Bridges4Kids News Digest

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National News	*top*
Never Cease to Learn Harry and Rosemary Wong, Teachers.net, April 2005 http://teachers.net/wong/APR05/wongprint.html You see them at school. They drag themselves to school. They sit in the back of the room. They don’t bring paper or pencil. Instead of listening or participating, they read a magazine or find something else to do. They are not motivated and they don’t want to learn. Report Finds Schools Needlessly Arresting Growing Number of Youth Advancement Project, March 24, 2005 http://www.advancementproject.org/press_releases.html#eol Advancement Project has released its second report examining the over use of zero tolerance school discipline policies and the growing reliance on police and juvenile courts as disciplinarians-- Education on Lockdown: The Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Track . The report examines the nationwide trend towards using zero tolerance policies as the primary tool of discipline versus the last resort tool for the most extreme cases of student misconduct. Visit http://www.advancementproject.org/EOLeng.mp3 to listen to English or http://www.advancementproject.org/EOLsp.mp3 for the Spanish version of the audio news release. Also see: Education on Lockdown: The Schoolhouse to Jailhouse Track (PDF) at http://www.advancementproject.org/reports/FINALEOLrep.pdf. Red Lake Teen: Not Alone in His Despair Deborah Hastings, Chicago Sun-Times, March 27, 2005 http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-shoot27.html The recent murders at Red Lake Indian Reservation highlight the problems that American Indian teenagers have been quietly suffering in greater numbers than most adolescents: suicide, violence, depression and pregnancy. By themselves, the numbers for the Red Lake Indian Reservation are staggering. A state survey conducted last year of 56 ninth-graders showed that 81 percent of the girls and 43 percent of the boys had considered suicide. Nationwide figures show that American Indian teenagers commit suicide at three times the national rate; are involved in alcohol-related arrests at twice the national average, and die in alcohol-related incidents at 17 times the national average. They are third-highest in teen pregnancies, behind Hispanics and blacks. Grant Competition for Small Learning Communities in Larger High Schools (PDF) Dr. Jeremy M. Hughes Ph.D., Michigan Department of Education, April 4, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/SLCGrants040105.pdf The Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), U.S. Department of Ed has announced a grant competition to support Smaller Learning Communities (SLC’s) in large high schools. Each smaller learning community grant will be funded for a span of 5 years. Applications are being accepted until May 16, 2005. AR Building Strong Schools to Strengthen Student Outcomes http://www.acc.k12.ar.us/sig/Goal%202_Positive_Behavioral_Supports_Mental_Health.htm Arkansas State Improvement Grant (SIG): As part of its “Building Strong Schools to Strengthen Student Outcomes” project, the State of Arkansas has adopted the goal of “Developing Positive Behavioral Self-Management Supports: Students, Staff, and Systems.” Implemented through Project ACHIEVE, Arkansas’ Positive Behavioral Self-Management System involves student, staff, school, district, and community-wide programs. Assessing the KIPP Schools: A New Perspective Jay Mathews, The Washington Post, March 29, 2005 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9576-2005Mar29.html Richard Rothstein has just published with three co-authors a short piece on the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), the nation's most interesting and most successful response so far to the problem of low achievement in inner city and rural public schools. What is most important about Rothstein's article is that it leaves intact, and I think in some ways strengthens, KIPP's reputation for significantly raising the reading and math abilities of low-income children. It also makes a good case -- without actually trying to do so -- for introducing into all low-performing schools KIPP's longer school days and year, stronger motivational techniques and better principal and teacher recruitment methods. bridges4kids Featured Resource: Private School Review http://www.privateschoolreview.com/ This website lets you find free, detailed profiles of private schools and their surrounding communities. Use the tables to browse schools in each state. You can also use the different forms to find nearby private schools, or housing data about areas in your state. Making Sure Gifted Pupils Succeed Andrew Wolf, New York Sun, March 26, 2005 http://www.educationnews.org/making-sure-gifted-pupils-succee.htm Everyone in Gotham should be proud of 17-year-old David Bauer, the Hunter College High School senior who won the top prize in the national Intel Science Search competition. This is an achievement not just for David, but also for his family. After all, they had to work particularly hard to make sure that their son received the proper education in our public schools. Math Emerges As Big Hurdle For Teenagers Debra Viadero, Education Week, March 23, 2005 http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/03/23/28math.h24.html Researchers from the United Negro College Fund went to West Virginia last year and asked 62 high school dropouts in the federal Job Corps program a simple, open-ended question. “What was it about school,” they wanted to know, “that caused you to quit?” [Free login/registration required.] Living in a House of Cards Barbara Basler and Chad Hudnall, AARP Bulletin, April 2005 