What is the DCRSD Special Education Parents Advisory Council?
A SEPAC is a Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Every public school district in Massachusetts is required to establish a SEPAC
Special education parent advisory councils (PACs) have tremendous potential to have a positive impact on special education programs in a school district. PACs can provide invaluable activities for parents, and add an important voice to a school district's dialogue and decision-making. (from Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education March 2010)
An effective SEPAC takes the teamwork of the IEP process one step further, putting parents in the role of advisors who use their family’s experiences, unique perspectives and expertise to influence decisions and help shape programs and policies at the local level. An effective SEPAC is more than a meeting - it is an approach and a mindset that truly values the advice of parents. When parent advisors are valued and engaged through a local SEPAC, they can work together with school district staff and community leaders to improve education, not only for those with disabilities, but for all children. (from SPAN Parent Advocacy Network)
SEPAC CALENDAR 2023-2024
Coffee & Conversation
September 6th @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Dudley
September 20th, 2023@CMS
Welcome Director of Pupil Personnel Services Heather Harriman
and Van Pool Representative Franco Indomenico in the CMS Library at 7pm.
click HERE for hybrid meeting
Coffee & Conversation
October 4th @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Charlton
October 18th, 2023 @DMS
"Turning 3 Essentials" from the Federation for Children with Special Needs
Coffee & Conversation
November 1st @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Dudley
November 15th, 2023 @CMS
504 "101" presented by Heather Harriman Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Coffee & Conversation
December 6th @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Charlton
December 20th @, 2023DMS
"Basic Rights: Evaluation & Eligibility" presented by the Federation for Children with Special Needs
Coffee & Conversation
January 3rd @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Dudley
January 17th, 2024 @CMS
"How to write a measurable goal" presented by Heather Harriman and DC SEPAC
https://meet.google.com/wdd-qdpe-isk
Coffee & Conversation
February 7th @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Charlton
February 2024
No DC SEPAC Meeting, but the book club starts!
Coffee & Conversation
March 6th @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Dudley
March 20th, 2024 @DMS
"Basic Rights Transition Planning" presented by the Federation of Children with Special Needs
Coffee & Conversation
April 3rd @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Charlton
April 10th, 2024 @CMS
*not the 3rd Wednesday of the month*
Related Services Spotlight
Coffee & Conversation
May 1st @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Dudley
May 15th, 2024 @DMS
NEW IEP presentation by Heather Harriman and DC SEPAC; SEPAC elections
Coffee & Conversation
June 5th @9am at Sturbridge Coffee Roasters in Charlton
June 2024
No Meeting