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You are here: Home / 2018 / Archives for August 2018

Archives for August 2018

The City of Seattle Awards $400,000 to Help Improve Digital Equity

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

The Technology Matching Fund grants will be offered for the 21st year in a row to organizations in Seattle working on improving lives through technology literacy

Photo courtesy YouthCare, a 2018 recipient

The Seattle City Council unanimously approved $400,000 in Technology Matching Funds be awarded to 12 local organizations. These grants are given out annually to uphold the commitment by the City of Seattle as outlined in the Digital Equity Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to improve connectivity, digital skills training, and provide devices, and technology support to communities that might not have equitable access.

“Furthering technology equity and access is an important way to create opportunity for historically underserved neighborhoods,” said Mayor Jenny A. Durkan. “These investments allow our communities to capitalize on technology and job training while making a more inclusive city.”

This year, projects receiving funds will support a broad range of community-driven, collaborative solutions to achieve digital equity in Seattle. They will reach over 8,300 residents, including immigrants, refugees, seniors, youth, and people with disabilities.

“It’s a pleasure to be part of this process each year as we build this relationship with organizations that are making a difference in making technology more available to everyone,” said Seattle City Council President Bruce Harrell. “We inch closer to digital equity each year when we allocate this funding. I’m especially pleased to see this funding package emphasizes programs that work with adults and youths experiencing homelessness.”

One recipient is YouthCare which will use their award of $49,940 to help young people experiencing homelessness with their employment and education goals.

“YouthCare is excited for this opportunity to use technology to help young people experiencing homelessness achieve their employment and education goals,” said Development and Communications Manager Jody Waits. “Lack of access to technology can be a significant barrier that homeless young people must navigate, and overcome, in their path to stability. This grant will allow YouthCare to bridge the digital equity gap so that homeless young people can have the tools and skills to get off the streets and find lasting career opportunities.”

City funding for the awards is matched by the community through additional cash, donations of hardware, software, supplies and labor. A one-half to one match is required of each organization receiving funding; however, the community contribution is often greater than the City’s support. This year’s projects are projected to provide more than $300,000 in community matching resources.

“It’s a pleasure to award these grants that help build vital skills like job hunting, helping kids with homework, and accessing government services,” said Tracye Cantrell, Acting Director of Seattle Information Technology. “Through increased outreach to the community, we saw a greater number of submissions this year from a diverse pool of applicants, which is exciting.”

Literacy Source received $32, 379 will expand their digital literacy classes to serve more adults with limited English proficiency.
“We’re thrilled to receive this grant to continue our work improving the literacy skills of the community we serve,” said Literacy Source Executive Director Lynn Livesley. “Developing these skills is critical to the personal growth of an individual and to the community’s overall economic outlook.”

The 2018 Technology Matching Fund award recipients and their projects:

Photo courtesy YouthCare, a 2018 recipient
  • Community Passageways: Technology Equity for Young Adults of Color
  • East African Community Services: 2018 Technology Matching Fund
  • Garinagu HounGua: Garifuna Digital Literacy Workshop Series
  • Helping Link: Mobile Computer and iPad Literacy Lab
  • Literacy Source: Open Doors – Increasing Basic Digital Literacy
  • Millionair Club Charity: Computer Lab Expansion/Update
  • PROVAIL: Adaptive Technology for Children with Disabilities
  • Seattle Neighborhood Group: Building Our Bridge: Crossing the Digital Divide
  • Somali Family Safety Task Force: 2018 Digital Literacy in West Seattle
  • South East Effective Development: Technology Builds Community
  • United Indians of All Tribes Foundation: Broadband and Public Computer/Internet Access
  • YouthCare: Employment Technology Supports for Homeless Youth (pictured above)

To learn more about the City of Seattle’s commitment to Digital Equity and the Technology Matching Fund, visit http://www.seattle.gov/tech/initiatives/digital-equity/technology-matching-fund.

Filed Under: Arts, Business, Community, Community News, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, News, Northwest

Neighborhood & Community Arts grant

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Seattle offers an extraordinary array of arts and cultural events throughout its diverse neighborhoods and communities. The Office of Arts & Culture’s Neighborhood & Community Arts (NCA) Program supports creativity at a grassroots level by investing in recurring festivals or events that promote arts and cultural participation, celebrate diversity, build community connections, and enhance the visibility of neighborhoods through arts and culture.

