Book Bag Buzz
A Family Newsletter of Challenged Child & Friends
5/8
Dates to Remember
5/115/14 5/14 5/25 5/26 5/30 5/30 6/97/2
Field Day - No Extended Day Last Day of School! No Extended Day Consignment Sale Family Beach Day Memorial Day Parade Summer Sensations
Registration for 2009-2010
Dear Parents:
May 2009
My first seven weeks as the Executive Director of Challenged Child and Friends has been a whirlwind of activities…meeting the children (and as many parents as I could), getting acquainted with the board, staff and community partners, planning end-of-the year activities, working though some financial challenges…well, you get the idea. What I have learned during my time at CCAF is much less complicated to describe and is what makes this job, and this place, so wonderful.
I have learned there is a dedicated group of people here who make this place really special. The teachers, paraprofessionals, therapists and administrative staff really work to function as a team, and the children are always the first priority of the team. As a parent, I would take great comfort in knowing that so many people, with so many talents, truly care about my child.
Challenged Child & Friends, Inc. P.O. Box 5758 Gainesville, GA 30504 Phone: 770-535-8372 Fax: 770-535-0252 Email: info@challengedchild.org
I have learned that the children we serve are surrounded by parents, grandparents and other family members and caregivers who are concerned about the quality of education and care that their children are receiving. They are passionate about “their” child, but many of them are also vocal advocates for children’s issues in general and specifically for serving children with disabilities. Finally, I have learned that your children are remarkable. The challenges that some of them are fighting to overcome will move anyone, and the spirit and determination of each of them is a joy to witness.
for news, resources and upcoming events at Challenged Child & Friends.
www.challengedchild.org
Visit our website at
Henry Ward Beecher said that “Children are the hands by which we take hold of heaven.” In my brief time of working for and with your children, I have come to believe that the CCAF is a community in which such lofty ideas can be realized. I appreciate you allowing me to be a part of that community. Best regards,
Dave Earnest
Families are welcome and encouraged to join us for field day. We’ll have a petting zoo, pony rides, and lots of fun activities throughout the center.
Field Day, May 8 - “Come Walk on the Wild Side”
Note: There will be no extended day on Field Day. The center will close at 12:30.
Congratulations to our 2009 Graduates! We celebrated the accomplishments of our 2008-2009 graduates on Sunday, May 3 at Grace Episcopal Church. We are so proud of each of them and wish them and their parents all the best as they move on to “big school”. Thanks for sharing your children with us!
To schedule an appointment for registration, please contact Carla Baker @ 770-5358372, ext. 252 or email at cbaker@challengedchild.org. Space is available for the 2009-2010 school year! If there is someone you know that may want to enroll next year, please have them call Carla to set up a tour. We have thoroughly enjoyed our year with your children. We hope you have a great summer. Please remember to use summer safety when swimming or near water, insect repellant for those bug bites, sunscreen for the warm sunny days, watch out for poisonous plants and come back to us in the fall.
Registration Dates for Fall 2009: May 11-14
From our nurses:
If you have any medicine or equipment in the nursing office, be sure to pick it up on your child’s last day of school. And last but not least, we will need updated immunization records if your child gets any shots over the summer. Thank you for sharing your children.
Linda and Brenda,,
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The PTC Blog:
The PTC is calling for parent volunteers for the 2009-2010 school year. If you are willing to volunteer to help the PTC or have any questions, please contact Carina Chiscano-Doyle at chisoyl@yahoo.com. PTC leadership needs include Membership, the Teacher Helper Program, PTC Email Updates, PTC Activities, Staff/Teacher Appreciation, and Mentor/Parent Support Program. A description of PTC Committees is included in this issue of the Book Bag Buzz. Date: Saturday, May 30, 2009, 9 am - 1
pm
We need parents to volunteer by preparing a dish to share for the Teacher/Staff Appreciation Breakfast held on Thursday, May 14. Help us show appreciation to CCAF Staff and Teachers. Please sign up in Sarah Kerr’s office by May 11, 2009.
