Category: Uncategorized

All these opportunities are FREE unless noted.  In most cases you must register if registration information is provided.

When other events become available they will be posted at: https://fairfaxcountysepta.org/upcoming-community-events/

Note that The FCPS Parent Resource Center is still open, and it continues to provide direct assistance to families, educators, and community members.  The staff there can help you find answers and solve problems. Email:  prc@fcps.edu   Phone: 703-204-3941

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Service Board is providing free access to Web and mobil tools to support our resilience and well-being. Appropriate for ages 13-adult. Start here: https://files.constantcontact.com/bbee573c701/92633049-c14e-4509-8384-f426ebbbfbe7.pdf
Setting the Stage for Distance Learning Success Fri. May 1, 10 am-noon, Webinar Learn strategies to help support your pK-12 child’s learning with realistic expectations, routines, and organizational supports. Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebBycj8L1Xm169WK0xeUippoJ8OHv-7qq9Tz7CEoimdVpoZA/viewform
Dr. Dan’s Support Group for Parents of Exceptional Kids  Mondays 1-2 pm, starting May 4, Online This new support group for parents of special needs children and youth will be facilitated by a behavioral pediatrician.  Register:  https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07eh1pyh6fa5912327&oseq=&c=&ch=
Disability Benefits:  VA’s Medicaid Waivers and Social Security Mon. May 4, 7-9 pm, Webinar Disability benefits are tricky.  Learn about Social Security benefits and VA’s Medicaid Waivers what they are, who is eligible, and how do to apply.  Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/disability-benefits-vas-medicaid-waivers-and-social-security-registration-99076633879?aff=erelpanelorg
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents Friday, May 8, 9:00-10:30 am Online Connect with fellow special needs parents and business owners, build your referral network, and share best practices. Information:  https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Maintaining Wellness and School Supports During COVID-19 Fri. May 8, 10 am-noon, Webinar Learn strategies for maintaining wellness for self and family, how to notice children’s stress, activities to foster resilience, and other resources. Register:  https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSedQPwtGZdR_ki7FAHzz40iNRI0vqPWUaBQcVvD2VD7I5tqlw/viewform
Motivating Responsible Behavior When Kids Are Home 24/7 Fri. May 15, 10 am-noon, Webinar Learn how to manage sibling relationships, and resistance to homework, while having children help with chores around the house. Register:  https://www.fcps.edu/resources/family-engagement/parent-resource-center/register-free-workshops-parent-resource-center
Business Networking Event for Special Needs Parents Fri. May 22, 9:30-10:30 am, Online Connect with fellow special needs parents & business owners, while building your referral network. Meets every other Friday. Information:  https://thearcofloudoun.org/networking/
Managing Stress in Children Wed. May 27, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Learn the signs and symptoms of stress as well as techniques on how to engage in positive ways with your children to avoid stress at home and  school. Register:  https://www.theauburnschool.org/speakerseries

Plan Ahead — Transition University — 5-session self-paced online course Sun. June 7,  8:00 pm – Monday, July 20,  4:00 pm   Parents/guardians of school-age children can learn how to navigate the transition process to prepare their children for the adult world. Register:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-2020-transition-university-virtual-training-registration-80303508957
Plan Ahead — An Individualized Approach to Raising Your Challenging Child — 9 session course Tuesdays June 23-Aug. 25, Via Zoom This program is to help parents identify the source of their child’s challenging behavior and learn what they can do about it.  For parents of children ages 3-12. Register:  http://www.parentchildjourney.com/journey/ $ Cost varies.

Support Groups
All these support groups are open to newcomers, and they are free, except where noted.  No diagnosis is required to participate. Participants are typically given the opportunity to share their story, experience support, and glean guidance (as desired) from group members regarding both community and school resources.  Confidentiality is respected.  Many, but not all, have switched to online format.
Alpha Moms  This support group for adoptive parents meets monthly in McLean.  Contact:  robin4brady@gmail.com
Autism Dads meets one evening monthly in Falls Church.  Contact:  George Buzby at 571-419-1257 or gbuzby@aol.com
CHADD: Children & Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• Alexandria CHADD Parent Support Group  4th Mon. of each month at 6:30 pm.  Contact:  Jenny  ADHDParentMountVernon@gmail.com  or call 703-472-4678.
• Burke CHADD Support Group for Parents, Caregivers and Family Members Last Thursday of the month at 7:00 pm.  Contact Kim Griffin: kimberlyrgriffin@yahoo.com
• Loudoun County CHADD Parent Support 3rd Tue. morning of the month in Sterling.  Contact:  Bonnie Little  571-306-2932 or on Facebook @loudounahdhsupport
• West Fairfax CHADD Evening Parent Support Group  3rd Thur. of each month at 7:30 pm Contact:  Sharon  clintob@aol.com  or 703-716-4646.
• West Fairfax CHADD Morning Parent Support Group  1st Tues. of each month at 10:30 am Contact:  Sharon  clintob@aol.com  or 703-716-4646.