Program Overview Workshops

Tuesday, August 28, 5:30-7:00pm
Douglass Truth Library 2300 E Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98122
RSVP Here

Thursday, September 6, 5:30-7:00pm
Northgate Library 10548 5th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125
RSVP Here

Saturday, September 8, 11:00am-12:30pm
Southwest Branch Library 9010 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126
RSVP Here

Saturday, October 6, 11:00am-12:30pm
Rainier Beach Library 9125 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
RSVP Here

Filed Under: Artist Spotlight, Arts, Community, Community News, Entertainment, Events, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, Music, News, Northwest, People

Want to cuddle a kitten? Come to “Kitty Hall” on Thursday, Aug. 30

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

City Hall to become “Kitty Hall” for the day

Fifth annual Kitty Hall event return to raise awareness and encourage cat adoptions

CORRECTED: This post originally listed the event ending at 1:30 p.m. This has been updated to 1 p.m.

The kittens are back! The fifth annual Kitty Hall returns to Seattle on Thursday, Aug. 30. Mayor Jenny Durkan will issue a proclamation renaming City Hall as “Kitty Hall” for the day, and the public is invited to meet, greet and, of course, cuddle kittens.

WHAT: Seattle Animal Shelter’s Fifth Annual Kitty Hall
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
WHERE: Seattle Kitty Hall’s Bertha Knight Landes Room, 600 Fourth Ave.

Seattle Animal Shelter, which hosts the Kitty Hall event, will provide at least two tents where the public can spend a couple of minutes with roaming kittens. Also returning this year is the “Kitty Council,” which features adoptable adult cats vying to be named the “Kitty Council president.” The event will include a kitten photo booth and educational displays about the Seattle Animal Shelter and its programs, and Seattle residents will be able to purchase pet licenses for their cats and dogs.

“The Seattle Animal Shelter provides some amazing services for both the people of Seattle and all of their furry friends,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “Whether you’re looking to find your lost pet, purchase or renew a pet license or adopt a new pet for your family, the Seattle Animal Shelter is there for you. We are always looking for ways to make sure people are aware of the great work the shelter is doing in Seattle, and Kitty Hall is the PURR-fect opportunity to bring our pet-loving community together – and hopefully find good homes for some adorable kittens.”

Kitty Hall highlights the shelter’s foster care program and promotes shelter cat adoptions. Most of the kittens and the cats at Monday’s event will be available for adoption, and potential adopters at Kitty Hall can place “first choice” holds on their favorite kitten or cat.

“Kitty Hall is an amazing way for the Seattle Animal Shelter to highlight our adoptable kittens and cats and raise awareness about the lifesaving work that we do,” said Ann Graves, Seattle Animal Shelter executive director. “But we also love this event because of the joy it creates. It’s a family-friendly place where you can cuddle kittens – what’s not to love?”

For cat-lovers who are unable to attend Kitty Hall in person, online voting is available for the Kitty Council President election. Visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/kittyhall2018 to cast an online ballot. The Seattle Animal Shelter will also be live streaming parts of the event on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SeattleAnimalShelter/.

Seattle Animal Shelter created the first Kitty Hall in 2014. At least nine other cities and rescue organizations across the United States have since adopted the idea for their own Kitty Hall events.

The Seattle Animal Shelter, located at 2061 15th Ave. W., is open 1-6 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday for adoptions and licensing. For more information, call 206-386-PETS (7387) or visit http://www.seattleanimalshelter.org.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, Front Page Slider, News, Northwest, Politics

Free Dental, Vision and Medical Services Offered for People in Need

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Seattle/King County Clinic to occur one month earlier, Sept. 20 – 23.

Seattle/King County Clinic returns for a fifth year to KeyArena at Seattle Center with free dental, medical and eye care services for those who struggle to access or afford healthcare. It will be held Sept. 20 – 23, one month earlier than previous years.

The largest event of its kind in the State of Washington, Seattle/King County Clinic brings together over 100 healthcare organizations, civic agencies, nonprofit entities, private businesses and thousands of volunteers to help underserved and vulnerable populations with a goal of helping 4,000 people over the four-day period. Over the past four years, the Clinic has cared for 11,900 patients and provided $14 million in services.

“We’re hearing from the community that people of all backgrounds and circumstances have to make choices between housing, food and healthcare,” said Seattle/King County Clinic Director Julia Colson. “Amid the current affordability crisis in our region, the Clinic provides needed support, now more than ever.”