Challenged Child and Friends Family Beach
families, parents, and children of CCAF are invited to attend a family day at the beach on Lake Lanier. Due to possible risks involved with swimming and sailing, all attendees (both children and adults) must sign the attached release waiver and turn it in with your RSVP to Sarah Kerr by May 13. After this date, no more attendees can be added. Place: The Lake Lanier Sailing Club, 6206 Commodore Drive, Flowery Branch, GA. Hosts: Carina Chiscano-Doyle, Jonathan Doyle, the Lake Lanier Sailing Club, Thistle Fleet #79, and Moms Club of Gainesville. Other Information: No costs. A pot-luck lunch will be served so please bring enough to share. The Thistle Fleet #79 and Moms Club of Gainesville will be providing hot dogs, hamburgers and beverages. In addition, the Thistle Fleet will be providing free short sailboat rides for those staff, family of staff, parents and children interested in participating in this activity. There is no swimming or sailing experience required. All life vests will be provided; however if you already have a life vest, please bring it
For Who: All staff and their immediate
Date: Monday, May 25, 2009 Time and Place: 8:30 am at First Baptist Church on Green Street in Gainesville For Who: All staff families, parents, and children of CCAF are invited. Other Information: No costs. You can participate by walking, pushing a stroller, riding on a float with your child
Challenged Child and Friends Participates in the Gainesville Memorial Day Parade
with you. Lifeguards and other volunteers will be on duty to provide assistance. What to Bring: Life vests for you and your children (if you already own one), a towel, sun screen, hats, sun glasses, a dish to share for ten people, beverages, beach blanket, and beach umbrella. If it rains, lunch will still be provided (bring your dish to share and beverages) and inside games by CCAF will be provided at the Club House. In the event of rain, events will occur inside at the Club House on the sailing club property. Directions: From CCAF, take Browns Bridge Road to McEver Road. Turn left onto McEver Road. Go ~4 miles and look for the Chevron gas station on right, make a right onto Jim Crow Road. (A yellow building will be on your right.) After you turn, continue straight and pass the ball fields on left. Continue straight for ~1 ½ miles. Pass Pop Stop Store on the right. The sailing club entrance (white fence) will be on the left in less than 1 mile. Follow signs to park at the Beach and Camping Area. If rain, follow signs to Club House.
(a trailer pulled by a truck), the child may use their own wheel chair, and/or you may provide a bike for you and your child to ride down Green Street. You will be responsible for bringing decorations and decorating your trailer and/or bike.
Please use the attached form to RSVP. Two trailers have been donated but we still need to confirm drivers and the number of participants.
**In the event of rain, Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. will not participate in the parade. Due to possible risks involved with participating in a parade, all attendees (both children and adults) will need to sign the attached release waiver and turn it in with your RSVP to Sarah Kerr by May 13, 2009. After this date, no more attendees can be added. The waiver must be signed for EACH attendee.
May 2009
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•1st Place goes to Nicholas M. in Class J with the winning weight of 62.09 lbs. Nicholas will receive a Target gift card for $50.00 . •2nd Place goes to Madison & Morgan C in Class T. Morgan and Madison will receive a Target gift card for $25.00. •3rd Place goes to Zackary B. in Class J. Zackary B. will receive a Target gift card for $ 15.00. A big thanks goes out to everyone for participating in this year’s Annual Change Drive and also to Bill Forrester for collecting over 30 lbs of change this year, honoring the children in Class E. Also thanks to Peach State Bank for rolling and counting the change. Our total weight collected this year is 192.3 lbs.
Our 2009 Change Drive Winners are. . .
Values: Caring Committed Advocates For Children
MISSION
and Families
...featuring the Atlanta Falcons and Falcons cheerleaders will be held May 20th at the Oasis Bowling Center in Buford from 5:30 until 8:30pm. Call or email Gail Schneider if you would like to purchase or sponsor a lane! Lanes include four bowlers, four guests, BBQ dinner for eight, four tickets to a fall Atlanta Falcon’s football game and exciting door prizes! Contact Gail at (770)-535-8372, ext. 309 or gail@challengedchild.org. for more information or visit our website.
