DS Advocate

The Closed Door Policy 1.1

2012-02-17T18:13:00.000-05:00

I have a story I want to write....a story that many will be able to relate to. It's about being a mom...or a dad of child that has unique learning challenges and requires special education while at school. Our Public Schools today have lots of students with Special Needs ~ with the increase in students with Autism attending our local schools our Public School System is not like it was just 20 years ago.

Today if you are a parent with a son or daughter with a disability you pretty much need to go to as many parent trainings, disability support groups, disability specific conferences and national conventions just to learn how to navigate how to help ensure your son or daughter receives a quality education via the Public School System, and that's no matter where you live!

I became an Advocate first for my own daughter and son and eventually started helping other parents learn how to be a good Advocate for their children. It has been a learning experience to say the least!

One of the things that is starting to really bug me is all this talk about Parent Involvement, especially here in Broward County. Parent Engagement as I have recently been hearing, I like that better. I am an involved parent in both of my children's education! I was an involved parent before I officially became a 'parent' even! My future husband, while I was dating him, I was involved in his 7 year old son's education. I eventually had him tested for possibly being gifted. I attended several of his school events. Education is important to me and helping children do well in school is very important to me as well!

Today, I am a parent to a 13 year old daughter with Down syndrome and a 16 year old son with ADHD. Both require me to be on top of things when it comes to both of their school grades, assignments, homework and all things! I am an involved parent to say the least! I have to be!

I have been a Special Ed Advocate since my daughter was born 13 years ago, as a parent to a little one with Down syndrome I learned very early that I needed to fight for each and every therapy service she needed. She received great therapies and services back then, I was a TIGER MOMMA back then and I still am. I knew I needed to make sure my daughter had her OT, PT and Speech Therapies if I wanted her to be all she could be in the years to come! So I learned quick that it took a lot of time and dedication to make all those phone calls, to drive to all those therapies and doctor appointments.

Today, she will be going into Middle school next year and boy I am so not ready for a whole new group of people, teachers, staff, principals that are going to give me a hard time for what I know is best for my girl! She has only been educated in the 'regular' general education classrooms. This year for the first time is now receiving just one hour of Special Ed, Wilson reading help. That is the only ESE special class she has ever attended. She is doing well included in General Education aka regular classes....as long as we have teachers & staff that fully support her.

Today I want to talk about my friends....my other Special Ed / ESE Parents that are also involved and care very much about their child's education. My friends are involved and caring parents. They ask questions because they have a concern and get the run around, they ask to volunteer for things and are told those positions are filled. They ask to observe their child's classroom and are asked to come into the Principals office for a little talkie-talk and instead are ambushed with several staff members and then told their child is going to have be taken out of one teachers classroom and have to go into a different classroom, starting the next day!! This parent just wanted to have an opportunity to observe what was going on during her son's math lessons where some behaviors were being noted. She asked for a classroom observation, but instead was told he needed to be pulled out from even being in that classroom again! Really?

Over the years many of us parents have been called to come pick up our child. "Your child has a runny nose" or the best one, the most common one is, "your child has diarrhea". Like good parents, we run to the school to pick up our 'sick child'....only to find out they don't have diarrhea, but maybe went to the bathroom three times and there must be an invisible poop policy out there...but if a child poops 3 times they are sent home! Especially if that child needs adult supervision or assistance in toileting! The runny nose one is also a very common one too. The other day a close friend of mine, was called and her daughter was not sick, just her daughter did need to have her nose wiped and blown. Mom had used Saline Solution to clear out her nasal passages, and her nose was draining because of the Saline Solution. Mom said she was not sick, she just needed her nose to be wiped and sent back to the classroom. Her daughter did not have a fever and was not sick in anyway. This little girl never had her nose wiped at school and was sent home that day with dried crusted caked on mucus all over her cute little face! The bus helper was amazed at how badly her face looked with all that gunk on her. The school retaliated by not wiping her nose while she was in school. The little girl was not sick, she just needed her nose wiped and directed to wash her hands and face or directed to blow her nose. This is a little girl with Down syndrome and blowing noses is something that all us mom's do everyday...several times a day. Down syndrome children have low muscle tone and blowing their noses is a 'skill' that they need help with and to be taught. The aide in this child's classroom couldn't wipe her nose? Really?

ESE Parents are wanting to volunteer at the schools to do anything and are being told there is nothing to do, they don't need help. Really? ESE Parents are wanting to get involved in SAF (School Advisory Forum) and are told that the position has already been filled, you can attend and participate in the PTA or the PTO. Really? ESE Parents request permission to go on class field-trips as chaperones and are told; no parents are allowed, only staff will be chaperones on the class field-trips. Really? ESE Parents want to be the class Room Parent, again...another parent has already gotten that position. Really?

ESE Parents are met with a CLOSED DOOR and are not talked to like a 'typical parent' that doesn't have a child with a disability. Only other parents of ESE know this for a fact. Staff and teachers either are instructed to not talk to us, or if they do, to refer us to an ESE Staff person. If we want to know how our child is doing in the classroom and that child has a 1:1 aide, or there is a classroom assistant in their child's class, those aides seem to not 'see us' and certainly will not talk to us...for the most part. Over the years I have had great aides for my daughter, but not all ESE Students are allowed to have 1:1 aides, being told there is no funding. That is a whole conversation in itself!

