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FDLRS Parent Services Communications, Newsletter
PA R E N T P R E S S
December 2015 Volume 15, Issue 2
Florida Diagnostic & Learning
Resources System (FDLRS)
A Newsletter for Parents of Students in Exceptional Education Program s
FDLRS Parent Services 4210 West Bay Villa Ave.
Tampa, FL 33611
Phone: (813) 837-7732
Go to the FDLRS website:
fdlrs.mysdhc.org and
Select the Parent Services link.
Inside this issue:
Excellence in Action 1
Editorial 2
KIDs 3
Transition Planning 4
Transition Fair 5
Save the Date 6
Safety Tips 7
Area Office Contacts 8
17th Annual
“Excellence in Action Awards”
Nominations are now open
T his award is for individuals who have made a difference in the life of a student with special needs. Only parents, caregivers or students can
submit nominations for anyone within the educational setting or community groups and volunteers who work with Hillsborough County Public School (HCPS) students receiving Exceptional Education (ESE) Services.
Where do I go to submit a nomination? Please go to this web site to submit a nomination
www.surveymonkey.com/r/EIA2016
Who can help me with the online nomination? For those with special or unique circumstances, please contact
FDLRS Parent Services for assistance:
Telephone (813) 837-7732 or email [email protected]
Who can I nominate? Any school district staff, community agencies or their staff members, or volunteers who
work with your child who receives Hillsborough County Public Schools Exceptional Student Education services.
May I nominate my coworker or family member? They work with students. We appreciate the thought, but
unless they work with your child with special needs, they do not meet the criteria for nomination.
Who is eligible to submit a nomination? Nominations will only be accepted from parents and caregivers of
students with special needs or the student with special needs.
What information do I need? Your name and contact information, your nominee’s name and contact
information, your child’s name, and a short paragraph explaining how your nominee has made a difference in
the life of your child with special needs.
When is the event? The evening of Monday, May 9, 2016.
Page 2- Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2015
Editorial
Have you ever gone to the internet for directions to somewhere you have never been
before? Of course, there is usually more than one way to reach your destination; the
scenic route, the quick route, the avoiding tolls route, etc. Choosing the best route for
any given day or time can be different from one day to the next depending on weather,
your schedule, or unexpected delays like traffic or construction. There is also no right
way or wrong way. You are still starting from the same place, and your destination
remains the same.
Having a child with special needs has definitely taken me on a road less traveled. When
I started this journey almost 22 years ago, I didn’t have a map, but I knew where I
wanted to go. My child was going to become the best she could be. The same as my
other children. My husband and I had high expectations for all of them. Sometimes
professionals in educational settings or the private sector had a different “route” to get
my child to her destination, but they had the same goal that we did, just a different way
of getting there. Navigating the world of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) is not
always easy. It takes a lot of dreaming, negotiating, collaboration, positivity, and the
willingness to try a different route as needed. I want to thank all of the dedicated
individuals who have been with us on this journey. We could not have done it alone.
In the next few months, FDLRS Parent Services will provide many opportunities for you
to increase your knowledge and recognize individuals who have made a difference in
the life of your child with special needs. Some of these opportunities are available right
here in the Parent Press. They include: Keys for Individuals with Disabilities (KIDs)
Parent Information Sessions in January and March, the 3rd Annual Creating a Plan for
the Future: A Workshop Focused on Post-Secondary Planning for Students with
Disabilities in February, and the Excellence In Action Awards: Nominations are now
open.
By Debbie Valdes, FDLRS Parent Services
School Board Policy ensures equal opportunity for all in its personnel policies and practices and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
marital status, sexual orientation, gender preference, political beliefs, social/family background, disability or age. The district accords preference in selection, retention, and
promotion procedures to certain veterans and spouses of veterans who are Florida residents. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Title IX
nondiscrimination regulations and requirements: Mark West, General Manager of Employee Relations, Title IX Coordinator. 813-272-4227; [email protected]; Division
of Human Resources, 901 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, Florida 33602. An alternate point of contact for complaints of discrimination or harassment may be directed to the Office
of Professional Standards at 813-840-7128.
