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Writer's pictureNorfolk SEPAC

SEPAC Fall 2020 Parent Newsletter

Updated: Nov 1, 2020


Thank you to all who participated in our 6th Annual Trunk or Treat! The weather tried to break our Halloween spirit, but we are thrilled that our Norfolk family of 25 volunteer families and over 130 spectating families came together and braved the rain and cold to make this our most successful event ever!


We are thrilled to begin finalizing our events for families that will take place through the remainder of the 2020/2021 School Year. Stay tuned to our website and Facebook Page for our upcoming events!


Didn't get to volunteer for Trunk or Treat but still want to volunteer with SEPAC? We would love your help! Join us for our monthly General Meeting to see what other exciting things we have coming up and how you can help! All meetings are virtual - details below!


Were you unable to make it to the event or want to see all your favorite trunks again? Check out our video!



Mark Your Calendars for these Upcoming Events!


Parent's Rights in Special Education

Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility


Monday November 9, 2020


Presented by The Federation for Children with Special Needs and in conjunction with King Philip, Norfolk, Plainville, and Wrentham Schools


Time: 7:00 PM

Virtual Meeting Information to be sent upon registration



Submit Questions for our local Special Education Administrators in advance here!



Monthly SEPAC General Meetings

Event Description: Join the SEPAC Board for an informal meeting to discuss upcoming programming, volunteer for event committees, or get information about how to get involved! We meet virtually (via Zoom) on the second Wednesday of every month and all meetings are open to the public!

Location / Time (Due to COVID 19 restrictions, all meetings are being held virtually until further notice)

2020/2021 Meeting Dates

  • Wednesday, November 11, 2020

  • Wednesday, December 9, 2020 (Join us for a virtual holiday social for parents!)

  • Wednesday, January 13, 2021

  • Wednesday, February 10, 2021

No Registration Needed

 

Parent Education - Affirmations

Content credit: Katherine Schwab LMHC, PLLC


Do you find that you or a member of your family needs a confidence boost or needs to change a common narrative in your/their head? Have you tried creating and practicing an Affirmation?


Why are Affirmations helpful?

Everyone in a family can benefit from creating and practicing affirmations regularly. By practicing affirmations, one can change specific automatic (often negative) thought patterns that occur in the brain. While this may feel challenging or even silly at first, regular practice can change even those thought patterns, until we eventually believe the new narrative and leave behind negative thoughts that can limit forward progress.


What do I include in an affirmation?

  • Personal (use the word “I”)

  • Present tense (use “I am” rather than “I will be”)

  • Positive words (use “I am brave” rather than “I won’t be nervous”)

  • Short and simple (I or 2 sentences is usually good)

How do we practice using an affirmation?

Families can do this together, creating and practicing affirmations. Use the following tips to make your affirmation practice effective!

  • Remember to LOOK AT and READ ALOUD your affirmation (this uses multiple parts of your brain, so you will create stronger new pathways!) Suggestion: Tape it to your bathroom mirror and repeat it together when getting ready in the morning!

  • Remember to use a confident, believable TONE OF VOICE and BODY LANGUAGE (so that your brain BELIEVES you!)

  • You can try doing it “wrong” on purpose (head down, shy voice, etc.), then work your way to doing it “right” (with confidence) – sometimes this is a fun way to get started.

  • Family members can give you thumbs down, sideways, or up to “vote” on whether they fully believe you when you practice.

What are some examples of Affirmations for children?

Thank you to Katherine Schwab LMHC, PLLC for sharing this content on affirmations. All rights reserved. Follow Katherine on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katherineschwablmhc


 

SEPAC Book of the Month


The Magic of Me: My Magical Words (1 of 4 books in series)

by Becky Cummings

Teach children their words have power and how they speak about themselves is important!

What we say we feel! What we feel we believe! What we believe we become!


Have you ever heard your child say...I am bad at it! Nobody likes me. I can't do it!

It's heartbreaking to hear children say negative things about themselves, but ALL children struggle with learning to manage emotions. And now you can help!


My Magical Words is the experience children need to grow self-love and build confidence. It is a first book of positive affirmations.

Children will learn to SAY I am statements that empower them to FEEL and BELIEVE they are special, loved, smart, beautiful, strong, healthy, and more.


Your special time with your children will soar to a new level as you show them that words have power and what they say about themselves matters. Teaching your children positive self-talk at an early age will lay the foundation for future success!

A perfect book for boys and girls ages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8.

 

Our Mission

The Norfolk Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) strives to collaborate with and advise the school committee and administration to continually improve the education opportunities for all children in and outside of our school district. We promote improved education and success for students with disabilities, ensuring they receive equal access to education opportunities within our school and community. The Norfolk SEPAC provides a network for parents of children with disabilities to access resources, gain support, and share ideas. SEPAC encourages families to be involved in all district policy discussions.

 

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