http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/yourhealth/house_of_cards.html Who gets hurt when the Medicaid cuts kick in? To make ends meet, Brenda Benedict relies on Medicaid to pay for her vital prescription drugs, and Missouri is weighing proposals for deep cuts in that federal-state program, which provides health care for more than 53 million poor, older and disabled Americans. Coverage for people like Benedict, disabled but employed, has been targeted for elimination by the state’s new Republican governor, Matt Blunt, who says such cuts are needed to make Medicaid "sustainable and affordable for Missouri taxpayers." Social Security Options Abound Laura Meckler, The Associated Press, April 10, 2005 http://www.sltrib.com/nationworld/ci_2648316 As it stands now, by 2017 the system will begin paying out more in benefits than it collects in taxes. By 2041, it will have exhausted its reserves and be able to pay 74 percent of benefits, according to the program's trustees. Most options involve cutting benefits, raising taxes or a combination of both. Here's a look at some of them, how far they would go toward ensuring solvency and their effect on people: What’s the Big Idea? Thomas N. Bethell, AARP Bulletin, April 2005 http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/socialsec/ss_ideas.html There’s more than one solution for Social Security. Here are nine ways to keep the system solvent. Social Security: What We Can Learn From Chile's Experiment Susan Q. Stranahan, AARP Bulletin, April 08, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/SSI.html#aarp As the debate over President Bush's proposals for Social Security heats up, you can expect to hear a lot of talk about Chile-if you haven't already. Why Chile? In 1981 it became the first country to use private accounts as part of its retirement system, and since then more than a dozen nations in Latin America and Europe have followed suit. Key Differences Among Professional Lead Services (PDF) Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), Lead Hazard Remediation Program http://www.michigan.gov/documents/Dch-0635_11271_7.pdf This chart explains the differences among the 3 types of professional services available to detect lead in your home - the Lead Hazard Screen, the Lead Inspection, and the Risk Assessment.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)	*top*
ED to Increase Alternate Assessment Cap to 3 Percent Title I Online, April 4, 2005 http://www.titleionline.com/libraries/titleionline/news_desk/tio050405.html The U.S. Department of Education (ED) will announce this week that it is tripling the cap on the number of special education students who can take out-of-level tests and still have their scores count under the accountability umbrella of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Bush Education Officials Try to Pacify States Kavan Peterson, Stateline.org, April 8, 2005 http://www.stateline.org/live/ViewPage.action?siteNodeId=136&languageId=1&contentId=24120 The Bush administration's decision to give states greater flexibility to comply with the No Child Left Behind Act was greeted with enthusiasm by state education officials meeting in Washington, D.C., this week. But the new concessions may not be enough to quell rebellions against the law brewing in several states.
Parenting/Parental Involvement	*top*
Special Report: Strengthening Parental Involvement in Middle & High Schools Sue Blaney, Please Stop The Rollercoaster! http://www.pleasestoptherollercoaster.com/Parenting-teenagers.htm Direct parental involvement in school decreases dramatically when a child reaches his/her teen years, yet such involvement is essential at the middle and high school levels and can be one of the strongest predictors of a teenager’s scholastic achievements. What drives this parental behavior and how can middle and high school educators improve communication with, and involvement from, parents? To read a comprehensive discussion with practical suggestions, scroll down to the “special report”. How to Keep Your Child Safe from Abduction Kathleen M. Heins for Americanbaby.com http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/AB11-04.html#top Just warning your children about "stranger danger" isn't enough anymore. Find out how to update the advice you give your kids to keep them safe. VT Summer Camp: Camp Diversity Instead of sending your kids off for another year of soccer, computer or Boy Scout camp, consider sending them to a retreat that teaches cooperation and compassion. At Partners in Adventure, a unique camp for kids both with and without disabilities, they'll do more than make crafts and sing campfire songs. The camp is designed to honor diversity by encouraging people ages 12-21 to build partnerships in which each person has the chance to safely explore the camp, lend a helping hand and learn more about the ways others live. Log on to www.partnersinadventure.org for more information. MI Summer Camp: Camp-O-Rama 2005 (PDF) http://www.ccresa.org/camporama.pdf List of Summer Camps for Individuals with Disabilities & Special Needs
Early On/Early Intervention	*top*