Statistics from previous years show that many patients who come to the Clinic do not have health insurance (49%), are unemployed (34%), and more than 60% are at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. They come from all over the region, representing 262 unique zip codes and speaking 51 primary languages. Patients are parents, children, elders, veterans, immigrants, refugees, people living homeless and, in large part, wage-earners who struggle with the high cost of living.

As one patient last year stated, “We are the working poor and the financial burden of medical care in America is prohibitive. Even for those of us working full-time with very basic health insurance, there are services I need that I can’t afford.”

Here is how Seattle/King County Clinic works:

  • Clinic patients receive treatment on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Patients may park free of charge at two Seattle Center facilities, 1st Ave North and Mercer Street Parking Garages, on each day of the Clinic.
  • A giant heated tent on the roof of Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center, located at the corner of 2nd Ave North and Thomas Street, serves as the ticket waiting and distribution area. Organizers distribute free admission tickets for the day beginning at 5 a.m. Tickets are limited.
  • Doors to KeyArena open at 6:30 a.m. Patients are admitted by ticket number into the Clinic.
  • Patients register as they enter. They do not need to show identification or proof of immigration status. Services are not limited to residents of Seattle and King County.
  • Inside KeyArena, all procedures and services are provided free of charge, and interpretation services are available for those who need them.
  • Patients cannot receive both dental and eye care in one day. They may return to the Clinic on other days for additional services.

Seattle/King County Clinic transforms the form and function of KeyArena. The licensed healthcare professionals and general support volunteers who staff it donate their time and expertise. Patients receive real, and in many instances, extensive care including dental fillings and extractions, eye examinations, physicals, behavioral healthcare and social work, prescription eyeglasses, immunizations, laboratory tests, mammograms, ultrasounds and x-rays and much more. Additional information is available at: www.seattlecenter.org/patients.

Seattle/King County Clinic is made possible through thousands of donated work hours as well as cash and in-kind contributions. Donations are accepted at: www.seattecenter.org. Healthcare professionals and general support volunteers may sign up for a variety of work shifts through an online registration system at: www.seattlecenter.org/volunteers.

“Seattle/King County Clinic is a beacon of caring and generosity,” says Christine Lindquist, Executive Director of Washington Healthcare Access Alliance. “It provides immediate dental, vision and medical care, and connects patients to resources beyond the clinic walls. It also raises awareness about who is left out of the current healthcare system and demonstrates the good we can accomplish when we work together as diverse partners to serve others and affect change.”

Learn more about Seattle/King County Clinic at www.seattlecenter.org/skcclinicor by calling (206) 684-7200.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, Health, News, Northwest

You Don’t Have to Go It Alone!

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Insurance companies hire expert negotiators to minimize the value of your claim. You need an experienced attorney who has your back and who is willing to fight to make sure you are not treated like just another number!

As a Washington Super Lawyer’s Rising Star and proud member of both the Washington State Association of Justice (WSAJ) and the American Association of Justice (AAJ), Damisi Velasquez is a trial attorney who has recovered millions of dollars for his clients over the past eight years. Focusing only on victims whose injuries were caused by the negligence of another, Damisi has successfully resolved cases ranging from wrongful death, automobile collisions, sexual abuse, nursing home abuse, premises liability (trip and falls, etc.), and others.

Visit my website The206lawyer.com for more information about me or call today at
(206) 588-4750 for a free consultation! You can also follow me on Facebook, keep up
with me on Twitter, and find out more on LinkedIn.

Filed Under: African American, Business, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, LifeStyle, Northwest, People

Homes over Home Runs!

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Seattle Times reporter Danny Westneat and others have brought to light the absurdity of taxpayers paying $185 million for upgrades and luxury amenities to Safeco Field to enrich the wealthy owners of the Mariners.  Westneat Times article: Let’s listen to Seattle’s ‘real-estate rainmaker’ when he says $800M Safeco Field deal is terrible  Times article:  Safeco Field lease agreement too favorable for Mariners and must be redone, ex-PFD member says
Thank you to King County Councilmembers Larry Gossett, Jeanne Kohl-Wells and Dave Upthegrove for supporting $150 to $160 million of hotel motel tax revenue to be allocated for affordable housing that is desperately needed in King County.
Please contact  King County Councilmembers Claudia Balducci, Rob Dembowski, Kathy Lambert, Petter von Reichbauer, Joe McDermott, and Reagan Dunn.  Contact Info.  Ask them to support $160 million for affordable housing. This still leaves $25 million available to cover basic maintenance to Safeco Field stadium.
Count Us In, the 2018 point-in-time count for Seattle and King County, found a total of 12,112 people experiencing homelessness countywide. With the housing crisis, we must look for revenue sources to build low-income housing that is so desperately needed.

