RISE
Resources for Individual Student Excellence
High schoolers with IEPs, 504s, and diagnosed/undiagnosed differences are often balancing unique needs and challenges while simultaneously pursuing goals of independence and self-advocacy. The mission of the BHS RISE Parent Group is to provide a support community for families with neuro- and ability-diverse students at BHS; and support our kids embarking on their individual journeys and goals to excellence. RISE also hopes to support parent education and greater community understanding of neurodiversity and disability.
Events and Resources:
(Unless specified as BHS RISE meetings, events are from recommended external sources and not vetted by, reviewed by, or necessarily represent the views of BHS RISE Parent Group, BHS Parent Group or BHS)
Contact graceleung@bhsparentsgroup.org to add an event/resource that would be of interest to our community!
Last BHS RISE Parent Meeting of the year! Tuesday May 20 from 8:45-10:15am - Join like-minded parents for coffee, tea and brunch bites! We will recap the year, look ahead to fall, and share resources about summer activities. Conversations and participation are agreed to be confidential unless each sharer allows otherwise. Contact graceleung@bhsparentsgroup.org for exact address and any questions. RSVP is encouraged to help with planning purposes.
*NEW* Post Secondary Options presentation from Jenna Smith of SMUHSD from 4/28/25 meeting
*NEW* Summer Resources - camps and summer programs that are geared toward, or known for, supporting of neuro- or ability- diverse high schoolers
Local and Online Resources - Our "sister" group the RISE Parent Group of Hillsborough has compiled this extensive list of local and online resources for caregivers and families.
Stanford Neurodiversity Project: Includes resources about neurodiversity education, awareness, wellness, employment, annual meeting, and summer camp. Their Neurodiversity Resource Database is a collaborative effort to create resources for the neurodiverse community by the neurodiverse community.
Neurodiversity Education Series by the Parent Venture - browse their library of past webinars, including "Social" uses of Media for Neurodivergent Youth, and The Teen Brain: a Conversation with Filmmaker Tiffany Schlain.
Children's Health Center Voices of Compassion Podcast - browse library or subscribe. Past episode topics include executive functioning, eating disorders, autism, gender issues, balancing well-being with academics, and anxiety.
SMUHSD Special Education website - Familiarize yourself with the basics of IEPs, announcements of events, and how to get involved with the SMUHSD Parent Advisory Council which meets throughout the year to foster communication between parents and SMUHSD.
SPARK for Autism: Transition to Adulthood - browse articles from SPARK (a community of researchers and families participating in the world's largest Autism research study) with topics ranging from teen issues, college preparation, job readiness and more for those with autism.
CA DOE's Inclusive Access to a Diploma: This California Department of Education initiative is designed to support California educational systems with the knowledge, skills, and tools to provide students with different options to express their proficiency in courses required to earn a high school diploma.