Our 2009 Celebrity Bowling Event...
Mission: To serve children with disabilities and their typical peers through state-of-theart educational, therapeutic, nursing and family counseling services in an integrated environment.
VISION
Challenged Child and Friends will become Georgia’s nationally recognized, accredited early intervention center where children with disabilities and their families, along with their typical peers, will achieve their full potential. We will share our model of excellence to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our region, state, and nation.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who work so hard to make a difference in the lives of our children at CCAF. Annual volunteer awards were given at our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon to these volunteers: Program Volunteer of the Year - Amy Nabors; Administrative Volunteer of the Year - Corrine White; Parent Volunteer of the Year - Carina Doyle; “Above and Beyond” Volunteer - Cheryl Hardin. Thanks to these women for all they contribute to the success of our mission!
VOLUNTEER NEWS!
Challenged Child and Friends [CCAF] provides information from other publications and various sources to help families with resources. Center or agency events may include vendors/representatives promoting products or services, which may include proceeds from sales designated as a donation to CCAF. The inclusion of a product display or product sale or a printed resource or a service description does not imply endorsement or specific knowledge of the content, qualifications, quality or implied benefits or results. Our goal is to provide information and options for consumers, staff, volunteers or supporters.
Volunteer orientation for Summer Sensations is June 2, 10-11:30 a.m. If you are interested in helping, contact Joy Green @ 770-535-8372, ext. 120 or joy@challengedchild.org.
Amy Nabors
Carina Doyle
Corrine White
Cheryl Hardin
Book Bag Buzz Editor: Joy Green, joy@ challengedchild.org, 770-535-8372, ext 120. Parent contributions to Book Bag Buzz are welcome and are printed as space permits.
Parents, here’s a chance to sell your unneeded adaptive equipment and medical supplies while helping CCAF raise money! This will also be a great opportunity for you to buy needed equipment. Visit www.specialneedsconsignment.com to register or learn more about this event taking place May 26-30 at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Larenceville. More information will come home in your child’s book bag soon.
2009 Special Needs Consignment Sale!
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PART I: ASSUMPTION OF RISK
The undersigned hereby intends to participate in The Gainesville Memorial Day Parade for Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. to be held on Monday, May 25th, 2009 starting at 8:30am along Green Street of Gainesville, Georgia, and acknowledges that participation in any event may involve inherent risks of physical injury, including, but not limited to, broken bones, strains, sprains, bruises, concussion, heat-related illnesses (hyperthermia), abnormal heart beats, abnormal blood pressure, and in rare cases, a heart attack, stroke, and possibly death. The undersigned further acknowledges that he/she has been advised to consult with his/her physicians before engaging in any activities that are part of the Event program. PART II: RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE
CHALLENGED CHILD AND FRIENDS, INC. ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE The Gainesville Memorial Day Parade
By their signature below, the undersigned acknowledges that they have read and understand this notice. By signing this form, the undersigned accepts and assumes all risks, hazards, and dangers involved in any such activities in which they may elect to participate, including the training for, preparation for, and travel to and from the site of such activities.
The undersigned (for himself/herself, their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns) hereby agrees, for the sole consideration of the enrichment they expect to derive from the Event program and for the consideration of Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. allowing their participation in the program to waive, release, hold harmless, covenant not to sue, and forever discharge Challenged Child and Friends, Inc, and their members individually, and their officers, agents and employees from any and all claims, demands, rights, causes of action, judgments costs and expenses, or other liability of whatsoever kind or nature resulting from my participation in or growing out of or in any way connected with this Event program either arising before, during and/or subsequent to joining the program, including but not limited to any and all, known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen, bodily and personal injuries, including death, damage to property, and the consequences. The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is at least 18 years of age, or he/she’s parent or guardian has signed below, that they are suffering under no legal disabilities, and that they, their parent and/or guardian, have read this form carefully, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms. The undersigned further acknowledges the existence of and the need for certain rules and procedures concerning the use of equipment and facilities that are a part of the Event program. He/she agrees to abide by those rules, and to make every individual effort to assure that the equipment and facilities are kept in a safe and usable condition. ___________________________________________________ _________________________________ Signature of Participant or Participants’ Parent/Guardian Date _____________________________________________________ Print name _____________________________________________________ Print address Having read the preceding, I knowingly acknowledge my understanding of these risks set forth herein and knowingly agree to accept full responsibility for my own exposure to such risks.