Filed Under: Community, Community News, Front Page Slider, News, Northwest, Politics

The Seattle Thunderbirds are Inviting 2018-19 season.

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

The Seattle Thunderbirds are excited to reveal the promotional and giveaway schedule for the 2018-19 season. The T-Birds will kick off the regular season against the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday, September 22 at 6:05pm at the accesso ShoWare Center.

There will be a Party On The Plaza for the first game of the season with food, music and a beer garden that will start at 3pm. All fans in attendance will receive a T-Birds Magnetic Schedule courtesy of Pat’s Plumbing.
There are nine promotional giveaways for fans during the 2018-19 season. The giveaways include a T-Birds Magnetic schedule courtesy of Pat’s Plumbing, six player magnet nights, T-Birds Team Calendar Night and a Team Poster Night.
2-For-Tuesday nights are back for another season with six home games scheduled on a Tuesday. For each of these six games, fans can purchase two tickets for the price of one. The concession stands will have $2 specials on hot dogs, popcorn, and soft drinks and two-for-one beer prices. The first 2,500 fans in attendance at each 2-for-Tuesday game will receive a limited edition Thunderbirds magnet.
The Thunderbirds Community Sports Foundation will guarantee a minimum prize amount for the 50/50 raffle at three games this season. On November 17 against the Portland Winterhawks, there will be a guaranteed $5,000 prize. There will be a guaranteed $7,500 prize on Saturday, December 29 against the Portland Winterhawks. The final guaranteed 50/50 raffle prize of $10,000 will be Saturday, February 16 when the T-Birds face the Everett Silvertips.
There will be three Pub Nights presented by Dave & Buster’s this season. Fans can purchase 10 tickets, 10 beers and 10 hats for $220 to these games. The Pub Nights will be November 9, February 1, and March 8. Tickets for Pub Night must be purchased prior to game day.
There will be two Youth Group Nights this season; one on Saturday, October 20 and the other on Sunday, January 27. The first 1,000 fans to purchase tickets to a Youth Group Night game will receive a T-Birds hat. There will also be $1 ice cream at the concession stands for all the fans.
The popular Fred Meyer Turkey and Ham shoots will be returning this season. The Fred Meyer Turkey Shoot will take place prior to Thanksgiving on Saturday, November 10. The Fred Meyer Ham Shoot will be held on Saturday, December 8. All females, 18 and older, in attendance will have the opportunity to participate in a puck shoot contest after the game to win a complimentary turkey or ham.
Season Ticket Holder Introduce a Friend to Hockey Night will be Wednesday, November 21 when the T-Birds face the Vancouver Giants. Season ticket holders are encouraged to purchase four premium tickets for $30 or 10 premium tickets for $50 to give out to family and friends to come enjoy a T-Birds game. Tickets must be bought in groups of four or 10.
The T-Birds have teamed up with Les Schwab Tire Centers to collect new, unwrapped toys for needy children at three games in December. The Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive games will be on December 8, December 11 and December 14.
The Fred Meyer Teddy Bear Toss presented by WARM 106.9 FM will be Saturday, January 19 against the Victoria Royals. All teddy bears and other stuffed animals thrown on the ice after the T-Birds first goal of the game will be collected and distributed by the WARM 106.9 FM Teddy Bear Patrol.
