LCISD PAC Newsletter
Spring/Summer 2023 (Edition 3 of 3)
IN THIS SPRING/SUMMER EDITION:
- Welcome New PAC Rep
- Ideas for Summer FUN!
- Summer Camps
- Positive Highlights
- Local Events
- Agency Resources
- Mental Health & Wellness
- Thank You Teachers
What Is The LCISD PAC?
The Lapeer County Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is a group of educators and parents representing our local school districts whose primary focus is to stay informed regarding Special Education plans and changes, current trends in Special Education at the County, State, and Federal level, and if needed, to assist and promote partnerships among parents and educators that benefit students with disabilities.
The PAC takes an active role in the development of the Lapeer County Special Education Mandatory Plan, a document which describes the delivery of special education services in Lapeer County. The PAC provides workshops and speakers from the county and Statewide programs which can richly serve not only the parents of children with special needs, but in many instances the individual with the disability.
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WELCOME NEW PAC REP!
Hello, My name is Lyndsey Becker. I have been in the Lapeer area for over 35 years. My husband, Jason Becker, and I have three Children . Our oldest son, Riley ( is on the Autistic Spectrum) is a Junior attending Lapeer High School. River is a third grader and Reign is a 1st grader and they both are attending Turrell Elementary.
I am a graduate of Lapeer East High school and attended Western Michigan University & The University of Michigan Flint, for political science then communication.
It really takes a team with different strengths and the willingness to work together to support the care and educational needs of an autistic child. Riley has been very fortunate to have the support of all my family and the Lapeer school district for his education needs.
I bring to this group my experiences in overcoming the obstacles.
LCISD PAC WEBSITE
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Summer FUN Ideas!
Activities & Ideas
Eastern Michigan State Fair
Special Needs Program
Thursday, July 27, 2023 from 10:00am-noon with a lunch to follow
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SUMMER CAMPS
CAMPS FOR KIDS WITH UNIQUE NEEDS
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POSITIVE HIGHLIGHTS
The Importance & Success of Early On...One Family's Story
Today was a big day! Nixon has graduated out of the Early On program (well except for some summer therapy/opportunities post surgery ). This means that he is transitioning into preschool come fall. We have already visited the preschool and he absolutely loves it and the physical therapist, ancillary staff and the preschool teacher seem to be awesome!
But this also means saying goodbye to the Early On team . I remember at 10 months old, Nixon was just post open heart surgery. He was about 8 or 9 lbs (pretty much the size of a newborn), he wasn’t sitting up on his own and we basically had to hold him and care for him like a newborn baby. And the only person in the world he trusted was me. Which meant I constantly had him in my arms for almost a year straight. His doctors obviously have never seen a child like Nixon, so they couldn’t give us a real idea on what we should expect or not expect physically. So we weren’t sure how or what to do to help him develop. Children’s hospital kept encouraging us to contact our local Early On department….and to be honest, we were too overwhelmed to even think about talking to anymore specialists and even more honestly….once they said it was a free program I immediately became prideful and thought we don’t take charity or handouts….so we didn’t.
Thank God Linda DeTavernier contacted me and gave me more specific information about what they could do to help. I made the call but was still skeptical as we had done months of rigorous PT/OT with very little success. So when the team came to my house I think I literally said “I don’t really understand everything you guys do but honestly I’d really like him to not cry and scream every time I’m not holding him. So if there’s anything you think you can do about that I’m willing to give it a try.” (Mind you the entire meeting Nixon was screaming because the team made the mistake of looking at him…even the possibility of me maybe not holding him with strangers around would make him scream ).
Needless to say, they did eventually get him to let go a bit of mom…..(maybe a little too much as now I sometimes want to cuddle and he’s taking off like a regular toddler ). But they didn’t care about what the expectations were for him. They could see beyond just getting through the day and honestly are probably the sole reason Nixon is taking steps on his own, walking with a walker, climbing stairs, plays hide and seek, counts, sings ABC’s, knows all his colors, shapes, body parts, plays with other kids, writes, colors, plays ball, jumps and many other things that blow not only us but all of his doctors away.
