Headlining the Holidays
Cheryl N. Engel, Ph.D., Head of Spectrum Services Clinical Department, NYS Licensed Psychologist

I have written the December article for “Ask the Experts” for several years now, reminding readers of the importance of headlining changes for your child during the holidays, such as preparing family and friends by reminding them of how overwhelming the holidays can be for those with autism, or using social stories to review your holiday break in routine with your child, etc.

However, this year is different, and due to COVID-19, our children with autism have been coping with significant changes in their routines since March.

What I can offer at this point are some recommendations, and perhaps some validation for you as caretakers as you approach the upcoming holidays. Importantly, you may have experienced significant loss...
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Parent Workshop:
Guide to Improving Behaviors at Home

Now more than ever before, parents have had to take on the additional role of educator while juggling their other various roles and responsibilities.

Although this has been stressful for most, this has also created many opportunities to help your child develop language, learn new skills, practice what they know, improve social skills, and decrease challenging behaviors.

Pleases join Beth Estes for this 2-part workshop, which is designed for families, professionals in education, and/or other community members who are looking to increase their knowledge and awareness of the most effective ways to decrease challenging behaviors and improve positive behaviors within the home or other educational setting.

Transportation Notes
Just because your local school district may close, or is closed, in most cases bus transportation is still available for your student to get to Spectrum Services.

If your school district is closed due to COVID-19 related issues, they are still expected to provide transportation to Spectrum Services

Of course, if your school district is closed due to inclement weather, they will not provide transportation to Spectrum Services. If your district is on a delayed opening, the transportation will also be on a delayed schedule.

However, if Spectrum Services is closed due to inclement weather, no services (including remote services) will be provided on that day.

Parents will be notified by school messenger of any closings or delays due to inclement weather. It will also be announced on our answering machine, on our website, and on Facebook.
Calendar Highlights

Winter Recess
December 24 - January 1

Kingston Parent Discussion Group
Wednesday, Jan. 20. 6:30 – 8:00pm

Ellenville Parent Discussion Group
Wednesday, Dec 16. 1:30 - 3:00pm
Wednesday, Jan. 20 1:30 - 3:00pm

Martin Luther King Day
Monday, Jan. 18. School Closed

For full online calendar Click Here!
Have you missed issues of our Spectrum Services eNewsletter? Fear not, you can see them all on our website.

Tips from our professionals, upcoming online trainings, links to useful videos, and more! Click Here!
Increased Sanitizing
Due to the increasing positivity rate in Ulster County, Administrative Director Susan Buckler, has instructed that both Ellenville and Kingston schools see an increase in cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting throughout the day, and for the nightly cleaning, too.

Along with our facilities managers and day porters, all staff will be taking part in this process, such as using disinfecting wipes after working with a student in a specific area, or cleaning up in a bathroom.

If you have questions about health concerns, email our Covid-19 Safety Coordinator, Dan Uttendorfer, RN bu Clicking Here, or call him at 336-2616 X 128.
We're All About
Student Mask-Wearing!

More and more is it being reported how mask-wearing is a crucial factor in the prevention of, and protection from, COVID-19. This past Friday, the CDC confirmed this fact.

One of the primary challenges of our classroom staff right now is to improve the percentage of students wearing masks. They are using every technique in their autism education repertoire.

If your child hasn't been wearing a mask, let your Special Educator know you're willing to work with them in any way to make it happen.

Thank you for helping to make our students and staff safe!
Order Your 2021 Calendar, Show Your Autism
Pride, and Support
Spectrum Services
With the purchase of this colorful 2021 calendar, you can help support our students with autism, while raising autism awareness throughout the year, and enjoying the art of one of our amazingly talented students.

The calendar prices is $20, and the proceeds are going to support our wonderful students on the spectrum.

Check Out Our eNewsletter Back Issues!
Parent Training Series Modules
For the first six months of remote learning, our Clinical Team had been providing a course of study for our staff via online PowerPoint trainings.

Knowing how important this information can be to our parents and families (many of whom are well-versed in ASD theories and best practices), we’re opening these trainings up so parents can continue their education as well.

Mindful Moments Resource
Our staff have found what they call an incredible resource for our families. 

A number of our Family Service Coordinators have shared some of the mindful videos with our parents during Parent Groups.

The Mindful Moment videos are priceless. Click Here!
Wide Open School Website
The website Wide Open School offers numerous educational, fun and emotional support activities-free for families. 

Our students might miss what others easily catch, but they also catch what others easily miss.
70 Kukuk Lane, Kingston NY 12401 - 4 Yankee Place, Ellenville, NY 12428