Aurora School Districts Ask Voters to Consider Schools this Election

Contributed by Hanni Raley, Director of Systems Advocacy

This election, voters are being asked by local school districts to consider schools on November 8th. It is an important one, as BOTH Aurora Public Schools and Cherry Creek School Districts have Bond Initiatives! Get to know the requests and be sure YOU are ready to cast your vote!

Stress Management for Manager of Everyone Else's Stress 

Contributed by Laura Miller, Advocate

Being the person in charge of another human being has some incredible benefits. You get to be a part of the happy moments, the triumphs, the goals that are met, and you see the smiles and hear the giggles. However, being that person is not an easy task. In addition to the good times, there are also frustrating, sad and incredibly stressful times. When, as a parent and/or guardian, we see our children struggling with their emotions, we try to do what we can to help and to make them feel better. Somehow, we can identify the emotions of others, but not always of ourselves, until the feelings build up too much. As parents and/or guardians, we need to follow the rule presented by flight attendants: you need to put on your own oxygen mask first, before you can help others with theirs. In other words, in order to best help those around you, you need to be able to help yourself.

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Mindful Parenting

Contributed by Christine Ungerer, Advocate

Parents: has your child ever told you something, and while you were shaking your head in acknowledgement, you didn't actually hear a word he/she said? Sometimes we all need to "go on auto-pilot", but in order to experience less aggression, increased compliance and a reduction in self-injurious behavior (if applicable), it may be time to consider mindful parenting!

A Little Education

Contributed by Nancy Bowden, Director of Advocacy

Would you like to learn a little more about Special Education and have input as to how your local school district responds to the needs of students on an Individual Education Program (IEP)? Check out your local school district's Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC). The SEAC serves in an advisory capacity to your local district's Board of Education and to the Special Education Department within your district (Student Achievement Services in CCSD and Exceptional Student Services in APS).