Looking Ahead to Stars and Stripes 2015

Stars and Stripes Coordinator, Matt Hagge, blogs about the upcoming summer program




Memorial Day has come and gone and it is finally time to start thinking summer! With every summer, comes another addition of Stars and Stripes. I am very excited because this year we will be offering the program in two locations, Medina and Copley. In an effort to be as transparent as possible, and to make it as smooth as we can for our parents, I decided to write this blog post. I hope that you find it informational and helpful.

As a favor to me, I ask that if your child is attending one of the two programs, and you know of other families who are attending the program as well, would you please be so kind as to pass the link to this blog post along to others. That would be really helpful.

My staff and I have a blast every year working and planning the program to ensure each student has a great experience socially and academically. We have been working hard behind the scenes over the last couple of months planning and organizing, and I think we are going to have another great year! If you should need anything now, or throughout the summer, please email me: mhagge@llatherapy.org

 I am looking forward to seeing all of the students and interacting with all of the great families who have been a part of the program over the years! If you are new to the program, welcome! I look forward to working with you this summer!

Warmest regards,

Matt










Location and Dates



The Medina program will be held at Eliza Northrop Elementary School on the following days from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm 

The Copley program will be held at at Copley High School on the following days from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

Paperwork 


If you are attending the program through your school district, please turn in all required forms to your district ASAP! These forms help us solidify class rosters and provide us with an address and contact information to send you a welcome packet.

We can not stress how important it is to fill these forms out thoroughly. Please make sure you notify the following if it is applicable to your child: toileting needs, allergies, behavior concerns, health conditions.We also ask that you provide us with multiple emergency contacts and your email address.

Once we receive all forms and rosters, be on the look out for the Stars and Stripes informational packet in the mail. The packet will include transportation information, classroom assignments, a schedule, a photo release form, and tips to make the summer go as smoothly as possible.

In the past, parents typically receive this packet the week before the program begins. 

Frequently Asked Questions


Is transportation provided? Do you know when the bus will pick my child up? I plan on providing transportation for my child; where do I drop off and pick up?


If you are attending the program through your school district, transportation is provided as part of your child's IEP. However, you have the option to waive school provided transportation and bring your child to the program yourself through your district. As an organization, we do NOT organize transportation and/or bussing, therefore, we do not have ANY information pertaining to pick up and or drop off times. Please direct all questions pertaining to bussing to your school district's transportation department and/or student services department.

If you plan to drop and pick up your child daily from the program, as stated above we will provide a map of the designated drop off/pick up areas at each respective school in the welcome packet.

What sorts of activities will they be participating in? 


Stars and Stripes is a personalized summer remediation program for students who need additional instruction and therapy while school is on break. Service delivery is based on your child's IEP goals. Your child will participate in academic instruction and will have the option through their IEP to participate in speech, occupational, and physical therapy all at one convenient location. The program also hinges upon being a social experience. Therefore, we provide music therapy, movement therapy, and bring in special guests pertaining to weekly themes to heighten the educational experience for each child.

How will I know how my child is doing?


At Stars and Stripes we pride ourselves on communication and collaboration with families. Therefore, each child will receive a folder with a daily communication log. Our teachers and therapists will fill in information ranging from behavior, participation, toileting, performance, and progress. We urge all parents to please return the forms with your child daily with any comments that you may have so that we can continue the flow of conversation.

At the end of the summer, you will receive a progress report based on goals addressed during the program.

Are teachers and staff members available via email and/or phone?


I do not make it a requirement for teachers and/or staff to provide their email addresses and/or phone numbers. However, some chose to provide emails for simplicity. We have found the forms to be effective, and if necessary, we are able to make other arrangements.

Does my child need to bring anything?


The only thing that we ask each child to bring is a book bag. In the book bag we will provide you with the communication folder. We may also send home projects, crafts, and worksheets your child may be working on. In the past, parents have also placed a change of clothes in the book bag, which has come in handy from time to time. If your child has dietary restrictions, it is okay to provide them with a snack and/or a drink. However, we will be providing snack and drink daily.

You have two locations this year, how do I know which location to take my child?


The location of the program for your child was indicated on your application and in the paperwork. You will also know which location your child is going to based on the welcome packet you receive.

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