MAY 2015 NEWS
WANTED: NEW SEAC MEMBERS FOR 2015 2016
Applications are now being taken for the 2015 2016 Warren County Special Education Advisory Committee. We are in need of more members! If you are interested in serving on this advisory committee to our school board, please complete an application (you can click here to download it) and forward it to: Warren County Public Schools, Special Services, 209 West Criser Rd., Front Royal, VA 22630
What are the benefits of being on the Special Education Advisory Committee? Through your involvement you may be able to
- learn more about the processes and procedures for special education
- direct any comments or concerns to the appropriate school division personnel
- locate resources regarding special education
- network with others in the community who are also committed to quality special education services in our school division
If you have any questions you may either call Laurie Adams, SEAC Chair, at 540-683-1767, or Michael Hirsch, Director of Special Services, at 540-683-2725, ext. 33223
- learn more about the processes and procedures for special education
- direct any comments or concerns to the appropriate school division personnel
- locate resources regarding special education
- network with others in the community who are also committed to quality special education services in our school division
Parent Involvement Survey
If you are the parent of a child receiving Special Education services in Warren County, have you completed the Parent Involvement Survey for the 2014 2015 school year yet? As explained at the survey website,
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each state to submit a special education State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR) to the U.S. Department of Education.
One of the indicators in the Performance Plan requires states to report: Percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities.
This survey is not intended to measure satisfaction with the special education program. It is designed to determine whether or not the school facilitated parent involvement.
Please click here to complete the survey online. Questions may be directed to Hank Millward at the Virginia Department of Education, (804) 371-0525 or hank.millward@doe.virginia.gov
Camp Follow the Leader!
Looking for a summer camp for your child with physical or developmental challenges? Check out this well-known and well-liked (among many parents and children in our area!) camp held in Winchester:
Guest Speaker at our May SEAC Meeting
Our May SEAC meeting was held Monday, May 18. Our guest speaker was Joyce Jenkins-Wimmer, our school division's College Access Network Coordinator. She spoke regarding preparation for college for students with special needs. Information regarding the differences in laws and responsibilities between high school education and post-secondary education for students with disabilities was shared, and we learned about a program at Lord Fairfax Community College: the LFCC TRIO Student Support Services Program.
Ms. Jenkins-Wimmer counsels students at both Skyline High School and Warren County High School. If you are interested in speaking with her, she can be contacted at (540) 631-0366 ext 44124, or via e-mail at jwimmer@wcps.k12.va.us We would like to thank Ms. Jenkins-Wimmer for her informative presentation!
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires each state to submit a special education State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Report (APR) to the U.S. Department of Education.
One of the indicators in the Performance Plan requires states to report: Percent of parents with a child receiving special education services who report that schools facilitated parent involvement as a means of improving services and results for children with disabilities.
This survey is not intended to measure satisfaction with the special education program. It is designed to determine whether or not the school facilitated parent involvement.Please click here to complete the survey online. Questions may be directed to Hank Millward at the Virginia Department of Education, (804) 371-0525 or hank.millward@doe.virginia.gov
Camp Follow the Leader!
Looking for a summer camp for your child with physical or developmental challenges? Check out this well-known and well-liked (among many parents and children in our area!) camp held in Winchester:
Guest Speaker at our May SEAC Meeting
Our May SEAC meeting was held Monday, May 18. Our guest speaker was Joyce Jenkins-Wimmer, our school division's College Access Network Coordinator. She spoke regarding preparation for college for students with special needs. Information regarding the differences in laws and responsibilities between high school education and post-secondary education for students with disabilities was shared, and we learned about a program at Lord Fairfax Community College: the LFCC TRIO Student Support Services Program.
Ms. Jenkins-Wimmer counsels students at both Skyline High School and Warren County High School. If you are interested in speaking with her, she can be contacted at (540) 631-0366 ext 44124, or via e-mail at jwimmer@wcps.k12.va.us We would like to thank Ms. Jenkins-Wimmer for her informative presentation!
Calendar of Community Events
Don't forget to check out the calendar on our website!
Also, if you have not already done so, get on the mailing list for our monthly newsletter (you can contact our secretary, Mary Olin, at maryroseolin
Don't forget to check out the calendar on our website!