bridges4kids Book Review: The Learning Power of Laughter Shawn Clemens, Bridges4Kids Review Panel, April 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/GryphonHouse4-12-05.htm Serious learning can happen in playful moments. The Learning Power of Laughter has over 300 activities that use the power of laughter to encourage 3- to 6- year-olds to be creative, learn sequencing skills, develop phonemic awareness, use their imaginations, develop listening skills, and work with rhymes and language. OH Preschool Gives Edge to Kindergartners in City's Schools Jennifer Mrozowski, Cincinnati Enquirer, March 24, 2005 http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050324/NEWS0102/503240325/1058/NEWS01 Half of Cincinnati Public Schools' kindergartners enter school lacking fundamental early reading skills necessary to succeed academically, according to a groundbreaking report on kindergarten readiness. Facts About Young Children With Challenging Behavior (PDF) Center for Evidence Based Practice, November 2004 http://challengingbehavior.fmhi.usf.edu/handouts/facts_about.pdf Center for Evidence-Based Practice: Young Children with Challenging Behavior Recommendations from the Second Annual Policy Maker’s Summit held November 23, 2004. http://challengingbehavior.fmhi.usf.edu/summit11.2004.htm Read recommendations for strategies for overcoming the challenges to applying evidence-based practices presented by eligibility and diagnosis policies, finance policies, lack of collaboration, lack of effective services, and knowledge, skills and beliefs. bridges4kids Featured Resource: Balltown http://www.balltown.org/ A great, interactive early childhood education tool for your little ones! Apart from being a charming and highly entertaining television and video series, Balltown has a far more serious and valuable goal to teach children important lessons, universal life skills and values and also serve as an important teaching guide for parents and teachers. MI Early On Redesign Information Source A temporary web page containing information about the Early On redesign process has been established on the EOT&TA website. A more comprehensive website, and opportunity to subscribe to an e-mail notification list for redesign activities, will be coming soon. To access the temporary web page, go to http://eotta.ccresa.org, click on Early On Redesign Updates under the News and Notes column on the right side of the home page.
Michigan News	*top*
Reluctant Candidates Lead Superintendent List Gongwer News Service, April 12, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/Gongwer4-12-05.html#top The full official list of candidates for superintendent of public instruction has not been released, but the two candidates receiving the most discussion are both on record as not wanting the job. Michigan Proclaims April 2005 as Autism Awareness Month Office of the Governor, April 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/Granholm4-05.html#top Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2005, as Autism Awareness Month in Michigan and encourage efforts to promote awareness of and fostering for the understanding of autism. Get the Lead Out! Electronic Newsletter April 4, 2005 Get the Lead Out!, April 4, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/lead/GTLO4-4-05.html In this Newsletter: Governor Appoints Joan Dyer (KCHD) to Childhood Lead Poisoning Commission; Lead Poisoning Rates drop in Kent County in 2004; Training Opportunity #1 - Lead Safe Work Practices; Training Opportunity #2 - Service Provider Orientation to Resources; Rep. Kooiman Reintroduces Lead Paint Tax Credits; Lead-Safe Child Care Facilities; and May Collaborative Meeting. Governor Granholm Makes Appointments to Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission Office of the Governor, March 22, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/lead/Grahnolm3-22-05.html Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the recent appointments to the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention and Control Commission. Kolb Wants Mercury Out of Wastewater MIRS, April 4, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/MIRS4-4-05.html#top Rep. Chris Kolb (D-Ann Arbor) is pushing a trio of environmental bills that are highlighted by an effort to ban folks from dumping unwanted mercury down the drain or the toilet, even if the ultimate destination is a septic system. High School Strip Search Not Cool MIRS, April 4, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/MIRS4-4-05.html#2 Whitmore Lake High School officials and responding police officers violated the U.S. Constitution when they strip-searched 20 students in the midst of trying to find a student's stolen prom money, but since the guidelines on student searches was unclear at the time, the U.S. Court of Appeals today cut them a break and made them immune from future legal action. Michigan Alliance for Charter School Reform (MACSR) http://www.charterschoolreform.org/ MACSR is an alliance of individuals and organizations working to improve public oversight of Michigan charter schools (public school academies), charter school management companies, and authorizing institutions. Detroit Public Schools CEO Did Not Violate Open Meeting Act MIRS, April 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/MIRS4-1-05.html#top The Court of Appeals today ruled that Detroit Public Schools CEO Ken Burnley did not violate the Open Meetings Act (OMA) when he chose not to invite the public to 13 meetings he had with various curriculum leaders and curriculum coordinators, whose contracts he later did not renew, because he is not classified as a "public body." Grand Rapids Schools Slice $18 Million MIRS, March 30, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/News3-31-05.html#top Detroit is not the only urban school district facing a financial crisis. The Grand Rapids School Board announced this morning that it is filling an $18 million gap, but with some very painful steps. State, Automakers Collecting Mercury Switches Gongwer News Service, March 31, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/News3-31-05.html#2 The Department of Environmental Quality and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers announced Thursday a program to collect mercury switches from junk cars.