ESE Parents ARE INVOLVED Parents! They have to be, their child depends on them to be! Taking their child to endless hours of weekly therapies for years and years makes for a concerned involved parent.

What is going on at our children's schools that more and more ESE Parents are being met with this unspoken rule that they are not to be talked to with a natural honesty and respect? Why are Principals now becoming more the Headmaster that has the final say so on all things to do with our ESE Parents concerns and issues relating to their child in the classroom? Where did this unspoken CLOSED DOOR SOCIETY come from? Why is it happening more and more that our ESE Parents HAVE NO VOICE and ARE NOT BEING HEARD?

Being a Special Ed Advocate I have clocked my unclockable hours listening on the phone over the years...all the pure nonsense that too many ESE Parents are put through today. ESE Parents are good parents, they want to be involved in their child's education and show their child and their school support by being a classroom mom or by volunteering on the yearbook committee or by being a chaperone on the class trip. ESE Parents are being discriminated against for wanting to know things that are or are not going on and happening at the school. ESE Parents are a valuable group of good parents that care, that really care not only for their own child, but for their child's classmates. These parents are devoted!

ESE Parents are met with a CLOSED DOOR in their faces more times than not and it needs to stop! ESE Parents are not the enemy, they are and can be a great resource to many, if principals and staff would stop all this nonsense of shutting the ESE Parents out and not working with them from the start. Getting off on a good foot at the beginning of the new school year is important to all parents, especially ESE Parents!

The CLOSED DOOR POLICY that is practiced throughout the land today and I am talking in particular in Broward County, but knowing it is happening everywhere. This attitude needs to stop and be replaced with something different!

ESE Parents can help train the lowest paid staff person that usually works closest with our unique children and that is the 1:1 para professional aide or the classroom aide. These employees would benefit by having a closer working relationship with the ESE Parents, but seems they are not allowed to talk, communicate or write to the child's parents.

The door is closed at just about every turn we go as ESE Parents wanting to be involved with our child's education. The CLOSED DOOR POLICY needs to stop!

If you are an ESE Parent, please take a moment and comment on this post. Let's hear your personal story. Tell me if your school does have open arms for your parent involvement. I know some schools are absolutely doing a fantastic job of making sure all parents are treated with fairness and I know there are many schools out there that are not allowing ESE Parents the same opportunities to volunteer on campus and especially in their own child's classroom as a room mom. If you are an ESE Parent and are the room mom...write to me!

Our schools are like a little society, if the attitude is warm and welcoming for all and yes that includes allowing ESE Parents some wiggle room to volunteer and ask questions, then it creates a positive society. If some parents are being treated unfairly, and not allowed to be involved, it creates anger, dissatisfaction and an unhappy society! Schools need to do a better job of being accepting of all parent volunteers, especially by allowing ESE Parents the opportunity to Volunteer period!

The CLOSED DOOR POLICY that seems to be a secret society that only fellow ESE Parents know to be true, let your School Board Members know that yes this is happening to you and you want to see it change. Parents are the best advocates for their child!

Many TITLE 1 (high-poverty) schools shortchanged in Broward County

2012-02-10T18:14:00.023-05:00

Let's BE HONEST about TITLE 1 FUNDS and have some straight talk about it!

My daughter attends a Title 1 School....'qualifies' for SES=Supplemental Education Services aka TUTORING. She also recently started attending the afterschool FCAT CAMP last week.....funded by ??...not sure....my principal hasn't let me know how that afterschool program is being funded. I call the Title 1 office today to ask about Title 1 FUNDS and how they are suppose to be used at my daughters elementary school ~ Stephen Foster Elementary...I was referred to the Parent Involvement Liasion, who will get back to me.

I see this inequality with my own eyes at my own daughters school and from PARENT-to-PARENT even....especially if you are a parent to a child in the ESE program AND ATTENDS a Title 1 school.

My child attends a Title 1 school, she is on REDUCED LUNCH AND is a SWD=Student with Disabilities, she has a 253 MATRIX to pay for her Special Education. I think there is some funding to help her with her education at this school. Well....at least there should be, ya think?

I am involved in my 2 children's education, I attend their IEP's, I send them to 'extra academic help camps'. I need collaborative communication with their schools. It's work, it's hard work. I work full time at making sure both my children (and others) are getting a good education via the Public school system here. I am proud of both my children's accomplishments, I am an involved parent.

Read today's article that hits home to me today about the inequality that goes on within many districts I'm sure, but this article is about BROWARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS today.

Many high-poverty schools shortchanged in Broward County

Click the link above to read the entire article.

To My Old Master ~ A CONFIDENT - Educated SELF ADVOCATE!

2012-02-01T08:54:00.000-05:00

This letter is so beautifully crafted and perfectly articulated to get into writing a snapshot of what happened and trying to be collaborative in the process of providing written knowledge of what happened to him as a SLAVE for 32 years to his Old Master.

This is a letter that shows he ~ gets it ~ he understands what his rights are, he sought out getting himself educated on the laws and moved forward with enthusiasm, perserverence and pride to move on and make sure his daughters got the full package of a quality education! He is a proud and confident man!

I love this letter because, this is the sort of letter that shows true strong parent advocacy skills!