Also, if you have not already done so, get on the mailing list for our monthly newsletter (you can contact our secretary, Mary Olin, at maryroseolin
Also, if you have not already done so, get on the mailing list for our monthly newsletter (you can contact our secretary, Mary Olin, at maryroseolin
APRIL NEWS
Special Olympics
Coming in May! Kickball will be held at the "Free Wheeling Playground" each Wednesday from May 13th though June 3rd from 4:00-5:30 pm. Ages 8 and older. This is a FREE event. Pre-registration is required. For questions and registration information contact Michael Hirsch 540-635-2725.
FEBRUARY 2015 NEWS
SEAC Monthly Meeting, Monday, February 16, 2015
SEAC will be meeting on February 16, 2015 at Special Services/Diversified Minds located at the15th Street Building at 12:30 p.m. to hear a presentation about the Diversified Minds program and a presentation by the Warren County Public Schools Transitions coordinator. This meeting is in lieu of the regular meeting.
This meeting will be primarily for committee members. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this meeting or any other matter that might be of interest to SEAC, please contact Laurie Adams, SEAC Chair, at (540) 683-1767, or Michael Hirsch, Director of Special Services, at (540) 635-2725.
Public Safety Presentation for Families
Our SEAC meeting in March will be devoted to hosting guest speaker, Scott Campbell, a disability advocate from Northern Virginia, who will be speaking to families about public safety for individuals with autism and cognitive disability. This event will be held on Monday, March 16, 7pm, at the Warren County Public Safety Building, 200 Skyline Vista Drive. Scott is a member of the Virginia Public Safety Workgroup for Autism, an initiative of Commonwealth Autism. This workgroup provides autism awareness training to groups it has targeted in its five year plan, including law enforcement, fire rescue services, families, and judicial personnel. Presentations are also scheduled in Warren County for fire rescue personnel and law enforcement. Please contact Laurie Adams if you have any questions about this event, phone number 540-683-1767, or via email at leesja@gmail.com
SEAC January Meeting Highlight
SEAC January Meeting Highlight
On December 4, 2014, the SEAC executive committee represented by Shawn McClosky gave input at the Warren County School Board public input meeting concerning the qualities the community would like to see in the new superintendent. The main talking point presented by the committee was that the superintendent should have a strong background in special education. The results from the school board survey, public input and input received by the search committee, Real Synergy, can be found at the following website: http://www.wcps.k12.va.us/ - Look on left hand menu: Superintendent Search.
Did You Know?
The Virginia Department of Behavior Health and Developmental Services is working in partnership with Virginia’s families, advocates, providers, Community Service Boards and national experts to redesign the Medicaid I/DD waiver system in three areas: Community Living, Family and Individual Supports, and Building Independence for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. To learn more please visit:
There are two links on this page that may be of interest: What You Need to Know about Waiver Redesign and FAQ WaiverRedesign.
JANUARY 2015 NEWS
Update on the ABLE Act
The "Achieving a Better Life Experience" (ABLE) Act of 2014 will allow people with disabilities, whose condition was onset up to 26 years of age, and their families the chance to create a tax-exempt savings account that can be used for maintaining health, independence and quality of life. It was first introduced in 2006 and was passed by the U.S. Senate on December 16, 2014.
One of the benefits of this Act is that it allows individuals with disabilities the means to have a type of savings account without threatening their eligibility for public benefits, like Social Security and Medicaid.
The National Disability Institute has information and lists "10 Things You Must Know" regarding the ABLE Act. Click here to view.
The "Achieving a Better Life Experience" (ABLE) Act of 2014 will allow people with disabilities, whose condition was onset up to 26 years of age, and their families the chance to create a tax-exempt savings account that can be used for maintaining health, independence and quality of life. It was first introduced in 2006 and was passed by the U.S. Senate on December 16, 2014.
One of the benefits of this Act is that it allows individuals with disabilities the means to have a type of savings account without threatening their eligibility for public benefits, like Social Security and Medicaid.
The National Disability Institute has information and lists "10 Things You Must Know" regarding the ABLE Act. Click here to view.
SEAC Monthly Meeting, Monday, January 12, 2015
Topic: A Day in the Life of a Special Educator
Guest Speakers: Amanda Logan and Kathy Nutt, Educators
Location: 600 West 15th Street (at the Special Services/Diversified Minds Entrance)
Time: 7:00pm
Please join us!
Questions? Contact our Chairperson, Laurie Adams, at (540) 683-1767 or Jackie Jenkins, 540.635.2725 extension: 33223.
Warren County Area 13 Special Olympics Bowling
When: Wednesdays: January 28 - March 8. 4:00 - 5:15pm
Where: Royal Family Bowling Center, 430 Remount Rd., Front Royal
For questions and registration information contact: Carol Olson 622-4443, Jackie Jenkins, 540.635.2725 extension: 33223.
