Weekly Updates from the
EC Parent Liaison
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Test Data Shows Impact of Pandemic-Related Learning Loss
As with other district across the state and nation, Guilford County Schools is reporting significant declines in student proficiency as measured by end-of-grade and end-of-course testing for the 2020-21 school year. Overall proficiency levels for the district dropped from 55.1 percent proficient in 2019, the last year tests were given, to 42.4 percent proficient in 2021, a decrease of 12.7 percentage points.
The data, which was released Wednesday in conjunction with the State Board of Education meeting, shows double-digit declines in most tested areas. North Carolina was granted a waiver this year from test accountability and school performance grades, but districts were still required to administer the tests, to help assess the extent of the learning loss and to target resources and supports to schools.
Read more
Additional Tdap and MCV Clinics Begin This Week
As the deadline for getting your Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) and Meningococcal Conjugate (MCV) vaccines quickly approaches for seventh and 12th graders, the Guilford County Division of Public Health (GCDPH) is hosting additional clinics to provide opportunities to families to get these required vaccines. The clinics will take place in both High Point and Greensboro.
Proof of the Tdap and MCV immunizations are required in North Carolina within 30 days of enrollment to avoid exclusion from school. This year’s exclusion date is Sept. 22, which means Sept. 21 is the last day a seventh or 12th grade student will be allowed to return to school without these immunizations.
Read more
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GPA YouTube: Resources for the Family On the Go
Access resources through the GPA YouTube channel when it’s convenient. Watch GPA family engagement sessions on demand facilitated by GCS leaders and department heads as well as community agencies. Check out the back-to-school playlist of resources parents should know as students begin the 2021-2022 academic year. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PLAYLIST.
Lights. Camera. Action! Get in Focus with GPA’s Timely Tips For Family Engagement
GPA wants to help parents and educators develop a supportive lens for building strong home-school partnerships during the 2021-22 school year. Take actions to support student learning both in the classroom and at home as GPA coaches you throughout the year for successful parent and family engagement. Each month, we'll share quick tips for parents, caregivers and educators in various areas such as literacy, math, health and much more. CHECK OUT THESE TIPS.
DYK? Brainfuse HelpNow Offers a FREE Live Tutor 24/7?
GPA offers Brainfuse HelpNow, the all-in-one suite of tutoring services, designed for a wide range of academic needs whether it’s tackling a tough homework problem, mastering a particular topic, or writing a paper. Brainfuse HelpNow services include expert academic tutoring and self-study tools. Students access live, on-demand academic help and state-aligned skills building lessons from expert tutors. With HelpNow, tutors and students communicate in real time in our online classroom by typing, drawing and marking-up lessons and web content. Plus, students can use a secure file sharing feature in the writing lab to submit writing assignments to writing tutors any time of the day. The Brainfuse full-service test center offers practice tests for all levels in math, reading and writing as well as college preparatory tests including the SAT. ACCESS BRAINFUSE HELPNOW HERE.
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Say Yes Guilford to Host Events about Test Prep, Scholarships
A free SAT/ACT Prep Academy for GCS students will take place on Thursday, Sept. 16, from 6- 7:15 p.m.
Also, on Thursday, Sept. 23, from 6-7 p.m., Say Yes Guilford will host a scholarship information session.
Both events are sponsored by Say Yes Guilford and are free and open to GCS families. Register at sayyesguilford.org/events.
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Exceptional Children Services Updates: | |
ECPAC (Exceptional Children Services Parent Advisory Committee) | |
We’re currently seeking parents, district staff and community providers working for the improvement of services for students receiving special education services. We will be announcing an information session for interested stakeholders, stay tuned for that information. In the meantime, you can contact Jacqui Hawkins, EC Parent Liaison, to be added to the notification list.
hawkinj@gcsnc.com
336-370-8355
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Please see the attached information.
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National Center on Educational Outcomes
The National Center on Educational Outcomes (NCEO) focuses on the inclusion of students with disabilities, English learners, and English learners with disabilities in instruction and assessments. The scope of NCEO’s work includes issues related to accessibility of assessments across the comprehensive assessment system including formative assessment practices, classroom-based assessments, diagnostic assessments, interim assessments, and summative assessments.
There are many great resources for parents involving children with disabilities related to accessibility and accommodations, graduation requirements, alternate assessments, and much more.
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The TIES Center
The TIES Center, which stands for Time, Instructional Effectiveness, Engagement, and State & District Support for Inclusive Practices, is the national technical assistance center on inclusive practices and policies. It works with states, districts, and schools to support the movement of students with disabilities from less inclusive to more inclusive environments. Parents, families, and siblings can find several resources to support inclusion of students with significant cognitive disabilities.