If you are a parent working hard to make sure your children are receiving a quality education today and maybe your child has some unique special learning needs, then make sure you do your homework first and know what your rights are! Take the time to learn the policies and laws. Regularly added trainings and conferences to widen your knowledge base. Stay connected to others going through same and similiar things. Learn that if it isn't in writing......it didn't happen or it wasn't said. Document things that happen.

Have you ever heard of writing a letter to a stranger? This is exactly that! Here we are reading something from years ago that provides a look into our History and how things were and the people's true Spirit! Write your letters like this man did, to his Old Master, so your pride and confidence shines through as his does in this letter!

Share this letter, it's worth reading this tiny snippet of history from a true advocate!

http://www.lettersofnote.com/2012/01/to-my-old-master.html Click this link or Title of this post to read the letter to My Old Master.

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Broken Record Sayings & IEP Meeting Conversation Stoppers

2012-01-18T00:48:00.000-05:00

I would like to pull together from my readers ~ the broken record sayings you hear at your IEP meetings. Contact me with your broken record sayings you want to toss in the recycle bin!
If you attend IEP Meetings ~ this 'newsie' article is
nothing new to you!
Click==> IEP Meeting Conversation Stoppers <==Click

Broward schools chief hosts ‘listening tour’ - School Notes - MiamiHerald.com

2012-01-17T15:50:00.004-05:00

Broward schools chief hosts ‘listening tour’ - School Notes - MiamiHerald.com

*I attended last night at Cypress Bay High School:
It was a PACKED HOUSE at Cypress Bay High school! Simple notes were taken and put up on an overhead screen/document for everyone to see on each & every speaker that stood up to the microphone to voice their concerns..........EXCEPT for our strongest and certainly one of our loudest ESE Parent Voices we have here in Broward ~ Rhonda Ward. Her concerns and what this district has put her through as a concerned parent for her sons education, is what is happening throughout the land for many of us! A mother's voice & plea for help ~ not being heard......at every turn.

I didn't hear the ESE PARENT VOICES & CONCERNS at this stop in the listening tour.

Dillard High School ~ LAST STOP in the Superindent Runcie's Listening Tour ~ January 19th, Thursday evening a 6:30PM.

Call YOUR school if you Need-A-Ride to attend with other parents & community members to this last stop in the Superintendent's LISTENING TOUR.

See you there!

Dancer With Down Syndrome Wins First Place In Contest - Entertainment News Story - WLWT Cincinnati

2012-01-17T11:17:00.019-05:00

Dancer With Down Syndrome Wins First Place In Contest - Entertainment News Story - WLWT Cincinnati

(click link to see video)
Way to go Teddy Kremer!

Reece's Rainbow ~ to Forever Homes

2011-12-17T23:00:00.001-05:00

Please take a moment to watch this powerful video! Share this video with your friends ~ it may just spark someone's interest in Adopting and becoming a Forever Family to a beautiful child with Down syndrome.

Shake It Up ~ Shake It Out

2011-12-07T15:49:00.000-05:00

5 Tips for Raising a Child with Down Syndrome - Big Kids | SmartParenting.com.ph

2011-12-04T17:27:00.001-05:00

5 Tips for Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

Here are a few resources and tips for parents blessed with a child who has Down Syndrome.

By Tina Santiago-Rodriguez

It would probably be safe to say that most parents only wish the best for their children, right from the very beginning, when the woman discovers that she is pregnant. From that time on, all they want is for their child to be completely healthy in all aspects.

How should one react then when one goes for a routine check-up, including an ultrasound and screening blood test, only to be told that the child you are carrying may have Down Syndrome (DS)? For many parents, the news could be quite shocking, and may even leave some afraid and unsure if they are capable of raising a child with such a condition. Sadly, some, especially those who are misled or misinformed, may even resort to the cruel act of aborting their babies, just because they have DS.
If you or someone you know are parents of children with DS, do not fear. Many parents who have come before you learned to accept and deal with their children’s conditions, and ended up raising functional, contributing members of society. (A few examples are Chris Hebein, Molly Bourke, Elyse Mundelein and Zach Wincent).

What is Down Syndrome (DS)?
According to the U.S. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Down Syndrome is a set of mental and physical symptoms brought about by having an extra copy of Chromosome 21.

Under normal circumstances, a fertilized human egg has 23 pairs of chromosomes. However, most people with Down Syndrome have an extra copy of Chromosome 21 (also called trisomy 21 because there are three copies of this chromosome instead of two). The presence of trisomy 21 leads to changes in the body’s and brain’s normal development. DS is actually the most common chromosomal irregularity in humans.

5 Tips for Raising a Child with Down Syndrome - Big Kids | SmartParenting.com.ph:

'via Blog this'

Since Down Syndrome is an incurable condition, parents must make sure their children are assessed and given therapy as soon as possible, as early intervention has helped many kids with DS live productive lives all the way into adulthood. This usually involves speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and special education and attention in school.

Click the above link to read the FULL ARTICLE.

Love your child and enjoy the gift of life you have been given through him or her.
Parenting in itself is a daunting task, so make sure you embrace your role with faith, hope and love. Many parents of kids with DS can testify that their kids are deeply affectionate and seem to approach life with great joy. You and your family and friends will realize how wonderful life is just by spending time with your child, or other people with DS.

