If you've ever received a notice for an IEP meeting and immediately felt nervous, overwhelmed, or unsure of what to expect, you're not alone. Many parents walk into their first Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting wondering who will be there, what they'll be asked to do, and how they can best advocate for their child. The good news? An IEP meeting is designed to be a team effort. Everyone at the table should be working toward the same goal: helping your child succeed at ...
Educational
Disney Twisted Tales: The Complete Reading Order and Why Teens Love These Magical Retellings
If you've ever watched a Disney movie and wondered, "What would have happened if one thing had gone differently?" then the Disney Twisted Tales series is for you. Published by Disney-Hyperion, the Twisted Tales books take beloved Disney classics and turn them upside down. Each novel asks a fascinating "what if" question that changes the entire story. The result is a collection of young adult fantasy novels filled with adventure, romance, mystery, and plenty of unexpected twists. These ...
7 Books Every High School Freshman Should Read for Fun
Starting high school is a huge milestone. Freshmen are navigating new classes, new friendships, extracurricular activities, and a whole lot of change. While assigned reading has its place, sometimes the best thing a teenager can do is pick up a book simply because it's enjoyable. Reading for pleasure has been linked to better vocabulary, improved writing skills, reduced stress, and increased empathy. The trick is finding books that teenagers actually want to read. If you have an incoming ...
10 Things Incoming High School Freshmen Should Focus on This Year
Starting high school is a big milestone for both teens and parents. For many students, freshman year feels exciting, overwhelming, and a little scary all at the same time. New teachers, larger campuses, tougher classes, and increased independence can make the transition challenging. The good news is that freshman year doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, the goal isn't perfection at all. The goal is learning how to navigate high school successfully while building habits that will help your ...
IEP vs. 504 Plan: Understanding the Difference and Choosing What’s Best for Your Child
If you've ever sat in a school meeting and heard terms like IEP and 504 Plan thrown around, you're not alone. Many parents find themselves wondering: What's the difference, and which one does my child need? The good news is that both an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and a 504 Plan are designed to help students succeed in school. However, they serve different purposes and offer different levels of support. Understanding how each one works can help you advocate for your child and ...
Summer Reading for Teen Girls: 6 Fantastic Books to Read in July
The sunshine and long days of July are perfect for relaxing with a good book. Whether you're at the pool, traveling with family, or chilling at home with the AC on, this list has something for every mood. These stories are full of adventure, emotion, laughter, and strong girl power—perfect for 7th-grade readers and up! Front Desk by Kelly Yang Mia Tang is a 10-year-old girl (but don’t let her age fool you—this story is full of big ideas and heart). She manages the front desk of a motel her ...