CSB Family Support Group at Gatlan Center  2nd and 4th Wed. of each month 6-8 pm in Alexandria Contact:  Samar.Chwairy@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-799-2882.
D.A.D.S.  Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome 3rd Tue. each month, 7-9 pm in Alexandria.  Contact:  George gbuzby@aol.com or call 703- 545-6089.
Fairfax Juvenile Court Parent Support Group for problems including runaway behavior, truancy, alcohol/drug abuse, and serious behavioral problems at home, at school, or in the community. 7:30 pm every Tues. Room 201.1 Fairfax County Courthouse – call 703-246-2495.
Kinship Caregivers Support Group  2nd & 4th Thur. monthly, 6:30-8:00 pm, South County Gov. Ctr. Rm. 220, 8350 Richmond Hgwy, Alexandria.   Free dinner and resources. Register 1 week ahead:  KFI@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-246-4653
Kinship Café  – meets monthly on the 2nd Wed. in Fairfax.  Free dinner.  Activities for children and discussion for adults.  Register 1 week ahead  by calling 703-246-4653 or online at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hscode/EReg/Registration.aspx?groupID=27
NAMI:  National Alliance on Mental Illness builds better lives for affected families.  Arlington Parent Support Group meets two Sundays a month at 7:00-8:30 pm.  Contact:  Naomi 703-862-9588  verdugo.naomi@gmail.com
OCD Family Support Group   1st Mon. of each month, 7:30 pm.  Contact:  familygroupocd@verizon.net   or  call 202-215-5859.
Northern Virginia Tourette Support Group meets the 2nd Sunday of each month at noon at the Chantilly Public Library.  Contact:  mark.bramer@gmail.com
OCD Family Support Group 1st Monday of each month 7:30 pm. Contact:  familygroupocd@varizon.net or call 202-215-5859
Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) meeting times and location posted at: https://poac-nova.org/events/
Parents of Autistic Teens meets the 2nd Sat. of each month in Oakton.  Contact:  Maria Dubuc 703-970-3676 or Admin@ASNV.org

View the March presentation slides here: March PTA Presentation.

LAURA WRIGHT, PTA President

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A few days ago, the CDC recommended that groups should limit gatherings of 50 people or more for the next 8 weeks. This takes us into May, and there are several PTA events scheduled during this time. After talking with the other PTA officers, we have decided that we will take a step back from events and activities as the school year winds down. We have a slight reserve of funds that will enable us to start next school year and while we will have to proactively fundraise in order to continue other sponsored activities in 2020-21, we feel that this is the right decision given all that our community is facing. For the end of the school year, we will be canceling all restaurant nights, the Fun Run and movie night. Our plan is to have our next PTA meeting online on April 16 and provide further information at that time regarding school events. Also, at this point, we do not know whether FCPS will allow extracurriculars or after school classes, so we ask that you do not sign up for spring enrichment activities until we hear more guidance from the county. If classes are canceled for the spring, we will reach out to you about how reimbursements will be handled.

We know many parents are concerned with what students should be doing at home during this time. There are a number of resources available by grade level on the FCPS Elementary School Continuity of Learning Resources and the FCPS Blackboard site for all students. For older students, you can also check their google classroom accounts. We will be posting ideas of things that kids can do online on our Woodburn PTA Facebook page— if you have ideas, please write to us and we can share your ideas— or leave ideas in the comments section for other parents to see. Even though we should all be practicing social distancing, there are still ways for kids to safely interact with one another and continue their learning. We would love to be a conduit for sharing creative ideas of how we can make the most of this time.

If there are other ways we can help members of our community, please let us know. We want to support our Woodburn families in whatever ways we can during this challenging time.

Thank you,
Laura Wright
Woodburn PTA President

The FCPS Advisory Committee for Students with Disabilities (ACSD) meets the second Wednesday of each month.  The upcoming meeting will be March, 11 at 7 pm at Dunn Loring Center, Room 208, 2334 Gallows Rd, Falls Church.

ACSD is a state mandated committee appointed by the school board. It provides oversight to the Office of Special Services about all issues affecting students with disabilities. Public comment of 3 minutes or less is welcomed at the start of each meeting.

To learn more about the ACSD, please visit https://www.fcps.edu/committee/advisory-committee-students-disabilities-acsd-2019-20