Recently, the NCEO and the TIES Center collaborated to publish two new parent videos to assist parents with supporting their children with significant cognitive disabilities at home. These are a part of a larger Parent Resource Video series.
The titles include:
1. Helping your child by checking progress at home
2. Helping your child with writing at home
Please visit both organizations’ websites to discover more resources.
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Community Events and Updates: | |
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Hispanic Education Parent Fair
Organized by the North Carolina Society of Hispanic Professionals, Mi Éxito, la Universidad, is a Hispanic Education Parent Fair whose goal is to raise awareness about the advantages of formal and higher education by reaching out to parents of Hispanic students and giving them the tools and information they need. This is a virtual event happening September 14,15,16, 21, 22, and 23.
This FREE and VIRTUAL multi day educational fair includes workshops in Spanish that provide information on how to pay for higher education, the college admissions process, how to overcome educational problems in the face of the coronavirus, information to help students continue their education beyond high school, and more! Registration is easy and free but must be completed by September 11, 2021. Families can visit this link to register online.
For more information or for families needing assistance in Spanish, please contact Kim Winslow at kwinslow1@harnett.k12.nc.us.
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FSNCC's Sibshops Program is back!
Sibshops is our social support group for siblings of children with disabilities (grades 2-6). At Sibshops, children can expect to:
- FEEL SEEN AND SUPPORTED
- BUILD CONNECTIONS WITH OTHERS WHO "GET IT"
- TALK ABOUT THE GOOD AND CHALLENGING PARTS ABOUT HAVING A SIBLING WITH DISABILITIES
- EXPLORE RESOURCES FOR COPING AND THRIVING ON THEIR JOURNEYS AHEAD
- HAVE FUN!
This program is FREE for all Guilford County residents (and surrounding counties). Please note, our first meetings in September will be held virtually as we pay close attention to the Delta Variant and take seriously the impact of this virus on siblings of children who are medically fragile. To connect with our area's Sibshops, please download our Fall Sibshops Flyer, then click the registration button below to reserve your spot (first come, first serve).
We will follow up with you via email with more details and the link to attend our first meeting. For questions, please email Tabia
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IMPROVING LIVES
Two More Days! Nominate Your ASNC Direct Support Professional for the Roman Award: Do you have a direct support professional who regularly goes above and beyond? Have they had a significant impact on you, your loved one, your family, and the community?
Recognize their excellence by nominating them for the John and Claudia Roman Direct Service Award! This award honors an ASNC direct support professional who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to individuals with autism and their families. Please complete the nomination form by September 3.
We look forward to celebrating all of our amazing staff members during Direct Support Professional Recognition Week, September 12-18.
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EDUCATING COMMUNITIES
Read the Spectrum Online: Last week, the new issue of the Spectrum magazine began hitting mailboxes! This issue has an updated look that we hope you enjoy. You can also read the magazine online. If you would like to join our mailing list for future magazines, please sign up here.
Watch workshops and webinars: Our Autism Resource Specialists and Clinical professionals are regularly offering new webinars and workshops online. On September 23, we are offering “Advocating for School Services,”” to help parents understand the key elements of the IEP process and to promote good collaboration with schools. To see the complete list and to register, click here. We also have a free library of webinars to watch at your convenience.
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The North Carolina Guardianship Association is offering this Virtual Forum Free of Charge to the general attender. Our confirmed Speakers are: Mark Gott Esq., Tracy Warner LCSW, Jean Farmer Butterfield, and Jonathan Martinis Esq. Sep. 17 9am-4pm EDT.
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Dear S.M.A.R.T Bond Supporter,
As active and engaged members of the community, we are reaching out to invite you to the unveiling of a groundbreaking new report from our friends at Action Greensboro. The 2020-2021 Financial Capacity Study is a comprehensive, by-the-numbers look at the status of the City of Greensboro and Guilford County.
In partnership with Greensboro's civic, business and education communities, Action Greensboro produced this data-driven report on the financial health of our local governments. The important data analyzed includes:
- demographic snapshots
- public school enrollment
- per capita income and job growth analysis
- public revenue sources
- how public funds are currently spent
- implications for future growth and considerations for action
Action Greensboro invites you to join them and other Guilford County leaders for the formal unveiling of their Financial Capacity Study on Wednesday, September 15 at 12pm. Register here for the live Zoom event and join us in supporting Action Greensboro and their important work in our community.
Kind regards,
The S.M.A.R.T Bond Committee
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Exceptional Children Services
134 Franklin Blvd
Greensboro, NC 27401
P: 336-370-2323
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