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HWSEPAC Webinar: Fostering Self-awareness and Self-advocacy in Youth with Social Cognitive Deficits
HWSEPAC Webinar: Fostering Self-awareness and Self-advocacy in Youth with Social Cognitive Deficits
Jennifer Caufield

When raising youth with social cognitive deficits, we talk a lot about perspective-taking and often set annual IEP goals and objectives related to thinking about and accommodating others. This makes sense because students with autism, social communication disorder, nonverbal learning disability, and related developmental and learning difficulties are known to struggle with their perceptions about the people in the world around them.

However, another important area of challenge for many students with social cognitive deficits is developing self-awareness and self-concept. This is a critical skill set for students of all ages, as understanding yourself and your needs is a key step in identity development. Moreover, being able to notice when you may need support and ask for help is vital for getting your needs met adequately. More information can be found HERE.

When: April 30, 2024, from 7:00 – 8:30 PM ET, Register: https://nesca-newton.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5aZ41jT7TZ2-42a9_1GKDg

In this talk, we will discuss ways that parents/caregivers and educators can help youth, from early ages through young adulthood, to develop increased awareness of learning style, cognition, areas of strength, interests, as well as challenges, disability-related needs, and self-management strategies. We will also discuss disability disclosure and acceptance, including student participation in their team meeting process—which will be important preparation for the NEW MA IEP format that students will be participating in beginning in Fall 2024.

 

 

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Community Forum in the auditorium
We want your FEEDBACK about HW Elementary School Project
Jennifer Caufield

The HWRSD is seeking community input for the proposed HW Elementary School Project. The project team has hosted three Community Forums since January to inform, but also create an open dialogue with all stakeholders. We have created a survey, hoping that you have had the opportunity to attend or watch one of the forums. We are asking community members to watch the most recent recorded Community Forum (the Presentation covers the first 54 mins of the recording) and then fill out a brief survey to provide feedback. 

Thank you in advance for taking the time to engage in this exciting and important project. 

solar eclipse glasses upcycle photo
Eclipse Glasses Give Back Program
Jennifer Caufield

The HW EdFund will be collecting any undamaged eclipse glasses you may have in May. They will be sending them to schools in Latin America so the school-aged children can view the October 2024 Eclipse. Please send your glasses into the school office and the EdFund will handle the rest!

Bike to school flyer
Elementary Bike to School Day - May 17th
Jennifer Caufield

Walk, Ride, or Roll to school on May 17th. If you do not live close enough to your school, you can meet at Pingree Park and ride with a group (Winthrop @ 7:20 am, Cutler @ 7:30 am, Buker @ 7:40 am). The Hamilton & Wenham Police Departments will be assisting students to ensure safety for all. 

Abby Velo will be providing bike checks including checking bolts and screws, brake adjustments, chain lubrication, adjusting seats and handlebars, tire inflation and inspection, and helmet inspections. 

Each student will fill out a quick card with name/teachers upon arrival and place it on their bike. At the end of the school day, groups will ride back to the rec center for an obstacle course. Register for the obstacle course wtih the HW Rec. Dept. HERE. 

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Fundraiser flyer
HW SEPAC Five Sons Pizza Fundraiser
Jennifer Caufield

3rd Annual Fundraiser Night at Five Sons Pizza and the Hamilton and Wenham Police Officers and Firefighters. Order from Five Sons ALL day on Tuesday, April 30th and they will donate 20% of the proceeds to the HW Special Education Parent Advisory Council. 

After 4 pm, all deliveries will be brought to you by the Hamilton & Wenham Police Officers and Firefighters. 

Call 978-468-0188, online ordering will not be available.

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NHS Babysitting at Town Hall
NHS Babysitting for Town Meetings at Cutler School
Jennifer Caufield

Members of the HWRHS National Honor Society will provide babysitting services during the Hamilton and Wenham Town Meetings at Cutler School. 

A suggested donation of $10 per child is appreciated. Cash or check (made payable to the HWRSD) for each child will be accepted at the door. Please print, complete, and bring the Permission Slip with your child(ren).

Please sign up for the desired timeframe so we have an idea of attendance and can plan accordingly. Families must register in advance, no walk-ins. Thank you for understanding. The deadline to sign-up is Friday, April 5th at noon.

Parents may send snacks as long as they are NUT-Free. Water will be provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to Julie Cahill-O'Shea, j.cahill-oshea@hwschools.net 

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