Name of Family____________________________________________________ Telephone Number_______________________ Circle Type of Transportation:
Number of Adults Attending____________________Number of Children Attending__________________ Return this page to Sarah Kerr by May 13, 2009 Trailer Walk with Stroller Ride a Bike
Email Address_________________________________
Walk with Wheel Chair
May 2009
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PART I: ASSUMPTION OF RISK The undersigned hereby intends to participate in The Lake Lanier Sailing Club Event for Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. to be held on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 starting 9:00am. at the Lake Lanier Sailing Club, and acknowledges that participation in any event may involve inherent risks of physical injury, including, but not limited to, broken bones, strains, sprains, bruises, concussion, heat-related illnesses (hyperthermia), abnormal heart beats, abnormal blood pressure, and in rare cases, a heart attack, stroke, and possibly death. The undersigned further acknowledges that he/she has been advised to consult with his/her physicians before engaging in any activities that are part of the Event program. By their signature below, the undersigned acknowledges that they have read and understand this notice. By signing this form, the undersigned accepts and assumes all risks, hazards, and dangers involved in any such activities in which they may elect to participate, including the training for, preparation for, and travel to and from the site of such activities. PART II: RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE The undersigned (for himself/herself, their heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns) hereby agrees, for the sole consideration of the enrichment they expect to derive from the Event program and for the consideration of Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. allowing their participation in the program to waive, release, hold harmless, covenant not to sue, and forever discharge Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. and Lake Lanier Sailing Club, and their members individually, and their officers, agents and employees from any and all claims, demands, rights, causes of action, judgments costs and expenses, or other liability of whatsoever kind or nature resulting from my participation in or growing out of or in any way connected with this Event program either arising before, during and/or subsequent to joining the program, including but not limited to any and all, known and unknown, foreseen and unforeseen, bodily and personal injuries, including death, damage to property, and the consequences.
CHALLENGED CHILD AND LAKE LANIER SAILING CLUB ASSUMPTION OF RISK, RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE Family Beach Day
The undersigned hereby certifies that he/she is at least 18 years of age, or he/she’s parent or guardian has signed below, that they are suffering under no legal disabilities, and that they, their parent and/or guardian, have read this form carefully, understand it, and agree to be bound by its terms. The undersigned further acknowledges the existence of and the need for certain rules and procedures concerning the use of equipment and facilities that are a part of the Event program. He/she agrees to abide by those rules, and to make every individual effort to assure that the equipment and facilities are kept in a safe and usable condition. Having read the preceding, I knowingly acknowledge my understanding of these risks set forth herein and knowingly agree to accept full responsibility for my own exposure to such risks.
_______________________________________
Signature of Participant or Participant’s Parent/Guardian _____________________________________________________ Print name _____________________________________________________ Print address
________________________
Date
Name of Family_______________________________________________ Circle Which Type of Dish You Plan to Share: Return this page to Sarah Kerr by May 13, 2009 Fruit
Number of Adults Attending_____________________Number of Children Attending____________________ Salad Appetizer Dessert
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The mission of the Parent Teacher Connection (PTC) is to be an inclusive organization that works to support Challenged Child and Friends, Inc.
The PTC is comprised of both parents and teachers who want to unite efforts to encourage the best learning environment for the children enrolled at CCAF. The PTC is also a support organization for all parents and teachers whose children attend CCAF. The PTC hopes for 100% participation from the parents and teachers of CCAF and PTC hopes to become a great resource to assist the school in both educational endeavors and volunteer efforts as well as become a strong support network for everyone involved. The PTC does not require a particular financial and/or time commitment but requests volunteers to help support CCAF PTC activities. Get Involved!!! Provide your name and information and select a volunteer aspect of the PTC. Name: _______________________________________________________ Circle one: Parent Teacher Child’s Teacher:____________________________________________________ Home Phone Number: ________________________________Cell Phone Number:__________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________________ What PTC Aspect would you like to get involved in?____________________________________(See descriptions below.)