Disability News	*top*
Liberate the Neurotypicals! Dan Coulter, April 1, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/articles/4-05/Coulter4-1-05.html#top Poor neurotypicals. Sometimes they just don't have a clue. Asperger Syndrome Education Network (ASPEN) http://www.aspennj.org/ ASPEN® is a New Jersey based non-profit organization providing support and information to families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities including: Education about the issues surrounding the disorders. Support in knowing that they are not alone, and in helping individuals with ASD's and NLD achieve their maximum potential. Advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs, medical research funding, adult issues and increased public awareness and understanding. bridges4kids Book Review: Alex: The Fathering of a Preemie Amy Stid, Bridges4Kids Review Panel, March 28, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel.html#5 Stimpson traces the life of his child from birth to kindergarten: four wings in two hospitals; coming home with a roomful of medical gear and round-the-clock drugs and nursing; the gains and downturns of home therapy through Early Intervention; finding and prospering in a special-needs preschool; a diagnosis of autism; and the ongoing battle to give Alex a fair shot a childhood, and at life. April is Autism Awareness Month! Visit http://www.autism-mi.org/news/AAMonth2005.html to see what you can do to promote awareness in your community. bridges4kids Book Review: The Autism Book: Answers to Your Most Pressing Questions Jackie D. Igafo-Te'o, Bridges4Kids Review Panel, April 2, 2005 http://www.bridges4kids.org/ReviewPanel.html#6 Answers to more than one hundred of the most frequently asked questions about autism, a disease that affects an estimated one in 250 children. Inside the Nation’s Asthma Mobiles Robert Capriccioso, Connect For Kids, April 4, 2005 http://www.connectforkids.org/articles/nations_asthma_mobiles Childhood asthma rates are on the rise, especially among kids who live in urban areas. More and more cities are taking steps to help. Here, Connect for Kids highlights several urban asthma mobiles across the U.S. that are being used to treat the symptoms of asthma, and to educate parents and children about how to effectively manage this chronic condition.
Special Education Issues	*top*
The Special Ed Advocate Newsletter Wrightslaw, April 12, 2005 http://www.wrightslaw.com/nltr/05/nl.0412.htm Highlights: Finding a tutor for a child with LD, educating educators; writing IEPs for success; support for school personnel and parent training in IEPs; how I got extended school year services after school said "no"; answering questions about extended school year (ESY) services; highly qualified special ed teachers; Wrightslaw programs in NH, IL, MI, HI; find help at Yellow Pages for Kids. Hager is Strictly Business in Special Education Role Christina Samuels, Education Week, March 30, 2005 http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2005/03/30/29hager.h24.html John H. Hager could not have picked a busier time to join the Department of Education as head of the office of special education and rehabilitative services. [Free login/registration required.]
Ask the Attorney/Advocate	*top*
bridges4kids Exclusive: Ask the Attorney with John Brower Visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/AA.html for dozens of John's previously posted Q&As.
