January 2021
CISD Booster for Special Programs News
Mark your calendars for January 27, 2021 to learn about the CISD special education parent advisory council (SEPAC)
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
  • Parents of special education students (campus liaisons)
  • Parents of Section 504 students
  • Two CISD administrators appointed by Dr. Ledbetter and his Cabinet

TIMELINE
  • January 27 Virtual Orientation
  • Feb 1-12 Applications expected to open
  • March 25 First Council Meeting expected
Carroll ISD Special Programs
Virtual College and Career Fair
February 10, 2021
SASO Girls has supported our Fun Fair for several years -
Support their Blood Drive!
February 19, 2021
Membership is our #1 Fundraiser
$25 family - $5 teacher
The CISD Booster for Special Programs is district wide organization that supports Special Programs for all eleven campuses. We are a federally recognized non-profit 501(c) 3. 
MEMBERSHIP is our #1 fundraiser. 

Technology Help
Check Out Our Website Resources
and Submit Resources to Add
New TEA Fund for Families of Students With Low Incidence Disability, Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES)
They are on-line accounts made available to eligible parents of students with disabilities that have been impacted by COVID-19 school closures. Families of students with eligible disabilities can use the on-line accounts to obtain goods and services up to a specific dollar amount that supplement what otherwise happens in school to help their child make more educational progress.

Families of students with eligible disabilities can use the on-line accounts to obtain goods and services up to a specific dollar amount that supplement what otherwise happens in school to help their child make more educational progress. 

A low incidence disability (e.g., an intellectual disability, a developmental disability, a visual impairment, hearing loss, a significant physical disability, multiple disabilities, or are on the autistic spectrum).
The Self-Determination Group wants to know… Will we see you in 2021?
See the list below for upcoming events… online socials, our monthly business meeting and the Opening Doors to Self-Determination Workshop Series.
OPENING DOORS TO SELF-DETERMINATION WORKSHOP SERIES

This online workshop series provides expert speakers on topics that educate and support the concept of self-determination.
Who should attend? Individuals with disabilities, family members, professionals and others interested in helping a person live life as they define it.
 
Person-Centered Planning: What is it and how to do I get one? 

Saturday, January 16, 2021 from 12 pm – 1:30 pm
Presenter: Dr. Vicki Mitchell, Eleanor & Charles Garrett Endowed Chair for Special Education at Sam Houston State University, an Associate Professor, and the Executive Director of the Garrett Center on Transition and Disability Studies 

Registration Required. Click here for more information or to reserve your spot.
 
MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETING
 
The Self-Determination Group January 2021 Meeting

During this meeting (via Zoom) we will discuss and vote on goals and our budget for 2021
Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 10 am – 11:30 am
Register here in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
 
SOCIAL EVENTS
 
The Self-Determination Group Zoom Hangout

Zoom Hangouts offer a space for adults with disabilities in the *DFW Metroplex to come together to hangout, offer support and have fun!

  * Collin, Dallas, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant & Wise
 
Monday, January 4, 2021 from 6 pm – 7 pm
Register here in advance for this event.
 
Monday, January 11, 2021 from 6 pm – 7 pm
Register here in advance for this event.
 
Monday, January 18, 2021 from 6 pm – 7 pm
Register here in advance for this event.
 
Monday, January 25, 2021 from 6 pm – 7 pm
Register here in advance for this event.
Texas Workforce Commission
TWC - Texas Workforce Commission is a Texas state agency that offers programs to students/adults with disabilities including Special Education and 504 at no cost. I wanted to let you know about the programs they are currently offering for the 2020-2021 school year and summer of 2021. They are split into services for students 14-15 years old and services for students 16 and older. Please review them and see what they have to offer that might be of benefit to your son/daughter. It is always good to start learning pre-employment skills early! If your son/daughter is 13, you can see what they can do when they turn 14.
Do you have a student that will be at least 16 by May 31?
Happy New Year!!
Calling all Parents of a student that will be at least 16 by this May 31. Do you want your student to have a paid part time job for 5 weeks this summer? If the answer is YES, then keep reading and see the attached flyer. 
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is providing a paid summer work program thru Work Ready Texas. There will be two sessions –
May 31 – July 2
July 5 – August 6
Your student will work with a job coach initially and then the job coach will fade as needed. Each student will work a maximum of 20 hours per week (depending on the student). Students will gain paid work experience in entry level retail, customer service, food services, stocking/shipping and receiving, or recreation services in this area.  Transportation is available if needed. 
To apply:
1. Complete the attached VR 1820 - signed by parent (if the student is a minor) or adult student
2. Documentation of Disability – send the first page of the ARD paperwork that states the diagnosis
3. Copy of Photo ID as one of the following: Student ID/ Driver’s License/ Passport
4. Copy of Social Security Card
5. All of the above must be sent to richard.jenke@twc.state.tx.us
Deadline for applications is March 12th     But do not wait until March 12, this could fill up! 
Questions can be answered by Mr. Jenke at richard.jenke@twc.state.tx.us or you can contact me at karen.donegan@southlakecarroll.edu
Texas Comptroller's Office Announces Prepaid Debit Card for Texas ABLE Program
LandMark College Summer Programs
We invite any high school, middle school, or college student who dreams of being a more confident and better prepared learner to explore our summer programs.
  • Financial aid is available in most programs to qualifying students.
  • A diagnosed learning disability is not required to participate in our summer programs.