Hockey Challenge to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington and Alaska (RMHC) is scheduled for Saturday, February 23 against the Portland Winterhawks. The game will have a start time at 6:05pm. In 20 years the Hockey Challenge has raised over $6.2 million for RHMC.
Military Appreciation Night is on Saturday, November 10 when the T-Birds face the Everett Silvertips. Boy Scouts night will be Saturday, December 8 and Boy/Girl Scout Night is Saturday, February 9. The T-Birds will honor the Sno-King Junior Thunderbirds on Sno-King Night on November 30. Support A Sport Night is on Saturday, December 8 against the Everett Silvertips.
The Doxon Toyota of Auburn Mite Fest is Saturday, December 29 and the Doxon Toyota of Auburn Beginner Fest is Sunday March 3.
The annual Mascot Night, when the T-Birds face the Tri-City Americans, is March 3. Fan Appreciation Night is Saturday, March 9 against the Everett Silvertips.
Season Tickets for 2018-19 season are currently on sale. Season tickets can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.
T-Birds single game tickets for the 2018-19 regular season will go on sale August 22 at 10am online on the T-Birds website or at the ShoWare Center box office.
2018-19 THUNDERBIRDS PROMOTION AND GIVEAWAY SCHEDULE
September
– Saturday, September 22 vs Portland, Opening Night, Party on the Plaza, Pat’s Plumbing Magnet Schedule
October
– Saturday, October 6 vs. Edmonton, STH Autograph session
– Tuesday, October 16 vs. 2-For-Tuesday, T-Birds Magnet 1
– Saturday, October 20 vs. Tri-City, Youth Group Night 1
November
– Friday, November 9 vs. Kelowna, Pub Night 1 presented by Dave & Buster’s
– Saturday, November 10 vs. Everett, Military Appreciation Night, Fred Meyer Turkey Shoot
– Tuesday, November 13 vs. Spokane, 2-For-Tuesday, T-Birds Magnet 2
– Saturday, November 17 vs. Portland, Thunderbirds Community Sports Foundation guaranteed $5,000 50/50 prize
– Wednesday, November 21 vs. Vancouver, Season Ticket Holder Introduce a Friend to Hockey Night
– Friday, November 30 vs. Kootenay, Sno-King Night
December
– Saturday, December 8 vs. Everett, Support a Sport, Fred Meyer Ham Shoot, Boy Scout Night, Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive
– Tuesday, December 11 vs. Prince George, 2-For-Tuesday, T-Birds Magnet 3, Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive
– Friday, December 14 vs Spokane, Les Schwab Tire Centers Toy Drive
– Friday, December 28 vs. Prince George, Team Calendar Giveaway, Accesso 10 Year Anniversary
– Saturday, December 29 vs. Portland, Thunderbirds Community Sports Foundation guaranteed $7,500 50/50 prize, Doxon Toyota Mite Fest
January
– Saturday, January 19 vs. Victoria, Fred Meyer Teddy Bear Toss presented by WARM 106.9 FM
– Tuesday, January 22 vs. Spokane, 2-For-Tuesday, T-Birds Magnet 4
– Sunday, January 27 vs. Kamloops, Youth Group Night 2
February
– Friday, February 1 vs. Everett, Pub Night 2 presented by Dave & Buster’s
– Friday, February 8 vs. Portland, Parents Weekend, Mental Health Night
– Saturday, February 9 vs. Medicine Hat, First Responders Night, Parents Weekend, Boy & Girl Scouts Night
– Tuesday, February 12 vs. Tri-City, 2-For-Tuesday, T-Birds Magnet 5
– Saturday, February 16 vs. Everett, Thunderbirds Community Sports Foundation guaranteed $10,000 prize
– Saturday, February 23 vs. Portland, Hockey Challenge to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Washington & Alaska
March
– Sunday, March 3 vs. Tri-City, Mascot Night, Doxon Toyota Beginner Fest
– Friday, March 8 vs. Victoria, Pub Night 3 presented by Dave & Buster’s
– Saturday, March 9 vs. Everett, Fan Appreciation Night, Team Poster Giveaway
– Tuesday, March 12 vs. Vancouver, 2-For-Tuesday, T-Birds Magnet 6
– Saturday, March 16 vs. Portland, Team Poster, Team Award