Tina Rodriguez, Contributor

Get updates from Tina:
http://trulyrichmom.com
http://teachermamatina.blogspot.com
http://twitter.com/tinasrodriguez

Sources:
http://www.nichd.nih.gov/
http://www.downsyndrome.com

sadsin.blogspot.com

Stop Aborting Down Syndrome Individuals Now

'I was bullied into aborting my baby' | News.com.au

2011-12-04T04:44:00.000-05:00

THIS woman was advised to spare her loved ones the hardship of living with a child with Down syndrome.

Every morning when Marie Ideson wakes, her first thought is of a little girl called Lillie. Were she alive today, she’d be six years old. And although Lillie would’ve had Down syndrome, Ideson is sure of one thing:

“Despite any disability, my daughter would have been incredibly well-loved. Whatever her future was, I’d have always been there for her.”

Yet when she was just over 16 weeks pregnant - and after tests showed her daughter had Down syndrome - Marie did something that still torments her: She underwent a termination.

“I was bullied into going ahead with an abortion,” says Ideson, 46, a GP surgery manager. “I only wish I could turn back the clock. I think of the daughter I never had every day. I’ll always regret it.”

Ideson was 40 when she fell pregnant with Lillie.

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/i-was-bullied-into-aborting-my-baby/story-e6frfkvr-1226213567894#ixzz1fYcAdlNr

“My eldest sons are 25 now. When I was pregnant with them, I knew of women who had babies with Down syndrome. Today, I never see mums with Down babies. I can’t believe that everyone who finds out their baby has Down syndrome willingly chooses to abort it. I can’t help feeling that other women must be having abortions they don’t want.”

Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/i-was-bullied-into-aborting-my-baby/story-e6frfkvr-1226213567894#ixzz1fYbjsnQ2

'I was bullied into aborting my baby' | News.com.au:

'via Blog this'

ESE Advisory PPP to Broward Principals by Ivan Baratz

2011-12-03T15:44:00.000-05:00

Power Point Presentation to Principals ~ ESE Advisory 1.2

Great job Ivan Baratz of creating this Power Point Presentation for the Principals to view at the beginning of the school year. Awesome job on the presentation! Thanks!

I am NOT going to be Bullied!

2011-12-02T19:56:00.000-05:00

11th annual Inclusive Schools Week is Dec. 5-9, 2011!

2011-12-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

11th annual Inclusive Schools Week is Dec. 5-9, 2011!
Inclusive Schools Week is an annual international event celebrated the first week in December. It is a time when schools and communities can begin or continue the journey toward providing a quality education to all children regardless of differences in ability, gender, ethnicity, language and health status. The Inclusive Schools Network offers Activities and Resources for Schools, Classrooms, and Families. Get your kit today!

http://inclusiveschools.org/files/116/

You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney - 9781592406593 PenguinGroupUSA

2011-11-19T03:10:00.000-05:00

http://youtu.be/8qaRHPeBvyo
You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney ~ 9781592406593 PenguinGroupUSA
Click the link above...this is perfect to watch a couple of times!
ENJOY!!

Some Broward schools unwelcoming, parents say

2011-11-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/education/fl-broward-unfriendly-schools-20111103,0,2339843.story

By Cara Fitzpatrick, Sun Sentinel

10:44 p.m. EDT, November 3, 2011

Public schools in Broward County are losing too many parents at the door.

Parents, one of the biggest keys to student success, say the unfriendly atmosphere at some schools makes them feel unwelcome and unwanted.

"There's no 'Hello,' no 'How are you,'" said Genny Lingard, a mother of two in Hallandale Beach.

Many parents echoed those sentiments at a series of recent public forums hosted by the Broward School District to learn what it's doing right — and wrong — when it comes to engaging parents. The final forum is scheduled for 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at Coconut Creek High School.

CLICK THE LINK AT THE TOP FOR FULL STORY from Cara Fitzpatrick, Sun Sentinel Nov.3rd, 2011

First Nationwide TEST of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a TEST~!!!

2011-11-08T18:48:00.006-05:00

Tomorrow afternoon November 19th, 2011 is the FIRST NATIONWIDE TEST of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a TEST ~ Help Us Spread the Word. Please Forward as Appropriate.

Thanks!
Tom Linley
Director of Emergency Management and Volunteer Services

Emergency Coordinating Officer - ESF15

The Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service
Elliot Building
401 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee Florida 32301
Office Phone 850-414-2977
Cell Phone 850-528-3641

Click here for more info.~ http://myemail.constantcontact.com/1st-Nationwide-TEST---Emergency-Alert-System.html?soid=1102946334533&aid=PI0uuNYKBfU

________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: PUBLIC INFORMATION

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2011 (850) 413-9969
www.FloridaDisaster.org

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OFFICIALS REMIND FLORIDIANS OF THE FIRST NATIONWIDE TEST OF THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM

~TEST to Take Place November 9 at 2 p.m. EST~

TALLAHASSEE -- Emergency Management officials are asking Floridians to take note that on November 9 at 2:00 p.m. eastern standard time, the federal government will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The test will last for 30 seconds. During this period, regularly scheduled television, radio, cable, and satellite shows will be interrupted as the system is being tested. The Division aims to ensure that Florida's residents and visitors are aware that this event is only a test, and not an actual emergency alert.

