Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Kids In Need Foundation Teacher Grants The 2005-06 Kids In Need Teacher Grant applications will become available July 15. This year more than $105,000 is being offered in grants to certified K-12 teachers at any public, private, or parochial school in the U.S. The grants are from $100 to $500 for innovative classroom projects. National sponsors of the program are Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. and Office Depot. Regional sponsors include Fred Meyer, Publix, and Price Less Drug Stores. The website currently has the guidelines posted, which teachers can use to prepare to apply. The deadline to submit applications, which can be completed and submitted online, is September 30, 2005. Applications will be available after July 15 at the sponsors’ locations or at www.shopa.org/shopa_foundation/teacher_programs.php. Where Some Give Credit, Others Say It's Not Due Jay Mathews, Washington Post, June 14, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/WashPost6-14-05.html#top Teachers frequently ask themselves: If a student shows significant effort but averages a D on her tests, should her hard work result in at least a C? Or does that render grades meaningless? MA Dorchester School's Seniors All Accepted to College Tracy Jan, Boston Globe, June 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Globe6-20-05.html#top One 9th grader read at the 3rd grade level. A few struggled to multiply or divide. One girl's father had been slain. Another student was homeless. Most students who entered the new Codman Academy charter high school never expected to get into college. Some simply did not want to try. But they had no choice at Codman. Each had to apply to college before they would be allowed to graduate. Invisible Export – A Hidden Cost of China's Growth: Mercury Migration Matt Pottinger, Steve Stecklow, and John J. Fialka, The Wall Street Journal, December 20, 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/WSJ12-20-04.html#top The airborne output of Chinese power plants like Wuhu Shaoda was once considered the price of China's economic growth, and a mostly local problem. But just as China's industrial might is integrating the country into the global economy, its pollution is also becoming a global concern. Among the biggest worries: the impact of China's vast and growing power industry, mostly fueled by coal, on the buildup of mercury in the world's water and food supply. NoMercury.org http://www.nomercury.org NoMercury is a philanthropic based venture whose mission is to educate policy makers, physicians and the public regarding the dangers associated with the use of Thimerosal, a mercury containing preservative used in vaccines. Mercury, is a known toxin and is particularly dangerous to pregnant women, infants and children. "We do not solicit funds nor do we accept donations. NoMercury does not manufacturer, sell, endorse or promote any products or services. It is a labor of love, in honor of our mercury poisoned child. We formulated the concept in January 2004 as a tool to disseminate information surrounding the use of Thimerosal. After learning our son had mercury poisoning from his vaccines, we felt compelled to inform others. We were never informed the vaccines contained mercury. We did not know we were exposing him to one of the most toxic substances on earth by following the recommended childhood immunization schedule. As parents and as a medical family, we felt blind-sided. We wanted to prevent this from happening to other families." CT Connecticut Governor Vetoes Junk Food Bill Boston.com, June 14, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Boston6-14-05.html#top The governor vetoed a bill Tuesday that would have banned most soft drinks and junk food from Connecticut schools. Soft drink companies had lobbied fiercely against the bill, and schools expressed concerns about losing revenue from sales. 'Gifted' Label Comes With Baggage Jay Mathews, Washington Post, June 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Post6-16-05.html#top Here are some letters about Fairfax County's gifted and talented (GT) program, sparked by Jacqueline Morgan's May 26 letter about how children are affected by not being designated as gifted. Report: The State of School Safety in American Schools 2004-2005 SERAPH Research Team, 2004-2005 http://seraph.net/school_safe_report.html This report speaks of sexual assault, violent cliques and violent parents as commonplace in the nations schools. The report covers many areas not traditional discussed in school safety research such as: Young Children and Aggression, Educational Philosophies and Student Aggression, Health Issues and School Safety, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Piercing and Tattoos, Girl Aggression, Sexism and School Safety, and Youth on Youth Sex Aggression.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
