Sinergia's Anti-Bullying Unity Day 2012

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, which was started by PACER, the National Parent Training and Information Center.

Sinergia will mark this occasion by holding a Unity Day, bringing people together to show support for students who have been bullied. We will wear orange, distribute orange t-shirts for children and hold special activities, including a Special Poster Exhibit.

When: October 10, 2012 from 3 PM- 5 PM
Where: 2082 Lexington Ave., 4th floor
RSVP: 212-643-2840

Poster Exhibit – Call for EntriesWe will be holding a Special Poster Exhibit with an anti- bullying theme. Children are invited to participate by submitting their artwork. All entries will be on view for the month of October. If you would like your child to participate, entries must be received by October 3 in person or mailed to:
Poster Contest
Sinergia, Inc.
2082 Lexington Ave. 4th floor
New York, New York 10035
RSVP: 212-643-2840

Judges will be Marta Moreno Vega, noted Director of the Caribbean Cultural Center and Ana Soto, artist.

Please come with your children to this anti bullying event featuring special activities and guest speakers.

Back to School Resources from the NYC Council

Below is helpful information for families preparing and planning ahead for the new school year, from the NYC Council.

Implementation of the Dignity for all Students Act
The Dignity Act, which went into effect on July 1, 2012, increases the requirements for schools in preventing bullying and creating harassment-free learning environments. (Click here for information on the law's requirements within our schools.)

Here are some things to keep in mind as your child returns to school this year:

• Schools should send home an age-appropriate version of the Dignity Act policy with all students.  This should be in plain language and should be distributed at the beginning of the year.
• Every school should have a Dignity Act coordinator, an individual who is currently called the Respect for All (RFA) liaison.  This individual must be thoroughly trained to respond to incidents of bullying and bias-based harassment that occur as a result of students' race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender and sex.
• School staff (non-professional staff) should be trained to raise their awareness and sensitivity to potential discrimination or harassment, as well as how to prevent and respond to a bullying incident.
• School staff who find out about harassment or bullying are required to act immediately to report and address bullying.  They should be trained in the proper procedures for doing so.
• School staff must be aware that the Dignity Act now encompasses staff-to-student bullying, and has the same reporting requirements as student to student bullying.
• Schools must answer all bullying incidents with specific responses intended to create a school environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

If you have any questions about whether or not your child's school is abiding by these regulations, you can contact the DOE at RespectForAll@schools.nyc.gov.  You can also contact Carlos Menchaca or Nick Rolf in the Council's Community Outreach Unit at cmenchaca@council.nyc.gov and Nrolf@council.nyc.gov, respectively.

New Special Education Services for Students and Families

The following services are being offered to help families get their questions answered in a timely manner.

Beginning August 1, 2012, families who need assistance with their children's placements or have any questions regarding the reforms can do any of the following:

1. Call a dedicated hotline for special education support at (718) 935-2007;
2. Call 311 and ask for services for parents;
3. Attend family office hours in nine sites across the five boroughs with day, evening, and weekend hours beginning July 31, 2012.  During office hours, a special education specialist will be available to help resolve families' questions about the special education reform initiative and work to reach solutions to support their child(ren).  The complete schedule of dates, times and locations is available on the DOE's website at http://schools.nyc.gov/Academics/SpecialEducation/when-is-the-next/2012parent-information-session.htm.

Free Citywide Legal Services for Immigrants & their Families

Last week the NYC Council announced a new partnership with CUNY Citizenship Now! to begin providing free high-quality and confidential legal immigration services to New Yorkers and their families in the wake of President Obama's historic decision to defer deportation action for young immigrants.  These services, which begin October 1, 2012, will be offered at 30 different locations on a weekly or monthly basis over the next year.

Through this Council-funded program, qualified attorneys and paralegals will offer one-on-one consultations and assist qualified immigrants with applying for citizenship.  New Yorkers will have access to a variety of legal services, including green card applications, deferred action, citizenship interview coaching and more.

Services will be offered weekly at seven Council members' offices in Queens, five in Brooklyn, four in the Bronx, three in Manhattan and one in Staten Island, and offered monthly at three offices in Queens, four in Brooklyn, two in the Bronx, one in Manhattan, one in Staten Island.  Locations were selected by analyzing Citizenship Now! data from years past.

You can find the full list of participating Council Member offices here.

Changes Made to School Discipline Code

Missing even a few days of school, especially during those critical early years (kindergarten through 3rd), can have negative consequences throughout a student's academic career.

After several public hearings and a meeting with the Speaker's office, the NYC Department of Education (DOE) recently updated their discipline code, which includes a number of important changes that the City Council and advocates called for. 

These changes include:

• Previously, a Level 3 Infraction (defined as disruptive behavior) could result in a "superintendent's suspension" (an out of school suspension lasting 6-10 days).  This is no longer an option for students in grades K-3.  The maximum penalty for the same infraction would result in a "principal's suspension" (less than 5 days).

