Families as Allies

Mississippi State Board of Education
2021-08-19 10:00 (America/Chicago)
Mississippi State Board of Education
Date: 10 a.m., August 19, 2021
Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

Watch the live stream:

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2021-08-19 12:00, 2021-09-16 12:00, 2021-11-18 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to ask questions or get feedback about IEP issues and other school situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Join here >>

Health and Safety: It's a Family Affair
2021-08-26 11:00
F.A.C.E.S. of Memphis, the Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis, the Emotional Fitness Centers of Tennessee and National Federation of Families will host this important session.
Join us this Thursday for a virtual lunch and learn!
The old adage, ‘prevention is better than cure’, could not be more appropriate for us than it is today. The renewed COVID-19 wave that has gripped the nation has changed the very way we live. Conversations that started with ‘How are you?’ have now gone to ‘Are you keeping safe and are you vaccinated?’ In fact, vaccinations have become A FAMILY AFFAIR, not just for children, but for whole families to stay healthy and safe. Though there has been confusion and misinformation about vaccines; vaccinations are an important part of family and public health. They prevent the spread of contagious, dangerous, and deadly diseases including measles, polio, mumps, chicken pox, whooping cough, diphtheria, and HPV.
With this in mind and considering the times in which we live, our next Lunch and Learn will include a diverse panel of experts to discuss how vaccinations impact the health and safety of the family unit. We will discuss the risks and benefits, how to discuss vaccinations with family members, dispel myths and hear testimonials. Our family organization, F.A.C.E.S. of Memphis, the Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis, the Emotional Fitness Centers of Tennessee and National Federation of Families will host this important session.
Join us for this important webinar!
Register here>>

Live at the Virtual Barbershop: Supporting Black Students in the Classroom
2021-08-27 13:00
In his 1933 book, The Mis-Education of the Negro, Carter G. Woodson postulated that Black people of his day were culturally indoctrinated rather than taught in American schools, creating people who would be dependent on and seek out inferior places in the dominant white society. One of the significant points Woodson repeated in his discourse was that the entire educational system was structurally unrelated to the future needs of Black children to develop and thrive with lives rooted in self and race knowledge as well as self-respect.

As we think about our education system today, we face the same questions Woodson posed almost a century ago: Do Black children and youth fare better in their lives by going through the established educational system? How can educational values and curriculum overcome the inherent biases against Black history and culture?

Join African–American male leaders from the sector as they explore the relevance of the U.S. education system to the needs of the Black community. Discuss the challenges and opportunities to creating an inclusive system that builds on all students’ capabilities, resilience, and dreams.

Register here >>

Parent Café
2021-08-31 13:00 - 14:30
According to Be Strong Families, “Parent Cafés are physically and emotionally safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through individual deep self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families.
Cafés are structured discussions that use the principles of adult learning and family support. They are highly sustainable with training reinforcement, institutional support, and a commitment to an approach that engages and affirms parents as leaders. Participants leave Parent Cafés feeling inspired, energized, and excited to put into practice what they’ve learned.” This Cafe will last 90 minutes and be limited to 20 participants.

The United States vs. Mississippi lawsuit
2021-09-02 13:30
Judge Reeves will hold a hearing on the role of the monitor in the United States vs. Mississippi lawsuit. The monitor will oversee how the Department of Mental Health (DMH) implements the remedy to correct the problems identified in the 2019 trial.
This hearing will be held via Zoom and is open to the public. The public can access the hearing by dialing 877-336-1829 and entering passcode [REDACTED]#. Please remember to mute your phone after joining.

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2021-09-15 12:00, 2021-10-20 12:00, 2021-11-17 12:00 - 23:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Meetings held on the third Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants and parent educators are especially encouraged to attend. We will share ideas, brainstorm and support each other. Coaching is based on the competencies and ethical code of the National Federation of Families Certification model for parent peer support.