Teacher Aides Win Extra Time to Qualify Ben Feller, Associated Press, June 15, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/AP6-15-05.html#top Teacher aides, under federal pressure to prove they are qualified to stay in the classroom, will get extra time to comply under a new Education Department policy. The time frame for aides to get qualified will be pushed back to the end of the 2005-06 school year, the same deadline for teachers in poor schools to prove their qualifications. Student Testing is Causing a Shift in Tech Spending Jenny LaCoste-Caputo, San Antonio Express-News, June 21, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Express6-21-05.html#top Public schools pressured to keep up with state and federal testing requirements are spending millions on high-tech systems to track and catalog their kids at the same time the federal government is cutting funding for the very same technology. The result: Instead of buying laptops for students or updating old hardware, school systems are raiding technology budgets to pay for data systems that keep track of test scores. For more information on No Child Left Behind, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/ESEA.html.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Talking To Kids: Getting Along With Siblings Kids Health, July 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Siblings6-28-05.html#top In a house with more than one kid, there are bound to be some problems. Brothers and sisters borrow stuff, and don't always return it in top condition. Younger kids sometimes feel like the older kids get to do whatever they want. Older brothers and sisters think that the baby of the family gets more attention. These are typical problems found throughout the ages, everywhere in the world. Talking To Kids: Dealing With Your Anger Kids Health, July 2004 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Anger6-28-05.html#top Have you ever lost your temper? Did you yell and scream or want to hit someone? Maybe your little brother got into your room and played with your toys without permission. Or maybe your teacher gave you too much homework. Or maybe a friend borrowed your favorite video game and then broke it. That made you angry! bridges4kids Featured Program: Kids Coins http://www.kidscoinsproductions.com/ Learn and Play the Kids Coins Way! Children's early experiences largely determine the way they will learn, think and behave for the rest of their lives. For ages 3 and up. Happy Hand Washing Michigan Department of Agriculture http://www.bridges4kids.org/handwashing.pdf Download and print this 1-page coloring sheet (PDF) which reminds children when to wash their hands. For more information on Parenting, Siblings, Adoption and Foster Care, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Parenting.html.
Early On/Early Childhood	*top*
Getting Every Child Ready For School: A Foundation For Success Joan Lord, Robin Wade and Rebecca Daugherty, Southern Regional Education Board, 2005 http://www.sreb.org/main/Goals/Publications/Every_Child_Ready.asp Preschool access is just the beginning of getting every child ready for first grade. A new report from the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) outlines four successful strategies: (1) Offer pre-kindergarten to all children who are at risk of academic failure, not just those from families living in poverty; (2) Strive to meet quality standards; (3) Ensure that all children have a school-readiness assessment before they enter first grade; and (4) Continue to place a priority on programs that encourage vaccinations and health insurance for children. For more information on Early Childhood issues, visit www.EarlyChildhoodMichigan.org.
Michigan News	*top*
Teacher Receives Award For Inclusion John Counts, Canton Eagle, May 13, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Eagle5-13-05.html No one gets left out in Pam Morgan’s classroom. The Bird Elementary teacher was recently awarded ‘Teacher of the Year’ by the Arc of Northwest Wayne County because of the way she has promoted the concept of ‘inclusion’ in her first-grade class of 23 students. Youth Needed to Serve on Civic Education Youth Advisory Committee Bob Parks, Michigan Association of United Ways, June 17, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Parks6-17-05.html#top The Michigan Coalition on Civic Education is asking community organizations to help identify youth to start a Statewide Civic Education Youth Advisory Committee. 'Emerging Sectors' Maps New Type of Summer Camp Eric Morath, MLive.com, June 16, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/MLive6-16-05.html#top What will your kids tell classmates they did this summer? Attend soccer camp? Swim at the pool? Study nanotechnology? Instructors at Oakland Schools hope the response will be the latter as the school system is modeling much of its summer enrichment programs after the county's Emerging Sectors initiative. Report: Mercury Reductions Feasible, Necessary MIRS, June 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/MIRS6-20-05.html#top The final report and recommendations from the Michigan Mercury Utility Workgroup were released to the public today after nearly two years of analysis and debate. Proponents of the report say it details how Michigan can deeply cut toxic mercury pollution from our power plants. Groups Split on Mercury Report MIRS, June 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/MIRS6-20-05.html#2 There was significant consensus between utilities, environmental groups and conservation groups on the Electric Utility Workgroup on Mercury Emissions - as long as neither side stepped beyond recent federal rules on mercury emissions reductions. Michigan's Electric Utility Workgroup Report on Mercury Emissions from Coal-Fired Power Plants (PDF) Report to Director Steven E. Chester dated June 20, 2005 http://www.deq.state.mi.us/documents/deq-aqd-air-aqe-mercury-report.pdf
Disability News	*top*
