Special Services

Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update: Important Changes for Families to Understand (texas.gov)

Actualización del Manual de Dislexia 2021: Cambios Importantes que las Familias Deben Entender (texas.gov)

It can be disheartening to hear your scholar is talking to someone else. Sometimes it takes a little time for youth to know how to talk about things and the counselor is helping and encouraging them to figure out how to talk to you. Please show them you care and let them know you are always ready to listen when they are ready to talk.

This is an additional way for them to be supported and make sure they’re safe. Please know that our counselors carefully consider recommendations and make those necessary to ensure your scholar is supported in the best way.

What a great step to take. Please see the resources page for options in Austin. If you have any questions, call the respective counselor for your scholar and they will be happy to assist you.

In elementary school, social emotional learning is about being able to know signs in your body that are connected to certain emotions. The scholars learn tools for handling these emotions, such as taking deep breaths to calm down. They also learn things important to relationships, such as personal space, and how to communicate when they are upset. SEL encourages them to be aware of body language and the emotions of people around them and helps to create responsible decision making. 

In middle and high school, this is built upon by continuing to focus on relationships with peers and setting boundaries, by exploring values you have taught them, and by respecting differences in all people. Your teens are also planning for their futures and exploring self-advocacy.

Restorative Justice practices are about respect, along with recognizing the impact of our actions, where they came from, and repairing the hurt caused by those actions. These practices happen daily in the way teachers are talking with your child and in giving them an opportunity to try again if they make a mistake.

Problems between teens and parents are very common. Have you told your child that you want to be close to them? Some teens can be hesitant at first to hang out with their family, but if you engage them in their interests they may be more willing to spend time with you. Some special one on one time can go along way!