"In conjunction with our local, county and state agency partners, the Division wants to alert all residents to this important event, and make them aware of the significance of this system's ability to deliver emergency notifications across the country," said Bryan Koon, Director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. "This test will provide important conformational data on the capabilities of the system should it ever need to be activated for an actual emergency."

Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system, as well as its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers both nationally and regionally. The test will also provide the FCC and FEMA a chance to identify improvements that may need to be made to build a modernized and fully accessible Emergency Alert System.

The Division, in partnership with local, county and agency officials, encourages residents to use this event as a reminder of the importance of establishing an emergency plan as well as anemergency preparedness kit for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. For more information about the nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, visit www.Ready.gov. For more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency and to GET A PLAN!, please visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management's homepage: www.FloridaDisaster.org. Follow us on Twitter atwww.Twitter.com/FLSERT and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

________________________

Parents are NOT GETTING NOTIFIED or INFORMED of SAF / SAC / PTO meetings! ~ If there IS A SAF at all!!

2011-11-08T13:58:00.002-05:00

School Advisory Forums aka SAF was put into place for a reason...to be the LINK between PARENTS & the School, District & State things going on.

Today I don't think our PARENTS are being informed of much lately....and all we hear today is all about PARENT INVOLVEMENT!

How the heck can parents get involved in their Child's school and education when Parents are not getting meeting notices with enough time to make PLANS TO ATTEND the meeting or event?

I know that PRINTING anything and putting into our Children's Backpack is THE NOTICE OF LAST RESORT ~ paper & printing costs prevent paper flyers going home in backpacks anymore! There are lots of other ways to LET PARENTS KNOW in advance of upcoming meetings and dates to put on their calendars, so babysitters can be set-up and plans to attend are on the parents schedule to attend.

I am the SAF CHAIR at my daughters school and it has had its BUMPS-IN-THE-ROAD (literally!!) just setting up our FIRST REAL SAF~School Advisory Forum MEETING!! Informing Parents & the Community of upcoming SAF meetings should be a priority today more than ever! Parent Involvement is the big BUZZ word everyone is talking about today!

I drove by my daughters school on Friday morning....there was nothing listed on the outdoor school sign about the upcoming SAF / SAC / PTO meeting that was coming up that upcoming Monday evening at 6PM. This could have been done over the weekend, so those driving by the school over the weekend could see the announcement on the school sign and BE AWARE of the upcoming SAF / SAC / PTO PARENT INVOLVEMENT MEETINGS happening at our school on Monday! How is putting the information on the outdoor sign at 11AM the morning of the 6PM evening meeting really giving parents notice and time to make plans to attend good? That is giving 7 HOURS NOTICE...if the parents even see or look at the sign within that small window of time... 7 HOURS...PLaahZeee....really.... 7 hours before the meeting that evening?

No 1/4 page or 1/2 sheet note came home in my daughters backpack....I did see a note on the Cafeteria door on Friday during the Fall Festival...but what about those that didn't attend the Fall Festival....

While I was at my daughters Tutoring lesson, I received a PARENT-LINK call at 5:25PM ~ A HALF HOUR BEFORE THE SAF / SAC / PTO MEETING!!

Really....a HALF-HOUR NOTICE parents get an auto-caller INFORMING PARENTS of a meeting in a half hour? WOW!! Thanks for the call!!

Our school has a Facebook page...I saw that close to 7:45PM on Sunday the day before the meetings a post was put on FB...what about the families that don't have internet? How are ALL families being notified of PARENT MEETINGS at your school?

I do believe something DRASTICALLY DIFFERENT HAS TO BE DONE and something different needs to take place...at least at my daughters school....since I have first had knowledge how SITE BASE MANAGEMENT is being handled and how parents are not being notified of upcoming SAF meetings. I know there are many schools that don't even have SAF meetings, because they don't have a SAF CHAIR. SAF is the Parent Voice and the LINK for communication between school and district things going on.

SITE BASED MANAGEMENT IS THE PROBLEM with many of our schools. Schools are SHUTTING OUT PARENTS ON PURPOSE!! Especially the Special Needs Parents & Families......we have no voice...and certainly the ESE Parent Voice means nothing to those that could actually HELP with better SITE BASED MANAGEMENT ISSUES & CONCERNS from Parents!

I can't keep silent any longer about the SITE BASED MANAGEMENT ISSUES that is a common mode of operation now in place at many of our Broward County Schools!

Our New Superintendent, Robert Runcie is doing LISTENING TOURS throughout the Land-of-Broward....hope he's listening! Hope he cares...really cares about those that have no voice....students with very unique learning challenges and their parents caring for them!

THE ONLY THING THAT IS CONSTANT IS CHANGE!

Broward schools need to CHANGE how they Partner with Parents ~ how they INFORM PARENTS & make Parents Feel Welcomed back on our Children's Schools!

Parent Volunteers are just that....PARENTS...and that includes PARENTS of Special Needs! Let's stop the nonsense and start INCLUDING our Special Needs Parents as Partners in Education!

SAF - SAC - PTO/PTA Have you been to one at your school?