I know I’ve said this before, but I’m saying it again….if you have a baby 0-3 years and you have a concern or even if you question something….or other family members are questioning development whether it’s physical behavioral speech or emotional. There is no harm in getting an evaluation….and the help I promise you is worth it. Thank you Linda, Katrina Wandrie, of course Nixon’s favorite Ms. Tammy (aka “Ammy”), Ms. Leslie and Ms. Heather. We will forever be grateful to you guys
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Goal Ball - Scores A Successful Experience for Students at Schickler Elementary
GOAL BALL - Schickler Elementary
Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for athletes with a vision impairment. Participants compete in teams of three, and try to throw a ball that has bells embedded inside of it into the opponents' goal. The ball is thrown by hand and never kicked. Using ear-hand coordination, originating as a rehabilitation exercise,. Able-bodied athletes are also blindfolded when playing this sport.
Susan Morey, Physical Therapist and Monica Stephens, Teacher Consultant for Visually Impaired, and gym teacher Ken Baginski joined together to bring this experience to Schickler Elementary. Journee L. is a student in the 4th grade at Schickler who attends all general education classes and is completely blind.
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LOCAL EVENTS
Lapeer County Suicide Prevention Network (LCSPN) - May 19, 2023 Event
05/19/2023
Doors open at 6:30pm
LCSPN PRESENTS: KEVIN HINES
#BeHereTomorrow
Lapeer County Suicide Prevention Network (LCSPN) is proud to host global speaker, best-selling author, documentary filmmaker, suicide prevention and mental health advocate Kevin Hines. In the Year 2000, Kevin attempted to take his life by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. Kevin now travels the world sharing his story of hope, healing, and recovery while teaching people of all ages the art of wellness camp; the ability to survive pain with true resilience.
LAPEER HIGH SCHOOL
AUDITORIUM
933 S Saginaw St
Lapeer, MI 48446
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The Child Advocacy Center of Lapeer County
Lighting The Way For A Child's Future
Contact Genna at LCAC to buy a shirt or find out more: 810-664-9990 ext. 130
Agency Resources
Michigan Alliance for Families (MAF)
Special Education Mediation Services (SEMS)
Disability Rights Michigan
MDE Office of Special Education
Family Matters
Dispute Resolution Options
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Mental Health & Wellness
May Is Mental Health Awareness Month!
Michigan Suicide Crisis & Access Line - 988
Need Support Now?
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Click this website link for more information.
Lapeer County Community Mental Health Contact Information
Location
Our agency address is:
1570 Suncrest Drive
Lapeer, MI 48446.
We are located on Suncrest Drive, across from the Lapeer County Department of Health and Human Services Office near Lapeer County Medical Care Facility. For more information about our service sites.
Having an Emergency?
In an emergency, contact us at (810) 667-0500 anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Request Services
To request services, call toll-free (888) 225-4447. Click the Accessing Services link for more information
For other information about our services, you can contact us by e-mail: lccmh@lapeercmh.org
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May Is Teacher Appreciation Month!
Sending A Special Thank You To All Teachers!
Teachers are the backbone of our democracy – fostering curiosity and creativity, building skillful individuals, and strengthening informed citizens. A great teacher in every classroom is one of the most important resources we can provide students.
Lapeer County Intermediate School District
Email: tfrakes@lapeerisd.org
Website: https://www.lapeerisd.org/
Phone: 810-664-1124
The Lapeer County ISD Does Not Endorse Any One Particular Resources Listed Above.
The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, marital or family status, genetic information, height, weight, military status, ancestry, or any other statutorily protected category (collectively “Protected Classes”) in its programs, activities, or employment. The following individuals have been designated by the Board of Education to serve as the District’s” Compliance Officers” (also known as “Civil Rights Coordinators”) to handle inquiries regarding the District’s nondiscrimination, prohibition against discrimination based on disability, and anti-harassment policies: Michelle Proulx, Director of Special Education (student-related) or Ann M. Schwieman, Director of Administrative Services and Personnel (staff-related); Address (for mailing purposes only): Lapeer County ISD Administration Building, 1996 W. Oregon St., Lapeer, MI 48446; Phone (to speak to or schedule an appointment with a Compliance Officer): (810) 664-5917; Email Addresses: mproulx@lapeerisd.org or aschwieman@lapeerisd.org.