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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)

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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

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Virtual Book Club

Book Club starting this year.  This year we chose From Emotions to Advocacy. We will meet virtually over google meets and each week discuss a chapter from the book. This is a free weekly workshop to go thru February and March (we will not meet during February vacation). If interested in joining email sepac@dcrsd.org

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Officers

 

Chair Kenny Laferriere

Vice Chair Marianne Roemer

Recording Secretary Vacant

Publicity Secretary & SEPAC/SC Liaison Jeanne Costello

Resources

Youth Counseling

Wrightslaw

Information for parents on knowing their rights on IEPs/504s and Federal Law governing special education.

Meditation Class

Federation for Children with Special Needs

The Federation’s mission is to provide information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities.

Supportive Friend

Center for Parent Information and Resources

Supporting the Parent Centers Who Serve Families of Children with Disabilities

Contact Us

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