POLICY 1.3 ~ EVERY School shall have a School Advisory Forum (SAF) that shall foster and promote communication between its stakeholders, the school, and the Area Advisory Council. The SAF shall bring forth recommendations, concerns and interests to and from the Area Advisory Council.

GET INVOLVED in your Child's School....Parents TAKE BACK OUR SCHOOLS!

Find out WHO IS YOUR SAF CHAIR ! Get Involved! Please take the little SAF~POLL that is on the right hand side of this blog.

Runcie wants to meet and connect with parents and community members to establish a channel of two-way communication and build support

2011-11-07T22:10:00.000-05:00

BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEWS RELEASE

DATE: November 4, 2011

CONTACT: Nadine Drew, Public Relations & Governmental Affairs, 754-321-2300

Broward Schools Superintendent Plans 'Listening Tour'

Broward County Public Schools new superintendent of schools, Robert W. Runcie, will be “hitting the road” soon as he conducts a blitz of listening sessions across Broward County. The “listening tour” is part of the kick off his tenure as superintendent of the nation’s sixth largest school district.

Runcie wants to meet and connect with parents and community members to establish a channel of two-way communication and build support to improve student achievement and performance. The perspectives, experiences, opinions and concerns expressed by parents and community members, will be used in developing the next District Strategic Plan. The listening sessions, to be held at several high schools throughout the District, are open to all parents and community members.

“In my meetings and conversations with parents, teachers, students, business and community members I’m finding a common theme. Our school system is Broward County’s biggest asset, and everyone I speak with is tremendously proud of the Broward County Public Schools and the quality of education we provide to our students. I hope to get our stakeholders’ perspective on that which we do very well and that which we can do better,” said Runcie.

The public is invited to take part in the conversation during one of these sessions. All sessions begin will begin at 6:30 p.m.:

Monday, November 14 at Fort Lauderdale High School, 1600 NE Fourth Ave., Ft. Lauderdale 33305
Tuesday, November 29 at Blanche Ely High School, 1201 NW Sixth Ave., Pompano Beach 33060
Monday, December 5 at Coral Glades High School, 2700 Sportsplex Drive, Coral Springs 33065
Monday, December 12 at Hollywood Hills High School, 5400 Stirling Rd., Hollywood 33021
Wednesday, January 4 at Coconut Creek High School, 1400 NW 44th Ave., Coconut Creek 33066
Monday, January 9 at Flanagan High School, 12800 Taft St., Pembroke Pines 33028
Tuesday, January 17 at Cypress Bay High School, 18600 Vista Park Blvd., Weston 33332
Thursday, January 19 at Dillard High School, 2501 NW 11th St., Ft. Lauderdale 33311

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ABOUT BROWARD COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the nation's sixth largest public school system and the largest fully accredited district with over 258,000 students in 234 schools and education centers and 76 charter schools. For more information about BCPS, visit (www.browardschools.com). Follow BCPS on Twitter (@Browardschools). Find us on Facebook at (www.facebook.com/browardschools).

Thoughtful Inclusion in Middle School~is it Happening anywhere in Broward?

2011-11-07T21:17:00.000-05:00

This is what I posted on my Facebook Page ~ Nov. 7th, 2011
~ Nothing coming in.............

Nancy Linley-Harris
‎...any suggestions from teachers or admins out there in Facebook Land that work in a Broward Middle School?..... Which School really is doing Thoughtful Inclusion in a Broward School? .... email me privately ~ podsangels@bellsouth.net

My daughter has worked so very hard to 'fit-in' as a unique learner and we are hoping to continue more of the same wonderful stuff.....into 6th grade and beyond! Fully Included.....

~ HELP! ~ I need some suggestions on schools to go visit now...!! ~

Please email me privately at:
My email

THANKS!

*SomeONE....please let me know of at least ONE Middle School that is doing thoughtful INCLUSION of students with Down syndrome.....in the General Education Classroom.................

Your Schools ESE PARENT REPS.....WHO R THEY?

2011-10-16T16:20:00.008-04:00

ESE Parent Reps at your schools are an important link to communication between the individual schools, the iZones, your Area and ultimately the District Level.

ESE Parent Reps are encouraged and needed to attend the Broward Ese Advisory 1st Wed. of the month meetings.
~ Next one is Wed.Nov.3rd,2011~6:30PM ~

ESE ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS are Held 1st Wednesday of each month at PiPER HiGH School
Media Center starting at 6:30PM. Please tell others and
Share-A-Ride and make it a Parents Night Out in the process.

Find out if your individual schools ESE Parent Rep has a Child with a Disability or if their Child is GIFTED. There SHOULD be one of each. It is important your schools ESE Parent Rep should be encouraging all ESE Parents to attend any and all things ESE specifically....and especially making sure the monthly ESE Advisory meeting INFORMATION is being sent out to the ESE Families on your campus, so they KNOW about the monthly meetings and ESE Information from those meetings.

ESE Parent Reps should be encouraged to begin working closely with school SAF Chairs for local district, state and federal changes to education and being able to Start the Parental Engagement Process at the 1st level of being an Involved Parent Volunteering at your Child's School!

Make plans to attend the next Broward Ese Advisory meeting on: WED. NOV.2nd @6:30PM-9PM Piper High Community School Media - Library. www.browardeseadvisory.com
click underlined above will take you directly to the BROWARD ESE ADVISORY Website.