Talking To Kids: Kids With Special Needs Kids Health, June 2002 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/SN6-28-05.html#top Tony has difficulty breathing and uses a nebulizer (say: neh-byoo-lie-zer), a treatment device that helps him to breathe easier. He often runs out of breath when playing sports during recess. Tony's teachers have mentioned that he has "special needs," which is why he can't run a lot during gym glass, can't always play outdoors, and has to go to the emergency department sometimes when his breathing gets bad. Tony has severe asthma, and when it flares up, it can be hard for him to breathe. An Open Letter to Disney/ABC About Food Allergies Denise Child, June 20, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Child6-20-05.html#top "I am writing of a matter of great concern to me. You have broadcast a show providing dangerously inaccurate information and shockingly irresponsible role modeling, which could easily result in the deaths of school age children...what I saw last night on the Disney Channel struck me with fear for the safety of my child and for others like him with life-threatening food allergies." Bridges4Kids Exclusive: Food Allergies and School: What Every Parent Should Know Deanna L. Katona, Bridges4Kids http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities/Katona.html This article includes a downloadable, customizable Allergy Action Plan for your child. Aspergers Research Study Jacquelin Kilburn, MA, OT, President JUMP-IN Professional Services, June 23, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ld/articles/ASStudy6-27-05.htm A research project which will examine the patterns of participation and will determine if there are significant relationships between motor skills, social skills, severity, sensory processing, handedness and participation in children with Asperger syndrome between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. Debated Autism Therapy Gives Hopes to Parents Tony Leys, Desmoines Register, June 26, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Register6-26-05.html#top Gavin Wilken is out in his backyard, unknowingly demonstrating extraordinary accomplishments. The 6-year-old is goofing around with his little sister, Lindsey. He's talking. He's laughing. He's playing chase. Their mother, Tami Wilken, watches from the kitchen, expressing amazement at how normal Gavin seems. You should have seen him a few years ago, she says. He quit speaking. He failed to respond to his name. He would hold a pen in front of his face and spin it for hours on end. The Autism Connection http://autism-connection.org/ A non profit web site dedicated to providing information and resources about Autism to the community. Explaining Autism to Teens Kids Health http://www.bridges4kids.org/Kids-Teens.html#8 Krista's younger brother seemed really quiet when Iris met him for the first time. "Yeah, he has autism," Krista said while they sorted through her CDs. Then she started talking about a new band, so Iris didn't have a chance to ask her any questions. It left her wondering: What is autism? How does someone get it? Can it be treated? Learn Something New: Body Dysmorphic Disorder http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/KidsHealth2005.html#top To your dismay, your daughter has started to complain more and more about the appearance of her eyelids. She grudgingly compares them to those of her classmates. You frequently catch her standing before a mirror, scrutinizing their appearance. When you try to discuss your concerns, she becomes defensive. To make matters worse, you've observed her reading materials about cosmetic surgery. Research: Video Game Boosts Reading Skills of Children with ADHD Sarah Schmidt, CanWest News Service, June 20, 2005 http://www.canada.com/technology/story.html?id=303b86e1-4eb2-42d7-892c-fe33d061b7e9 Sixth-graders who played the interactive video game Dance Dance Revolution in twice-a-week, 25-minute sessions for up to 12 weeks improved their ability to code whole written words into their short-term memory, according to a study funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Lead researcher Tammy McGraw said the findings were promising, because the positive effect did not require medication or tutors and involved a popular activity that could be done at home. Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Open Web Directory Project http://www.slpwebsites.com/ The SLP/AUD Open Directory Project is a link directory that is managed by Speech Language Pathologists. It's goal is to create a source for all possible links relating to Speech Language Pathology and Audiology. Taking Fatty Acid Supplements Could Improve Behavior and School Performance in Kids With Developmental Coordination Disorders Kids Health http://kidshealth.org/research/fatty_acid_supplements.html Researchers from the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom studied whether supplementing kids' diets with certain fatty acids could improve symptoms of Developmental Coordination Disorders. They found the fatty acid supplements didn't affect a child's coordination or motor skills, but after taking the fatty acid supplements, children experienced significant improvements in reading, spelling, and behavior. Children who continued to take the fatty acid supplements until the 6-month mark tested more than a year ahead of their previous reading level and more than 6 months ahead of their previous level of spelling. For more information on Disabilities, Disorders and Diseases, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Disabilities.html.
