Parent eNewsletter

Autumn's Transitional Effects on Our Children

Charlotte Mennona, Program Director


It is hard to believe that it's been a month since school has started, and Fall is hereone of my favorite times of year.


Change and transformation fills the air as leaves change color and fall to the ground. The red, orange, and yellow foliage is there to remind us that change can be scary, but it is also a beautiful thing.


A season drenched in tradition, Fall is the perfect time to reflect and embrace change. We leave the Summer heat behind and the blooming flowers are replaced by crisp leaves.


However, seasonal changes can be difficult for some of our children. Spring and Fall temperatures can be unpredictable, whereas during the winter and summer, the days are pretty consistent from one to the next. With each temperature fluctuation, our bodies need to adapt, and for some of our children, this may be a struggle.


Cynthia Kim, an adult with autism wrote in one of her blogs, “Spring and Fall bring many days in a row where the temperature is putting a lot of demands on my sensory system and eventually I think that just makes my senses feel ragged and raw. Add that to having to adapt to a ‘new’ set of clothes for the new season and suddenly everything feels scratchy or tight or just plain weird.” 


This is important to keep in mind, especially if your child is displaying new or increased challenges around these times.


Cynthia Kim suggests having a season changing ritual where you take out the bins with the clothes for the upcoming season just as the weather starts to change.


“Being extra conscious about fulfilling my sensory needs helps to smooth out some of the rough edges. I’ve been using my weighted blanket a lot and doing other things that provide positive sensory inputs.”


May you and your child both enjoy this changing season,

Mark Your Calendar for Picture Day

Lifetouch School Picture Days have been scheduled.


Kingston: Wednesday Nov.2nd

Ellenville: Tuesday October 18th

Parent Conferences are occurring on 10/24 and 11/15 on a limited basis.


School will be in session for a half day on these two dates. For our limited conference times, we will be prioritizing new students this year.


However, if you have a question for your child’s team, please reach out to your Family Service Coordinator and ask to be scheduled for a conference date and time.


We will do our best to arrange a conference for you!

Come Celebrate the Magic of Autumn!

Saturday, November 5th

6pm to 10pm

Wiltwyck Golf Club, Kingston, NY


That’s right, our Harvest Hop is back with more time for food, fun, friends, and of course, live music! Dancing to the rhythms of the nationally acclaimed music group The Phantoms, acapella and plugged-in!


Complimentary first hour of select hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, and soft drinks with a cash bar. There'll be a Dinner Buffet highlighting the season’s harvest, and a cornucopia of silent auction items, services, and goods to bid on. And of course, a lot of cutting the rug on the dance floor!


All supporting our amazing students

like yours! Click Here for Details


You Can Help!

Can't make it to the Harvest Hop but want to help? Click Here to see how!

Are You Signed Up for

Text Messages?

Spectrum Services uses an SMS text notification system (School Messenger) for parents and staff.


This system is used in the event of a weather-related school closing, delayed opening, early dismissal or other emergency event, as well as reminders of days that we are scheduled to be closed or for early dismissals.


Click Here for the printable form to fill out and s end in with your child.


We will not share your information for other than this intended purpose.  

School-Wide

Halloween Fun!


Classes in both schools will be trick-or-treating and showing of their Halloween splendor on the afternoon of Friday October 28.


In Kingston, we'll be doing our trick-or-treating outside on our back bus loop. A rain date is planned for the following Monday.


In Ellenville, we'll be doing our trick-or-treating inside from class to class.


Classroom staff will be working with students to prepare them for this fun afternoon, and all special diets during the day will be adhered to,


Any parental request for their child not to participate in Halloween festivities will be respected.  


Please do not have your child wear their costume to school, but send it in your child's backpack, and please choose one that's not frightening.


If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your Family Service Coordinator.

Upcoming Parent Groups and Workshops

At Spectrum Services we believe that parents must be partners in their child’s educational program. For this reason we offer Parent Support and Parent Workshops are free for any parent of a child with a developmental disability. Funding is provided through grants from the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. Click on any of the workshop for details.


October 19 - Parent’s Discussion Group

Wed. 10/19 6:30pm – 8:00pm at our Kingston School and Online Via Zoom

Our parent discussion group offers caregivers the chance to share parenting experiences, educational and management strategies, community resources, upcoming conferences and new research. We can also offer support to one another in an online, informal, and comfortable setting. 


October 25 -Toilet training for children with Autism

Tues. 10/25  6:30pm – 8:00pm at our Kingston School and Online Via Zoom

This workshop will review the important and pro-active steps you can take to help your child get ready for a more formal toilet training program. This program respects the communication, sensory and developmental challenges your child may face. We will also discuss the strategies to implement a more formal toilet training program, including both day and night training, dressing and moving toward increased independence. Childcare is available for CSS students, alumni, and their siblings only. Facilitated by Leah Siuta, Family Service Dept. Head

We are grateful for Spectrum Services Annual Sponsors, who support our students and families.
70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston NY 12401 - 4 Yankee Place, Ellenville, NY 12428