• The DOE has also changed language in the code to encourage teachers to start with guidance-based intervention rather than immediate discipline.  For example, instead of suspending a student, teachers will be encouraged to hold a conference with the child, their parents, and a social worker to explain why the student's actions were wrong and to collaboratively develop a plan to help that student improve their behavior in the future.

You can find the DOE's revised discipline code, effective September 2012, here.

You can read more about these important changes in the news by clicking on the links below:

http://gothamschools.org/2012/08/28/disciplinary-code-revisions-could-reduce-student-suspensions/
http://www.schoolbook.org/2012/08/28/softer-suspension-rules-for-younger-students/

Get Your Library Card!

There are over 200 libraries in neighborhoods around the five boroughs that offer millions of books, resources, and internet access free of charge, and the back-to-school season is a perfect time to become a library card holder.

By becoming regular visitors to the library, young people can further their academic and work skills and become lifetime learners.

Information about applying for a library card is available at http://www.nyc.gov/html/dycd/downloads/pdf/Get_a_Library_Card_Guide.pdf.

Please help spread the word and encourage young people to apply!

New GED Test for 2014

Beginning January 1, 2014, there will be a new GED test in New York State.  As a result, any scores on the sections passed by test takers prior to that date will no longer count.  Therefore, we encourage anyone who's considering taking the GED again to do so by the end of 2013.

There are a number of programs around the City that can help students and adult learners prepare for and pass the GED.  For example, New York City has a network of Literacy Zones with counselors who can assist New Yorkers with finding a GED preparation program that best serves their needs.  Please call or visit one of the organizations below for more information:

Brooklyn

Turning Point
5220 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220
718-360-8180/8159

The Bronx

Highbridge Community Life Center
979 Ogden Avenue, Bronx, NY 10452
646-393-9533 X117

Manhattan

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College
199 Chambers Street, S-736, NY, NY 10004
212-346-8890

Literacy Partners, Inc.
PUSH Family Welcome Center
127 West 127th St, NY, NY 10027
646-351-0258

Northern Manhattan Improvement Corp.
76 Wadsworth Avenue, NY, NY 10033
212-822-8323

University Settlement Society of New York Inc.
184 Eldridge Street, NY, NY 10002
212-533-6306

Queens

CUNY York College
94-43 160th Street, Jamaica, NY 11451
718-262-3861

Ravenswood Family Learning Center
35-32 21st Street, Long Island City, NY 11101
718-752--3718

Peninsula Adult Learning Center
92-25 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Rockaway Beach, NY 11693
718-945-7058

Staten Island

Jewish Community Center of Staten Island
1859 Victory Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10314
718-508-3882

YouCanToo! is another great resource.  Their website features a GED prep program locator, online tools, resources and over 50 videos of adult learners in New York City.  For more information, log on to www.nyc.gov/youcantoonyc.

You can also call 311 to find an adult education program in your community.

Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK)

Early childhood education has benefits across a child's lifetime, including raising academic achievement and increasing the chances that a child will successfully graduate from high school.

As in previous years, the NYC Council is partnering with the NYC Department of Education (DOE), the NYC Administration for Children's Services (ACS) and child care advocates across the five boroughs to help enroll children in FREE universal pre-kindergarten (UPK).  These programs are available to all children who turn four year old in 2012 and regardless of their immigration status.

There are a few ways that families can get information about the nearest UPK program with available seats:

1. Call: 311
2. Visit: www.nyc.gov
3. Text: prek to 877877

Every student deserves a great education and that every family should have the information that they need to make sure that their children are in a positive, supportive, and healthy learning environment.

Help Make OPWDD Better - Survey

The Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) wants your opinion! They are currently reviewing their system and need your feedback on any changes that you believe are necessary to better meet their mission of enriching the lives of people with developmental disabilities through our four primary goals: home, health, meaningful relationships and activities in the community.

Please take a moment to fill out this survey.

Please share this information with friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Anyone without internet access can call 518-474-3625.

Appeal for Sinergia's Nurses

Dear Friends and Families of Sinergia:

Sinergia has served people with disabilities and their families for 36 years. Our initial educational advocacy services for children with disabilities evolved through the years into multi services that include residential and nursing services for persons with cognitive disabilities. We provide multiple services yearly to over 2000 underserved persons with disabilities and their families who come from some of the most distressed communities in New York City.

Over two years ago Sinergia moved to its present space located at the cross roads of East and Central Harlem. The challenging and complex needs of children and adults with disabilities have placed a great demand on our services at a time of deep fiscal cuts because of the difficult economic conditions. Nowhere has this been most evident than in the provision of our nursing services.

