April Issue

Caring Connections

From the Guidance Office

Greetings and welcome spring!

Thanks to all that sent in some canned soups and goods for the Food Bank and the Empty Bowls Banquet … as well as attended this event in our community. Congratulations to our TES students that were recognized for their service in helping others … and to our TES Chorus.

Please contact me with any bullying/harassment issues or for assistance with academic, social issues, or emotional needs that your child(ren) may be experiencing. My telephone # is 240-236-0926 and my email is elizabeth.d.myers@fcps.org.

Groups: Problem Solver’s Clubs in 3, 4, and 5 are finishing up, as we have been learning some problem solving strategies and working on applying them. The Butterflies Groups are also ‘winding’ down, as we continue to build coping strategies and make family envelopes/memory boxes that can be added to with special items that they can use to remember loved ones. Our Peer Mediators have completed their training and have begun doing mediations in assisting students work through conflicts with other students. They are doing an awesome job. The mediations are usually on Wednesday and Friday mornings so that I am able to be present as the students do their mediations.

Lessons: I have completed the lessons in fourth grade on Harassment Prevention. The fifth graders have completed the Group Dynamics lessons on bullying in friendships and the roles that people play. Miss Harbaugh’s class has completed the Getting Better At Getting Along lessons and I will be scheduling with the other third grades to complete the same lesson in the other classes in April.

Check out the back for April Programs available from Families Plus!

Interpretation is available for some of their programs. Please contact them five (5) business days before the program for this service.

"Divorce Recovery Group"

Date, Time and Location: Wed., April 23, 30, May 7 and 14, 7 to 8:30 pm, Families Plus!, 35 E. Church St., 21701. No fee.
Summary: Patrick Hammett, LCSW-C of Harper & Associates, will focus on separation and divorce, the process of loss and the emotional roller coaster of separation and divorce in this four-week group. He will present strategies for beginning the process of rebuilding.
Pre-registration is required as the group is limited to twelve.

"1-2-3 Magic"

Date, Time and Location: Wed., April 23, 6 to 8 pm, Sabillasville Elementary School, 16210-B Sabillasville Rd., Sabillasville, 21780. (Dinner is at 6, program, begins at 6:30. Please RSVP for dinner and/or childcare for children over 4). No fee
Summary: Sarah Fawley, school counselor at Emmitsburg Elementary School, will present Dr. Phelan’s 1-2-3 Magic Model for effective discipline. It is a simple, practical method that helps parents and caregivers get children to start doing what they want and stop doing what they don’t. 1-2-3 Magic is for parents and caregivers who want to spend more pleasant times with their children and less time on discipline issues.

The program is co-sponsored by Families Plus! and the Catoctin Area CASS.
(Child Care Choices continued training credit is available for MD childcare providers. Training credit is also available for foster parents.)

"Effective Partnership in Special Education-Advocating in Harmony"

Date, Time and Location: Sat., April 5. Registration and refreshments at 9 am, workshop from 9:30 am to noon. Flexible Evening High/Adult Education Building, 44 Frederick St., Walkersville, 21793. No fee.
Summary: Record keeping and data collection are essential to be an effective advocate for your child with special needs. This workshop offers practical step-by-step information and tools for using all your skills to enhance your child’s education.

This workshop is co-sponsored by The Parents Place of MD, FCPS Partners for Success, FCDC Family Support Network and Families Plus!

"Parent Power: Caring for Children with Special Needs"

Date, Time and Location: Wed., April 23, 7 to 8:30 pm, Thomas Johnson Middle School, 1799 Schifferstadt Blvd., 21701. No fee.
Summary: Parent Power is a comprehensive parent education and support program. Classes are designed for families with children who have physical or emotional disabilities. Patty Saylor will discuss advocacy/standing up for your child with the group in April. This program is co-sponsored by FCPS' Partners for Success, Infant and Toddlers' Family Support Network, Families Plus! and the Mental Health Association.

(Child Care Choices training credit may be available for MD childcare providers. Training credit

"Grow Right, Grow Bright"

Date, Time and Location: Thurs., April 24, 6:30 to 8:30 pm, C. Burr Artz Library Community Room, 110 E. Patrick St., 21701. No fee.
Summary: Caring for kids? Grandparents, neighbors, relatives or friends, who care for kids in the home are invited to an exciting new program, “Grow Right, Grow Bright” co-sponsored by Maryland Public Television and Families Plus!. Although open to all, informal caregivers will receive a gift bag filled with resources to use in the home. The program will look at child development, health and safety, and school readiness. Refreshments will be served. Call Families Plus! to register for this exciting evening.

(Child Care Choices training credit may be available for MD childcare providers. Training credit is also available for foster parents.)