2013-2014 STAR Program has Begun!

Dear STAR Families, 
     The second year of the STAR program at Heritage is off to a great start!  We have an amazing group of 4th and 5th students.  Thank you so much for giving your child permission to participate! Please note that on the student schedule meeting day, it is very helpful for them to bring a packed lunch.  So far we have discussed the following topics at our STAR meetings:

• Confidentiality and Respect – students know and understand that sometimes they will learn confidential information about a Focus Friend (such as what the disability is and/or what services they receive), and that they are not to discuss that information outside of our STAR meetings.  You can reinforce at home by discussing some  things that your family likes to keep confidential and why that is important.

• Ground Rules for STAR participation – any discipline referrals will be grounds for automatic dismissal from the program.  We are busting at the seams and need our students to be model students in STAR, at school, on the bus and on the playground.  We’ve had no problems so far.  Like I said, it’s a great group!

• Initiating interactions – getting a person’s attention, finding something in common, and providing wait time. Ask them to model those skills for you. 

• December 5th STAR Field Trip to the Middle School for the Young Adult Talent Show. 

      In the future, we will discuss encouraging social language, giving choices, and the benefits of play.  Fourth grade students will have the opportunities to work with their focus friends during lunch, recess, and class interactions.  In addition to the fourth grade activities, 5th grade students will have the opportunity to participate at the beginning of school (8:30-9:00) activities with our focus students and Friday/end of the day (3:00-3:30) activities.  

     We are touched and impressed with the genuine caring of these young people and feel honored to be working with them all!  Please don’t hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions, comments or concerns.  

 Sincerely, 

           Heritage STAR Committee (Lin Nichols, Lisa York, Nicole Tucci, Natasha Boysal and            Teri Redding)