goal: changing school culture. That means adults who model appropriate behavior, monitor warning signs of violence and even train students to help stop peers from bullying. Bill Bond was the principal at Heath High School in western Kentucky when a freshman opened fire in 1997, shooting eight students and killing three of them. "It's not a problem that can be fixed with money," Bond said. "It's a problem that can only be fixed with courage. And if you think money is in short supply, try finding courage." IL Schools Faulted for Calling Cops on Students Maudlyne Ihejirika, Chicago Sun-Times, March 24, 2005 http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-skulstudy24.html The Chicago Public Schools funnel alarming numbers of African-American students into the Cook County Juvenile Court system through a zero tolerance policy that criminalizes them for minor misbehavior, a national study to be released today charges. MA Dad: System Punishes Sick Kids Kevin Rothstein, Boston Herald, March 24, 2005 http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=74865 Joshua Sarao's father had no idea that his son's three-month stint for a probation violation would turn into an eight-month nightmare of psychiatric hospitals and suicide attempts. But the anguished Haverhill dad has been forced to watch as his son is bounced from program to program in a juvenile justice system meant for delinquents, not mentally ill kids. School Dilemma: Is Message a Violent Threat or Just a Pose? Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki, Detroit Free Press, March 24, 2005 http://www.freep.com/news/education/security24e_20050324.htm Parents have long suspected, and medical science has proven, that teenage brains are underdeveloped in the areas controlling rational thinking, impulse and planning. At the same time, the sections of the brain dealing with emotions are in overdrive during the teen years. School officials are constantly trying to figure out the difference between a student who could trigger a Columbine or Red Lake kind of massacre and one who is simply, but inappropriately, expressing frustration with pervasive issues such as bullying. CA Autistic Teenager is Beaten by Deputies After Being Mistaken for a Prowler Associated Press, March 22, 2005 http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBDXKXEM6E.html An autistic teenager suffered a head injury and a broken elbow in a beating by three sheriff's deputies who mistook him for a prowler, authorities say. Pierre Cowell, a 17-year-old who does not speak, had wandered from his home early Friday. bridges4kids Book Review: Sanity Savers Andrea A. Miller, Bridges4Kids Review Panel, March 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel.html#4 From clean-up solutions to storage ideas to inventive cost-cutting strategies, and everything in between, this book will truly help teachers keep their sanity in the classroom. bridges4kids Featured Website: Council for American Private Education http://www.capenet.org The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) is a coalition of national organizations and state affiliates serving private elementary and secondary schools. Founded in 1971 to provide a coherent voice for private education, CAPE is dedicated to fostering communication and cooperation within the private school community and with the public sector to improve the quality of education for all of the nation’s children. Bush's Budget: Taking From Peter to Pay Paul? District Administration "The Magazine for K-12 Education Leaders" April 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/DA4-05.html#top The biggest news for educators in the president's budget is the proposed High School Initiative. It would extend many of the provisions of No Child Left Behind into high school, supported by $1.5 million in redirected funding. But the high school initiative is paired with the proposed elimination of $1.3 billion in state grants for vocational education. This jockeying between Peter and Paul is a result of the politics of the budget deficit. Other large ticket items that would be eliminated include Safe and Drug Free Schools initiative, Education Technology State Grants, and Upward Bound, a college prep program. (For the full list see www.ed.gov.) FDA Orders Killer Hospital Beds to be Seized Reuters, March 22, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/Reuters3-22-05.html#top The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, citing a public health risk, said Tuesday it ordered the seizure of enclosed hospital beds made by Vail Products Inc. The FDA said it was aware of 30 people who became trapped in the beds, seven of whom died. The company's Web site says the beds, used for clinical and home care, allow "the patient to move about freely within a safe, padded environment."