** Our apologies! The starting date was listed incorrectly in our December newsletter. Special Olympics bowling begins January 28, not January 7.
When: Wednesdays: January 28 - March 8. 4:00 - 5:15pm
Where: Royal Family Bowling Center, 430 Remount Rd., Front Royal
For questions and registration information contact: Carol Olson 622-4443, Jackie Jenkins, 540.635.2725 extension: 33223.
** Our apologies! The starting date was listed incorrectly in our December newsletter. Special Olympics bowling begins January 28, not January 7.
** Our apologies! The starting date was listed incorrectly in our December newsletter. Special Olympics bowling begins January 28, not January 7.
Additional News from the SEAC Monthly Newsletter
Congratulations Barbara Criste of Strasburg who is the winner of the Special Olympics holiday raffle.
Monkey Joes located at 141 Market St, Winchester, VA 22603, 540.662.5221 hosts an Evening for Exceptional Children and their families every 3rd Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Admission for special needs children is free and family and friends (12 & under) are invited to join them for only $5.00. Website: http://www.monkeyjoes.com/
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, please notify us of your interest via the "Contact Us" form on our website!
Congratulations Barbara Criste of Strasburg who is the winner of the Special Olympics holiday raffle.
Monkey Joes located at 141 Market St, Winchester, VA 22603, 540.662.5221 hosts an Evening for Exceptional Children and their families every 3rd Wednesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Admission for special needs children is free and family and friends (12 & under) are invited to join them for only $5.00. Website: http://www.monkeyjoes.com/
If you would like to subscribe to our newsletter, please notify us of your interest via the "Contact Us" form on our website!
OCTOBER 2014 NEWS
SEAC Monthly Meeting, Tour of School Program
SEAC committee members will be visiting Ressie Jefferies Elementary School this month for an overview of the program that supports students with emotional disabilities as well as the Therapeutic Day Treatment program.
This meeting will be primarily for committee members and will be in lieu of our regular monthly meeting. This visit is to help SEAC meet their goal of increasing knowledge of the special education programs offered by each school in the district in order to help the committee identify needs, develop strategies, and make recommendations for improving special education services.
If you have any questions about this meeting or any additional SEAC matter please contact our Chairperson, Laurie Adams, at (540) 683-1767 or Michael Hirsch, Direction of Warren County Public School Special Services, at (540) 635-2725.
SEAC committee members will be visiting Ressie Jefferies Elementary School this month for an overview of the program that supports students with emotional disabilities as well as the Therapeutic Day Treatment program.
This meeting will be primarily for committee members and will be in lieu of our regular monthly meeting. This visit is to help SEAC meet their goal of increasing knowledge of the special education programs offered by each school in the district in order to help the committee identify needs, develop strategies, and make recommendations for improving special education services.
Warren County Area 13 Special Olympics Basketball
When: Wednesdays: October 29 - December 17 (excluding November 26th), 4:00 - 5:15pm
Where: Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School, 290 Westminster Drive, Front Royal
For questions and registration information contact: Carol Olson 622-4443, Michael Hirsch 635-2725
When: Wednesdays: October 29 - December 17 (excluding November 26th), 4:00 - 5:15pm
Where: Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School, 290 Westminster Drive, Front Royal
For questions and registration information contact: Carol Olson 622-4443, Michael Hirsch 635-2725
SEPTEMBER 2014 NEWS
SEAC Monthly Meeting, Special Guest Speaker!
Our monthly meeting will be held Monday, September 15th, at the Warren County School Board Annex on 15th Street.
- Topic: "Collaborative Teaching: Clarifying Vocabulary"
- Guest Speaker: Carla Scott, Instructional Specialist, Special Education, Warren County Public Schools
- Time: 7:00pm
Have you heard of "Collaborative Teaching" and wondered what it is? Come to this meeting and find out! All in our community are invited.
- Topic: "Collaborative Teaching: Clarifying Vocabulary"
- Guest Speaker: Carla Scott, Instructional Specialist, Special Education, Warren County Public Schools
- Time: 7:00pm
"Wings for All" Airport Rehearsal Program
This is a program designed to help individuals with disabilities become familiar with the process of air travel. It will walk families through ticketing, security, and then boarding the plane. Two events are planned this fall:
- Saturday, November 1, 2014 ~Dulles International Airport, 6:45am Click here to register.
- Saturday, November 8, 2014~Ronald Reagan National Airport, TBD, Click here to register.
