Education Connection, Episode #5: Autism Awareness Center in Sterling, MA

On April 6, 2012, Jacki Samalis and I had the opportunity to visit the Autism Resource Center in Sterling, MA.  There we met with Executive Director, Sue Loring.  Please remember that April is Autism Awareness Month!

Questions and/or suggestions for future broadcasts can be E maild to:  edconnect@rcmahar.org

Click here to view Episode #5:

http://www.schooltube.com/video/5fa908b70f864045915b/Education%20Connection%20-%20Autism%20Awareness

Education Connection, Episode #4: Regionalization and Consolidation, Part II

Part II

On Friday, March 30, 2012 Mrs. Samalis and I had the opportunity to sit with Hadley Superintendent, and author of Creative Solutions to Contemporary Challenges in Small and Rural Schools Across America, Dr. Nicholas Young, and Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Hemman. In this two part series we discuss District Consolidation and Regionalization.




Suggestions for future shows and questions with regard to content in this episode may be E-mailed to edconnect@rcmahar.org.



Click Here to View Education Connection Episode #4


http://www.schooltube.com/video/2ba4fe2a1b4544bdbab8/Education%20Connection%20-%20Regionalization%20part%201

Parent Workshop Series: May 2012

Programs Sponsored By:  The Mahar Regional School District with funding provided through a Department of Secondary and Elementary Education School Improvement Grant on Drop Out Prevention

Understanding Eating Disorders and Body Image

When:  Wednesday, May 9, 6 to 7:30 pm with time after for informal talk and questions
Where:  Charlotte Ryan Theatre
Presenters:  Carol Nolin; Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at Heywood Hospital, Gardner.

Body image refers to how people see themselves. A distorted body image refers to an unrealistic view of how someone sees their body. Today, millions of Americans possess a negative body image, or at the very least, body dissatisfaction. The way a person sees their own body is rarely based on reality. Come learn the facts about dieting, eating disorders and how body image relates to both.

New Strategies for the Care of Children with ADHD

When:  Wednesday, May 16, 6 to 7:30 pm; with time after for informal talk and questions
Where:  Room H08
Presenters:  Catherine Sickles LMHC and Grace Leger LICSW; Staff clinicians at CHD-Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

Presentation will help to untangle some of the myths and mysteries of this common disorder among school-aged children and adults. Details about the necessary steps for a good screening will be discussed. Learn what other types of problems are "look-alikes" for ADHD. How parents and teachers can come together to create a healing and supportive environment for each child.

Your Responsible Child:
Chores-Homework-Cooperation, No Problem!

When:  Monday, May 21, 9:15 to 10:45 am; with time after for informal talk and questions
Where:  Mahar Teacher’s Dining Room
Presenters:  Catherine Sickles LMHC, Staff clinician at CHD-Outpatient Behavioral Health Services

What are the secrets to parenting children who actually WANT to help out around the house, finish their homework, and cooperate with adults?  The answers are found in understanding the child's stage of development and what can be expected of the child in each stage, TTT (taking time for training), building self esteem, and rewarding the right kinds of attitudes and actions.

Organizing the Disorganized Student

When:  Tuesday, May 29: 6 to 7:30 pm with time after for informal talk and questions
Where:  Mahar Media Center
Presenters:  Victoria Elliott; School Adjustment Counselor, Mahar Regional

Participants of the workshop will learn the organizational style of their child; learn how to choose school supplies most compatible with your child’s organizational style; learn how to effectively organize a school locker; and learn how to get homework home, back to school and into the teacher’s hand.

Mindfulness for School Success

When:  Thursday, May 31, 3 to 4:30 pm; Mahar Media Center
Presenters:  Paula Swenson; LMHC, Guidance Counselor, Mahar Regional

Learn how studies have shown that mindfulness can help reduce stress, increase focus and concentration and help with emotional regulation.   Through various forms of mindfulness practice such as eating, sitting and walking, participants will discover/rediscover the capacity to mindfully pay attention in the present moment, without judgment.  In addition, a bibliography and list of area resources will be available to help participants who wish to continue to explore mindfulness in their lives.

Light refreshments will be served
during each program

For information contact: 978-544-2535

Education Connection, Episode #3: Regionalization and Consolidation

On Friday, March 30, 2012 Mrs. Samalis and I had the opportunity to sit with Hadley Superintendent, and author of Creative Solutions to Contemporary Challenges in Small and Rural Schools Across America, Dr. Nicholas Young, and Massachusetts Association of Regional Schools Executive Director, Dr. Stephen Hemman.  In this two part series we discuss District Consolidation and Regionalization. 

Suggestions for future shows and questions with regard to content in this episode may be E-mailed to edconnect@rcmahar.org.

Click Here to View Education Connection Episode #3

http://www.schooltube.com/video/2ba4fe2a1b4544bdbab8/Education%20Connection%20-%20Regionalization%20part%201