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
Arnold Wields Clout on Education Rules George Archibald, Washington Times, March 23, 2005 http://www.washingtontimes.com/national/20050322-110503-7274r.htm Education Secretary Margaret Spellings eased federal guidelines the same day California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger asked her to relax certain school requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act, a feat some of his fellow governors haven't been able to accomplish. Most states are looking for ways to test reading and math ability of children with disabilities and low English proficiency separately, so their performance does not pull down a school's overall academic progress. But other governors who have negotiated personally with Mrs. Spellings were told to wait on their requests for greater flexibility under the NCLB. ED Expected to Raise Alternate Assessment Cap to 3 Percent EducationNews.org, March 23, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/ed-expected-to-raise-alternate.htm The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is poised to dramatically lift a cap on the number of special education students who can take out-of-level tests and still be counted under the accountability umbrella of No Child Left Behind (NCLB), according to sources close to the negotiations. An advocate for disabled students said: "They need to show us that this isn't simply 'we can't take the heat.' Having these deliberations among only a small circle of insiders is suspect. They really owe it to our children to go out for public scrutiny, debate, and review of these proposals, especially since there is real potential for grave harm by condemning kids to low expectations in order to make schools look good." States, Districts Say Achievement Gaps are Closing But That Accountability Rules for Disabled Students & English Language Learners Should Be “Changed or Eliminated” Center on Education Policy, Report on the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, Year 3, March 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/CEP3-23-05.html#top A majority of state and district education officials say that student achievement on state tests is improving, but that they lack the capacity to reach all of the schools in need of improvement under the No Child Left Behind Act, according to a report from the Washington, D.C.-based Center on Education Policy tracking federal, state and local implementation of the law.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
MA Schools Fund Parent Organizers Kevin Rothstein, Boston Herald, March 24, 2005 http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=74838 The Boston School Committee approved a $712 million budget next year that includes $895,000 to hire 35 parent organizers. "We want to put resources in play to support families in schools and we want to do it in a worthwhile way," said School Committee Chair Elizabeth Reilinger. Black Parents Tackle a Gap Tatsha Robertson, Boston Globe, March 28, 2005 http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2005/03/28/black_parents_tackle_a_gap_1111989692/ Aisha Tomlinson is a receptionist living in Harlem, but she parents her two young daughters like a professional in the suburbs. Tomlinson acknowledges that she was not always so involved, though, and she regrets leaving the education of her 18-year-old son entirely in the hands of the public schools he attended. She thought only prosperous parents had the time and ability to navigate a school system -- until last school year, when Harlem educators taught her how to do the same.
Early On/Early Intervention	*top*
MI Education Not Tracking School Readiness Program Gongwer News Service, March 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/Gongwer3-23-05.htm Children participating in the Michigan School Readiness Program were receiving a quality education, but the Department of Education was not taking steps to ensure that was always true, according to a report released Wednesday by Auditor General Thomas McTavish. CA A New Day for L.A. Preschools Carla Rivera, Los Angeles Times, March 24, 2005 http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-preschool24mar24,1,1255670.story?ctrack=1&cset=true Although the Los Angeles Universal Preschool Program begins with a modest $9,149 payment to the Union Pacific Children's Center of the YWCA of Greater Los Angeles, it represents the start of an ambitious countywide system that over the next decade will enroll 100,000 pre-kindergarten children — or 70% of the 4-year-old population — regardless of family income. Universal preschool is the most notable program to emerge from First 5 LA, a nonprofit formed to use tobacco tax revenue to fund early childhood development, health and education programs. With backing from filmmaker Rob Reiner, California voters in 1998 approved a 50-cents-a-pack tax to fund such efforts. The agency is staking much of its credibility, as well as millions in public funds, on the success of its preschool effort. [Free login/registration required.]