"See...easy!"

....my daughter says!

What is SAF?

2011-10-14T15:29:00.000-04:00

What is SAF?
The School Advisory Forum (SAF) is open to all members of the school and community.

1. Plan, develop, and implement parent/community programs and training activities.
2. Address parent/community concerns; work with administration to solve problems and initiate desired changes.
3. Identify and coordinates the use of community resources to improve student achievement and school effectiveness.
4. Participate in increasing/sustaining high levels of community support for the school.
5. Assist SAC in identifying the educational needs and priorities of the school.
6. Participate in the preparation of the budget, and review budget related concerns.
7. Advocated for positive change in the school.
8. Remain current with school, district, state, and national issues.
9. Jointly works with School Board Members, Superintendent, and local Government officials. Facilities, Safety, Legislative, ESE, ESOL, Boundaries, Curriculum, Dress code, and Transportation are all issues addressed by SAF

*This is what I stand for at my daughters school.

PARENTS GET INVOLVED at your schools ~ YOU are all SAF MEMBERS!

SAF ~ POLICY 1.3

2011-10-12T00:12:00.001-04:00

1.3 POLICY 1.3
SAF ~ SCHOOL ADVISORY FORUM
A SCHOOL ADVISORY FORUM SHALL BE ESTABLISHED FOR EACH SCHOOL IN THE
DISTRICT.
Authority: The School Board of Broward County, Florida
Policy Adopted: 7/29/76; 7/21/77;5/3/79;5/21/91,4/23/96
Policy Amended 10/20/98; 12/12/00, 7/06/04
A. Every school shall have a School Advisory Forum (SAF) that shall foster and promote
communication between its stakeholders, the school, and the Area Advisory Council. The
SAF shall bring forth recommendations, concerns and interests to and from their Area
Advisory Council.
B. MEMBERSHIP
1. The membership of the School Advisory Forum (SAF) shall be representative of the school
community to include parents or guardians of students enrolled In the school, students of the
school, business partners of the school, community members and business people.
Participation from all ethnic, religious, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds is welcomed
and encouraged.
2. A Broward County School Board employee shall not be the chair at the school where
employed. The Chair and Vice-chair shall be a parent or custodial guardian of a student who
will be enrolled and attending the school during their term of service. Officers should be
elected per their school bylaws.
C. DUTIES
1. All duties will be advisory in nature, none of which will conflict with any of the powers and
duties reserved by law, policy, or administrative guidelines to the principal.
2. Actively participate with the School Advisory Council in identifying the educational needs
and priorities of the school.
3. Actively participate with the principal in the preparation of the budget, and reviewing the
budget-related concerns after each FTE count.
4. Indicate awareness of the program and plans for the school by the signature of the
chairperson on the budget when it is submitted for district budget preparation.
5. Assist in the identification and coordination of the use of community resources to improve
student achievement and school effectiveness.
6. Address parent/community concerns; work with the administration to solve problems and t o
initiate desirable change.
7. Assist in increasing/sustaining high levels of community support for the school.
8. Assist in planning, developing and implementing parent/community programs and training
activities.
9. Participate in joint training opportunities with the School Advisory Council.
10. In addition to individual School Advisory Forum meetings, hold semi-annual meetings jointly
with the School Advisory Council.
1.3 1.3
SCHOOL ADVISORY FORUM
11. The School Advisory Forum shall use guidelines developed by the district, develop and adopt
procedural bylaws, conduct meetings in accordance with the Florida Sunshine Laws, and
conduct meetings according to Robert’s Rules of Order, Newly Revised.
12. Record, maintain, and post minutes of all meetings at the school in accordance with the
Florida Sunshine Laws.
13. School Advisory Forum (SAF) chairperson or designee shall represent SAF as a voting
member at School Advisory Council meetings.
14. SAF Chair or designee shall represent SAF as voting member of the Area Advisory Council
meetings.
15. School Advisory Forums and its officers are prohibited from using their titles and/or positions
to endorse, or give the impression of endorsing, candidates for public office
D. VOTING RIGHTS:
Meetings are open to all, but voting rights are granted only to members who are parents or
guardians of students who are enrolled in the school or matriculating to the school the following
year, students of the school, employees of the school and business partners of the school. To
vote at any meeting, members must sign in, present proof that they meet the voting membership
requirements, if requested.

Shhh! School ADVISORY FORUMS~Why are they soo QUIET? "Parent Involvment"

2011-10-04T20:01:00.049-04:00

School Advisory Forums aka SAF ~ Why are they sooo QUIET? "Parent Involvment"

How can we have PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT today when the BASIC PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT LINKAGE between our Children's Home School and the Area of the County they live in and the different PARENT LED Advisory Councils are NOT Working Together for the Common Goal of providing "WHO" these Parents Are at our Individual Schools?

When a parent asks, "Who is my SAF Chair person?" at their school and administration or the principal doesn't give that parent an answer, because they say they don't know or they will find out and get back the them about it. After several emails coming from the parent asking again and again sometimes 2 and 3 times and never being provided with the SAF persons name and contact information. Still the parent that WANTS TO GET INVOLVED or IS ALREADY INVOLVED is many times not being provided with any contact information on "Who is the SAF person at my school?"

