North Adams Public Schools -

DDS Neurodiversity EVENT May 23, 2024 The Statewide Autism Team is excited to present the next training in the Neurodiversity Training Series. Unmasking the Hidden Struggles: Navigating Autistic Burnout and Masking Date/Time: Thursday, 5/23 at 12 pm Registration Link: https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMocuGorzwpGNzxz8d7YFR2Q5Aq6orF1sTQ#/registration Presenter: Megan Anna Neff, PsyD She/They, Website: www.neurodivergentinsights.com Description: Join us for a 90-minute discussion that sheds light on the intertwined realities of Autistic masking and burnout, significantly impacting the lives of Autistic adults. Hosted by Dr. Neff, an Autistic clinical psychologist and author, this talk is set to illuminate the often-overlooked “invisible end of the spectrum.” As awareness of autism without co-occurring intellectual disability grows, an increasing number of adults are seeking supportive services. However, historically, the field has not fully grasped their presentation or needs. This talk aims to demystify by exploring and defining a few key features: • The lost generation of Autistic adults • Autistic masking (not what you think it is) • Autistic burnout We will delve into the concept of "masking" — the innate drive for safety that leads many Autistic people to repress Autistic traits and mimic neurotypical norms, examining its deep connection to Autistic burnout. This state of physical and mental exhaustion can lead to severe consequences for quality of life, including an increased risk of suicidality. By engaging with the latest research, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the current support system, despite its good intentions, may inadvertently exacerbate these challenges. This training is set to challenge the status quo, advocating for a shift towards more neuro-affirming approaches in therapy and support services. It questions long-held assumptions about the needs of Autistic individuals. Bio: Dr. Neff is a neurodivergent Psychologist and founder of Neurodivergent Insights where she creates education and wellness resources for neurodivergent adults. Dr. Neff is the author of Self-Care for Autistic People. Additionally, she has published in several peer-reviewed journals.

Massachusetts has a new IEP Form!  The new form is written in easier-to-understand language and is designed to increase collaboration among IEP Team members.  Centering on student’s strengths and vision, a goal is to help students take an active part in the IEP planning process.  Come to our virtual Introduction to the New IEP Form presentation to learn what has changed!  This workshop is free and open to all families, educators, and administrators in current MassPAC member communities. Date: Wednesday, May 8th Time: 5:00 PM-6:00 PM Presenter: Leslie M. Leslie, MassPAC Project Director Please register to get the Zoom link to participate: https://fcsn.org/event/new-iep-may-8/ Questions? lleslie@fcsn.org

The AYJ Fund invites families to their Once Upon A Dream children's concert on Saturday May 18th. Ticket prices and details are included on the flyer. For more information about the AYJ Fund, visit https://www.ayjfund.org/

Adult and Pediatric CPR/AED Certification Training See flyer for details

Sheep Hill Scientists! See flyer for details.

SAVE THE DATE! Drury High School's semi-annual End of Semester Showcase & Student Recognition Event June 7th from 10:45am to 2:20pm Doors open at 10:35 Four different showcase locations: gym, library, and band and theatre classrooms. Student Recognition Ceremony will begin at 1pm in the auditorium

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts is hosting a hiking event for those who will be entering Grades K to 3 in Sept 2024. The event will take place on May 25 at 11:30 am, Glen Meadow Loop at the Greylock Glen. RSVP by May 21st - https://bit.ly/GSAdamsHiking (See flyer for additional details.)

The Greenhouse Program is holding its Spring Open House on Thursday, May 9th from 9am to 6pm. See flyers for additional hours they will be open and pricing.

Teen Writing Workshop Showcase See flyer for details!

Reminder! Our next community forum will be on May 15th at 6pm! The forum will take place in a hybrid format at the Welcome Center at Brayton Elementary School and via Zoom which can be accessed by going to napsk12.org/ZoomLinkMay15. During the forum, we will be providing updates on grade configurations and logistics for the 2024-2025 school year including transportation, arrival and dismissal times, class sizes, and school choice updates. The forum is open to anyone interested and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. For questions, please email familysupports@napsk12.org or call 413-776-1458.

Today, we’re celebrating our School Lunch Heroes! School meals are the building blocks for creating supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. Thank you to all who provide healthy, nutritious meals to our students every day!

Our 21st Century Afterschool Program showered our School Lunch Heroes with some love! Thank you to all of our School Lunch Heroes for everything you do, including all the work that goes into serving our delicious dinner program that our Afterschool students get to enjoy! Don't forget to thank your School Lunch Hero today!

Please join us in congratulating our students from Drury High School who participated in the Special Olympics event earlier in the week at Monument Mountain High School. The DHS team won 5th place in the banner competition. Students took home 7 gold, 7 silver, and 4 bronze medals for various events in which they participated. We would also like to extend a sincere word of thanks to our staff for working diligently for our students and advocating for their participation in this Nationally recognized event. It is wonderful to see such collaboration and dedication to a population of students, who so often go unrecognized. Small steps are huge gains for some, and we are thrilled to celebrate and congratulate them for their accomplishments.

Upcoming programming at the Family Center

Food Pantry and Meal Site Listing for Berkshire County: https://5il.co/2k2xj SNAP Information: https://5il.co/2k2xh

Upcoming programming at ROOTS Teen Center. See flyers for details.

UMass Extension 4-H Career Exploration Series See flyer for details.

Sheep to Shawl Festival at Sheep Hill See flyer for details.

Free credit success workshop with Wayfinders. See flyer for details.

Safe Neighborhoods: Bike Safety Event Saturday, 4/27, from 12-3 pm NAPD will be giving out FREE bike helmets (all ages). There will be hot dogs & chips, an opportunity to tune up your bike and raffles. Free and open to all!