Michigan News	*top*
Firm Selected for Teacher Benefits Study Gongwer News Service, March 28, 2005 The Arlington, Virginia-based Hay Group has been hired to study the potential for cost savings in the benefits of personnel in K-12 public schools and community colleges by the Legislative Council. The firm was given the contract for a maximum of $281,700 and must report back to the council by July 13. The study is part of Republican efforts to examine the Michigan Education Special Services Association that handles teacher health insurance and the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System that handles pensions and retiree health insurance. NOTICE: Proposed New Rules, Child Care Centers, Public Hearings Postponed Due to the Office of Regulatory Reform's changes to the process for promulgating rules, public hearings originally scheduled throughout May 2005 have been postponed indefinitely. You may obtain a copy of the proposed rules at http://www.state.mi.us/orr/emi/rules.asp?type=Number&id=40005101. Click on "Revision Text." MEA Chief Fires Back on Teacher Insurance MIRS, March 25, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/News3-22-05.html#7 Michigan Education Association (MEA) President Lu Battaglieri on Thursday blasted projections by the Citizens Research Council (CRC) that a $225 increase in the K-12 per pupil grant would be soaked up by the rising cost of teacher insurance benefits, calling such calculations "Jethro-deciphering-to-Granny-on-the-Beverly-Hillbillies" math. Administration Seeks End To School Bond Credit Card MIRS, March 22, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/News3-22-05.html#top The state's School Bond Loan Fund (SBLF) is growing out of control and is costing the state tens of millions each year as loan repayments from school districts fall short of actual debt service. The situation's got the administration seeking to curb the SBLF credit card. Udow Lays Out DHS Goals MIRS, March 22, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/News3-22-05.html#2 Along with its new name, the Department of Human Services (DHS) has a new, sharper vision going into 2005 — reduce poverty, get young children on the right track and help the poor reach their potential. Critics Question Cassis Ed Package MIRS, March 24, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/News3-22-05.html#3 Republican senators continued their push today for a package in the Senate Education Committee that would promote a new way to help kids who have problems learning in kindergarten through third grade. Higher Ed Panel Given Dose Of Reality/Options MIRS, March 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/News3-22-05.html#4 Along with the annual message from the Presidents of the Big Three universities, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education was given a dose of reality and some options to help cure what ails the state. Loepp To Become Blues CEO MIRS, March 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/News3-22-05.html#5 The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Board of Directors has announced that it has selected Daniel J. Loepp, senior vice president and chief of staff for the company, to succeed Blues president and CEO Richard Whitmer when Whitmer retires in mid-2006. Granholm Pushing Flanagan for Superintendent Gongwer News Service, March 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/News3-22-05.html#6 Mike Flanagan, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Administrators, was Governor Jennifer Granholm's education adviser when she first took office. Since leaving that post, Mr. Flanagan has indicated that is all the time he wants as a state employee, but Ms. Granholm announced this week she hopes he will throw his hat into the ring for superintendent of public instruction. Job Opportunity: CEN Seeks Communication Specialist for Print Production (PDF) http://www.bridges4kids.org/CENCommSpecialistMarch2005.pdf The Communication Specialist for Print Production supports CEN awareness and dissemination efforts including developing editorial content and communication strategies for a broad audience of education stakeholders. The Communication Specialist will do the following: write articles; edit text; proofread documents; assist in the design, layout, and production of newsletters, brochures, documents, training materials, etc.; and assist with other tasks related to the production of print material and its preparation for print and electronic dissemination. In addition, the Communication Specialist will attend meetings, meet with Michigan Department of Education staff, network with education stakeholders, and support CEN grant tasks and activities. Deadline for applications: April 11, 2005.
Disability News	*top*
Is Your Daughter a Daydreamer, Tomboy or "Chatty Kathy"? Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D., LDA of Michigan (Reprinted from ldonline) http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/Nadeau3-22-05.htm Most questionnaires used to screen children for ADD emphasize items which describe boys, items about hyperactivity, impulsivity and defiant behavior. What we are beginning to realize is that there are many girls left undiagnosed because their symptoms look different. One big difference is that girls are less rebellious, less defiant, generally less “difficult” than boys. Sadly, they lose out due to their good behavior. Often they are left to drift along from one school year to the next, never working up to their potential. There are a few girls whose behavior closely resembles the behavior of boys with ADD. But what about those who don’t? bridges4kids Featured Resource: Just For Kids! What is Autism? (PDF) http://www.njcosac.org/PDF/Fact%20Sheet%20for%20Kids.pdf This document from the New Jersey Center for Outreach and Services for the Autism Community explains autism in a way that a child can easily understand - by comparing the child with autism to the child without autism - in a very positive way. MI Support Group: Food Allergic Children Education & Support of Michigan (FACES) FACES was founded in 2004 by a group of moms with food allergic children, is a volunteer support group for families of children with severe food allergies, serving the northeast suburbs of Detroit, based in Macomb County. We are a free, volunteer support group with no dues or membership fees. FACES meets the first Thursdays of most months from 7-8:45 p.m. in meeting rooms of the Clinton-Macomb Library. The group features open discussions and guest speakers. For more information, contact Liz Gellatly, Founder/Coordinator, FACES of Michigan, at FACESofMI@comcast.net NY Reaching Out Over the Air Samantha Sordyl, The Washington Post, March 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/Post3-21-05.html#top Back in 1998, Alex Moshenko's preschool teachers in Buffalo weren't sure what made him different. But the degree to which he couldn't follow instructions -- "he'd just run off" or "prefer to be playing with objects" instead of other kids, said his mom, Monica -- was reason enough for school administrators to place Alex in a six-student special education class once he reached kindergarten. NJ New Jersey Group's Petition for Autism Awareness License Plate COSAC member and Ambassador, Gabriela Garay, has initiated a petition to the NJ Motor Vehicle Commission for a special autism awareness license plate. To learn more, visit http://www.longvalleynj.com/ or http://www.njcosac.org/cosacautism. Vision Service Plan’s Sight for Students America's Promise Bulletin #51 3, March 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/3-05/AP3-05.html#top Program Targets Children with Undetected Eye Problems.
