Parent Pipeline Fall-Winter 2014

THE NEWSLETTER THAT KEEPS PARENTS INFORMED

Parent Pipeline F A L L / W I N T E R 2 0 1 4

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21

A 2100 Mile Leap into

A Healthy Lifestyle

The Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 has been awarded a Creating A Healthy School Environment grant through the Highmark Foundation. The CLIU #21 program is entitled: Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21– A 2100 Mile Leap into A Healthy Lifestyle. The purpose of this grant is to develop a program to promote health and wellness for students with disabilities. The program was introduced in the Spring of 2014 and will culminate in the Fall of 2014. The culmination activity will be held in conjunction with the Kids Korral Oktoberfest celebration, which will occur during the week of October 20 – 24. Throughout the course of the program, classrooms will be encouraged to move for up to thirty minutes per session and engage in healthy eating. Pedometers were distributed to the students so they could track their steps/miles and results are being recorded on an online tracking device. Classrooms will record the combined distance walked, with a goal of 2100 miles by the end of October. The course is mapped out so that the students pretend they are walking to and from each of the CLIU #21 Special Education Supervisors’ homes. Additionally, newsletters with information regarding health/wellness practices, recipes for healthy

snack alternatives, and ways to encourage movement at home and within the community are being shared with classroom teachers and families of the students

participating in this program.

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Snow Days, Delays and Early Dismissals

Snowstorms and icy roads can change your child's school schedule this winter. Listed below are some helpful guidelines to follow when the weather is threatening and you are concerned about sending your child to school.

1. Listen to your radio or TV stations. The Intermediate Unit will

contact the following stations with information regarding school closings and/or late starts:

2. If your child takes Transportation, listen closely for delays or cancellations of CLIU #21 Transportation.

3. Listen for announcements about the school district where your child’s class is located. If that district is closed due to inclement weather, the CLIU #21 class will also be closed. You can also visit district and news station websites to find out about closings.

4. If your child’s home district OR district where your child’s school is located is closed or delayed, the CLIU #21 Transportation will be canceled or delayed accordingly.

5. Do not call the Intermediate Unit office or radio stations. This only adds to the confusion by tying up phone lines. In case of an early dismissal, you will be contacted by CLIU #21 personnel. This information will also be broadcast on the above radio stations.

CLIU’s new theme:

CARBON COUNTY__ LEHIGH COUNTY_______________

WNEP - TV Ch. 16 WFMZ - TV Ch. 69 WEST - AM 1400 WYOU - TV Ch. 22 WAEB - AM 790 WFMZ - FM 100.7 WLSH - AM 1410 WZZO - FM 95.1 WLEV - FM100.7

WCTO - FM 96.1 WAEB - FM 104.1 HAWK - FM 99.9

Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 4210 Independence Drive

Schnecksville, PA 18078-2580

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!

IMPORTANT REMINDER

Parents/Guardians, please be sure

that your child’s teacher and

Intermediate Unit bus driver have

up-to-date emergency phone

numbers!

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Local Task Force The Right to Education Consent Agreement guarantees a free public program of education and training to school-age students with special needs. The State Task Force and twenty-nine Local Task Forces were established to ensure that the intent and spirit of the consent agreement is followed.

The Local Right to Education Task Force is consumer driven, comprised of parents, educators, agency representatives, and other persons concerned with educational services for students with disabilities. Local Right to Education Task Force Meetings are held at the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21’s Transportation Building in Walnutport or the Central Office in Schnecksville. Meetings begin at 10:00 am. All parents and interested persons are welcome to bring questions and concerns to the meetings. Call 610-769-4111 or 800-223-4821 for more information. Mark your calendars for the annual Spring Workshop (location/date to be announced).

