MAC PROJECTS FOR 2012

MAC offers three programs to young children and their families from February through June of 2012. These are in addition to the early intervention services delivered both during and after the school day. The 2012 programs are:

READ DEED

The Read Deed project is open to local 3rd graders in order to provide additional support and instruction in reading. MAC recognizes that reading is a basic life skill, and that without the ability to read the opportunities for personal fulfillment and job success will be lost. The U.S. Department of Education states that children are expected to “learn to read” in grades K-3, and to “read to learn” from 4th grade on. In spite of the effort of schools to have children master reading by the end of 3rd grade, many continue to struggle in a variety of areas. Tutoring will be offered at the Center on Tuesdays of each week, beginning on February 7, 2012 from 6:30- 8 P.M. Reading instruction of 45 minutes, both 1-1 and small group, will cover the alphabetic principle, decoding ability, fluency, and comprehension skills. This is followed by recreational activities, in that social interaction around the act of reading is documented to be a key motivator. The cost per session is $15, with exceptions made based upon the ability to pay. Priority will be given to those who otherwise will be unable to receive reading help. To further its reading efforts, MAC has contacted local organizations, churches and synagogues to encourage them to begin similar initiatives. For more information, call the Center at 201-692-7908 or email melodyaronscenter@gmail.com.

KINDER KORUS

Beginning weekly on February 16, 2012, MAC will host a group of Kindergartners from 6:30- 7:30 P.M. who enjoy singing songs together. This Kindergarten chorus will learn a variety of children’s songs, using Spring as their theme. They will receive an introduction to rounds, in addition to playing rhythm instruments, acting out their songs, and doing solo and small group presentations. Parents are required to stay for the first 2 sessions. The children will perform their Kinder Koncert, A Spring Sing, on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012. Cost per session is $10. The Mother’s Day concert is free, the location to be determined.

PARENT TRAINING ON RTI

Response to Intervention, RTI, is a growing general education response to national efforts at limiting the number of students who are referred to special education for evaluation and services. There is a significant lack of understanding as to what RTI is, how it is to be used, and for whom. Increasingly, referrals are not accepted for evaluation, school districts relying upon RTI and general education to assess and provide services. In addition, more and more disputes between parents and school districts regarding eligibility to receive special education have arisen as a result of reliance upon RTI, which is not controlled by either law or a specific model of implementation. MAC offers a 3 session workshop to explain the theory and current status of RTI from 8-10 P.M. on March 14, 21 and 28. The presenter is Marilyn Arons. Cost per session is $30 which also includes handouts. Prior registration is required to be received no later than March 7, 2012 by emailing the Center at melodyaronscenter@gmail.com.