Our nurses provide comprehensive nursing care and coordination of medical services to individuals with intellectual and multiple disabilities, as well as provide staff training in medication administration, CPR, and First Aid to our staff.  We are expanding our nursing services to accommodate the increasing demand for services. The new Nursing Center will be on the 2nd floor of our existing main site which is located on the 3rd and 4th floor of 2082 Lexington Avenue. Therefore we are making this special appeal to you to help us equip our nursing center with furniture, shelving and equipment so that our nurses can enhance the provision of excellent, quality services to people with intellectual disabilities. In addition, the separate exam room will afford privacy and dignity to the people we serve.

Sinergia’s nurses are unsung heroes who are deeply committed to the individuals with disabilities whom they serve. They care for individuals who reside in our certified homes, some with complex medical issues and terminal illness, in addition to their intellectual disabilities. They oversee the coordination of medical care with numerous health providers for participants in our residential and Day Habilitation Programs, as well as develop an assessment of children in our Homeless shelter and those who attend our respite programs. Most recently they have joined the team that serves young mothers with cognitive disabilities and make homes visits to oversee nursing care for infants and babies in our Healthy Families project. Our heroes truly deserve a new nursing center.

This year we did not hold a special gala or event, so that all donations through this special appeal will be used exclusively to equip and furnish our nursing center.  We hope you will be generous and contribute to the best of your ability.  Any and all donations will be appreciated. 

Donors over $5,000 will have a plaque with their names prominently displayed in the Nursing Center. Sponsors/Donors contributing over $10,000 will have the option of naming the Nursing Center in their honor. Please send donations to:
Sinergia, Inc. 2082 Lexington Ave., 4th floor
New York, NY 10035

Please call or email me at cuadralash@sinergiany.org if you wish further information. Sinergia’s Board of Directors and Executive Director thank you for your interest and consideration of this appeal. Attached you will find a list of the items that your donations may purchase.

Sincerely,

Myrta Cuadra-Lash
Executive Director

Len Torres, Ed.D.
President, Board of Directors

CPR Re-certifications

Sinergia staff in action at the CPR Re-certifications. Re-certification is a mandatory requirement for all the staff that are directly involved in providing health care for all the consumers we serve. Sinergia sponsors the events and invites a member of the American Heart Association to teach the class. "Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) saves lives and this is why all of the staff are trained to continue to provide efficient care for all of our consumers, not only in the Residential settings, but also in the different programs where we provide Direct Care Staff such as UpLiving, DayHab, Respite and Family Care," explains Asuncion Muyalde, Head Nurse at Sinergia.

Sinergia Appoints New Associate Director, and Other Staff News

Sinergia is pleased to announce that on August 20th Dr. Bernice Moro will assume the position of Assoc. Director of Sinergia. Dr. Moro is a committed educational administrator with extensive experience in the field of education for students with special needs. She worked for the NYC Department of Education for 32 years and at New York University, Hunter College and Touro College. She is an educator with a specialty in English Language learners and special education. She has held numerous positions as a Deputy Superintendent of Bronx School District 7, Deputy in the Impartial Hearing Office, Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Student Support, District and High school Placement Officer, among others. We are looking forward to Dr. Moro’s arrival, the knowledge she brings and the many contributions she will make to future programming at Sinergia.

Any Nunez has been a beloved and well respected member of Sinergia’s Fiscal Department for over ten years. She has now taken over the reins as the controller of Sinergia and those of us who value her competency, work ethic, loyalty and dedication are thrilled by this appointment. We welcome Raquel Martinez back to Sinergia who will ably assist her along with Felicia Gomez in fiscal operations. Our best wishes for success to Edwin Barreto our former controller.

Our Nursing team will move to expanded brand new quarters on the second floor sometime in September.  The nurses at Sinergia  are our unsung heroes and we hope you will respond to our special appeal to provide them with a new Nursing Center.

Sinergia's MPC Receives Award from OSEP

The Metropolitan Parent Center received a special award at the annual Office of Special Education (OSEP) Leadership conference that was held during July 30-August 1st in Washington, D.C. The award was for participating in the Voluntary Standards of Excellence for Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIC) and Community Parent and Resource Centers (CPRC.)  The six recipients of this award provided information on the standards in the areas of provision of services to families and management issues for non-profit organizations. In addition, each award recipient discussed how their Centers went about developing their standards and shared ideas and suggestions with the audience that can be used to help other Centers develop their own standards of excellence. The MPC was represented by its Co-Director, Cassandra Archie (above, center), who accepted the award and discussed the process the MPC used to develop their standards of excellence. The conference held an interactive discussion and also featured a question and answer session that focused on effective strategies that Centers can use to improve their work with children with disabilities and their families. Below: Sinergia Director Myrta Cuadra Lash (left) holds the award with Godfrey Rivera, Co-Director of the MPC.