Additional programs are being planned for the spring. For more information check out www.thearc.org/wingsforautism.
- Saturday, November 1, 2014 ~Dulles International Airport, 6:45am Click here to register.
- Saturday, November 8, 2014~Ronald Reagan National Airport, TBD, Click here to register.
AUGUST 2014 NEWS
Committee for the 2014-2015 School Year
A recommended slate of names for the 2014-2015 SEAC Committee will be presented to the Warren County School Board in a meeting this month for approval. We are in the planning stages for the new school year and will share more information after our August meeting, to be held Monday, August 18th.
New Meeting Location for SEAC beginning this school year
Effective beginning in August, we have a new meeting location. We will now meet at the Warren County School Board Annex, located at 600 West 15th Street (this is the former location of Warren County Middle School and now serves as the "Warren County Health and Human Services Complex). Our meeting time remains the same, beginning at 7pm.
Directions: When arriving at the building, enter the parking lot at the left side. Continue back along the left side of the building and you can park near the entrance labeled "Warren County School Board Annex/Diversified Minds Program." Our meeting location is within this entrance, 2nd door on the left.
Questions? Contact Laurie Adams, Chairperson, at leesja@gmail.com, or call Michael Hirsch, Director of Special Services, at 540-635-2725.
Our meetings are open to the public. Anyone who is interested in Special Education in our community is invited to attend!
Our meetings are open to the public. Anyone who is interested in Special Education in our community is invited to attend!
The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act (ABLE Act)
"The ABLE Act (H.R. 647/S. 313) is federal legislation that aims to ease financial strains faced by individuals with disabilities by making tax-free savings accounts available to cover qualified expenses such as education, housing, and transportation. The bill would supplement, but not supplant, benefits provided through private insurances, the Medicaid program, the supplemental security income program, the beneficiary’s employment, and other sources."
Click here to find out more about this proposed Federal Legislation that was introduced by Congressman Ander Crenshaw and Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) in 2013.
MAY 2014 NEWS
Camp Follow the Leader
This is a camp offered by Valley Health Rehabilitation Services, in partnership with Bethel Lutheran Church. It is for children with physical and/or developmental challenges ranging in age from 5-10 years. This year it will be held from July 28th-August 1st, from 9am-1pm at Bethel Lutheran Church in Winchester. This camp fills up fast, so register as soon as possible! Click here for more information. You can call Valley Health for more information at 540-536-8000.Highlights from our May SEAC Meeting
Our May meeting was held Monday, May 19th.
Applications are being taken for SEAC for the 2014-2015 school year.
If you are interested in serving on our committee, applications are currently being taken. You can find out more about our SEAC on this website, or you can check out information about SEACs on the Virginia Department of Education website. Click here.
You can download an application from the Warren County Public Schools website, click here.
Interested members are encouraged to join us at our final meeting for this school year at the Warren County Community Center at 7pm on Monday, June 16th!
APRIL 2014 NEWS
Special Olympics
The Warren County Local chapter of Special Olympics will hold a "Mini-Chimers" music course on Wednesdays in April. It begins April 2nd and will be held at the Front Royal United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall from 4-5:30pm. This session will conclude with a concert on Wednesday, April 30th at 5pm. New athletes must submit medical and registration forms before participating. If you have any questions please contact Jackie Jenkins at 540-635-2725, ext. 33223, or Allyson Shayner Gillispie at 540-683-9768
"Eggcessible" Easter Egg Hunt for Children with Special Needs
The "Eggcessible Easter Egg Hunt," sponsored by Winchester Parks and Rec., will be held Tuesday, April 8th, from 10-11am at Jim Barnett Park Gym (War and Memorial Building). This is the area's only Easter Egg Hunt for children with special needs. It is for children aged 2-14. Questions may be directed to Leslie at Winchester Parks and Rec., 540-662-4946 Ext. 1816
MARCH 2014 NEWS
Monthly Meeting
Our March meeting will be held Monday, March 17th, 7pm, in meeting room 4 at the Warren County Community Center. Shawn McCloskey, one of our committee members, will do a "Hot Topic" Presentation on Communication and Speech Disorders. We will also review the Special Education Annual Plan.
Grinkids.org
Families with children who have a chronic disability or are terminally ill, ages 5 to 11 can fill out an application on grinkids.org to be considered for a free trip to Disney World. Deadline is June 2014.
