At Jones MS, two teachers wanted to promote acceptance, inclusion, and awareness so that all students would feel respected and part of their school community. And so, the Buddies Club was born.
On March 4, Peachtree Ridge High School will host GCPS’ 11th annual Transition Fair for students with disabilities, their families, and educators.
Parents of GCPS students with disabilities are invited to attend the next Balanced Lunch Bunch session— "Behavior Strategies to help Parents"— which will be presented Tuesday, Feb. 21, 9:30-11 a.m., by Kris Keeney, behavioral specialist for Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS).
Balanced Lunch Bunch (BLB) is a monthly learning series for families of children with disabilities, presented by the Gwinnett County Parent Mentors in collaboration with GCPS' Special Education Department coordinators.
Typically, BLB sessions are held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in Building 200 at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center (ISC), located at 437 Old Peachtree Road, NW, in Suwanee. Parent Mentors are parents who work within GCPS' special education department, providing information and support to other families who have children served in special education. The mentors have first-hand knowledge of raising a child with special needs, as they each have a child who is served in GCPS.
RSVP for the BLB meeting by Feb. 20. Contact Parent Mentor Dawn Albanese by phone at (678) 301-7212 or by e-mail at dawn_albanese@gwinnett.k12.ga.us. For more information regarding the Georgia Parent Mentor Partnership, go to www.parentmentors.org.
Parents and guardians of students with moderate to profound intellectual disabilities (ages 13-22) are invited to participate in The Transition Learning Group.
Here in Gwinnett, we rely on a team of staff members to help us empower every student in our system!
Jamie McFarland was named GCPS’ top teacher on Nov. 10. Following are her reflections on her career, special education, and advice for families and prospective teachers.
Members of the North Gwinnett club expand social opportunities for students with autism and their regular education peers.
The Child Find meeting is scheduled for Friday, May 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the ISC.
In December, the National PTA’s “Every Child in Focus” campaign centers on National Special Education Day, which is observed Dec. 2 and, this year, marks the 40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the nation’s first federal law that ensured access to education for all children, including children with special needs. We celebrate the contributions of staff members whose dedication and expertise help our students with special needs to be successful, including the work of special education teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, counselors, transportation, and other support staff. At home, families of children with special needs may find GCPS-produced parent tipsheets to be useful, including one on support at home for a child with ADHD/ADD, strategies to relieve stress, tips for a productive IEP meeting, and strategies for grandparents who are raising children with special needs.
GCPS and the Area II Gwinnett County Council of PTAs invite middle and high schools students, their families, and educators to a College Fair for Students with Disabilities on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1: 30 p.m. at the J. Alvin Wilbanks Instructional Support Center, located at 437 Old Peachtree Road NW in Suwanee. Learn more about the fair by contacting GCPS' Special Education staff member Alison Vernon at 678-301-7121 or send an e-mail to Allison_Vernon@gwinnettk12.ga.us.