Special Education Issues	*top*
An Analysis of the Effect of the 2004 Amendments to IDEA on Private Schools (PDF) CAPE – The Council for American Private Education http://www.capenet.org/pdf/CAPEIDEA04.pdf Sample Letters from Our Children Left Behind http://pub60.ezboard.com/fourchildrenleftbehindfrm25 Includes sample letters on topics such as Bullying & Harassment, Requesting a Due Process Hearing, Requesting Re-Evaluation, Requesting Records From School District, Requesting Organizational Evaluation, Requesting a Neuropsychological Evaluation, Requesting SpEd Evaluations, Requesting FBA and PBS Plan, Requesting Independent Evaluation, Requesting an IEP Team Meeting, Requesting IEP Team Review & Revise, Requesting Medical Records, Requesting Change in Child's Records, Requesting ESY, Requesting an IEP Team Meeting, Giving IEP Team Meeting Dates, FOIA Request Letter and No Restraint Letter. IDEA '97 Has Been Amended LDA of Michigan, Winter 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/OutlookWinter05b.htm Summary of key points for parents and professionals working with students with learning disabilities. Filipinos Fill Demand for Special Education Teachers in U.S. Schools Roque Glenn Omanio, Kansas City Star, March 27, 2005 http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/6591/ Her 11-year-old students call Josefina Malibiran "Ms. M." because they can't pronounce her name. Malibiran is among more than 10,000 foreign teachers recruited annually to fill the gaping demand for teachers in the United States in crucial subjects such as special education, math and science.
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. FL Unifying Family Support Programs: Creating Policy, Power, Voice, Skills, and Results WHEN: April 3-5, 2005 WHERE: Jacksonville, Florida DESCRIPTION: Sharpen your skills, advance your program's capacity, and learn about emerging funding trends at Family Support America's 2-day, intensive skill-building conference. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information visit www.familysupportamerica.org/ content/conf/upcoming_conf.htm. MD Council for Exceptional Children's (CEC) Annual Convention & Expo WHEN: April 6-9, 2005 WHERE: Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD DESCRIPTION: The 2005 Strands Address the Hottest Topics in Special Education Today - Reading and Writing Instruction, Autism, NCLB and Accountability, and Transition are just a few of the strands to be presented at the CEC 2005 Annual Convention & Expo. Leading experts in each area will present in-depth and up-to-date information as well as practical strategies teachers can use in their classrooms. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information visit http://www.cec.sped.org/conventions/maryland_2005/. New Zealand “Engaging Education” – Impact Learning with Cristal McGill Ph.D, Assistant Professor, University of Arizona Dates/Times/Contacts: Auckland, April 6 - Grand Chancellor, Auckland Airport from 9.00am – 4.30pm. Contact: Jan Brown –- ph: 09 4206010 fx: 09 4209179 or email granny007@xtra.co.nz. Hamilton, April 7 – Novotel Tainui, Alma St – 9.00am – 4.00pm. Contact Jan Brown – ph: 09 4206010 fx: 04 4209179 or email granny007@xtra.co.nz. Palmerston North, April 9 – Massey University, Bernard Chambers, from 9.00am - 400.pm. Contact: Philippa Brunn – 06 3537039 fx: 06 3537031 or email wp.brunn@clear.net.nz. Wellington, April 11 – NZ International Campus, Sommes Rd, UH from 9.00am – 4.00pm. Contact: Moira Buchanan – ph: 04 5678781 fx: 04 5678783 or email lbctnz@slingshot.co.nz. Christchurch, April 15 – Grand Chancellor, Cashel St, 9.00am – 4.00pm. Contact: Moira Buchanan – ph: 04 5678781 fx: 04 5678783 or email lbctnz@slingshot.co.nz. DESCRIPTION: "We will explore the fundamentals of high impact teaching techniques using the latest research in group dynamics, interactive teaching strategies and brain-based learning concepts. Environmental, cognitive and emotional factors have a direct effect on learning. This workshop highlights principles and strategies that engage students in the learning process. True knowing comes from active participation, collaborative involvement and personal reflection with the experience. Team development and staff collaboration in the field of interactive learning enhances the effect of interactive teaching and brain based learning strategies implemented by the school faculty." FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit www.lbctnz.co.nz. You can also register under "Events" on the website. NY 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.