Putney, Vermont Programs

Who Should Attend? Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders seeking to improve executive function.
July 5 – 9, 2021
Cost: $300 per student (discount available for siblings)
Two different tracks in athletics or arts & crafts. Each helps students:
  • Connect mind with movement for better learning outcomes
  • Better understand their strengths as a student
  • Acquire skills and tools they can use in school
This is a day program (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) suitable for families vacationing in area or within driving distance of Putney, Vermont.


Who Should Attend?
 Rising high school juniors and seniors who find it challenging to keep pace academically and want the chance to experience college.
July 11 – 31, 2021
Cost: $5,680—Traditional Track or $6,855—Social Pragmatics Track
(includes room, board, and activities)
Landmark College’s High School Summer Program offers students the chance to experience college life as members of a learning community focused on academic achievement, mutual respect, and personal change and growth.

Our Social Pragmatics Track draws on the evidence-based PEERS® curriculum to support students with autism or similar diagnoses.
Who Should Attend? 
Recent high school graduates preparing to enter college in the fall. (Admission to a college other than LC is required to participate.)
July 18 – 31, 2021
Cost: $3,825 (includes room, board, and activities)
This program focuses on preparing college-bound high school graduates—through practice and exposure—for their crucial first semester of college.
Students are immersed in a living and learning experience that offers a real taste of college-level work and the challenges they will encounter as new college students. Students develop a clear understanding of their learning strengths and needs, while discovering various resources and self-advocacy aids that will assist them in the transition to college.


Who Should Attend? 
Current college students who are struggling to find solid academic success.
July 11 – August 14, 2021
Cost: $7,900* (includes room, board, and activities)
This program builds executive function skills, and helps students develop the comprehension, writing, and executive function skills needed to return to their home college and find success.
Participating students can earn up to 3 college credits, depending on their chosen area of study.
*Physical Education courses are an additional cost.

Online Programs

July 26 – 30, 2021
Cost: $1,850
Earns 3 college credits
This program is for recent high school graduates or current college students looking to gain skills and build confidence before the fall semester.
Landmark College’s experienced faculty will help you discover:
  • What science shows us about what we can do to improve our attention, memory, and motivation
  • Specific strategies and technologies that can support your skills in notetaking, reading, writing, memory, and organization as a successful college student
Landmark College will offer a series of one-day workshops that help parents better support their student.
Dates and topics TBD. Click the above link for information and recordings of last year’s workshops.

Get in touch with me to learn more about the right option for your student and check that summer planning item off your New Year’s to-do list.
Sooner Works Information Sessions
Sooner Works is a 4-year program for students with an intellectual disability on the University of Oklahoma campus. The purpose of this program is to develop job skills, social skills, and independent living skills which lead to meaningful employment and full community integration for participating students. 

If you want to learn more about Sooner Works, please join us for one of the upcoming informational sessions.
2020-2021 Applications are Now Available
Applications and Letters of Recommendations are Due Feb 1st
Application Link: 
https://ousurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3gzac74av2Vv6w5
Letters of Recommendation Link:
https://ousurvey.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4Ox69NcnA3F4Uyp
If you have any questions email Soonerworks@ou.edu or call (405)325-4543
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2020-2021 Officers

President Angela Kwentus 
Treasurer Jacolyn Lieck
Secretary Rebecca Paredes
Fundraising Holly Birnbach
Communications Flora Sanders with help from Student Assistant, Cole Sanders
Social Media Bonnie Pendergrass
CISD Booster for Special Programs | 501(c)3 | 817-889-1278 || www.cisdboostersp.com