Join here >>

Mississippi Department of Education Board of Education Meeting
2021-09-23 10:00
The Mississippi Board of Education meeting will be held on Thursday, September 23, 2021, starting at 10:00 a.m.
The Mississippi Board of Education is taking this step to limit public contact due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The meeting will be held via teleconference and video means and available via live stream at https://msachieves.mdek12.org.

Legislative Budget Office Budget Hearings
2021-09-24 08:30 - 17:00
The Fall 2021 Joint Legislative Budget Committee meeting will be held this Friday, September 24, 2021, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The detailed Hearing Schedule (PDF) can be found here. >>
Go to the Mississippi Legislature Youtube page to view the hearings. >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2021-10-07 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group..
Join here>>

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Advisory Council
2021-10-14 13:30
Department of Mental Health

Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Advisory Council
Hinds Behavioral Health 3450 Hwy. 80 West
Jackson MS 3920

CONTACT INFORMATION
Belen White
601-359-6228
belen.white@dmh.ms.gov

Hill Day at Home
2021-10-19 13:00 - 17:00
Hill Day at Home is your opportunity to urge lawmakers to invest in lifesaving funding for mental health and substance use treatment programs – from your computer, without ever leaving the comfort of your home or office!

Register here>>

The Mississippi State Board of Education Meeting
2021-10-21 10:00 | Central High School, Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room, Jackson, MS
Mississippi State Board of Education

The Mississippi State Board of Education meeting can be viewed via live stream.

Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2021-10-27 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel will meet on Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. You may access the meeting either online or by phone.

Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89185899924…
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Join Zoom Meeting by Phone:
Dial by your location
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]

The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m.
Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; email: atell@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408.

For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498.

Drop In Leadership and Policy Discussion
2021-10-28 12:00
Join us to discuss the latest policy updates and what they mean for our children. Leadership training graduates are especially encouraged to attend, but anyone interested in policy is welcome to join. You do not have to register – just drop in at noon on October 28th.
Join Here >>

Drop In Family Support Time
2021-11-04 12:00, 2021-12-02 12:00
This hour is open for any family member to drop in for all or some of the time to share any concerns or get feedback from others about handling different situations. We ask anyone who stops by to respect the confidentiality of the group and not share anything discussed in the group outside of the group.
Join here>>

Mississippi Forum for the Future - The State of the State
2021-11-04 13:30 - 17:00
Mississippi Forum for the Future
It’s a big goal, and one we know Mississippi can’t achieve without the participation and support of people like you! We need your help to build a vision for the future of child care in Mississippi – to help us get it right and make it happen. To get started, we’re hosting a Collective Impact kick-off event in November: The State of the State.
During this virtual and interactive event, you will: Learn how the Mississippi Forum for the Future is using a structured approach to break down silos and achieve meaningful, results-oriented collaboration across sectors.
Hear and discuss findings from interviews we conducted with Mississippi childcare providers, early childhood system leaders, and parents. We’ll also discuss how our findings align with existing quantitative and qualitative data on early childhood in Mississippi.
Help us begin to map out a pathway forward, and determine where you and your organization fit in!
Register Here >>

Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth
2021-11-16 10:30 - 12:00
The Interagency Coordinating Council for Children and Youth (ICCCY) is designated in state law to oversee and coordinate Mississippi’s System of Care for Children’s Mental Health. Its members are also designated in statute and include the leaders of the state’s child-serving system, families, youth and an array of other stakeholders. All meetings are open to the public and include the opportunity for public comment. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person.

Register here >>

Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Virtual Meeting
2021-11-16 12:00 - 14:00
The Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
ACL is pleased to announce the fourth meeting of the Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (SGRG).
Online Attendance:
This virtual meeting is open to the public. Registration is not required to attend. The webinar link will be posted on the SGRG Webpage prior to the meeting and open for access (live) 15 minutes prior to the meeting start time.
Join here >>

Know Your Rights: IDEA Procedural Safeguards
2021-11-17 12:00 - 13:00
Mississippi Parent and Training Information Center
Procedural safeguards may seem like a dry topic, with long explanations and terms that are confusing or hard to understand to your family. Why are procedural safeguards important and how will they help your child? Procedural safeguards are the rights that protect you. When you know your rights, you’re able to be an equal participant in your child’s educational process and you know what to do when something isn’t working.
Presented by: Pam Dollar, Executive Director, MSCCD
Register here >>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2021-11-18 09:00
State Agency: Department of Mental Health

Board Committee meetings will be held prior to the Board meeting. The full Board will begin at 9 a.m.