Filed Under: Professional, Sports

Marketplace Africa –more than just an African artisan shopping site

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Chinwe Ezenwa –Le Look Every handmade bag is a work of art. Each print tells a story, a struggle, a personal journey. Thirty-five years ago, Chinwe Ezenwa started a company she named “Le Look.” Born out of the purpose to help the needy, especially those disabled, it was built out of compassion for those disabled close to her because she saw that even though someone cannot hear or speak, that person can see and can still use his or her creative mind.   Le Look has evolved from a salon into a style house. Famous for its eclectic African print handbags, Le Look is a brand that celebrates and honors African tradition through a lens that is distinctive, modern and qualitative. Every handmade bag is a work of art. Each print tells a story, a struggle, a personal journey. Chinwe is very passionate about informing the world of the stories and beauty of Nigeria and she does just that with her collection of exquisite handmade handbags, worn on the arms of women all over the world, as she puts Africa’s great creative energy to use! As Chief Mrs. Chinwe says, “I always insist on putting a Made in Nigeria label on my products because that is how it is done in China.” Le Look bags are beautiful because they are a work of art. Although Le Look has grown as a brand, using state-of-the-art technology with the capacity to make tens of thousands of bags, we have not lost sight of the purpose from which we started. We remain passionate about giving back to our community because we believe the world we live in should be a safe and joyful place for all of us. Le Look bags are 100% handmade in Nigeria masterpieces that are leaving their prints on fashion – pun intended. Today, Le Look is a brand.  Le Look is a culture. Le Look is a voice.

 “Everyone has a story to tell, a lesson to teach, and wisdom to share. Life is a beautiful masterpiece bound together by your experiences. Open up and share your story; become an inspiration to others. You can make a difference because you matter.” –Melanie Moushigian Koulouris

Everyone has a story. The talented artisans who sell on Marketplace Africa are no exception. The noteworthy site, founded by Mall for Africa and DHL, has a mission to help bring African-made products to the US and global market.  Shoppers can purchase gorgeous products directly from the source. The site offers items from the continent’s most talented designers and artisans from a variety of categories including fashion, body care, handbags, jewelry and home décor.

Until recently, African craftspeople were isolated from global customers due to distance, the risk of not receiving overseas payments, and complex shipping requirements.  Customers who wished to purchase products directly from African artisans faced obstacles regarding, accessibility of items, authenticity and validation of the product, uncertainty of delivery, high delivery costs, and secure payments.

Here is just one story from the hundreds of talented artisans on Marketplace Africa. Her name is Chinwe Ezenwa and she makes beautiful handbags.

Filed Under: Beauty, Business, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, LifeStyle

Back to School Tips for Families of Children Coping with Special Needs Episcopal Center for Children, a Nonprofit Organization Serving Children & Families, Offers Advice

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Heading back to the classroom this fall is exciting, but it can also be a challenging time for families of children with special needs. The Episcopal Center for Children (ECC), a nonprofit organization serving children coping with special needs ages 5-14 in the Washington, DC area since 1895, offers tips to help:

Tip #1 – Review your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Carefully look over the IEP. Do you have any new medical or psychological reports that the school should know about? Some parents find using a binder or folder for paperwork can be a big help.

Tip #2 – Keep everyone informed. Talk with the school to make sure their plans for your child match the intentions in the IEP. Ensure the school staff are up to speed on where your child is presently. Make sure you know where your child’s classroom is, any transportation plans, and what he or she will need to bring each day. Talk with your child too. Build up “going back to school” and be positive!

Tip #3 – Calm any stress or first day jitters your child may have. Whether it’s a new classroom or familiar surroundings, children may be nervous about starting back to school. Talk with your child about their feelings. Assure your child that going back to school will be a good thing.

Tip #4 – Delay getting new school clothes. A new outfit may not calm first day nerves. For some children coping with sensitivities, new clothes may aggravate nervousness or be uncomfortable. For children with sensory challenges, new clothes may feel itchy, stiff and uncomfortable. If your child needs it, let him or her wear clothes that are comfortable and familiar for the first few days of school.

Tip #5 – Help your child “picture” going back to school. Some children visually process information and benefit from visual assurances. Create a visual countdown chart at home, so your child can help move the numbers as you count down to the start of the school year. If your child is returning to a familiar school and you have photos showing him or her at school or with friends or a teacher, show the photos to your child. If you visit the school before school starts, take a picture of your child in his or her classroom, and show the photo to your child later at home.

Tip #6 – Begin introducing new routines before school starts. Morning and afternoon routines can help your child transition into and out of school each day. You may need to establish an earlier bedtime routine to make sure your child is up on time and ready to go. Start thinking about how you want to approach homework. Talk with your child about when and how homework will be completed.

Tip #7 – Talk to the school staff about any of your concerns. Open communication helps children coping with special needs. Speak with school staff if you have noticed something new about your child that may impact their education. Open communication with school staff will benefit your child. Some parents find it helpful to keep a communication log or to set reminders on their calendar for regular check-ins with school staff.

Tip #8 – Get clarity on transitions. Because transitions during the school day can be challenging, clarify with school staff how transitions are handled. Who greets children as they get off the bus? Who talks to them when they walk into the building? How are transitions between classes or activities handled? Make sure your child understands what to expect.