Upcoming National Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of National events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. Issues in Independent Living for Adolescents and Adults on the Autism Spectrum WHEN: Saturday, April 16, 2005 from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm WHERE: Adelphi University, Garden City, NY DESCRIPTION: Presented by AHA/AS/PDD and cosponsors Adelphi University, ASFI, YAI, and The Cody Center. Keynote Speaker will be Liane Holliday Willey, Ed.D, a doctor of education, an author and a researcher with Asperger Syndrome. Topics include Medication, Role of research, Mental Health, Advocacy, Emotion regulation, and Creative Housing. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information visit the AHA/AS/PDD Website at www.aha-as-pdd.org, email Pat at patschiss@aol.com or call Bernice at 631-269-5709. Parent Involvement: No Excuses! The Region III Annual In-Service Training Conference National WHEN: April 21-24, 2005 WHERE: Virginia Beach, VA DESCRIPTION: Sessions will address strategies for enhancing parent-school-community relations. The conference is open to the public. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information contact Carolyn Reynolds at 800-624-9120 (x5447) or at reynoldc@ael.org. Problem Student Problem-Solver WHEN/WHERE: Cincinnati, OH: April 21-22, 2005; Austin, TX: April 28-29, 2005; Indianapolis, IN: May 12-13, 2005; and Portland, ME: October 13-14, 2005. DESCRIPTION: Here's your Problem Student Problem-Solver Conference. You name the problems. You will leave with innovative, more effective strategies for school failure, truancy, dropping out, work refusal, violence, delinquency, bad attitudes, depression and more. Free sample interventions, and free monthly Problem Student Problem-Solver magazine available at our web site at http://www.youthchg.com or call toll-free to 1-800-545-5736. Work-study financial aid available. Conference runs from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. COST: $149 per person; work study slots available. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Ruth Wells at dwells@youthchg.com to register or for more details. Literacy Changes Lives - National Conference on Family Literacy WHEN: April 25-27, 2005 WHERE: Galt House Hotel and Suites Louisville, KY DESCRIPTION: Each spring, National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL) presents the national conference on family literacy. Drawing approximately two thousand professionals from the literacy, research and policy fields, the National Conference on Family Literacy is a professional development opportunity. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call (502) 584-1133 or visit www.famlit.org/Conference/index.cfm for more details. WA Educating All Kinds of Minds: A Non-Labeling Approach to Understanding Differences in Learning with Dr. Mel Levine WHEN: April 27, 2005 from 9AM-4PM WHERE: Seattle Center’s Northwest Rooms, Seattle, WA DESCRIPTION: The program will be based on Dr. Levine’s work as Director of the Clinical Center for the Study of Development and Learning at the University of North Carolina and as founder of the non-profit institute All Kinds of Minds and the Schools Attuned Program. Workshop attendees will become more knowledgeable in their observations of learning differences; identify more easily specific strengths, weaknesses and variations of children at school; and learn the kinds of functions that need to operate in concert as children acquire skills in reading, mathematics, written output and overall approaches to tasks. COST: Cost is $175 per person FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call 1-800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com for tickets. For more information, visit www.seattleschild.com or call 206-441-0191. Whole Schooling: Raising the Standard for All WHEN: April 29-30, 2005 WHERE: Concordia University College, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada DESCRIPTION: Our schools are filled with learners who bring with them a wide variety of culture, race, language, socioeconomic status and ability. Are we doing everything we can to foster teaching and learning communities? How do we empower our children as they journey to become true citizens? FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.wholeschooling.net for more information. YAI/NIPD 26th Annual International Conference "Building Brighter Futures for People with Developmental and Learning Disabilities" WHEN: May 9-13, 2005 from 8am-5pm WHERE: Crowne Plaza Manhattan Hotel,1605 Broadway, NYC DESCRIPTION: The five-day conference will feature more than 300 prominent speakers from throughout the United States and abroad. More than 150 seminars and workshops. A separate social work conference, focusing on research, practices and new developments in the field, also will be held at the Crowne Plaza from May 9-11. FOR MORE INFORMATION: To obtain a brochure and register, visit www.yai.org, or call Andrea Lafayette at 212-273-6193. Notice of Public Meetings on IDEA DESCRIPTION: The Secretary plans to hold a series of public meetings to seek comments and suggestions about proposed regulations, which the Secretary intends to publish in a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) in the Spring of 2005, to implement programs under the recently amended IDEA. OSERS will provide specific location information through the NPRM to be published in the Federal Register in the Spring of 2005. The meeting locations will be accessible to individuals with disabilities. DATES/TIMES/LOCATIONS: The public meetings will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Monday, June 6, 2005 in San Antonio, TX; Friday, June 17, 2005 in Nashville, TN; Wednesday, June 22, 2005 in Sacramento, CA; Friday, June 24, 2005 in Las Vegas, NV; Monday, June 27, 2005 in New York, NY; Wednesday, June 29, 2005 in Chicago, IL; and Tuesday, July 12, 2005 in Washington, DC.
