quirements and timelines for ac-
cessing academic accommodations
and residence hall accommoda-
tions? Although your teen needs to be in-
dependent, she also needs to know that
support from family is always there if
needed.
• What is the university’s policy for
course substitutions or waivers? TIPS & TALES (from high school
counselors)
• What specialized software is avail-
able for students with learning dis-
abilities? “Our local community college has a
fabulous “Transition to College” work-
shop. I’ve attended it several times, and
they provide a lot of great information.
We are making plans to include a session
like this at our evening College Informa-
tion Night.”
Stay Connected
Even if your teen is commuting
to school, he will face new challenges,
such as lengthy class times, difficult
course curriculum, and an expectation
that he is independent. Parents should
keep the lines of communication open,
regardless of their teen’s location.
For students who choose a college
far from home, a preset schedule for
staying connected is imperative, such as
setting up Skype time once per week. Be
sure to collect contact information from
appropriate staff members in case you
have an immediate concern (e.g., a dras-
tic change in your teen’s mood).
— Pam Atkins, guidance counselor,
F.D. Roosevelt High School,
Hyde Park, NY
“The disabilities services office should
be a mandatory stop on any campus
tour. Bring a copy of the current IEP or
504 plan. Most importantly, make sure
they are clear regarding what modifica-
tions they will and will not be able to
provide. The answers should help you
determine whether a particular college
remains on the list of potentials.”
— Valorie B. Hallenbeck, guidance
counselor, William G. Enloe Magnet
High School, Raleigh, NC
“Many schools have specific programs
where the primary goal is to help stu-
dents with special needs. Those are the
best schools to look at! Using the com-
munity college as a transition tool is a
great way to test the waters and to ex-
perience success. This leads to increased
self-awareness and self-esteem.”
— Ryan Teeter, guidance counselor,
Rush-Henrietta Senior High School,
Henrietta, NY
Myrna Beth Haskell is the author of “LI-
ONS and TIGERS and TEENS: Expert
advice and support for the conscientious
parent just like you” (Unlimited Pub-
lishing, LLC). Her work has appeared in
publications across the U.S. as well as
internationally. To learn more visit www.
myrnahaskell.com.
Award Winning Academy of Theatre Arts
2018/2019 ATA Theatre Season
Performing Arts Center
located at 4231 Transit Road
Williamsville, New York 14221
Fall registration
is now open!
Spots fill up quickly, so sign up today!
For more information
visit our website!
www.academyoftheatrearts.com
Call 51
05
810 - day!
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t
4231 Transit Road • Williamsville, New York 14221
Contact 810-0551 or [email protected]
• Nationally Award Winning Academy of
Theatre Arts and The ATA Performing Arts
Center is the only year-round full time the-
atre venue in Western New York created
and designed solely for the development and
training of children and young adults in the
genres of acting, vocal performance and mu-
sical theatre dance. Dedicated to enriching
young lives dramatically, ATA provides an
extensive year-long venue, as well as our ex-
tremely popular summer camp program, for
anyone between the ages of 3 and 18 who has
an interest and passion for theatre arts.
• Not only does our Award Winning pro-
gram excel in theatrical training, but with a
generation now losing those communication
skills needed to succeed in life, ATA uses
theatre as a platform to teach and promote
excellence in public speaking, self esteem,
confidence and personal skills.
August 2018 WNY Family 35