Families as Allies

The Special Education Advisory Panel Meeting Notice
2021-10-27 10:00 (America/Chicago)
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, 2022-01-06 12:00, 2022-02-03 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 >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
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 >>

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

Virtual: Bring Your IEP and Other School Questions
2021-11-18 12:00, 2021-12-16 12:00, 2022-01-20 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 >>

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 >>

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2021-12-15 12:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants, parent educators and parents who have completed parent peer support training are strongly encouraged to attend. We will discuss current trends in parent peer support, national standards for parent peer support, continuing education opportunities, local and state issues affecting parent peer support. The group also provides support and coaching for any specific issues participants share. Meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 12 noon. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.

Join here >>

Board of Mental Health Meeting
2021-12-16 09:00, 2022-02-17 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.

MEETING LOCATION-in person
Department of Mental Health 239 N. Lamar Street
Jackson MS 39201
CONTACT INFORMATION
Grenaye Sullivan 6013596260
grenaye.sullivan@dmh.ms.gov

The Mississippi State Board of Education Meeting
2021-12-16 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

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

Date: 10 a.m., December 16, 2021
Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

Supportive Coaching for Parents Supporting Other Parents
2022-01-12 12:00, 2022-02-09 12:00
For any parents supporting other parents in any system. Parent peer support specialists, parent consultants, parent educators and parents who have completed parent peer support training are strongly encouraged to attend. We will discuss current trends in parent peer support, national standards for parent peer support, continuing education opportunities, local and state issues affecting parent peer support. The group also provides support and coaching for any specific issues participants share. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month at 12 pm. We ask that anyone attending respect the confidentiality of the group.

Join here >>

The Mississippi State Board of Education Meeting
2022-01-20 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

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

Date: 10 a.m., January 20, 2022
Location: Central High School Building, 359 N. West St., Jackson, MS, 4th floor Board Room

Leadership and Policy Discussion
2022-01-26 12:00
This group focuses on understanding current policy issues and also opportunities for leadership training graduates to serve on decision-making committees.
Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of every month at 12 noon.
Leadership training graduates are strongly encouraged to attend, but the meetings are open to anyone who is interested in learning more about policy.
January’s meeting will focus on how to look up and read proposed bills, as well as some bills that might be of particular interest to families.
Register here >>

Mississippi Division of Medicaid - Medical Care Advisory Committee Meeting
2022-02-04 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 February 4, 2022 – 1:00 PM at the Woolfolk Building – Conference Room 145 501 North West Street, Jackson, MS 39201.
Download the agenda here >>

Joint Planning Council Meeting
2022-02-10 10:00 - 12:00
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Block Grant
Joint Planning & Advisory Council Meeting
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/399024421

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 Nov. 23 here>>

Rethinking Substance Use: An Earlier and Broader Approach
2022-02-16 13:00 - 14:30
National Family Support Technical Assistance Center
A growing body of research on the effects of adverse and positive childhood experiences, along with neuroscientific evidence emerging from the National Institute on Drug Abuse and other research groups, have made it increasingly clear that the roots of addiction risk and resilience are planted very early in life. This webinar will describe the early and broad factors that influence a child’s risk and resilience for substance use and addiction and what is needed to more effectively address these issues going forward. To better protect our nation from experiencing the next substance use and addiction crisis, we must intervene at the earliest stages of life and continue through all stages of development, address the root causes of substance use, and promote youth health and resilience via a family-based approach.
Register here >>
Learning Objectives:

Establish a framework for an earlier and broader approach to addressing youth substance use and addiction
Describe the impact of early experiences on neurological, cognitive, and emotional development
Explore the protective factors that can forestall and mitigate the effects of adverse experiences, including COVID, on children’s risk for substance use and addiction
To develop tools that families can use as they support their loved ones

Meet the Presenters:
Greg Dicharry (Louisiana)
Greg Dicharry is the national youth empowerment director at Magellan Health. In 2008, Greg developed the MY LIFE (Magellan Youth Leaders Inspiring Future Empowerment) program, one of the nation’s leading programs for youth who experience mental health, substance use and/or foster care- related challenges. Since establishing MY LIFE in Arizona, Greg has worked with communities in Pennsylvania, Florida, Louisiana, Nebraska and Wyoming to implement 20 additional MY LIFE programs, which have impacted thousands of youth participants.
Greg was introduced to the world of mental health while living in Hollywood pursuing his dream of working in the entertainment industry. It was there he experienced his first manic episode and was hospitalized and diagnosed with co-occurring bipolar and substance use disorders. In 2004, Greg became committed to recovery and completed a certified peer support training program. Soon after, he was hired to oversee that same program and trained over 100 individuals to work as peer support specialists. He also started 12-step recovery groups at the Arizona State Mental Hospital Forensic Unit and two juvenile detention centers in Arizona.
Linda Richter, Ph.D.
Linda Richter, Ph.D., is the Vice President of Prevention Research and Analysis at Partnership to End Addiction, where she has worked for over 20 years conducting research on the nature, scope, predictors, and consequences of all forms of substance use and addiction, especially among young people. She leverages this research to help raise awareness among parents, educators, health professionals, and policymakers about best practices in substance use prevention and addiction care.
Dr. Richter has more than 40 peer-reviewed journal publications and 10 book chapters. She serves on substance use advisory panels and regularly presents at local and national professional conferences as well as to schools and communities about youth substance use. Dr. Richter received her doctorate in psychology from the University of Maryland.
