2018-19 Educational Programs
"Needham's Special Education Services and Programs"
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Our annual overview of what Needham has to offer students with all types of needs at all of our schools, from preschool through age 22. We were joined by Mary Lammi, Tricia Mullen, Matt Ganas, Rebecca Sparrell AND the K-8 building coordinators.
"Study Strategies: Moving Beyond 'I Read Over My Notes'"
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
For students with learning differences, reading over class material or notes is often not enough to enable them to perform well on tests and other assessments. Presenter Kat Marsh will provide examples of practical study strategies that will help students learn and retain information, and she will also share ideas about helping students become self-motivated learners.
Kat Marsh is the Lead Teacher and School Consultant at Commonwealth Learning Center in Danvers and the Learning Support Liaison at the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm in Beverly. For over twenty years she has worked as a teacher and a tutor in many different learning environments, adapting her teaching and coaching strategies to fulfill diverse student, parent, and teacher needs.
"A Guide to Special Education"
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
Attorney Michelle Moor 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 Michelle Moor is an attorney whose practice is devoted entirely to helping children with special needs access appropriate educational services. She worked in the disability and special education law group at Kotin, Crabtree & Strong, LLP for several years, and is currently a partner at Moor, Perlman & Gregg LLC.
"Friends Matter: Promoting Authentic Social Opportunities for All"
Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Friendships are valuable and important for all people, yet friendships between individuals with and without disabilities can be rare. While we often focus on improving the social skills of students with disabilities, providing more opportunities and direct support for these friendships to develop is just as crucial.
Dr. Rossetti will share stories of successes and challenges, as well as research-based strategies for parents and educators to promote authentic friendships between individuals with and without disabilities.
Zach Rossetti, Ph.D., a former special education teacher and inclusion facilitator, is an Associate Professor of Special Education in the Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development. His research focuses on social interactions and friendships between students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities in inclusive settings.
"Don’t Rush to Soothe! Practical Strategies for Stress and Anxiety Management"
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
When we see our children experiencing distress, our impulse is to “swoop” in and soothe them. While this might be a short-term solution, it’s critical that we also build skills to help children manage their own stress and anxiety more independently over time.
In this workshop, we’ll review the core concepts behind stress and anxiety, and learn practical strategies to support children of all ages.
Elise Wulff, MEd, has more than a decade of experience working with the neurodiverse population and their families. With MGH Aspire since 2008, Elise oversees MGH Aspire programming for individuals ages 5-16 and related services, and also provides personalized parent coaching, school based consultation, and professional development for providers.