Tip #9 – Mark your calendar for school events. If the school has an open house, parent-teacher night, or back to school program, try to attend. Talk with the staff about your child’s progress. If you are not able to go, make a point of calling the teacher or staff at another time and getting caught up on the information.

Tip #10 – Review your child’s school’s Parent-Student Handbook. Carefully review the school’s parent-student handbook to make sure that you are aware of school policies and requirements. Discuss the discipline policy with your child prior to the first day of school…

About the Episcopal Center for Children
The Episcopal Center for Children is a nonprofit, nondenominational school and treatment program for children contending with emotional challenges from the greater Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Accredited by the Joint Commission, the Center serves children who are 5-14 years old in grades K-8. The goal of the Center’s treatment, therapeutic milieu, and individualized special education program is to empower each child to function productively within his or her family and community. Building on strengths within children, the Center partners with families in treatment and focuses on enabling its students to access and become their best possible selves. More information is available at eccofdc.org and on Twitter and Facebook @ECCofDC  #EveryChildCan

Filed Under: Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, Health

THE ANCIENT NINE

August 29, 2018 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

A Novel IAN SMITH

#1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Familiar to students at many elite colleges for years, with members that include Rockefellers,
Kennedys and many captains of industry and political leaders, secret societies came to popular
attention in the films like The Skulls and are even a storyline in the Netflix series Dear White
People. These intensely private organizations have been the focus of controversies in recent
years, with Harvard attempting to rid itself of the elite clubs altogether, with much unwelcome
attention from the press including the New York Times, Boston Globe, New York Post, Town &
Country, Fox News and Commentary magazine, among others.

Dr. Ian Smith, widely known as a TV personality and for his #1 New York Times bestselling
Shred diet books, among others, was himself a member of one of Harvard’s exclusive “final
clubs.” Now, he draws from his own real-life experiences in the secret societies of Harvard,
taking readers into a harrowing story set behind ivy covered walls and suffused with tightly
guarded secrets, in THE ANCIENT NINE (St. Martin’s Press, Sept. 18 th ). This is the first
time anyone has written a book that goes behind the doors of these all-male centuries-old clubs
and shared some of their long-guarded secrets and cloaked trans-generational privileges.

Spenser Collins thinks his life at Harvard will be all about basketball and pre-med; hard
workouts and grinding work in class. The friends he’s made since arriving at the storied campus,

from a very different life in urban Chicago, are a happy bonus. But Spenser is about to be
introduced to the most mysterious inner sanctum of inner sanctums: to his surprise, he’s in the
running to be “punched”—invited to join—one of Harvard’s elite final clubs.

The Delphic Club known as “the Gas” for its crest of three gas-lit flames, is one of the oldest and
most exclusive of the elite final clubs on campus, started by the legendary banking magnate JP
Morgan Jr., who himself had been deemed unworthy and denied admission to the other clubs.
As Spenser is considered for membership, he’s plunged not only into the secret world of male
privilege that the Gas represents, but also into a century-old club mystery involving the
disappearance of a student who tried breaking into the clubhouse in the 1920s. Because at the
heart of the Delphic, secured deep inside its guarded mansion club, is another secret society: a
shadowy group of powerful men known as The Ancient Nine.

Who are The Ancient Nine? And why is Spenser—along with his closest friend Dalton
Winthrop—summoned to the deathbed of Dalton’s uncle, just as Spenser is being punched for
the club? What does the lore about a missing page from one of Harvard’s most historic books
mean? And how does it connect to religion, murder, and to the King James Bible, if not to King
James himself?

The Ancient Nine is both a coming of age novel and a swiftly plotted story, that lets readers into
the ultimate of closed worlds, drawn from the knowledge of these real-life institutions, with all
of its dark historical secrets and unyielding power.

# # #

IAN K. SMITH is the author of New York Times bestselling nonfiction books, including the #1
bestsellers Shred, Super Shred, and Blast the Sugar Out, as well as the novel The Blackbird
Papers. He is a graduate of Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago's Pritzker School
of Medicine.

THE ANCIENT NINE
By Ian Smith
Price: $27.99

Publication Date: September 18, 2018
ISBN-13: 978-1-250-18239-5

Filed Under: Artist Spotlight, Front Page Slider, LifeStyle, People

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