Parent Teacher Connection
PTC Committees include: PtC Membership, the teacher helper Program, PtC Email Updates, PtC activities, staff/teacher appreciation, and Mentor/Parent support Program. All of the PTC chairs will be considered members of the PTC Executive Committee and may meet as needed throughout the year (at most 3 meetings per year). The CCAF staff sponsor for the PTC will over-see and lead the PTC Executive Committee Meetings.
The PTC is calling for parent volunteers for the 2009-2010 school year. If you wish to volunteer to help the PTC in any way or have any questions as to what the job entails, please contact Carina Chiscano-Doyle at chisoyl@yahoo.com.
•PTC Membership. The chair of this committee will make parents aware of the PTC at Open House via a Membership Drive as well as during the Intake process. This chair person will work closely with the Intake Director. This person will insure parents know the PTC’s mission and purpose, and encourage all staff, teachers and parents to join. This chairperson will also confirm that the PTC Membership Database is up to date and current. The chair person of this committee will initially spend about 5-10 hours per week for the first 2 months of school and following that, the work load will drop to about two hours per month.
mittee will confirm that all 12 classrooms have a Teacher Helper. The Teacher Helper will support the teacher with a variety of tasks that each classroom teacher will develop based on the needs of their classroom. The time commitment for this role will initially be about five hours per week for the first two months of school and following that, about 2 hours per month.These volunteers would work under a Teacher Helper, which is a parent who is the liaison between the teacher and the other parents in the classroom. The time involved for this chair person may vary from zero hours per week, to four hours per week.
•The Teacher Helper Program. In total, this program will require 13 volunteers. The chair of this com-
A Teacher Helper may assist the teacher with the following: Develop an email/phone list of parent’s names in your child’s classroom Help to get the word out to other parents of “wish list” items for the classroom; organize snack lists for holiday parties for your child’s classroom; enlist help from other parents to volunteer on special days for art projects and other PTC activities; cut out items for art projects for your child’s teacher; assist in the end of the year scrapbook: developing film, cutting out pictures, and making pages that would go inside a scrapbook.
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•PTC Email Updates. The chair of this committee will gather and compile information that will be published
weekly in an email update. This update will be given to the current PTC staff sponsor (currently Sarah Kerr) who will maintain the most current PTC membership email database and will email this weekly newsletter. The leader will encourage communication and hopefully, increase parent involvement for all education/fundraising events for CCAF. This chair person will need to gather all CCAF event information and create a monthly and an annual calendar as well as send out weekly emails to parents, staff and therapists. This chair person will spend about two hours per week on the above mentioned tasks.
•PTC Activities. The chair of this committee will organize PTC activities that would enhance the educational
development of children enrolled at CCAF. Activities will be planned during school hours as well as outside of the normal school day. In addition, public play-dates will be planned for the children during the school year. This person will also work closely with the Education Coordinator to ensure that PTC Activities are planned accordingly and synchronize to the school year calendar of Units and Themes. This chair person will spend about two hours in August organizing these events and will follow up as needed with phone calls and thank you notes during the week of the PTC Activity.
•Staff/Teacher Appreciation. During the holidays and at the end of the year, this leader will plan and organize •Mentor/Parent Support Program. This chair will encourage parents to connect with one another to share
holiday appreciation gifts for all staff as well as plan a brunch at the end of the year. This chair person will coordinate these appreciation gifts with the Executive Director of CCAF. The leader of this aspect will spend about 4 hours per week on the above mentioned tasks during the month of December and during the month of May.
ideas and information or just to talk about their experiences relating to raising a child with special needs. This chair person will continue to advertise and assist with the SPIN (Special Parents Information Network) program. This chair person will initiate and develop a Parent Mentor Program so that new and old parents of CCAF have a mentor who can help them as needed. This leader will find parents who wish to join this program throughout the year. The time commitment for this position will vary, based on the commitment level of the chair.
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