The First Academy The First Hope Blog, Week of September 8th

September 8, 2016 | Patty Myers |

The First Hope Blog, Week of September 8th

IMPORTANT EVENTS & DATES FOR SEPTEMBER

Parents, please take a moment to mark your calendars. The following are important dates that you do not want to miss:

Tuesday, September 13- TFH Parent’s Fellowship (8:00 AM, E2-328)
Tuesday, September 20- Parent Association Uniform Resale (7:30 AM-9:30 AM, Student Center Room 112)
Tuesday, September 27- TFH Parent Tours for Prospective Students

PARENT RESOURCES

First Baptist Church of Orlando Special Friends Ministry

http://www.firstorlando.com/care/special_needs

TFH/TCS PARENT ASSOCIATION VOLUNTEER SIGN UP

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AALwpE1NELfC-7ZQX3Y2yTJRHIRYYoRlscqbpO2ZLoU/pub

A MESSAGE FROM SARAH DONOVAN, DIRECTOR OF THE EXTENDED EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

Hello, September! It’s hard to believe that the August days are once again behind us and the sweet smell of fall will soon be in the air. Growing up in Pennsylvania, fall was filled with visits to the Cider Mill, rainbows of orange and red leaves piled along the streets, and the crisp wisps of wind blowing summer into the past. Although it is not quite the same in Florida, fall still feels like home. Friday night football games, students enjoying the cool orange days, and families coming together around warm fires. Blessings for a beautiful start to this beautiful new season.

CLASS AND STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

The First Hope is excited to announce the addition of a music class to our Transitions+Secondary curriculum. Our music teacher, Mrs. Angie Elkins, is introducing our students to the many benefits of music, especially for children with special needs. Music can be used to motivate our students to learn new skills, it is multi-sensory, it is processed in both hemispheres the brain, it is a nonverbal means of communication, and it a fun and easy way to connect. Pictured below are our 6-12th graders enjoying a sing-a-long accompanied by the piano.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Emma Bachman

Transitions + Primary Lead Teacher

Emma graduated Magna Cum Laude from Florida State University in 2014, where she received both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Exceptional Student Education (ESE). She has experience working with students with disabilities of all kinds. God has blessed her with a terrific family and a loving group of friends. In her free time, Emma enjoys spending time with loved ones, reading, and traveling during the summer. Emma lives in College Park with two wonderful roommates and her ‘fur baby’, Milo (who has no idea he is a dog) whom she loves and adores. Emma is so excited for what God has in store for her students and herself this year at The First Hope!

PRINCIPAL’S NOTE

As we get into the new school year there have been many changes for students and parents. Of course, the obvious big change is we moved into a new building. Some of our students are here at The First Hope for the very first time. Transition is one of the hardest things for our students. None of us really like change, but we regulate to it at different times. Most of us don’t need a big warning before a change but many of our students need help with transitions. We use many things here to help support this skill. Some of the things we use are visual schedules, Pecs, verbally reviewing what is coming next and also a First/Then chart.

When your child is struggling with a transition things to help you may be:

Give them warning of what will be happening in the future.
Use First/Then language: First we are going to do ___ (task) and then we will do ____ (reinforcer).
Take pictures of the activity or area they will be transitioning to, talk about it with them before it happens.