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. Building Bridges Together SPONSORS: Region V - The National Foster Parent Association and The Michigan Association for Foster, adoptive and Kinship Parents WHEN: March 31 - April 3, 2005 WHERE: Radisson Hotel, Kalamazoo, MI COST: Cost is $85.00 per attendee. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.mafak.org for complete listing of workshops. For more information call Alma Schmidt at 586-469-4333. Ready...Set...Go! Recognizing Family Strengths; Building a Better Future HOSTED BY: Sponsored by Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority, Easter Seals Michigan, Association for Children’s Mental Health, Oakland Schools, Wraparound, and Michigan Department of Human Services in Oakland County. WHEN: Tuesday, April 5, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. (Registration) until 2:30 p.m. WHERE: The Hilton Northfield, 5500 Crooks Road, Troy, MI 48098 DESCRIPTION: Free conference featuring Keynote Speaker Howard Glasser, MA, author of Transforming the Difficult Child. Also, featuring workshop sessions designed to educate and provide useful information about children and family mental health services. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more details or to register, download the informational flyer here (PDF). All You Need To Know About Oppositional Defiant Disorder in Michigan (with Deb Canja, JD and Bernie Travnikar, EdD) WHEN: April 6, 2005 (Registration 8:00 AM; Session 8:30 – 4:00 PM) WHERE: Troy Hilton, 5500 Crooks Road, Troy, MI DESCRIPTION: Session will 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 or to register. Michigan Child Care Task Force Meeting Schedule WHEN: April 6, 2005, May 4, 2005, and June 1, 2005 WHERE: Lake Ontario Room, 3rd floor, State of Michigan Library, 717 West Allegan, Lansing, MI 48909-7507 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Lisa Brewer Walraven, Michigan 4C Association, at 866-648-3224, ext.27 or email brewer@mi4c.org or Richard Lower, Michigan Head Start Association, at 517-374-MHSA or email Richard@mhsa.ws. 2005 Parenting with Love and Logic Classes With Debra Madonna WHEN/TOPIC: Parenting Toddlers & Preschoolers with Love and Logic: June 11, 10 am - 12:30 pm.; Parenting Elementary-Aged Children with Love and Logic: April 16, 10 am - 12:30 pm; Parenting Preteens and Teens with Love and Logic: April 9, 10 am - 12:30 pm; Parenting Children with Special Needs with Love and Logic: April 23, 10 am - 12:30 pm WHERE: Marian Women Center, St. Mary-Mercy Hospital, 36475 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154 DESCRIPTION: All the classes are designed to: Give parents the opportunity to review ideas. Practice a new strategy. Learn Teamwork Strategies. Get support from other parents. Help you discover that you are already doing a good job as a parent. COST: Cost is $15 per person or $20 a couple per class. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Registration is required. Contact Mary Jane Peck at 734-655-1100 or email peckm@trinity-health.org. MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETINGS WHEN: April 12, 2005, May 10, 2005, June 14, 2005, July 12, 2005, August 9, 2005, September 13, 2005, October 11, 2005, November 15, 2005, and December 13, 2005 WHERE: Meetings usually start at 9:00 a.m. and are usually held on the 4th floor of the Hannah Building in Lansing. Contact the State Board of Education Office (517) 373-3900, for meeting location and time. HOSTED BY: The Michigan State Board of Education DESCRIPTION: State Board of Education meetings are open to the public. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Mrs. Eileen F. Hamilton, State Board Executive, at (517) 373-3900 (voice) or (517) 373-4035 (TDD) one week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Mrs. Eileen Hamilton (Administrative Secretary, State Board of Education) at: (517) 373-3900 (voice), (517) 373-4035 (TDD), or email: hamiltone@michigan.gov. Free Seminar "Autism, ADHD, Sensory Integration Disorder, Brain Injury, Developmental Delays" WHEN: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 from 7-9pm WHERE: Crown Plaza, Grand River Room, 5700 28th Street, Grand Rapids, MI 48546 DESCRIPTION: Dr. John Jacobi, an Optometrist from Michigan will be explaining the Sensory Learning Program and its beneficial effects with children and adults with Autism, ADHD, developmental delays, sensory integration dysfunction, and overall learning and behavior problems. Parents whose children have participated in the program will also be speaking and there will be dramatic before and after video footage of one child’s experience. Come hear their stories and find out if the Sensory Learning Program is right for you or your child. