Special Edition Newsletter - November/December 2024

A newsletter to support those in York Region who work with students with exceptional learning strengths & needs.

Content of this Newsletter

Monthly Highlights

• Youth SPACE
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department Event
• Work Experience - College Information Night

Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community

• Yes I Can Provincial Awards

Important Dates & Updates

• Children’s Treatment Network (CTN)
  • CTN Youth Group
• Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)
  • LDAYS Virtual Presentation - ADHD Strategies at Home
  • LDAYS Virtual Presentation - Ask an Expert, an Hour with an Educational Consultant
  • Programs and Services
    • Social Skills
    • Level Up Tutoring
    • Reading Rocks & JUMP Math
    • SoAR 
  • Podcast: LDAYS Plugged-In

Monthly Highlights

Youth SPACE

Youth SPACE is an identity-affirming student leadership initiative for grades 6-12. Youth SPACE aims to provide safe, equitable and inclusive student leadership and engagement for the promotion of mental health, well-being, and stigma reduction. To inspire the student leaders who are part of the Youth SPACE teams at their schools, the Central Mental Health Team organizes the Youth SPACE symposium. At the symposium, students learn about the many ways of supporting mental health and well-being as well as leadership and team building skills to bring back to their schools. Youth SPACE symposiums have been occurring over the months of November and December. These symposiums are co-designed and delivered by secondary student advisors. Youth SPACE is currently in 108 schools across the YRDSB, and will be in all schools by 2026-2027 school year.

Check out some other information and resources from the YRDSB Mental Health Team. 

• Mental Health December Newsletter - Windows to Wellness
  • Monthly information, events,& resources from the Central Mental Health Team, including activities for the Winter Break.
• Teens In a Digital World: Social Media And Mental Health
  • Members of the Mental Health team speak with students from Youth SPACE  about the complex relationship between social media and teen mental health. 
• Supporting Emotion Regulation at Home and at School: A Presentation for Caregivers of Students in Kindergarten
  • This presentation focuses on co-regulation, transitions, social skills, communication,  collaboration and some general strategies that may be beneficial in supporting Kindergarten learners. 
  • After you register, you will receive access to the webinar video.

Annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing Department Event

On Sunday, December 1, YRDSB’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) department hosted their annual Holiday Party. The DHH staff planned a wide variety of games and activities for the students and their families. Over 40 families – nearly 200 people – attended and many high school students participated as volunteers. Family-centered events like this encourage inclusivity and well-being. They also give students and their families a chance to connect and build a sense of belonging. Thank you to the educators who spent their weekend creating this meaningful experience for students and families.

College Information Night

On Thursday, November 21, 2024 the YRDSB Work Experience Transition Coordinators hosted a College Information Night at Bayview Secondary School. This event included representatives from Georgian College, Durham College and Humber College’s Community Integration Through Co-operative Education (CICE) programs as well as the George Brown College Vocational Program. Students, parents, caregivers and YRDSB staff listened to presentations about each program and engaged in conversations around future post-secondary opportunities. 

Spotlighting Excellence, Achievement & Community

Yes I Can Provincial Award Winners

On November 30 & December 1, the Ontario Council for Exceptional Children held their 68th Annual Special Education Conference, “Well-being, Equity, and Success for All”. This conference recognizes excellence in Ontario and YRDSB had 2 student and 3 adult award recipients.

Ben,  School & Community Award - Ben has participated in Best Buddies, SNAP Athletics and his School Holiday Concert. He created card holders, peace cards and thank you posters that were sent to Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans and Markham Stouffville Hospital Volunteers. He also wove milk bag sleeping mats for students in other parts of the world.

Nuha, Self-Advocacy - Nuha was a student at Teston Village Public School when she was nominated for a Yes I Can Award in Self-Advocacy. Nuha is a true advocate, for both herself and others. Nuha embraces and celebrates her Autism, referring to it as her “super power”. Whether she is advocating for an accommodation or teaching her classmates about Autism, she can always be counted on to spread awareness and educate others. 

Kate Diakiw, Lynn Ziraldo Advocacy Award - Kate Diakiw, Associate Director in the York Region District School Board, embodies the spirit of Lynn Ziraldo herself through her remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to advocating for students with special education needs. Her career reflects a trajectory of growth, innovation, and advocacy that makes her an exemplary recipient of the Lynn Ziraldo Advocacy Award.

Christina Miller, Paraprofessional of the Year -Christina Miller is an Educational Assistant at H.G. Bernard P.S. Her support and guidance for exceptional students is invaluable. She builds relationships with classroom teachers, families and paraprofessionals. As part of the larger school community, Christina is often a trusted support staff for many students. Her initiative to support students and involvement in the school community has made a lasting impact.

Wendy Snow, President’s Award - As a Regional Student Services Intervention Support Worker, Wendy has developed a reputation for being a responsive ally who works alongside staff to support them in serving their students. Her knowledge and support has helped school teams across the YRDSB to better understand the needs of their students and better support the inclusion of students with special education needs in all aspects of their school community.