Local Right to Education Task Force Carbon and Lehigh Counties Meeting Dates for 2014-2015

November 20, 2014 - CLIU #21 Transportation Facility, Walnutport January 15, 2015 - CLIU #21 Central Office, Schnecksville

March 19, 2015 - CLIU #21 Transportation Facility, Walnutport May 21, 2015 - CLIU #21 Central Office, Schnecksville

The following is help for families and advocates of children with special needs for special education regulations and the complaint system: The Special Education Consult Line - 1-800-879-2301 - A service of the PA

Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education, Division of Compliance The Education Law Center - 215-238-6970 or www.elc.pa.org

Local Autism Task Force Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month at the Lehigh County Government Center, 17th Street, Allentown, PA 18101 at 6:00 pm. These meetings try to focus on issues that affect all who are touched by autism. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Patricia Theodore at [email protected].


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Facilities Plan Committee Report Recommendations for the 2014-2015 School Year Carbon County Close one (1) Intermediate Unit operated elementary multidisabilities support (MDS) functional classroom

at Franklin Elementary School, Lehighton Area School District, for remainder of the 2013-2014 school year. The program will remain closed for the 2014-2015 school year. (occurred)

Open one (1) Intermediate Unit operated primary level multidisabilities support (MDS) behavioral classroom in the Franklin Elementary School, Lehighton Area School District, if needed. Need to be determined by June 1, 2014. (not needed)

Open three (3) district operated emotional support programs, two (2) elementary classrooms, and one (1) middle school classroom, in the Panther Valley School District. (occurred)

Open an Intermediate Unit operated high school Project SEARCH, life skills support classroom, Transition to Work Program, in the 2015-2016 school year. Location not yet found.

Open one (1) district operated high school life skills support classroom in the Palmerton Area School District. Need to be determined by June 1, 2014. (occurred)

Combine two (2) district operated elementary life skills support classrooms in the Panther Valley Elementary School, Panther Valley School District. Need to be determined by June 1, 2014. (occurred)

Lehigh County Open an additional Intermediate Unit operated elementary multidisabilities support (MDS) behavioral

classroom at Sheckler Elementary School, Catasauqua Area School District. Need to be determined by June 1, 2014. (occurred)

Move the Intermediate Unit operated multidisabilities support (MDS) behavioral classroom from Parkway Manor Elementary School, Parkland School District, to Sheckler Elementary School, Catasauqua Area School District. Determination based on need of the above MDS behavioral classroom. (not needed)

Move the Intermediate Unit operated life skills support classroom from Zephyr Elementary School, Whitehall-Coplay School District, to the Macungie Elementary School, East Penn School District. (occurred)

Move the Intermediate Unit operated life skills support classroom from Jefferson Elementary School, East Penn School District, to the Macungie Elementary School, East Penn School District. (occurred)

Open an Intermediate Unit operated Enhanced Autism Program at an alternative site in Lehigh County. Location to be determined. (occurred)

Transfer of Entity of one (1) Intermediate Unit operated life skills support classroom located in the Whitehall-Coplay Middle School to the Whitehall-Coplay School District. (occurred)

Student Record Policy Parents of students attending programs run by the CLIU #21 are guaranteed the following rights by law in regard to their child’s education records.

All records will be maintained in a confidential manner. All parents may arrange to review these records upon request and receive copies of materials. The content of the records may be challenged. Material felt to be irrelevant may be removed from the file and destroyed upon parental request. A copy of the CLIU #21 Records Policy is available on request.

All Intermediate Unit special education staff who handle records receive confidentiality training annually. Questions about confidentiality and parental rights to see education records should be directed to the Supervisor of Special Programs and Services assigned to your child’s class.


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Upcoming Fall Dance

It is almost time for another fall dance, sponsored by the CLIU #21 Social Workers and the Carbon Lehigh Special Needs Children’s Foundation. It’s guaranteed to be a fun night of dancing, music, prizes, and conversation.

The theme this fall will be … friday night fever! The dance will be held at the CLIU #21 Main Office in Schnecksville and will take place on Friday, November 7, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Flyers have been distributed to the classroom teachers and additional information was sent home.

