A Note from SEPTA Presidents
With Thanksgiving behind us and the upcoming holidays quickly approaching, we at SEPTA want to share some information about upcoming events and news to make this time of year enjoyable for all of your loved ones.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays not just because of the cranberry sauce and stuffing but because it provides a reflection point to acknowledge our blessings and the myriad of people who support our children.

SEPTA gives a big thanks to all of the HF staff and families who have joined SEPTA as members! We also thank our incredibly talented board members for organizing recent wildly successful events like the two moms night out with the psychic and the family Wonder movie event. It was great to see HF staff like Theresa McGuire, Kerry Neira, Kathy McNally, Dr. Gallagher, Mrs. Kenny and many others attend these community events.

We are looking forward to geting into the holiday season by attending SEPTA's Wreath Making Event organized by our incredibly talented and crafty co-President Karin Fey. If you are looking for things to do with kids that need to release some pent up energy during the December school break and won't cost a fortune (it's FREE) then reserve your spot for our Family Afternoon Out Music and Movement workshop.

-- S arah Lansdale Rudaitis, SEPTA Co-President
Hilights  
SEPTA Highlights & Events
Don't Miss these Upcoming SEPTA Events!
Check Out This FREE SEPTA Event Over The Holiday Break:
Family Afternoon Out Music & Movement Workshop 
WHEN: Thursday, December 28th at 2:00 PM
WHERE:  Harborfields Library - Large Room
REGISTRATION: RSVP today to Kriscalderone@aol.com. This event is limited to 30 children (and their caregivers).
Get out some holiday energy and refocus for a great start to your 2018! Don't miss this fun, 90 minute workshop that includes singing and brain gym exercises led by two local therapists. Each child must be accompanied by a caregiver.




Lauren Klimek, a music therapist from Long Island Music Therapy, will kick off our event.  Perfect for the holiday season as music therapy can help:
    • Reduce anxiety & stress
    • Increase focus & attention
    • Increase socialization
Emily Eisen, M.Ed., Director of Brainworks Plus, Northport, will lead us in brain gym exercises which can help with:
    • Concentration and Focus
    • Physical coordination
    • Organization skills
    • Attitude


Join Us For An Evening Of Hope, Optimism & Encouragement
SILVER LININGS: Harborfields Student Alumni Reflections On Life After Graduation

WHEN: Thursday, January 18th at 7:00 PM
WHERE: Oldfield Middle School Auditorium

Start off the new year with stories from an amazing panel of 
Harborfields alumni  who have all received services while students in our district. They will reflect on their experiences, both in our district and in their future education and careers, explaining how they  have managed to succeed in the face of adversity, develop a commitment to accomplish their goals, and triumph over life's obstacles. 


"Silver Linings gave me tremendous hope for my special needs learner... I feel like she will be okay after hearing so many wonderfully inspirational stories."

This is a night for everyone... students, parents, teachers, administrators, and anyone who is interested in hearing stories of hope, optimism, and encouragement will be glad they came!
 
Our YANKEE CANDLE Fundraiser Has The Perfect Holiday & Hostess Gifts For You! 

Our fundraiser has been extended through the holidays! A portion of all proceeds go towards valuable programs for our parents and children, SEPTA scholarships, and more. Check out Yankee Candle's website  yankeecandlefundraising.com.  

second   
Parent Support Group - 
Second Cup of Coffee Dates
Our Second Cup of Coffee Support Groups are a popular source of support for parents, a helpful resource, and a place where you can always learn something new. Check out what we have planned...

WHERE: Harborfields High School Guidance Center

DATES:  Thursday, February 15th:   New & Helpful Strategies Straight                 From Our Harborfields Teachers!
  Thursday, April 19th:  Tips for Prepping for College
  Thursday, May 10th:  IEP and CSE Discussion

TIME: All meetings are 7-9 pm.
7:00 - 8:00 PM Speakers will present on the topics above &
8:00 - 9:00 PM is an informal parent support group. Walk in at any time!!
catchingCatching Up with SEPTA

Thank You For Your Support!

We can't wait to kick off the holiday season with all who were able to register for our Wreath Crafting Event on Monday, December 11th! We were so excited when this event sold out in under an hour and  feel very fortunate to have such support from our Harborfields Community!


Last week we received a touching gift from our youngest donor yet! Nine-year old Henry Rudaitis presented Karin Fey with a gift of $170 in donations to SEPTA. Henry asked all of the children attending his ninth birthday party if they would donate to SEPTA in lieu of gifts. SEPTA would like to thank Henry, and all of the families who supported Henry, for this generous gift that will continue to give back to our community.


We had such a spook-tacular time with all of the attendees of our November 'Mom's Night Out -  A gallery-style reading with a Psychic Medium Nancy D'Erasmo"! Your support of our organization is so appreciated.

A big "Thank you" to all who attended our Wonder movie screening. We had over 62 attendees of all ages. The movie was so moving and inspirational. We LOVED the ' Takeaway Reference for Parents' created by Dr. Gallagher which is definitely a 'Must Read' for all. It touches on family, acceptance, kindness, resilience, friendship & advocacy. Let us know if you would like a copy!