WHAT IS THE BIG SECRET about this SAF STUFF??

At individual schools Parents are not always notified of upcoming school happenings, like the PTA/PTO, SAC, SAF meetings. Parents have to almost get lucky they saw something or many times it's another parent they hear things from. Notification of the different Area meetings and the different Programs and District meetings are not usually talked about or encouraged to get involved in from our neighborhood schools. Why is that? For the most part parents are being provided minimal time to receive upcoming meeting times & location information.

What is needed is some form of WHAT'S GOING ON in our District to allow parents a way to pick and choose from all the meetings. Maybe this is already in place, via many different avenues and the media. At our Child's schools do ALL parents have access to information, so they can at least be provided the ability to Choose to attend upcoming, meetings, trainings and fun events.

Where is our one stop shop for Information via a Public Schools NEWS channel for Parents? I know we have BEACON TV...but do ALL Parents know what it is? ...or have access to it? If not, then how else are we providing information to parents?

Parents today are feeling more and more that our schools are off limits to Parents. Drop em off at the door and parents don't cross the line......during the day our Children belong to the 'educational system"......Parent Involvement ends there.....they bring them to school and can't go on school grounds anymore.

How can there ever be parent involvement when the entire school system doesn't welcome us? The FEW of us that are still out there everyday trying to create and do right by all of us.....are FED UP! I'm FED UP with the Nonsense that goes on so often around here!

I WANT US ALL TO TAKE OUR SCHOOLS BACK!
GET INVOLVED IN EDUCATION & STAY INVOLVED!
Our Future Generation Depend on Us to Get Involved Today!

It's about our COMMUNITY
~ Our Schools ARE THE COMMUNITY!

Exclusive: Parents say abuse cover-up extends to state agency - CBS Atlanta 46

2011-09-30T22:39:00.000-04:00

Exclusive: Parents say abuse cover-up extends to state agency - CBS Atlanta 46

New Broward Superintendent plans staff changes ~ Sun-Sentinel

2011-09-23T23:00:00.001-04:00

http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/educationblog/2011/09/new_broward_superintendent_pla_1.html

New Broward superintendent plans staff

changes

By Cara FitzpatrickSeptember 22, 2011 02:54 PM

Broward County's new school superintendent isn't even on the

job yet, but he's already got big plans for the district. In an
e-mail to the School Board this week, Robert Runcie, who's still
negotiating a contract with the district, outlined some key staffing
changes he'd like to make ASAP, including the addition of two
new administrative positions.

click here to read entire article.

• Plan for my Listening Tour - I am asking all Board members to assist me by
providing a list of constituents and organizations important to our mission. I will also
meet with teachers, principals, students and parents during this process.

• Reach out to my neighboring superintendents in Miami-Dade, Palm Beach and Collier.

DS Advocate

The Closed Door Policy 1.1

Many TITLE 1 (high-poverty) schools shortchanged in Broward County

To My Old Master ~ A CONFIDENT - Educated SELF ADVOCATE!

Broken Record Sayings & IEP Meeting Conversation Stoppers

Broward schools chief hosts ‘listening tour’ - School Notes - MiamiHerald.com

Dancer With Down Syndrome Wins First Place In Contest - Entertainment News Story - WLWT Cincinnati

Reece's Rainbow ~ to Forever Homes

Shake It Up ~ Shake It Out

5 Tips for Raising a Child with Down Syndrome - Big Kids | SmartParenting.com.ph

5 Tips for Raising a Child with Down Syndrome

By Tina Santiago-Rodriguez

'I was bullied into aborting my baby' | News.com.au

ESE Advisory PPP to Broward Principals by Ivan Baratz

I am NOT going to be Bullied!

11th annual Inclusive Schools Week is Dec. 5-9, 2011!

You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney - 9781592406593 PenguinGroupUSA

Some Broward schools unwelcoming, parents say

First Nationwide TEST of the Emergency Alert System. This is only a TEST~!!!

Parents are NOT GETTING NOTIFIED or INFORMED of SAF / SAC / PTO meetings! ~ If there IS A SAF at all!!

Runcie wants to meet and connect with parents and community members to establish a channel of two-way communication and build support

Thoughtful Inclusion in Middle School~is it Happening anywhere in Broward?

My daughter has worked so very hard to 'fit-in' as a unique learner and we are hoping to continue more of the same wonderful stuff.....into 6th grade and beyond! Fully Included.....

~ HELP! ~ I need some suggestions on schools to go visit now...!! ~

Please email me privately at: My email

THANKS! *SomeONE....please let me know of at least ONE Middle School that is doing thoughtful INCLUSION of students with Down syndrome.....in the General Education Classroom.................

Your Schools ESE PARENT REPS.....WHO R THEY?

What is SAF?

SAF ~ POLICY 1.3

Shhh! School ADVISORY FORUMS~Why are they soo QUIET? "Parent Involvment"

Exclusive: Parents say abuse cover-up extends to state agency - CBS Atlanta 46

New Broward Superintendent plans staff changes ~ Sun-Sentinel

New Broward superintendent plans staff

changes

Please email me privately at:
My email

THANKS!

*SomeONE....please let me know of at least ONE Middle School that is doing thoughtful INCLUSION of students with Down syndrome.....in the General Education Classroom.................