The dance is open to middle and high school students in the CLIU #21 Life Skills and MDS programs. We look forward to seeing you there for a night of fun.

#21


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Annie Sullivan Award Annie Sullivan Award


This year’s recipient of the Annie Sullivan Award was nominated by various CLIU #21 staff. This individual has been employed at the CLIU #21 for almost 20 years and has supported the staff and students in both Carbon and Lehigh Counties. This year’s recipient is described as reliable, dependable, and always available when help is needed. Teachers state that this individual immediately responds to their classroom needs. At times, it has been reported that this individual knows the classroom needs and organizes a plan to meet the individual needs of the program without even being asked.

A supervisor states that she has known this recipient for more than 18 years. She states that this person gives 150% in the job and always looks for additional ways to support the CLIU #21 beyond daily responsibilities and duties. Our recipient is always focused on helping students learn or assisting in ways where results will benefit children. Recently, a volunteer supporter, of one of our evening dances for children, stated that everything for the event is ready to go when he arrives. This volunteer states that this individual remains throughout the event to ensure that every aspect of technology is on point and that our students have a wonderful evening, just like any typical teen. During the Trash to Treasures event, our recipient puts on the oldies tunes and begins to assist with setting up tents, tables, and merchandise. At the end of the two-day event, this individual is found loading up his truck with left over items and making many trips to local agencies with various donations. Besides all the duties assigned daily, our recipient works closely with staff to ensure that all state testing takes place with little or no interruptions for completion. It has been reported that the calm and pleasant demeanor of this individual is perfect for working with our students in the various center-based programs. As stated by a supervisor, “The best gift to give someone is time.” This year’s Annie Sullivan winner has given countless hours of time to the staff and children of the CLIU #21. There is no doubt that the legacy of Annie Sullivan is represented daily in the actions of our 2014 recipient, Mr. Steve Kuhet.

Steve Kuhet

Volunteers Needed The Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 is in need for volunteers to act as Surrogate Parents for students who do not have a guardian available to act on their behalf. Volunteers typically will attend IEP or ER meetings, and act in place of a parent or guardian in making school-related decisions. This is a service that the IU provides for students who attend any of the 14 districts within the Carbon and Lehigh Counties. If you have time during the day, and want to help meet the needs of a child in your area, please call or email Maia Geiger or Amy Snyder. They would be glad to answer any questions you have.

Maia Geiger 610-769-4111 ext. 1268 Lehigh County Surrogate Parent Coordinator [email protected] Amy Snyder 610-769-4111, ext. 1915 Carbon County Surrogate Parent Coordinator

[email protected]

Special Education: What Parents NEED to Know!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014 6:30 - 8:30 PM

East Stroudsburg University The Advocacy Department of The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties is happy to pass along this information. If you are interested in special education issues and you live near ESU, please consider attending this free event. The event is presented by McAndrews Law Offices, P.C., in conjunction with Pocono Parents of Children with Down Syndrome. To register, contact Allyson McAndrews at [email protected] or call 610-648-9300. The presentation will be held in Stroud Hall, Room 219. Students from the Special Education Department (CEC or Best Buddies) will be available to babysit.

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Best Buddies As a reminder from your last issue, we are promoting Best Buddies for the upcoming school year. Best Buddies seeks to make mutually rewarding friendship matches between individuals with intellectual disabilities and local college students. In Northampton County, the participating colleges are Lehigh University and Lafayette College. Remember, previous participants must reapply each year.

