KSW Educational Concepts

I do not always agree with our governor however, a strong state, strong citizens depend on education for all. The strength of our public schools are indicators of the strength of our state. We can not afford to give public money to private school and individuals (regardless of need). Our public school system is in need. Our underpaid teachers deserve a living wage. Do your part for ALL North Carolinian's and take a stand FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION.

Cooper urges public to stand up for public schools in response to Senate budget North Carolina Gov. Cooper criticized Republicans' education budget items, including the expansion of private school vouchers.

What a wonderful group in which to be a small part. I am blessed as are all the children and adults that are working and benefiting from the work of KennedyStrong.

Frustrated with your conversations with the school. Ask better questions. Ask them to describe what they are talking about. Do not assume anything.
Here is an example: Your child is making adequate progress. Adequate for whom? Adequate for what goal? Adequate to meet what need? Adequate for them to catch their peers? Adequate to meet an IEP goal?
It is very open-ended, with no real meaning. You need meaning and context. Without that it is just words.

Lately I have been working on my smile. I am not talking about brushing and flossing. I mean my SMILE. Actually smiling. It is a simple thing really. Mel Robbins writes about it, and more in The 5 Second Rule which is a great easy read.
Years ago I employed the SMILE TECHNIQUE when I worked in schools. As a counselor I met with a lot of students that did not have friends. What I discovered was that they more often than not looked sad, angry, depressed, unapproachable. So I started smiling at them - and they smiled back. I started to purposefully pass them in the hallways and smile at them - they started smiling back. I would go into the cafeteria, stand by the door to the building as they entered I went where they were smiled big and made eye contact. You know what things got better for them.
The brain is stupid - send me the right signal and I will believe what you tell me. Frown - things are not good. Smile - things are OK.
Last year picked up my grandson from two different child care facilities - in both place the teachers mentioned I should give a class on 'how to make a child love someone as much as he loves me' - I told them - Look at them and smile with your eyes.
Our children are hearing a lot about what is not good. Let us send them a different message. It is healthy, free, easy and doable. # families

Thursday evening at 6:45 I will be having my first Meet-Up for Parents of Children with Special Needs. This is for any parent who suspects or knows their child is in need of something extra in school. It is being held in conjunction with the KennedyStrong Foundation and will be held at University City United Methodist Church on WT Harris Blvd. in Charlotte. This is open to all parents who have questions or concerns.
This is for anyone who wants to know more about IEP's, 504's or how to access extra support for their child. The meeting will be held in Rm. 102 which you can access through the lower parking lot. Hope to see you there.

I have a homework assignment for you if you have a child going back to school. Read the school handbook.
Did you know that in many states all children, even those with disabilities, can be restrained and/or removed from their peers as a form of discipline? In some states they can be subjected to corporal punishment.
Understand, I am not talking about children who come to school with knives, guns etc. I am talking about children who otherwise disrupt the learning environment by being loud, refusing to do work or moving around the classroom or building without permission.
You need to know what the discipline policy is in your school/district.
If you do not agree with it PUT THAT IN WRITING and send it to the Principal and Superintendent.
This is not a guarantee that it will not happen however, you have notified the authorities that you do not agree with the policy.
Have a question - reach out today.

In my work as an educational advocate my goal is to help the adults in a child's life (parents and teachers) recognize how to adapt instruction so that a child can learn to the best of their ability.
To often the focus is on the disability as if that is all the child is. We do a great disservice to them and ourselves when we see difference as deficient. Our goal should always be that our children (biological and students) become their best selves by maximizing their full potential - whatever that is.
If we, as the adults in their lives see the inability first and always, that growth will not happen.
Let's not name it and claim it. Rather, let's identify, problem solve and GET TO WORK TOGETHER.

I am so excited to share the news about the Meet-Up for Parents of Special Needs children that will be starting on Thursday, September 8th at 6:45 at University City United Methodist Church (UCUMC) off WT Harris Blvd. in Charlotte.

Regardless of where you are on this journey - if you have a question about how to get help for your child or they have had an IEP or 504 for years we are here to get to know you and provide answers. Come on out and meet other parents, be part of a community that cares.

More news to come - get it on your calendars now. I look forward to meeting you on Thursday, Sept. 8th at 6:45!

C

Had the wonderful opportunity to talk about READING! Thank you Renate Moore of Lady Ren's Bakery and Books for chance to share!

How to motivate your child to read - tips for the summer In this episode of Renate's Classroom, author Renate Moore shares information from an interview with retired educator Mrs. Kathi Wilson on how we can help ou...

As adults we manipulate our lives to work in our strengths. By finding the strengths in our children, we can help shape how effective their learning can be.