Harborfields SEPTA would also like to thank the Huntington Ancient Order of Hibernians for the amazing SEPTA Scholarship/Comedy Night fundraiser they held on November 16th.






We Love New Members!
Your membership is so important to us...for $10, you can help us fund programs and events, workshops and scholarships for children with special needs in Harborfields.



Thank you! 
Your Support is Appreciated!


pupilNEWS FROM PUPIL PERSONNEL
Wishing Mrs. Kathy McNally luck in her new position & welcoming Mr. Martin Nelson as our new Interim Assistant Director of PPS! As some of you may have heard, Mrs. Kathy McNally, Assistant Director of PPS, recently became the new Assistant Principal of OMS and WDPS (Mrs. Tara Falasco's former position). There is a new Interim Assistant Director of PPS, Mr. Martin Nelson, a Special Education Consultant and former Director of Special Education for Levittown School District. Please join SEPTA in welcoming Mr. Nelson to his interim post and also in wishing Mrs. McNally the very best of luck in her new position!
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We have so much to be thankful for and to celebrate at Harborfields. Teachers and Teacher Assistants participated in a district wide Superintendent's Conference Day.  Training options included innovative ideas from Mindfulness activities to using QR codes in teaching! Teaching Assistants were exposed to ways to provide meaningful sensory breaks, computer applications, and ways to support students with Attention Deficit Disorders. Our staff walked away inspired and with a tool kit of new ideas!


Students at the high school have been demonstrating their talents throughout the school building and the community. Students have been practicing vocational skills and having fun along the way!

Here at PPS we are also thankful for helpful hints, tips and ideas! One of our teaching assistants, Ms. Carolyn Girard shared a link to Lincoln Center's Accessibility Programs. The Passport to the Arts Program is designed for children with disabilities and their families; this program provides a welcoming, accessible, and affordable introduction to the performing arts at Lincoln Center at no cost.
The program, Passport to the Arts is described on the home page.  Check out: http://www.aboutlincolncenter.org/programs/program-pspd/accessibility-programs

If you are interested, registration for the spring season has not yet begun. Below is a link to a 2015 PDF file about the program which provides a wealth of information about the program!

We are also thankful for all of you and the opportunity to work with your children.  Wishing you all the best this holiday season!
didDid You Know?



Holiday Shopping on Amazon? You Can Help Our District While You Shop!
At NO COST TO YOU! The Amazon Smile program lets you insert HACEF as your charity of choice (ALL profits go back into our schools to benefit our children) --and donates a percentage of your shopping back to us!   Just visit https://smile.amazon.com/ch/75-3152649,  add your email address and Amazon password--you are automatically connected!


Does Your Child Have Dyslexia? The IDA Long Island Branch is Offering a Study Skills Workshop for Middle to High School Students in December! 
This course is designed for students who want to learn strategies that will support content learning and successful completion of reading and writing assignments. Saturday, Dec. 2 and/or Sat. Dec. 9. Details available >


If You Are A Parent Raising Children/Teens With Mood, Anxiety And/Or Depression Issues...
There is a monthly, free, confidential and informal support group facilitated by a Family Peer Advocate held at the Lindenhurst Library. They next meet on December 4th at 7:00 PM. Check out this flyer for details and additional dates>


Birthdays Can Be Rough For Children With Social Challenges
SASI, Suffolk Aspergers/Autism Support & Information, understands this and has created a SASI BIRTHDAY PARTY CLUB! The party was inspired by a photo that went viral of a young girl with autism sitting alone at her birthday party. Understanding that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder often have trouble making social connections - they vowed that no one should miss out on a birthday party surrounded by friends so each month they throw a birthday party! Parties are held at a special needs friendly venue and include fun, cake & favors. If you feel your child might benefit from this support you can  Learn more here >


Excellent & Quick Read - Exaggerated Emotions: How and Why ADHD Triggers INTENSE FEELINGS
"Challenges with processing emotions start in the brain itself. Sometimes the working memory impairments of ADHD allow a momentary emotion to become too strong, flooding the brain with one intense emotion." Thomas Brown, Ph.D., explains why (and how) ADHD sparks such intense anger, frustration, and hurt. Read on >


Boost Your Child's Social Smarts: A Parent's Guide for Kids with ADHD and ASD
In this hour-long webinar-on-demand, learn how to help your child with ADHD or ASD overcome social challenges ... It's definitely worth the time! Learn more >

Speech And Language Services Grants Available
A grant from Small Steps in Speech provides financial support to families seeking speech and language services for their children, either not covered or not fully covered by their health care plan.  The next application deadline is Feb. 1st. Read more to see if you might qualify >

Are You Familiar With The Many Assistive Technology (AT) Tools Available for Children with Learning Challenges? 
Assistive Technology can help with Listening, Math, Organization & Memory, Reading, Writing and more. This article has a great list of the many AT tools that are now available. In addition ATHelp.org in NYC offers free AT guidance and support to children with special needs who could benefit from AT Tools. Email them at ATHelp@me.com to find out about scheduling an appointment.