For more information or publication assistance, please contact Karin Davis-Thompson via email or at 813-840-7059.
The Parent Press is designed to be an informational source for parents of Exceptional Student Education (ESE) students. In addition to Hillsborough County Public School
supports and services, the Parent Press strives to offer as much information as possible from community agencies and groups that provide services to persons
with disabil ities.
Page 3 - Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2015
Keys for Individuals with Disabilities
A Series of Free Parent Enrichment Programs for Families of Students Receiving Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Services provided by Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System
(FDLRS) Parent Services and Hillsborough County Public Schools
A Parent’s Guide to Understanding
the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) and the IEP Process:
Who are the members of the IEP Team? How can the parent actively participate in the
IEP? What are the components of the IEP and, why are they important?
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
- OR -
Shriners Hospitals for Children 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa 33612
Register Online: https://january2016kids.eventbrite.com
Supporting Kids with Special Needs: Planning for the
Summer and Out of School Time Resource Fair
How do parents successfully provide meaningful activities for their child? What
resources are available? Respite Programs, Sports, Camps, Special Interest
Groups, and much more
A collaboration with Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department
Saturday, March 5, 2016 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
All People’s Life Center 6105 E. Sligh Avenue, Tampa 33604
Register Online: https://march2016kids.eventbrite.com
For additional information contact FDLRS Parent Services:
Telephone: 813-837-7732 or Email: [email protected]
Transition Planning Page 4 - Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2015
Transition planning focuses on plans and dreams that you and your young student have for the future. The
purpose of planning is to provide your student with the services and supports he or she needs to make a success-
ful move into adult life. This process should start early in life with conversations about goals, the importance of
learning, and self-determination. A student's success depends on each member of the team helping him or her to
reach their postsecondary goals. Parents are a very important part of this process. Your involvement determines
how successful they will be.
It is important that your student participate as much as possible in the transition planning process, especially in
deciding what he or she would like to do after leaving school.
You and your student know more than anyone else about:
Student's goals for adult life
Strengths and resources of your family
Strengths and resources of your extended family and the community
Services your family needs
Services and service providers that have helped you in the past
Your student also has responsibilities in the transition planning process, such as:
Taking an active role in developing the IEP
Learning about the transition process
Thinking about what services would help him or her in daily adult life, so that the transition team may invite
the appropriate agencies to the IEP meeting
Thinking about what he or she wants to do—and where he or she wants to do it—in the years immediately after
school
Meeting and working with career and guidance counselors to determine which courses and other school
experiences are required for post-school activities
Learning more about his or her disability and how to get the services and supports he or she needs to achieve
long-term goals
Developing and using self-determination and self-advocacy skills
Going to class and achieving good grades
Completing homework assignments
Saving money for post-school activities
Your student's case manager, ESE Specialist or Contact will be able to help you with any questions. Transition Specialists may also serve as a valuable contact. They can help in making educational decisions. It is
important to note, that preparing students for life is a team effort to ensure continued success.
T h i s n e w s l e t t e r w a s d e v e l o p e d t o p r o v i d e i n f o r m a t i o n t o f a m i l i e s o f e x c e p t i o n a l s t u d e n t s . Y o u h a v e r e c e i v e d t h i s n e w s l e t t e r b e c a u s e y o u r c h i l d r e c e i v e s E S E s e r v i c e s ( i n c l u d i n g c o n s u l t ) . T h e P a r e n t P r e s s i s b r o u g h t t o y o u b y F l o r i d a D i a g n o s t i c a n d L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e s S y s t e m ( F D L R S ) , P a r e n t S e r v i c e s a n d H i l l s b o r o u g h C o u n t y P u b l i c S c h o o l s . F o r i n f o r m a t i o n o r t o s u b m i t a r t i c l e s f o r p u b l i c a t i o n , c a l l F D L R S a t 8 3 7 - 7 7 3 2
Transition Fair Page 5 - Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2015
Sponsored by:
Exceptional Student Education (ESE),
Transition Department,
FDLRS Parent Services, and Project CONNECT
A Workshop Focused on Post-Secondary
Planning for Students with Disabilities
CREATING A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE :
Higher Education, Vocational Training, Support Services, Employment!