Are you a new applicant? Ideally, participants should be between the ages of 18 and 35 years old and be able to provide their own transportation . This is important because very few college students can provide it. Participants must also be free of aggressive or inappropriate behaviors that could jeopardize a friendship. Online registration at www.bestbuddiesonline.org is strongly preferred over a hard copy. Returning buddies only need to complete the consent form. Newcomers should select Membership Application, choose their college, and then complete the application. Note: If you tried online registration previously and had difficulty, you are not alone. The Best Buddies website was under construction over the summer. By the time you get this newsletter, the problem should be resolved. Still having trouble? Please contact Ramona at [email protected] or 610-849-8076, ext. 25. There is no guarantee that all applicants can be matched, but we’ll try. A great deal depends on college recruitment efforts. We try to make decisions

based on same gender, shared interests, and location. If a one-to-one match cannot be made, you may still participate in the monthly group activities. In August, two Best Buddies orientation evenings were

held. If you were unable to attend but are interested in the program, please contact Ramona.


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EQUI-LIBRIUM

Therapeutic Riding Therapeutic Carriage Driving

Sensory Integration Vaulting Hippotherapy

Field Trips Birthday Parties

Registration now open for the Fall 10-week session. Serving all disabilities, ages 3-90. Volunteers always welcome!

EQUI-LIBRIUM is the only full-time, premier accredited center serving the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. For more information, please visit www.equi-librium.org or call 570-992-7722.

Fishing in the Park - Yearly Event This event is open to everyone. All ages, skill levels, and abilities are welcome! Learn how to catch fish, learn about local wildlife, and learn about fun, accessible outdoor activities in the Lehigh Valley. No license required. No pole required. Keep what you catch. Along with fishing and instruction, there will be fun prizes, vendors, and more! Come join the fun along the banks of the Little Lehigh at 1600 Park Drive, Allentown. For more information, please call 610-770-9781, ext 123 or visit www.lvcil.org/calendar.

Pool and Dance Party - Yearly Event

October 4, 2014 Camp Fowler

5851 Horseshoe Road Orefield, PA

Noon – 6:00 p.m.

All ages and ability levels are welcome. There is music, outdoor heated pool, sensory activities, and great opportunities for socialization. Hot dogs, burgers, snacks, and beverages are provided. Donations are appreciated. Please contact Jill Van Kuren at 610-653-3799 or visit www.livelearnandplay.org.


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2014-15 Carbon Lehigh Transition Coordinating Council

All presentations are held from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Thursday, October 9, 2014: (Central Office, Schnecksville, Rooms F/G) Janene Holter, Senior Supervisory Special Agent from the PA Office of the Attorney General will speak on Identify Theft. Each year, millions of consumers have their identity stolen, which can destroy their good credit and ruin their good name. While there is no fool-proof way to avoid identity theft, there are ways to minimize the chances of becoming a victim, and minimize the damage identity theft can cause. This presentation will share the latest tricks criminals are using to steal your personal/financial information, provide advice how you can better protect yourself from becoming a victim, and outline the steps you need to take if you do fall prey to this crime. Thursday, December 11, 2014: (Transportation Office, Walnutport) - TBA Thursday, February 12, 2015: (Transportation Office, Walnutport) - TBA Snow date: Thursday, February 19, 2015: (Transportation Office, Walnutport) Thursday, April 9, 2015: Central Office, Schnecksville, Rooms F/G) Susan Tachau, Executive Director and Tracy Beck, Operations Director from the PA Assistive Technology Foundation (PATF) will speak on both a low-interest loan and mini loan program. PATF serves Pennsylvania residents who have a disability and older Pennsylvanians who need assistive technology. They also serve people of all income levels. Other presentations are in the works…. Dates to be determined based on the agency’s availability. Stay tuned. Look for updates on the CLIU #21 website, Transition Resources, Carbon Lehigh Transition Coordinating Council, http://www.cliu.org//site/Default.aspx?PageID=352.

Save The Date - Third Annual Eastern PA Inclusion Conf. The Third Annual Eastern PA Inclusion Conference

November 7-8 2014

Theme: “We’re All Better Together!”

