Parenting 2010 Beyond, the San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs’ annual parenting conference, is Saturday, February 27, 8:15am-2:30pm at Dougherty Valley High School. The documentary film, Race to Nowhere is the keynote feature followed by a choice of two small-group seminars from over 20 choices, appealing to a variety of interests.  Join us for an informative day!  

Register              View the Flyer           Seminar Descriptions/Bios

SRVUSD Parent Education Workshops

Effective Communication - A Skills Workshop
February 3, 9-11 AM
Dougherty Valley High School, Room 1114
Speaker: Todd Gary, SRVUSD Special Needs Liaison
 
This interactive workshop will hone your communication skills to empower you in all your endeavors, including effectively collaborating with school staff in your child's education.  We will:  Cover the three basic communication styles (passive, aggressive and assertive), and discover why assertive communication is effective;  Learn seven deadly communication blocks and how to avoid them;  Discover just how important non-verbal communication really is;  Practice skills in derailing defensiveness in order to reach collaboration; Learn how to deal productively with anger (our own or others');  Examine the power of needs-based inquiries;  Sharpen your conflict resolution skills; Explore communication as a motivator.
 

An Evening of Assistive Technology
February 8, 7-9 PM
Iron Horse Middle School MPR
Sponsored by SRVUSD Community Advisory Committee

This workshop includes an introduction to various types of assistive technology, as well as an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities and demonstrations of low to high tech devices.   The workshop will also give an overview of the laws pertaining to assistive technology and the IEP team considerations process. 

A Special Education Workshop Series
Three consecutive Tuesday evenings
March 2, 9 16, 7-9 PM
Dougherty Valley High School, Room 1114
Speaker: Todd Gary, SRVUSD Special Needs Liaison
 
Part I -- THE OVERVIEW                          
 
This workshop provides an overview of the SST (Student Success Team) process, Section 504 Plans, and the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act).  It covers assessment, eligibility for special education, and the IEP (Individual Education Program) process.  Participants will learn about programs, supports and services available within SRVUSD, as well as services and supports available through other public agencies.
 
Part II -- THE IEP PROCESS                         
 
This workshop presents an in-depth look at the IEP (Individual Education Program) process, including: annual and triennial IEP meetings; who should attend; what must be covered; how services and placement are determined; developing "smart" IEP goals; preparing for and participating in IEP meetings; and understanding IEP paperwork.
 
Part III -- ACHIEVING SUCCESS                      
 
This workshop will explore how to achieve a successful special education partnership through collaboration.  Topics include becoming an empowered partner, using effective communication, finding real solutions, motivating a team, employing good meeting strategies, accessing resources and supports, and more. 
 

IEP Goals Paperwork Workshop
March 23, 7-9 PM
Dougherty Valley High School, Room 1114
Speaker: Todd Gary, SRVUSD SPecial Needs Liaison

Goals play a critical role in a student's Individual Education Program (IEP).  Come to this in-depth workshop on IEP goals, and learn how to help your child's IEP team develop appropriate goals to support your child's progress in areas of educational need.  Learn why we write goals, how they are developed, and the role they play in the IEP.  Discover "SMART" goals, and the importance of measurable criteria.  Find out how you can best contribute to this critical function of the IEP process.  Preview the paperwork for SRVUSD's computer IEP system, GENESEA.

We need your pictures!

Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.  ~From the television show The Wonder Years 

Share your pictures from the Family Social Night, Scholastic Book Fair, Family Reading Night or Halloween Parade!   Forward your school event pictures to alamoschoolpics@gmail.com.  

Remember, these pictures need to be of school events (on campus or fieldtrip)!  Please do not send in photos from enrichment, sports or scouting events.

Thank you!

Questions? Contact Tamara Bowers tmrbowers@aol.com or Christy Dunphy jcdunphy@sbcglobal.net