Hillsborough Community College (HCC), Guardianship, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR),
Technical Colleges, Adult Day Training Programs and Assistance with Applications!
Representatives from Local Community Agencies!
FREE!
Register Online: https://planforthefuture.eventbrite.com
Email: [email protected]
For additional information call 813-837-7732
Saturday, February 27, 2016
8:30 AM — 1:00 PM
Sam Horton Instructional Services Center (ISC)
2920 N. 40th Street | Tampa, FL 33605
In formation About Oppor tuni t i es and Ser vices Af ter High School for A l l S tudents wi th Disabi l i t ies
3rd ANNUAL
Save the Date Page 6- Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2015
Do you have information to share with families ?
Contact FDLRS Parent Services
Email: [email protected]
Call: 813-837-7732
All submittals must be approved before sharing
Sign up for FDLRS Parent Services Electronic Communications
Subscribe Now!
http://tinyurl.com/FDLRSENews
Superintendent's Advisory
Council for the Education of
Students with Disabilities
2016 Meeting Dates: January 22, 2016 February 26, 2016 March 25, 2016 April 22, 2016 May 20, 2016
All Meetings: 10 AM to Noon
Location: Children’s Board of Hillsborough County 1002 E. Palm Avenue Tampa, FL 33605
Parent University is a free series of informational sessions that sup-
port the academic life of children in kindergarten through 12th grade.
When: Saturday, February 20, 2016, at Bloomingdale High School
Time: 7:30 AM - Noon
Visit the Gallery and meet representatives from magnet schools and community resources, enjoy
FREE childcare (with advanced registration) offered by the Hillsborough Out-of-School Time (HOST)
Program, and end the morning with a FREE lunch!
Session topics: Online at www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/doc/853
Learn more or register today: Online at http://all4schools.org/hillsborough/
or Call (813) 272-4443
Safety Tips Page 7- Parent Press, Volume 15, Issue 2 • December 2015
Keeping a loved one safe is a parent’s top priority. Safety is an even greater concern for parents who have children with cognitive
conditions such as autism or Down syndrome, as they may be prone to wandering. These tips may help keep your child from getting
separated or lost, and prepare you to spring into action if your child does wander.
1. Advise local first responders: Fill out a 9-1-1 disability indicator form and submit it to your local law enforcement agency. The
information provided on the form enables a special code to appear on the 9-1-1 dispatcher’s screen, alerting law enforcement that a
person residing at that address may require special assistance during an emergency. In addition to this form, complete a more
detailed handout with information about your child that you can provide to first responders. Keep copies of your handout in printed
and electronic formats so you can readily provide it to search and rescue personnel in the event of an incident. Download the 9-1-1
disability indicator form and first responder handout at https://www.safetynetbylojack.com/Resources/Wandering_Resources. NOTE:
We recommend that you update these forms annually.
2. Inform your neighbors: Give them a handout with a picture of your child, physical characteristics and emergency
contact information. You may also want to describe your child’s fears and effective ways to approach, communicate with and calm
your child. Ask them to contact you immediately if they see your child outside your home or property. A printable form is available at
https://www.safetynetbylojack.com/Resources/Wandering_Resources.
3. Place STOP or DO NOT ENTER signs on all doors opening to the outside: These can be powerful visual cues and
reminders not to wander. You may also want to place these signs on your child’s classroom door. Because some children have an
intense response to these types of signs, you should work with a professional to decide if this is appropriate for your child.
4. Secure your home: Use deadbolt locks, keep doors and windows locked and install an alarm system/alert chimes on
doors. Motion detectors and window bars may also be appropriate. Some individuals on the autism spectrum have exceptionally
good visual-motor skills and are able to quickly debilitate locks.