Hosted by PA’s Education for All Coalition

PaTTAN Office, 200 Anderson Road, King of Prussia, PA

Featuring Keynote Addresses by: Dr. Graciela Slesaransky-Poe

Founding Dean and Professor School of Education

And Dr. Gale K. Gorke

Nationally-acclaimed Education Speaker, Trainer, and Author


For more information, visit www.paedforall.org.

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Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley - Halloween Event - October 15, 2014

If interested please contact: Andy Squire, Assistant Director

[email protected] 484-221-9814

Melissa Boland,

Executive Director PO Box 180

Whitehall, PA 18052 484-221-9814 or

Fax: 484-397-0108 www.miracleleaguelv.org

Lehigh Valley Zoo Ottertoberfest Saturday, October 18, 2014 An autumn event featuring craft vendors, wine, craft beers, live music, otter-related kids’ activities, and family-friendly activities throughout the Zoo Ottertoberfest-style! Boo at the Zoo Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 2014 Trick-or-treat in costume and enjoy candy treats, mascots, and live music at the Zoo! Visit www.lvzoo.org for more information.


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Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center Buddy Walk

The Annual Buddy Walk was held at the

LV Preferred Cycling Center & Rodale Fitness Park

Trexlertown, PA Agency Details: Our mission is to equip families and individuals influenced by Down Syndrome with the latest medical advancement, social, emotional, and educational support in order to maximize each individual’s potential. Description: The Eastern PA Down Syndrome Center provides individuals with Down Syndrome and their families support on an ongoing basis. EPDSC sponsors annual events, such as our Home, Health, & Future conference, the Buddy Walk in September, a Holiday Party in December, The 3.21 Run in the spring, and Summer Picnic in June/July. We also publish a quarterly newsletter and provide parent liaisons for families who have just received the news that their child has Down Syndrome and/or have similar medical/educational concerns. EPDSC provides educational support and help to families who are dealing with any issues related to Down Syndrome in a friendly, family-oriented manner. The Center also provides consultative services, provides resources for medical services locally for persons with Down Syndrome, serves as a community resource for families, service agencies, practitioners, and the general public.

Contact people: Maria Floryshak, Volunteer Coordinator

(610) 402-0184

Patti Mertz, Clinic Coordinator (610) 402-0184

Office Fax Number

610-402-0187

Address 6900 Hamilton Blvd.

PO Box 60 Trexlertown, PA 18087

Web Site:

http//www.epdsc.net


Yearly Event


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Kids Korral Oktoberfest /Highmark Foundation Grant Culmination Activity

During the week of October 20-24, 2014, the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 (CLIU #21) will be celebrating Fall. The festivities include the annual Kids Korral Oktoberfest which highlights a wheelchair accessible hayride, pumpkin picking in the Kids Korral pumpkin patch, bobbing for apples, pumpkin decorating, egg toss, and a contest for the best decorated pumpkin. To date, more than 35 classrooms in Carbon and Lehigh Counties are scheduled to attend! To add to the excitement, this year’s event will coincide with the culmination of the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit #21 A 2100 Mile Leap into A Healthy Lifestyle program. Activities including games, a ceremonial walk across the final finish line, and a very special visitor will be included.

The 2100 Mile Leap into A Healthy Lifestyle has been an ongoing project in which classrooms have participated through since the Spring of 2014. The project, which has been funded by the Highmark Foundation’s Creating A Healthy School Environment Grant Program, has been orchestrated by the CLIU #21 Adapted Physical Education teachers. The teachers have created newsletters for families, supported classrooms by establishing safe walking routes, and promoted health and wellness for everyone! Come celebrate Fall, as well as the accomplishments of embarking on a Healthy Lifetstyle!

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October is Bullying Awareness Month

Cyberbullying

October 17, 2014 8:30-11:30 AM

Community Services for Children Training Institute (Fowler Building –First Floor)

1520 Hanover Avenue, Allentown PA

The presenter for this workshop is Kathleen Conn, PhD, JD, LLM. She is a consultant to school districts, private schools, and intermediate units on issues regarding school safety, bullying, cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and special education. The fee is $25. For CEU credit, the fee is $35.00. For more info, or to RSVP, please contact Pam Wallace at 610-954-9561, ext. 340.