Upcoming Michigan Events	*top*
These are NEW calendar listings that have been added this week, along with events taking place this week. To view a complete calendar of Michigan events, visit http://www.bridges4kids.org/Conferences.html. Macomb/St. Clair County Chapter of the ASA Autism Support Group Meeting "Autism and Toilet Training" WHEN: Monday, April 18, 2005 from 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Memphis Public Library DESCRIPTION: Jamie McGillivary, from the HOPE Center at William Beaumont Hospital, will present "Autism and Toilet Training." There will be an informational table with many different topics of interest for both parents and professionals. You do not have to be a member to attend and there is no fee. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For further information, contact Paula at (810) 357-1679. Inclusion, IEPs, IDEA and NCLB SPONSOR: West Michigan Inclusion Network WHEN: Tuesday, April 19, 2005 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm WHERE: GVSU's Eberhard Center located in downtown Grand Rapids DESCRIPTION: Mr. Mark McWilliams from Michigan Protection & Advocacy (P&S) will be discussing: The legal basis for seeking inclusion; Important IEP goals; How to measure success; & The impact of changes to IDEA and NCLB (No Child Left Behind). This presentation will also include a small group workshop on goal writing which will benefit both parents and educators. To support the education and advocacy services provided by WIN we kindly ask a $5.00 donation at the door to cover the cost of this and other WIN programs. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please register by contacting WIN at 616-889-3808 or wmichinclusion@aol.com. Mid-Michigan Autism Awareness Walk WHEN: Saturday, April 23, 2005 at 1:00 PM WHERE: Pere Marquette Rail Trail, Midland, MI DESCRIPTION: The starting point will be the Tridge and the walk will continue to Emerson Park and Back. The event, sponsored by the Bay City/Saginaw Chapter of the Autism Society of America, will draw families from Midland, Bay City, Saginaw and Mt. Pleasant. Families are gathering and walking to promote awareness for Autism Spectrum Disorder. FOR MORE INFORMATION: If you would like to be a part of this event, please contact Trisha Kayden by phone (989) 839-0754 or email tkkayden@charter.net. Every Child Counts: Closing the Achievement Gap in Sub-Groups WHEN: April 26, 2005 from 8:30am - 3:00pm WHERE: Washtenaw ISD, Ann Arbor, MI DESCRIPTION: This workshop will highlight nationally recognized experts who will address closing the achievement gap citing research and feature schools who have had success with closing the achievement gap for students, especially those in the identified subgroups of No Child Left Behind and Education YES! Also, proposed changes for calculating achievement progress for students in subgroups will be addressed. COST: Cost is $110 per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Visit http://www.gomiem.org/ for more information. Free Seminar on Medicaid Alternative Services WHEN: April 26, 2005 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Rd., East Lansing, MI DESCRIPTION: This is an advocacy workshop, featuring interactive presentations, about optional services. What are the new (b)(3) supports and services available to people with developmental disabilities? What is the history behind them? Are they Medically necessary services and supports? Do they Support community inclusion and participation, independence, and productivity? Learn the answers and find out even more about Medicaid’s (b)(3) services and supports, including assistive technology, enhanced pharmacy, community living supports and family support and training. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Questions? Call the DD Council office at 517/334-6123, or e-mail us at vincenttr@michigan.gov. Need ADA accommodations? Contact us by April 19, 2005. Prader-Willi Syndrome Awareness Walk WHEN: April 30, 2005 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon WHERE: 650 Lakeside Dr, John Collins Park on Reeds Lake, East Grand Rapids, 49506 DESCRIPTION: Prader-Willi Syndrome Association of Michigan's annual Awareness walk around Reeds Lake and picnic is to promote awareness about Prader-Willi Syndrome. There is a dire need for people to understand what Prader-Willi Syndrome is. A lot of people may go undiagnosed and many more do not receive the treatment they need that could save their lives and make their lives more meaningful. Cost is $10 per participant. Includes registration, t-shirt and lunch. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Jon and Chris Hendrick at (616) 642-0017 or email Signe Ruddy at sruddy@cmhcm.org with questions. Mail registration with check (made payable to) PWSA(USA) 10756 Woodbushe, Lowell, MI 49331 "A Curious Incident of Tea in the Afternoon" with featured guest, Dr. Elliot Engel, a renown literary humorist WHEN: Wednesday, May 4, 2005 (Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at 12:00 noon and Dr. Engel's presentation at 1:00 p.m.) WHERE: Macomb Intermediate School District DESCRIPTION: The luncheon will be catered by the Brabb House Tea Room and Pamela's Catering. Lunch will include: Tea sandwiches, tri color bow tie pasta salad, savory mini quiches, three different types of dessert, and hot tea. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Cost is $20.00, purchase your ticket online: www.misd.net (click on course offerings and choose the month of May) or call 586-286-5750. Michigan Child Care Task Force Meeting Schedule WHEN: May 4, 2005, and June 1, 2005 WHERE: Lake Ontario Room, 3rd floor, State of Michigan Library, 717 West Allegan, Lansing, MI 48909-7507 FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Lisa Brewer Walraven, Michigan 4C Association, at 866-648-3224, ext.27 or email brewer@mi4c.org or Richard Lower, Michigan Head Start Association, at 517-374-MHSA or email Richard@mhsa.ws. Asperger Society of Michigan Spring Conference "Asperger Syndrome and the Autistic Spectrum: Advances in Diagnosis and Management" WHEN: May 6, 2005 WHERE: Michigan League, Ann Arbor, MI DESCRIPTION: This one day conference brings together leading researchers and clinical and vocational experts in the field of Asperger Syndrome. New developments in diagnosis and management will be discussed covering childhood into the critical adult transition period. COST: Cost is as follows: Professionals: $ 135.00; Parents: $ 90.00; Students: $ 90.00 FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information visit the Asperger Society of Michigan web site at www.aspergersmichigan.org. 2^nd Annual High/Scope Youth Development Group One-Day Conference - Many Voices, Common Purpose: Blurring the Lines Between Education and Youth Work WHEN: May 10, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Ypsilanti, MI DESCRIPTION: Youth development IS learning. Education IS youth work. Join us in exploring how the institutional boundaries that separate purposes, outcomes and professions are becoming increasingly blurred. FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information about the conference, please call Linda Horne at 734-485-2000 ext. 232 or visit http://www.highscope.org. Inclusion: Possibilities and Partnerships WHEN: May 14, 2005 WHERE: Winding Brook, Shepherd, MI DESCRIPTION: Agenda: 9:00 - 9:30 Introduction to "Everyone Together" (Sheryle Dixon), 9:30 - 10:30 "Parents, Schools and Community Partnering to Improve the Quality of Life of ALL Children" (Deb Canja, CEO, Bridges4Kids), 10:30 - 10:45 Break, 10:45- 12:00 "Michigan Success Stories" - Midland - Ashley/Fulton, 12:00 - 12:45 Lunch (provided), 12:45 - 3:15 "Looking at Autism Spectrum Disorder Differently" (Maureen Ziegler, GVSU), 3:15 - 3:30 Break, 3:30 - 4:30 "Effective Strategies for Working with Students with Autism" (Diane Clise and Melissa Moeggenberg, RESD ASD team). This conference is being offered free of charge thanks to a grant from the Everyone Together Project and the support of the Gratiot/Isabella RESD and Gratiot County Community Mental Health. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please reserve your spot (and free lunch) by calling Sheryle at 989-463-8461 or Marcy at 989-620-0470 or emailing every1gratiot@yahoo.com by May 5th. Musicians for HOPE WHEN: May 22, 2005 at 3:00 pm WHERE: First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham, 1669 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, MI DESCRIPTION: Musicians for HOPE will perform a benefit concert on Sunday, May 22, at 3 pm to support programs for children with autism at Beaumont Hospital’s HOPE Center. The performers are members of Detroit’s finest classical ensembles. All proceeds will support the HOPE Center scholarship fund. COST: Cost is $25 (check or cash) per person. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Call Pat Neveau (HOPE Center Programs, Center for Human Development, William Beaumont Hospital) at 248-691-4757. Child care will be available and can be reserved by calling Pat Neveau at 248-691-4757. "Walk a Mile in My Shoes" Mental Health Anti-Stigma Rally WHEN: Thursday, May 26, 2005 from 10 - 11:30 a.m. WHERE: State Capitol Building, Lansing, Michigan FOR MORE INFORMATION: For more information on this event call Nikki Adkins at 517-789-1232 or 800-284-8288 extension 232.
Bridges4Kids NewsDigest Staff Deborah Canja Chief Executive Officer deb@bridges4kids.org Jackie Igafo-Te'o Director of Information Technology & Information Systems jackie@bridges4kids.org Bella Djordjevski Resource Assistant news@bridges4kids.org