5. Teach swimming at an early age: Because people with autism are drawn to water sources such as pools, ponds and
lakes, swimming lessons can be invaluable. If your child has difficulty learning conventional swimming strokes, teach him
drownproofing, a water survival technique that will help him stay afloat until help arrives.
6. Eliminate triggers for wandering: If your child has a fixation on certain sounds or objects that draw him to investigate
and wander, you may be able to eliminate these distractions.
7. Get an ID bracelet or necklace and tag personal items: List your emergency contact information on personal IDs and
on tags for shoes, clothes and backpacks. If your child has sensory issues and will not wear an accessory, use temporary tattoos
with your contact information.
8. Use a baby monitor/camera for bedtime: A sound or video monitor provides constant surveillance, even when you are
in a different room.
9. Install a fence around your property: Set latches on the outside of gates and ensure that they are high enough that
your child cannot release them.
10. Consider a personal tracking device: A Radio Frequency (RF) device is ideal for people at risk of wandering, because it
has strong signals that can penetrate any physical obstruction. With an RF device, your child can be found in places that a GPS or
cellular product cannot reach, such as in a wooded area or concrete building.
For more wandering prevention resources, https://www.safetynetbylojack.com/Resources/Wandering_Resources
Nonprofit Org.
U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Tampa, FL
permit No. 1009
School Board of
Hillsborough County, Florida
PARENT PRESS
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS)
Post Office Box 3408
Tampa, FL 33601
County School Board April Griffin, Chair
Cindy Stuart, Vice Chair
Doretha W. Edgecomb
Sally A. Harris
Carol W. Kurdell
Melissa Snively
Susan L. Valdes
Superintendent of Schools
Jeff Eakins
Assistant Superintendent
for Student Services
Wynne Tye
General Director, Exceptional
Student Education
Maryann Parks
www.sdhc.k12.fl.us
Area 1 Maribeth Brooks 272-3800
Area Superintendent
Dee Ward 272-3796
ESE Supervisor
Carolina Beltran 837-7740
Parent Liaison
Blake, Jefferson, Plant, Robinson
D.W. Waters and feeder schools
Area 2
Lisa Yost 631-4050
Area Superintendent
Sharon Foster 631-4056
ESE Supervisor
Mary Merryday 406-8683
Parent Liaison
Alonso, Leto, Sickles, Steinbrenner
High and feeder schools
Area 3
Brenda Grasso 558-1406
Area Superintendent
Carol Pauline 558-1412
ESE Supervisor
Corinne Smith 558-1412
Parent Liaison
Freedom, Gaither, King, Wharton
High and feeder schools
Area 4
Henry Washington 558-1100
Area Superintendent
Mikki Kenny 558-1097
ESE Supervisor
Paula Thomas 837-7734
Parent Liaison
Chamberlain, Hillsborough,
Middleton High and feeder schools
Area 5
Sherrie Sikes 744-8630
Area Superintendent
Shelley Cedola-Hayes
ESE Supervisor 744-8636
Amy Smith 740-7585
Parent Liaison
Bloomingdale, Newsome, Spoto
High and feeder schools
Area 6
Jerry Jackson 707-7050
Area Superintendent
Michele McFarland 707-7056
ESE Supervisor
LaKeesha Shipman-Hines
Parent Liaison 707-7436
Durant, Plant City, Strawberry Crest
High and feeder schools
Area 7
Sharon Morris 740-3711
Area Superintendent
Sheryl Koscso 740-3717
ESE Supervisor
Beth Jenner Lubeck
Parent Liaison 740-3717 x228
Armwood, Brandon, Tampa Bay
Tech. High and feeder schools
Area 8
Marcos Murillo 658-1970
Area Superintendent
Jo Jennings 658-1981
ESE Supervisor
Doris Jeffries 658-1981
Parent Liaison
East Bay, Lennard,
Riverview High and feeder schools
FDLRS
Michael Levine, FDLRS Supervisor: 837-7777, [email protected]
Debbie Valdes, FDLRS Parent Services Program Manager: 837-7733, Debbie [email protected]
FDLRS Parent Services Communications: 837-7732, [email protected]