ROBERT E. LEE OFFICE BUILDING, 239 N Lamar St, Jackson, MS 39201
Contact information:
Grenaye Sullivan
6013596260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

Joint Planning Council Meeting
2021-11-23 10:00 - 12:00
Federal law specifies the duties of the Joint Mental Health Planning Councils.
>Duties include:

To review the Mental Health Block Grant Plan and to make recommendations;
To serve as an advocate for adults with serious mental illness, children with a serious emotional disturbance, and other individuals with mental illnesses; and
To monitor, review, and evaluate, not less than once each year, the allocation and adequacy of mental health services within the State.

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/255710061

You can also dial in using your phone.
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Access Code: 255-710-061

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts: https://global.gotomeeting.com/install/255710061

Download the Agenda here >>
Download the Meeting Minutes from Aug. 12 here>>

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2021-12-08 10:00
The Special Education Advisory Panel
The Panel will hear public comments at 10:15 a.m. Written comments may be submitted to Dr. Armerita Tell, Mississippi Department of Education, P.O. Box 771, Jackson, Mississippi 39205-0771; email: atell@mdek12.org; or call the Parent Hotline Number: 1-877-544-0408. For more information, or if you need accommodations due to a disability, contact Dr. Armerita Tell at 601-359-3498.
You may access the meeting either online or by phone. Join Zoom Meeting Online: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89185899924?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924
Passcode: [REDACTED]
Join Zoom Meeting by Phone: Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
Meeting ID: 891 8589 9924 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Join here >>

COVID-19 Vaccines for School-Aged Children: What Parents and Families Should Know
2021-12-09 19:00 - 20:00
NAFSCE and the U.S. Department of Education

During this time of thanksgiving, we are so grateful that the large majority of schools are fully opened for in-school experiences. As yet another step in providing a safe in-school experience for students, children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive vaccinations specifically formulated for young children. With that in mind, it is the goal of NAFSCE and the U.S. Department of Ed provide parents and practitioners with the latest research and information so parents are able to make the best decision they can around vaccinating their children. This webinar is a unique opportunity for parents and family engagement practitioners to ask questions, share their ideas and concerns, and to get their questions answered.
Please join NAFSCE and the U.S. Department of Education on December 9 at 8:00pm, ET for an informational webinar following the official approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech age 5-11 vaccine. During the webinar, panelists including United States Deputy Secretary of Education Cindy Marten, along with representatives from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, will join NAFSCE Executive Director, Vito Borrello for a series of presentations and constructive conversation to support parents and families as they consider the COVID-19 vaccine for their child(ren).
● How was the vaccine developed?
● How many children participated in the study for approval?
● Will my child(ren) be safe taking the vaccine?
● What are the side effects?
● Should my child(ren) get the vaccine?
● Where can I take my child to get the vaccine?
Parents are invited to submit questions about the vaccine on the registration form. Pre-submitted questions will help plan the content of the session. Time will also be reserved for live questions and answers at the end of the event.

Register here>>

Mississippi Division of Medicaid - Medical Care Advisory Committee Meeting
2021-12-10 13:00
Mississippi Division of Medicaid
The Medical Care Advisory Committee is mandated in federal law to advise the Division of Medicaid. By law, the committee must include Board-certified physicians and other representatives of the health professions who are familiar with the medical needs of low-income population groups; members of consumers’ groups, including Medicaid beneficiaries, and consumer organizations, and the director of the public welfare department or the public health department. The committee will meet December 10, 2021 – 1:00 PM at the Woolfolk Building – Conference Room 145 501 North West Street, Jackson, MS 39201.

See meeting agenda here >>
