Cooke Center Grammar School Newsletter Francis Tabone, Head of School Cindy Surdi, Assistant Head of School
Family Support Series—Attend and Learn! Each month Cooke Center for Learning and Development provides families with a workshop regarding issues relating to students and adults with special needs. These workshops are intended to provide you with essential information regarding legal issues, areas of support, and information about the services available for students with disabilities.
One boy, many faces. A shining personality, as he explores the classroom.
Dates to Remember: October 11th—Picture Day!!
October 14th—Columbus Day— School closed
October 17—Medicaid Waiver Workshop 6:30 pm
October 18th PTA meeting at CCGS 8:30am
Many of these workshops focus on the transition services for those turning 21. But as Ms. Chase (Chair of the Transition department bchase@cookecenter.org) the earlier you start to gain information the easier the process becomes. The system is ever changing and multilayered, thus having information makes a huge difference. We hope to see you at the next meeting. Also visit: UCP of NYC Family Connect services and resources include:
In this issue: Family Support Series
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Botanical Garden
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Curriculum night
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Training workshops, lectures and forums on a variety of topics (all services and workshops are available in English and Spanish) Introductions to collaborative relationships in the community: liaisons between schools, resource libraries, demonstration centers and clinical programs.
CCA FAMILY SUPPORT SERIES: WHAT IS MEDICAID WAIVER? Cooke Center Academy 60 Macdougal St 6:30 p.m. Thursday 10/17/13 This months presenter, Michelle Lang from YAI Link, will join us to discuss the services available through the HCBS Medicaid Waiver. Ms. Lang will explain what is meant by a “waiver service,” how these services can provide support to your family, and the process of securing these supports. With more than 450 programs that serve more than 20,000 people every day, YAI is one of NYC’s largest service providers for individuals with disabilities. Please join us for what is sure to be a very informative evening.
Up-to-date community resources
Go Fly A Kite!- afterschool lesson plan
Thank you to all who came out for parent’s night!
Activity Description: Making a Kite In this activity club members listen to a story about Benjamin Franklin and his discovery of electricity flying a kite with a key attached to it in a storm. Club members are given a safety lesson about how to safely fly a kite and also how to make their own kite. The facilitator will show an example of a pre made kite. Club members will be given the materials to make their own kite (two sticks of wood and a paper grocery store bag and string) the facilitator will demonstrate and supervise the club members while they assemble their kite. Club members will work separately but alongside one another during the activity and after assembling their kite they will decorate it. During the activity the facilitator will answer questions and promote group conversation. After everyone is complete with the assignment club members will be informed that they have been asked by the city to send their kite on a secret mission, each club member will be given an opportunity to tell a story
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Cooke Students Lost in the Jungle!!!! No they were not really lost. But they did lose themselves in the beauty of the Brooklyn Botanical Garden on a recent OSE trip. The Botanical gardens was just the place to study the various climate zones our middle school cohorts are named after. If you didn’t know our middle school groups are referred to by their group name: Rainforest, Tundra, Desert, Woodlands, and Savannah. Each cohort travels from class to class together for much of the day (although groups mix frequently). At the Botanical gardens student got a chance to visit the biomes most closely related to their group name. But for the students it was mostly just a fun time. The first OSE trip of the year is dedicated to learning the rules and procedures of field experiences, something they become quite familiar with over the years at CCGS and CCA and especially SKILLS. Being out in the world can never replace the smartboard or reading about places. Our students get first hand experiences as often as possible. In addition, they practice their travelling skills. When they get to CCA, they will participate in mandatory travel training classes which teach students how to navigate the transit system, get to and from locations safely, and even what to do when they get lost. It is never too early to start practicing. Before being allowed to travel independently, students should demonstrate a number of other skills. Specifically, they should be able to: * cross streets safely, with and without traffic signals * board the correct bus or subway * recognize and disembark at the correct destination * make decisions * initiate actions * recognize the need for assistance and request help from an appropriate source * follow directions * recognize and avoid dangerous situations and obstacles * maintain appropriate behavior * handle unexpected situations, such as re-routed buses or subways, or getting lost * deal appropriately with strangers.
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Curriculum Night We sincerely thank all the parents who came to curriculum night last week. Teachers and staff are eager to talk to you about the work that is happening in your child’s class. Teachers look forward to meeting with you. In addition we hope you got to meet the other parents in your child’s class. As you all know, meeting other parents is a great way to continue the friendships that happen in school.
We realize that the night occurs right in the middle of dinner hour. Perhaps we can pot luck it next time? During curriculum night we hope you learned: Your Child's Schedule: You should now know your child's schedule The School's Rules and Expectations: One of the most helpful aspects of back to school night is learning how the school handles discipline issues, unexcused absences, bullying, and even school security. How to Contact Teachers and Administrators: At some point during the school year you'll probably have to contact your child's teacher. You should now have contact information for all of your child's teachers administration. Also, make sure you know how to contact them via the school's website. Ask teachers if they prefer communication via email or phone.
Parent Support Group CCGS is offering a Parent support group twice a month for those seeking to work with our counselors and other parents. The group is designed to give support to parents of special needs students on a variety of topics and share information. This is an excellent opportunity for those looking for advice, strategies or share resources.
This Friday is Picture Day!!! Don’t forget!! Comb your hair and wear a smile!! All Classes will be taking class and individual photos throughout the day.
When: Thursday, mornings at 8 am October 10th and 24th November 7th and 21st December 5th and 19th Please contact Nancy Wright— nwright@cookecenter.org to RSVP. We invite all family members to join.