Special Education Issues	*top*
MI Special Education/Early Intervention Services Survey Michigan Department of Education http://www.pscinc.com/parentsurvey As the parent of an infant, toddler, child, student, or young adult who has received early intervention or special education services, you are invited to share your ideas and thoughts by participating in a survey. This survey is sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE-EIS). The purpose of the survey is to understand the factors that influence a family's experiences with the parent support and information components of the early intervention services and special education systems. When prompted for a passcode, please enter your e-mail address. If you need a paper copy of this survey, please contact Elisabeth Weston of Public Sector Consultants (the firm administering the survey) toll-free at (877) 760-8149 and a survey will be sent to you. Talking To Kids: Mainstreaming Into Classrooms Kids Health, May 2002 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/6-05/Mainstream6-28-05.html#top The world is made up of many different kinds of people. There are people with different skin colors, different religions, different hairstyles, different accents, and different learning abilities, just to name a few. Yet, despite all their differences, most people somehow manage to work together successfully. 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. Recovery Protocol Workshop: Love And Hope For Our Children WHEN: July 9, 2005 from 8am – 4pm WHERE: Radisson Hotel Mount Laurel, New Jersey DESCRIPTION: This workshop features Dr. Rashid Buttar, with Dr. Garth Nocolson, PhD., Dr. John Kucera, M.D., and Dr. Jeff Baker, Ph.D. It will contain information related to Autism, PDD, ADD, ADHD, and Aspergers. Startups for TD-DMPS Recovery Protocol, Anti-viral, bacterial, fungal therapy, binding to heavy metals, MTHRF/APOE/TH1&2/CYBA8/GNB3. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, visit www.recoveryprotocol.com or call 512-306-1920. National Association of Counsel for Children (NACC) 28^th National Children's Law Conference WHEN: August 25-28, 2005 WHERE: Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, Los Angeles, CA FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.naccchildlaw.org/training/conference.html for more information, to download the brochure, or to register.
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. Developmental Disabilities Council's 2nd Annual Family Gathering WHEN: July 12, 2005 from 11 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Hawk Island Park, Lansing, Michigan DESCRIPTION: Join us for a day full of workshops, entertainment, live music, food, games, prizes and a wonderful opportunity for families to get together for fun. The park is ADA Accessible so all our children will be able to enjoy the many features of the park. Fun for kids of all ages! Organizations from across Michigan will be on hand to discuss Special Education, Respite, SSI & SSDI, Legal Issues, Disabilities, Transition, Assistive Technology, Financial Resources, Recreation, Mental Health, Family Support Subsidy, and Advocacy & Self-Advocacy. Click here to download the flyer (PDF). FOR MORE INFORMATION: Reservations are required by June 30, 2005. RSVP by contacting Mitzi Sharp at 517-334-7240 or sharp@michigan.gov. 1^st Annual UAW Local 245 Motorcycle Ride for Autism 2005 WHEN: Saturday, August 6, 2005 at 10:30 a.m. WHERE: Ride starts at UAW Local 174, 29841 Van Born Rd, Romulus, MI 48174 and ends at Biker Bob's (formerly Motown Harley Davidson), 14100 Telegraph Rd., Taylor MI 48180 DESCRIPTION: Pig Roast and Refreshments afterwards. Benefits from the Ride will go to the Macomb/St. Clair County Chapter/ASA. Pre-registration & Waiver Forms available at www.uawlocal245.org. Registration: 9am-10am Ride starts at 10:30 a.m. COST: Cost is $35.00 Per Rider (T-shirt & pin); $25.00 per Passenger (T-Shirt & Pin); $20.00 per Passenger (T-shirt only) FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, or to register, visit www.uawlocal245.org or call Sal Ferra (248) 310-6651 or Russ Wynn (734) 284-0746 Two-Day Sibshop Training WHEN: September 9-10, 2005 WHERE: Detroit, Michigan FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact Donna Kramer at 313-745-0064 or email her at dkramer@dmc.org. 2005 Parenting Classes With Debra Madonna WHERE: