Medford Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
The following is a proposed calendar for the 2014-2015 Academic Year. Events are subject to change. Please check Connect With SEPAC below on how to contact us for more information.
September
“Welcome Back to School!”
Wednesday, September 10
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
October
“Basic Rights in Special Education”
Wednesday, October 8
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
Presented by the Federation for Children with Special Needs and the Medford Special Education Department. “What is an IEP?” “What is a 504?” “How do I know if my child qualifies?” “What are our rights?”
November
“Building Inclusive Schools”
Wednesday, November 12
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
Presented by Dr. Joseph Petner, Ed. D, retired principal, Haggerty School, Cambridge, MA; Adjunct Faculty Lesley University and Wheelock College; Support Facilitator, District and School Assistance Center – MA Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education; Parent Advocate Training presenter: Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN), Dr. William “Bill” Henderson, PhD, retired principal of the William Henderson School, Boston Public Schools and consultant
Creating a truly inclusive school takes more than simply having children with disabilities on the roster. In this presentation, two highly recognized principals of model inclusive schools will share their experiences and offer specific strategies and leadership moves that made their schools places where truly, everyone belongs.
December
“Executive Functioning”
*TBD
Wednesday, December 10
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
January
“Building Your Village” – Family Supports
Wednesday, January 14
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
Where and how do families find support? What resources are there? Learn from a panel of experts on how best to support your family member as we explore how to ‘build a village’ to create community and support for your family.
February
General Meeting/SEPAC Social
Wednesday, February 11
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
Come and meet other parents / guardians of children with special needs. Find out what we’re all about. Share a drink and some laughter as we network and plan.
March
“In My Shoes” – Find out why differences make life so interesting.
Wednesday, March 11
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
We are all experts at something and we are all working on something. What does it feel like to be blind? To be intellectually disabled or to have a chromosomal difference? Join us as we bring experience to share with our community an understanding of our differences. SEPAC intends to create a week-long event where we present at each school in the District allowing students the opportunity to walk in our shoes and through a uniquely proven curriculum and hands-on lessons. The Wednesday March 11 event may feature a panel of students of all abilities.
April
“Special Education in Medford”
Wednesday, April 8
7-9 pm Andrew Middle School
Q&A Panel with Special Education Administration and Staff to give an overview of Medford Special Education Programs and Services and answer parent questions.
May
“Who Cares About Kelsey?” Documentary Film Screening
Wednesday, May 8
7-9 pm Andrews Middle School
Do you have a child who has social/emotional and/or behavioral challenges at school? Come see this remarkable film by Dan Habib which documents the lives of students with emotional/behavioral challenges. The film vividly captures innovative educational approaches that help these students to succeed – while improving the overall school culture and climate. We see high school senior Kelsey Carroll’s transformation from a defiant and disruptive “problem student” to a motivated and self-confident young woman. Along the way, critical figures in her life play important roles in an education revolution that’s about empowering—not overpowering—students with emotional/behavioral disabilities.
Including, a youth panel who will share their school experience and what they want our community to know about what matters most to our teenage students. The panel will offer a rare youth prospective that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated. There will be light refreshments and a question and answer period following the youth panel.
June
“End of Year Social / Celebration”
Wednesday, June 10
Time and Location TBD
Join us for family fun as we celebrate the differences that make us beautiful. Entertainment and refreshments. More information to follow.
Connect with SEPAC
The Medford SEPAC can be found on Facebook, Twitter, our website, and our Yahoo listserv discussion group. A great first step is to join the Yahoo group below so you can keep up to date with special education in Medford, meet other parents, ask questions, share information, and learn about local and statewide events. We look forward to hearing from you!
Join the discussion at Yahoo
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Medford_SEPAC/info or send a blank email to medford_sepac-subscribe@yahoo.com
Find us on the web
https://medfordsepac.wordpress.com
Like us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/SepacMedfordMa
Follow us on Twitter
https://twitter.com/Medford_SEPAC