Discovery Week in Baltimore, Maryland
Special Needs "Discovery Week" at Port Discovery Children's Museum located in Baltimore, Maryland's Inner Harbor is hosting the following:
- Tuesday, May 13, 2014 Autism All Inclusive Day
- Wednesday, May 14, 2014 Special Needs Pre-K to 2nd grade
- Thursday, may 15, 2014 Special Needs 3rd grade and up
- Friday, May 16, 2014 All Inclusive
Contact Information: Kristie Gulick (410) 864-2664 email: kgulick@portdiscovery.org
JANUARY 2014 NEWS
Monthly Meeting
Our meeting for January will be the 2nd Monday of the month (instead of the 3rd Monday of the Month as it usually is). Here are the details:When: Monday, January 13th, 7pm
Where: Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Rd., Front Royal
Our committee Vice Chair, Antoinette Funk, M.Ed., will do a "hot topic" presentation on "Neurological Conditions, I.E: The Magnificent Brain." We will also discuss other business we are working on. Please contact our Committee Chair, Laurie Adams, if you have any questions: leesja@gmail.com or 540-683-1767.
Special Olympics Bowling
This activity is due to begin on Wednesday, January 29th. It will be held at the Royal Family Bowling Center in Front Royal Wednesdays this winter on Wednesdays from January 29 - March 19. A registration form (including physical exam) is required before participation. Athletes must be at least 8 years old. Any questions call Winnie Ehlinger at 540-636-1688.
Education Group for Parents and Those Who Care for Children on the Autism Spectrum
"Essential Pieces" is a group that meets in sessions of roughly 8 weeks at a time, several times during the year. Additionally, a social group is available for children, if they are pre-registered (sessions fill up, so register as soon as you can!)Their winter session begins Thursday, January 16 and runs through March 13. Their lineup of speakers and topics this session is quite impressive! You can check it out on our SEAC calendar, where information for each of the meetings is posted.
If there is any information you would like to share on our page please contact Laurie Adams!
**Please note: Information shared on the Warren County SEAC page does not reflect endorsement by our SEAC or Warren County Public Schools, it is provided for informational purposes only.
NOVEMBER 2013 NEWS
Parent Mentoring for the Families of Students with Disabilities
We are in the process of forming a Parent Mentoring Committee. If you are interested in being involved as a mentor or would like to receive mentoring assistance, please contact Laurie Adams at leesja@gmail.com or call 540-683-1767.Monthly Meeting
Our next monthly meeting will be held Monday, November 18, 7pm, at the Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, Meeting Room 5. (Please note, this is a different room than we normally meet in)
Meeting Topics:
- "Hot Topic" Presentation this month: Transition out of Secondary Education for Students on the Autism Spectrum, given by Carol Harlow, Parent and Educator
- Credit Accomodations for Students with Disabilities, given by Dena Lee, Special Education Supervisor
OCTOBER 2013 NEWS
Monthly Meeting
Our next monthly meeting is Monday, October 21, 7pm, at the Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Avenue, Meeting Room 4. Kelly Hoynoski, one of our committee consultants, will do a presentation on Low Vision Disability, and we will also discuss Parent Mentoring. Our meetings are open to the public.
October is Disability History Awareness Month
This designation was made by our state's General Assembly in 2009 and it came about thanks to the lobbying efforts of young people with disabilities. Take a look at the I'm Determined website for information about the history of perspectives on disability. This website also has resources for people with disabilities to better communicate their preferences with those whom they live and work.
We Are Updating SEAC Resource Information
Please let us know if you would like to make a request for any particular resource information to be included on our website or in our Special Needs Resources brochure. You can contact Laurie Adams at leesja@gmail.com
SEPTEMBER 2013 NEWS
September 22, 2013
The Fall activity for Special Olympics is basketball and is due to begin Wednesday, September 25, 2013. Our group will meet Wednesday afternoons at Hilda J. Barbour Elementary School at 4:30pm. This activity will continue until November 6. Participants must have a physical and bring a signed form from their physician. Volunteers are required to register. If you have any questions please contact the Warren County Special Services Office at 635-2725.
September 10, 2013
A Virginia Commonwealth Study, "Project SEARCH with Autism Supports," has shown that intensive job training supports for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, helps them to retain employment! Click here to read more about this study.
September 8, 2013
Information for our September meeting:
When: Monday, September 16, 7pm
Where: Warren County Community Center, 538 Villa Ave.
Topic: Planning for the 2013-2014 School Year (continued)
Questions? Contact Laurie Adams, Chairperson, at leesja@gmail.com, or call Michael Hirsch, Director of Special Services, at 540-635-2725.
Anyone who is interested in Special Education in our community is invited to attend!