Natasha Giagnacovo (Dollar Tree), Business Award - Natasha actively engages with the YRDSB Work Experience Program and provides students with valuable guidance and encouragement and leads with compassion and empathy. Natasha is not only a manager but also a mentor, taking the time and initiative to support and guide team members in their personal and professional growth. Through her mentorship, Natasha empowers students to realize their full potential and achieve their goals.

Important Dates and Updates

From Children’s Treatment Network (CTN)

Children’s Treatment Network (CTN) Youth Group-Continuing into 2025

• CTN’s Youth Group is continuing into 2025 (next virtual gathering to occur in January) and registration is still open.
• CTN Youth and Alumni with disabilities and developmental needs are invited to join the group and make some new connections and have fun.
• The group is facilitated by two CTN Alumni and our Child and Family Wellness Coordinators.
• Each month’s virtual get-togethers focus on an “F-Word”: Fun, Fitness, Functioning, Family, Friends and Future.
• An in-person wrap-up party is planned for May.

From the Learning Disabilities Association of York-Simcoe (LDAYS)

As we transition into winter, LDAYS is committed to delivering programs, services, and events that support students with learning disabilities and/or ADHD, along with their families. Throughout the fall, we've engaged in outreach with different organizations and educational institutions to promote awareness and share knowledge within the community. As we continue to provide social and academic resources and exciting events, we look forward to sharing more about what's ahead!

If you are interested in enrolling into our programs please see the corresponding registration links and contact information below or feel free to email us at info@ldays.org or call us at 905-884-7933 for more information!

Upcoming Events 

LDAYS Virtual Presentation - ADHD Strategies at Home

We’re excited to announce an upcoming presentation on ADHD Strategies at Home, led by the insightful Andrea St. Onge!

With over 20 years of experience in the education field, Andrea is committed to empowering students with learning disabilities, particularly those with ADHD. As an adult with ADHD, Andrea has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by students with executive function difficulties. She looks forward to sharing her insights and providing practical strategies to help parents support their children at home. 

Join us for these engaging sessions where Andrea will share practical strategies and tools designed to support children and families navigating ADHD. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, you’ll find valuable information to help create a more supportive environment.

Presentation Details:

• Date: December 10th, 2024
• Time: 7PM
• Location: Zoom
• More Information and Registration

LDAYS Virtual Presentation - Ask an Expert, an Hour with an Educational Consultant 

Join educational experts Karen and Ann Wolff from Wolff Educational Services for an hour of insights on supporting student success. 

With over 25 years of experience as a Special Education Resource Teacher with the York Region District School Board, they specialize in identifying students' learning strengths and needs using various assessment tools and creating personalized learning plans. With expertise in the Ontario Curriculum, Ann has written hundreds of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and has led workshops on academic assessments and report writing.

They'll address your questions about IEPs, report cards, resource support, accommodations, and more, while emphasizing personalized strategies for academic and emotional growth.

Presentation Details:

• Date: January 14th, 2025 
• Time: 7PM
• Location: Zoom
• More Information and Registration

Upcoming Programs and Services

Social Skills 

We’re excited to continue to offer our Social Skills Program.  Designed for children ages 7 to 12 years of age looking to enhance communication, build confidence and/or develop new friendships, our program is here to support and guide them every step of the way. 

• Richmond Hill: January 20th - March 3rd 
• Newmarket: January 21st - February 25th 
• Essa County (Subsidized): February 5th - March 12th 
• More Information and Registration

Level Up Tutoring 

Designed for students in grade 3 to grade 7 looking to catch up, get ahead, or needing extra support, our dedicated tutors are here to help them achieve their academic goals. Enroll now to secure a spot and let’s make this school year the best one yet! More Information and Registration

Reading Rocks and Jump Math 

Reading Rocks will be continuing this winter. Days and times are flexible. Join us for 8 weeks of  engaging sessions to help students improve their reading skills and set them up for success into the new school year! For students ages 8-14 with a primary diagnosis of LD/ADHD. Registration is now open. 

Jump Math will be continuing this winter. Days and times are flexible. Join us for 8 weeks of interactive learning and engaging activities designed to strengthen mathematical skills! For students ages 8-14 with a primary diagnosis of LD/ADHD. Registration is now open. 

More information and to register for JUMP Math and Reading Rocks.

SoAR

In SoAR, we focus on supporting smooth transitions between elementary school to high school and also high school to post secondary. It is designed to help students navigate changes and thrive academically as well as socially in their new chapter of life. We’re excited to continue providing valuable strategies for success to your students! 

The program can be facilitated in a group setting or one to one. Groups are held in class for 4 sessions with 6 participants per group. 

SoAR Elementary - More information and registration

SoAR High School - More information and registration

Important Updates

Our team of Champions share their personal stories of success, their journeys to overcome obstacles, and speak on behalf of youth and their families to increase awareness and knowledge surrounding what it means to learn differently. We are also offering informative LD awareness and educational presentations to help deepen your knowledge and support our community. Interested in having a LDAYS speaker or champion at your school, office, or upcoming special event contact us at info@ldays.org.

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meetings

The SEAC meets on the first Thursday of every month. All are welcome to attend and observe. For more information about SEAC and our SEAC members, please visit the SEAC webpage.

Upcoming SEAC Meetings

• January 9, 2025
• February 1, 2025
• March 7, 2025