Anti-bullying Websites & Resources www.42explore.com/bully.htm www.dontlaugh.org www.bullypolice.org www.cyberbullying.org ww.nonamecallingweek.org www.stopbullyingnow.com www.CyberBully411.org www.stopbullying.gov

Titles Available in The Arc’s Resource Library

=> An Educator’s Guide to Bullying Prevention: A Laminated Guide => From Bullying to Belonging: Peak Parent Center Training Manual => Net Cetera: Chatting with Kids about Being Online => Bullying from Both Sides: Strategic Interventions for Working with Bullies & Victims

Bullying Workshop

Bullying is a serious issue, especially for students with disabilities. A bullying workshop is tentatively scheduled for the November 20th meeting of the Local Right to Education Task Force at IU #21 in Schnecksville. Details not confirmed as we went to press. For more information closer to that date, please check back with Ramona at [email protected] or call 610-849-8076, ext. 25.

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October is Bullying Awareness Month

Be Good to Each Other…Unite Against Bullying!

Unity Day (Also called "Wear Orange Day") is a bullying prevention activity sponsored by Pacer.org. Pacer is the National Bullying Prevention Center and has lots of resources on anti-bullying. It is one day where our school community at ALAS, CLAS, and LLAS takes an active stand against bullying and declares unity in accepting each other's differences. Students and staff will be participating in many activities throughout the month of October, which is National Bullying Prevention Month. On October 22nd, Unity Day, students and staff are encouraged to wear orange to show their support against bullying. Although academics still occur on Unity Day and it is still a typical school day, the day is filled with activities:

All programs will compete for most participation by both staff and students and also for who embraces the theme best. Classrooms in each program will conduct a Poster Board Competition. Posters will be sent to

the CLIU #21 Central Office in Schnecksville for display. LLAS will be decorating the tree outside their building with orange ribbons.

Other activities such as videos, eating orange colored snacks, taking anti-bullying pledges, and creating crafts may also occur during the school day. For more information on bullying prevention, please visit the following websites: no bullying.com, thinkslogans.com, and pacer.org.

Wear Orange on Unity Day!

October 22, 2014

Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship

November 19, 2014 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Attorney Gregory Reed The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties

Contact Ramona at: 610-849-8076 ext. 25 or [email protected] for future event information.

The

Arc

of Lehigh and Northampton Count ies

ARC Friendship Dances

Dances are held the 3rd Monday of the month from 7:00-9:00 PM at:

Hope Lutheran Church, 4131 Lehigh Dr., Cherryville, PA

Fee is $5.00. No need to RSVP. Please park in the rear of the church and enter from the rear. Questions or want to volunteer? Please contact Darlene at 610-760-0761.

2014 Dates: October 20, November 17, December 15

An Overview of Include Me 2014

October 22, 2014 6:00 PM

The Arc of Lehigh & Northampton Counties 2289 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017

Project Director, Rita Cheskiewicz, will be presenting an overview of the Include Me program at The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Learn how Include Me collaborates with schools and families to build inclusive practices. What is Include Me? Include Me works with schools to promote & expand inclusive practices for students with significant dis-abilities, grades K-12, and the schools they attend. Include Me works with schools, families, and students to provide training and on-site technical assistance to students so they can attend school with the sup-ports they need to be successfully and meaningfully included in general education classrooms. This event is FREE, but you must RSVP due to limited seating. Please contact Ramona at 610-849-8076, ext. 25 or email [email protected]


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Classroom Happenings


Classroom Happenings

To find out how we Help Children Learn,

visit our website at www.cliu.org.


Documents

Parent Pipeline Fall-Winter 2014