Connect for Success Symposium 2015
It’s Limerick-off Time!! Entries
Working with families is great, and
this has been the best symposium to date.
Collaborating, listening, and learning
has left all of us yearning, and
leaving this event is something we hate.
Teach “Transition” in color is the way to go.
Otherwise, students, parents, and teachers say no.
One size will never fit all,
unless we want them to fall.
Dream big, dream with a plan, and discover their glow.
There once was a team from Frederick
who strived to be more empathetic.
They attended a symposium
to create a utopium,
and they left feeling quite energetic!
Many thanks to Dana and the team,
they have made organizing symposium easier than it may seem.
Opening it to those far and near.
so that we can gather to hear how we can all be part of the mainstream.
We attend Connect for Success
because sped can be such a mess.
But, we come and we learn,
ideas grow like a fern.
Now I’m smarter I must confess.
There was a Connection on the beach,
held for those who do outreach.
The workshops and presenters were a success, and
gave us information, OH YES!
So now we go back and TEACH.
A parent was ready to scream, and
she didn’t feel part of the IEP team.
The PRC worked with her to advocate, and
become a partner with the school,
thus achieving a dream.
There was once a group that met near the sand.
They met at a symposium that was oh so grand.
They listened to Ruby, R&B, AC, and many others,
to try making life better for our sisters and brothers.
Of course, we know this goal is achievable if we work hand in hand.
We work helping children and families,
whether they’re natives or move here from Belize.
To help them navigate the specialized maze,
may take either hours or days.
But it’s an opportunity we love to seize.
A symposium to connect for success,
where most have come to impress.
They lectured, then fed,
even provided us a bed.
Now on to our families to bless.
There once was a PRC in Arlington,
whose coordinator loved always being on the run.
Supporting families
on a collaborative path,
to ensure success for each and every daughter and son .
There once was a student at Lancaster High,
whose disability made him painfully shy,
He joined a social skill group, a local church,
and Boy Scout Troop.
Now lots of people know he’s a great guy.
There once was a parent who left rejected.
But, as she sat and reflected.
Worried about the disability her son had,
she really couldn’t be mad,
Because of people like you she was connected.
There once was a boy with autism.
His parents and school were in schism,
he family worked with the PRC,
to develop a better IEP.
And learned how to partner with the school system.
Yes, I am a member of the staff.
I am also a parent, like a mother and her calf.
Special ed has been in place since age two.
The therapists wiped away tears, boohoo.
Over time, my son has made great strides like a leaping giraffe!
We come to Virginia beach,
to learn how to teach.
To impart our knowledge,
so those less fortunate can go to college.
This is how we “expand our reach.”
My son, very observant, has expressed,
the way his classmate has progressed.
With Autism, since kindergarten his issues were vast.
Teachers and friends supported so he was not an outcast.
His parents are great and feel very blessed.
I have many siblings, one, two, and three.
The most spectacular was of course, me!
I now have children, the number the same,
My youngest ‘s speech issues drove us insane.
We played charades every time he wanted a slurpee.
I’m so glad I had the chance to learn about PRC resources.
Can’t wait to go back and give others a glance of what I’ve learned.
The connections I’ve made so valuable.
Together we can learn, love and build bridges for our families, students, and communities.
So don’t delay get to your PRC and join the dance.
I came to VA beach to see,
if I could Connect for Success with my co-workers- three.
We learned lots of information, and some of it was revelation,
So hopefully next year again, maybe we can sit in the sun by the sea.
There once was a boy named Ed Nation,
who needed an individualized education.
So people arrived at the Beach,
to learn how to help reach and teach.
All the students who struggle like Ed Nation.
There once was a group from T/TAC,
Diann, Debbie, Cheryl, Sharon, and yes MAC.
LeeAnn, Jennifer, Clare, Kendal, Mary,
Tina, Nancy, Mona, Cathy, and Kerry.
With passion for families and partners intact.
There once was a gathering of parents meeting to grow stronger.
Who learned from each other how to say “we can help” louder and longer.
They laughed, grew and ate and ate.
They learned to support, love and fight hate.
So, not meeting again a year’s time couldn’t be wronger!
Once there was a family who cared.
All they wanted was their son to be treated fair.
They searched for activities to be fun,
only to find ones which were not done,
In order to make his life worth bear.
All lives have something to share,
We don’t want their lives to be bare.
We give them reasons,
to celebrate all seasons.
And, together we all attend to affairs.
There once was a boy named Pete.
Who was diagnosed with several special needs.
He was shown love and care.
And knew if he dared,
He would grow up to do great things and lead!
There once was a family with a child,
who was born with a disability, although mild.
Mom and Dad loved and cared,
brother and sister always shared.
Doors were opened and life was filled with SMILES
There were some liaisons from Fairfax,
who tried hard to have parents’ backs.
They tried their best,
without much rest.
And, became successful in helping to the MAX!
I went to the PRC for a hint,
to learn of a major event.
Then I focused on others,
helping fathers and mothers.
Leading change, for this reason I was sent!
Families came to me to connect.
Tis my job to help them reflect.
My success is then measured,
by how far they’re now tethered.
Invoking passing and new found intellect.
The connect conference at the beach,
full of workshops where each
of us are challenged to go,
back to work and home and show.
New energy –new focus and outreach.