xMinds Across the Spectrum
Academics We Can Use: Making the Most of the Alternate Learning Outcomes ("ALO") Curriculum
Educational therapist Jean Hickey will lead an engaging and practical workshop designed for parents of elementary or middle school students who are on the certificate track in MCPS. Jean will identify key concepts in the ALO curriculum that have important practical applications, then provide you with ideas, techniques and materials for you to make those concepts relevant and meaningful to your child. By exploring with your child the real-world applications of concepts taught in the classroom, you will help your child move closer to mastering important life skills while also deepening your child’s understanding and interest in classroom academics. Get all the details and register here.
Save the date for the 12th annual xMinds in MCPS Forum
Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, March 18 for our annual Forum.
Our annual “Extraordinary Minds in MCPS Forum” is an evening dedicated to informing MCPS parents about the placements and services available in MCPS for students across the autism spectrum. This year we're offering some new exciting topics such as Functional Communication Plans, Resources and Funding Opportunities, and a parent panel on the Alternate Learning Outcomes Curriculum. Take a look at all our breakout session topics at the xMinds website. Registration will be opening soon!
See these events and other autism-friendly community events by visiting the xMinds calendar.
xMinds News
Check out the xMinds Summer Camp Guide
Can you believe that it's time to register your kids for summer camp already? Many xMinds Professional Members offer summer camps perfect for kids on the spectrum. We've updated our website with this year's dates and listed other camps that parents have recommended. See the Summer Camp Guide for more information.
What is the Kirwan Commission?
On January 26, xMinds members and other stakeholders gathered in the living room of Katie Smeltz, long-time xMinds member and Kirwan Fellow, to learn more about the Kirwan Commission's recommendations (also known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future). Among other initiatives, the Kirwan Commission calls for increasing teacher pay and licensing requirements, offering universal preschool, and increasing per-pupil funding for students with a disability. Mark Korman, member of the Maryland House of Delegates, presented an overview of the Blueprint and its potential impact on the budget. Linsey Malig-Mayhew of Strong Schools Maryland provided advocacy opportunities and urged people to "seize a once in a generation opportunity to build a world-class education system" here in Maryladnd. For more information about the Kirwan Commission, please visit www.strongschoolsmaryland.org.
Former SEAC Co-Chair, Julie Reiley, joins the xMinds Advisory Council
Julie Reiley, Former Co-Chair Montgomery County Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and former Chair and Vice-Chair of the Special Education Committee of Montgomery County Council of PTAs graciously accepted the Board of Director's invitation to join the xMinds Advisory Council. Please join us in welcoming Julie!
Need Some Advice? Ask the xMinds Volunteer Advocacy Team...
Since the xMinds Volunteer Advocacy Team began, they've helped 14 parents. Our team of 6 volunteers offers valuable advice to parents and connects them with the resources they need. Get all the details at our website.