St. Mary-Mercy Hospital, Marian Women Center, 36475 Five Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48154 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Registration is required. Contact Mary Jane Peck at 734.655.1100 for more information or to register. Parenting Toddlers & Preschoolers WHEN: Saturday, September 17, 2005 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. COST: Cost is $15 per person/$20 per couple Parenting Elementary-Aged Children WHEN: Saturday, September 24, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. COST: Cost is $15 per person/$20 per couple Parenting Preteens & Teens WHEN: Saturday, October 1, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. COST: Cost is $15 per person/$20 per couple Parenting Children with Special Needs WHEN: Saturday, October 8, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. COST: Cost is $15 per person/$20 per couple Parents & Teenagers- “Talking .Thinking . Together -- about School Work, Chores & Money” WHEN: Wednesday, October 9, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. WHEN: Saturday, October 15, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. COST: Cost is $20 per family Refresher Class – “Time Out for Parents” - “Time to Think . Time to Rest . Time to Plan” WHEN: Wednesday, October 12, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. WHEN: Saturday, November 5, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. WHEN: Wednesday, December 14, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. COST: Cost is $10 per family DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite St. Mary-Mercy Hospital Parenting Class Individual Consultations held at St. Mary-Mercy Hospital COST: Cost is $35 per hour DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite – St. Mary-Mercy Hospital Parenting Class. Available upon request. 2005 Sibling Class WHEN: Saturday, September 10, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. COST: Cost is $10 per family DESCRIPTION: Helps expectant parents and their children with sibling rivalry and signs of jealousy, and steps to minimize these behaviors. Siblings learn how much fun it can be to be a big brother or big sister. A Night of Musical Genius & Autism Awareness with world renowned autistic savant pianist Tony DeBlois WHEN: Thursday, October 6, 2005 at 7 PM. WHERE: St. Peter's Lutheran Church & School, 23000 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, Michigan, 48021 DESCRIPTION: Before-Glow at 6 PM: Network with other autism organizations before the concert. After-Glow (following concert about 8:15 PM): Meet Tony! Also, "Hot-of-the- Press" Tony's new book release party and CD signing. Light refreshments served (coffee and punch) and indulge in St. Peter's famous "CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN" with both light & dark chocolate free flowing fountains to dip with plenty of fresh fruit: (strawberries, cherries, pineapple, melon, and bananas), pond cake, cookies, pretzels, marshmallows, and other delicious goodies. The kids just love it!! 10 Children's Prizes and 10 Adult Prizes given away sponsored by www.studio9salon.com. Also, see Tony DeBlois article from the Boston Globe. COST: Pre-ticket sales adults: $10.00 or $12.00 (at the door) Pre-ticket sales children (5-12): $ 5.00 or $ 7.00 (at the door); * Children 4 years and under are free. CRY ROOM for concert available for pre-ticket sales only -- seating is limited in this area. Book Early! Send your check or money order payable to St. Peter's Lutheran Church c/o Mr. Rob Meyer/Tony DeBlois, 23000 Gratiot Avenue, Eastpointe, Michigan 48021. Please include your name, address, number of tickets (adult and/or children), phone number and email address. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Booths available for 10 groups free of charge. Contact Sandy McMurray at 586-777-7533 or sanmcmurray@cs.com for display information or with questions. Sibshop Training & Workshops WHEN: November 4-5, 2005 WHERE: Grand Rapids, Michigan DESCRIPTION: One day Sibshop training and workshops for fathers, grandparents, and siblings held during the Relatively Speaking Conference in Grand Rapids. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information, contact Linda Lyles Daniels at 1-800-359-3722 or email her at DanielsL@michigan.gov.
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