2015-16 Educational Programs
"Needham's Special Education Services and Programs"
Please join us for an overview of what Needham has to offer students with all types of needs at all of our schools, from preschool through age 22. This is an opportunity to meet all of the Special Education Directors, and to learn about what will be new this year.
Presenters: Mary Lammi, Tricia Mullen, Matt Ganas, Rebecca Sparrell
Monday, October 5, 7:00pm
"Anxiety Makes Me Anxious!"
A discussion about modern anxiety:
How technology looms as an increasingly significant factor in youth feeling anxious
How the demands on our youth are increasing and the accompanying anxiety
What we can do and say to support our children who are feeling overwhelmed and anxious
Presenter: Jon Mattleman, Director of Needham Youth Services
Wednesday, October 21, 7:00pm
"When Friends Don’t Come Easy"
While making friends comes naturally to many children, for others it is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Child therapist Alison Ratner Mayer will lead parents in activities to increase understanding of the social challenges children face daily, and will discuss how parents can support their child’s social development.
Presenter: Alison Ratner Mayer
Tuesday, November 17, 7:00pm
"Positive Parenting: Strategies for Building a Strong Relationship with Your Child"
Please join us for a presentation exploring the key components of building relationships with our kids: connecting, encouraging, and respecting them. By helping children develop social-emotional competence, we provide them with the foundation they need for growth and learning.
Presenter: Michael Delman, founder and CEO of Beyond BookSmart
Tuesday, December 8, 7:00pm
"Writing Effective IEP Goals and Objectives"
For student on IEPs, having well-crafted goals and objectives is key to making measurable progress and reaching their potential. Dr. Anne Howard will discuss how parents can use what they know about their child’s personality, learning style and needs to help develop an effective and meaningful IEP for their child.
Presenter: Dr. Anne Howard
Tuesday, January 12, 7:00pm
"Understanding and Supporting Children with Executive Function Challenges"
Building from definitions and descriptions of Executive Function, this interactive discussion led by Kalyan Krishnan will focus on how to use research-based, tried and true strategies to promote successful and independent learning both at home and in school.
Presenter: Kalyan Krishnan
Thursday, February 11, 2016
"Test Preparation for Students with Learning Differences"
Students with learning differences often need specific, explicit instruction and guidance to ensure that they are prepared to do their best work for all types of assessments — teacher-made, state-required, and college-entrance. Presenter Kat Marsh will discuss specific, practical strategies that can be used at home to help students study for tests, as well as tips on how to handle test anxiety and information about advocating for testing accommodations and alternative testing.
Presenter: Kat Marsh
Thursday, March 17, 2016
"Financial Planning for Two Generations"
Because many children with a disability must be supported their entire lives, special needs financial planning is planning for two generations. Speaker John Nardworny will go beyond the limited boundaries of wills and trusts to provide you with a road map to address your own family's special needs, avoiding common mistakes and pitfalls. He will also discuss how the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act, and the tax-deferred savings accounts it created, may fit into your family's overall plan.
Presenter: John Nardworny
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
"A Guide to Special Education: Principles, Process, and Pathways"
This workshop will teach families the basics of special education, with information that will help you:
• Understand your child’s eligibility for special education
• Know your rights under state and federal law
• Plan and monitor your child’s progress
• Be an effective partner with your child’s school
Presenter: Eileen Hagerty, Kotin, Crabtree & Strong
Wednesday, June 1, 2016