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To register call 517-853-0719 or email sensorylearninglansing@yahoo.com. Visit www.sensorylearning.com for more information about this innovative program. MiAEYC's Annual Early Childhood Conference SPONSOR: Michigan Association for the Education of Young Children (MiAEYC) WHEN: April 14-16, 2005 WHERE: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel and DeVos Place, Grand Rapids, Michigan FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.miaeyc.org for more details. Inclusion, IEPs, IDEA and NCLB SPONSOR: West Michigan Inclusion Network WHEN: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm WHERE: GVSU's Eberhard Center located in downtown Grand Rapids DESCRIPTION: Mr. Mark McWilliams from Michigan Protection & Advocacy (P&S) will be discussing: The legal basis for seeking inclusion; Important IEP goals; How to measure success; & The impact of changes to IDEA and NCLB (No Child Left Behind). This presentation will also include a small group workshop on goal writing which will benefit both parents and educators. To support the education and advocacy services provided by WIN we kindly ask a $5.00 donation at the door to cover the cost of this and other WIN programs. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please register by contacting WIN at 616-889-3808 or wmichinclusion@aol.com. Crop 4 Autism Awareness Scrapbook Marathon WHEN: April 23, 2005 from 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Lion's Club of Fraser, 34540 Utica Rd. (South of 15 Mile Rd.), Fraser, MI 48026 DESCRIPTION: Proceeds from this event will benefit the Macomb/St. Clair County Chapter of the Autism Society of America. First 50 Scrappers to register will be entered in our early bird drawing; first 100 scrappers to register will receive a goodie bag at check-in. Join us for a raffle and 50/50 drawing. Morning snack and professional catered lunch and dinner provided. COST: $35/Full day or $18/Half day. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information or to register, visit www.crop4autismawareness.com or contact Mary jo (586) 247-4608 or e2mary@hotmail.com or contact Paula at (810) 357-1679 or pbellhorn1979@hotmail.com. Every Child Counts: Closing the Achievement Gap in Sub-Groups WHEN: April 26, 2005 from 8:30am - 3:00pm WHERE: Washtenaw ISD, Ann Arbor, MI DESCRIPTION: This workshop will highlight nationally recognized experts who will address closing the achievement gap citing research and feature schools who have had success with closing the achievement gap for students, especially those in the identified subgroups of No Child Left Behind and Education YES! Also, proposed changes for calculating achievement progress for students in subgroups will be addressed. COST: Cost is $110 per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.gomiem.org/ for more information. Free Seminar on Medicaid Alternative Services WHEN: April 26, 2005 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Rd., East Lansing, MI DESCRIPTION: This is an advocacy workshop, featuring interactive presentations, about optional services. What are the new (b)(3) supports and services available to people with developmental disabilities? What is the history behind them? Are they Medically necessary services and supports? Do they Support community inclusion and participation, independence, and productivity? Learn the answers and find out even more about Medicaid’s (b)(3) services and supports, including assistive technology, enhanced pharmacy, community living supports and family support and training. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Questions? Call the DD Council office at 517/334-6123, or e-mail us at vincenttr@michigan.gov. Need ADA accommodations? Contact us by April 19, 2005. Asperger Society of Michigan Spring Conference "Asperger Syndrome and the Autistic Spectrum: Advances in Diagnosis and Management" WHEN: May 6, 2005 WHERE: Michigan League, Ann Arbor, MI DESCRIPTION: This one day conference brings together leading researchers and clinical and vocational experts in the field of Asperger Syndrome. New developments in diagnosis and management will be discussed covering childhood into the critical adult transition period. COST: Cost is as follows: Professionals: $ 135.00; Parents: $ 90.00; Students: $ 90.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information visit the Asperger Society of Michigan web site at www.aspergersmichigan.org.
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