Past Events
Monday December 5, 2022 7:00-via Google Meets
SEPAC met virtually on December 5, 2022. General introductions were done and our objective for this year was brought up and discussed. We also talked about some of our potential presentations and themes for this year.
SEPAC will be forming a working group to work towards providing resources for teachers to help learn different ways of including all students more. We are planning to look at the events that happen frequently at BFCCPS, such as assemblies and field trips and also events that happen less frequently, such as the Back to School Social, Field Day, Capstone projects and any other events that come up throughout the year. If you are interested in being a part of this working group, or want to offer ideas for events or inclusion, please email Michelle Harrington.
One of the presentations we plan to offer is a series of presentations about Mental Health. More information to come about specific topics and dates! We are also looking into the possibility of hosting a social event for parents and kiddos.
SEPAC would like to remind all families that this group and our events are for all families! You do not need to have a child with a 504 plan, an IEP or receiving services. Our themes are for all families and all children.
Wednesday April 6, 2022 7:00
Autism
PAC was joined by many SSO staff, to include Ann Arroyas, Anna Greene, Melissa Longoria, Noreen Smith, Alex Szymanski and Juliet Yurick. Our topic was Autism; our plan was to use this time as a place to talk about the different experiences we have had and offer ideas for what might help other families. We knew our topic was big and there would be different experiences and perspectives. This turned out to be a great thing, with a lot of collaboration and discussion.
We talked about the difficulty determining what is typical age appropriate behavior and what is related to autism. This was especially true for parents of middle schoolers. SSO staff and parents had several suggestions.
Remember that ASD varies. Each person is an individual with different needs.
We remind our children to take perspective, but we need to do the same for them. By asking what they need or what they are experiencing, things might go smoother.
For siblings and classmates, it is important to be aware of different expectations. Explaining that fair doesn’t always mean equal or the difference between equality and equity will be helpful to everyone.
Planning for transition, changes in schedule or events that might be difficult or overwhelming can be very helpful. We all know that can’t always happen, so be ready with a Plan B, C, D E and F when you can. Having snacks can also save the day!
Finding friends and families that can meet you and your kiddo where they are is so important. Our families have found connections at Cub Scouts, at the park, at Special Olympics in Franklin and Lifeworks Chapter of the Ark in Westwood.
We talked about different aspects of BFCCPS and how we can advocate for changes to ensure equity for everyone.
The book Uniquely Human, a Different Way of Seeing Autism by Barry Prizant was highly recommended.
PAC is so appreciative of SSO staff taking the time to attend this meeting and share their knowledge!
Wednesday March 9, 2022 7:00
Summer Resource Ideas for Students with Special Needs
PAC discussed summer options for children with special needs at the March meeting. The group generated some helpful hints for families.
Be prepared (always have snacks, change of clothes, water)
Set realistic expectations for your family (think about plans for siblings and remember fair does not mean equal)
Be ready to pivot or abandon your plan
Plan for YOUR child; don’t worry about what other families are doing
Think about the positive role of unstructured time
Take advantage of summer freebies and other creative outings like $1 movies, museum passes available at the library, and “DAS” opportunities at amusement parks
Further resources have been listed here.
Wednesday February 2, 2022 at 7:00
Navigating through the Jungle of the IEP
We were joined by Mandy Irwin, Director of Student Services. Topics discussed included ways to prepare for an IEP meeting, ideas to help the family and academic team connect and feel like they are working together and dispelling the idea that if a concern isn't brought up at the IEP meeting, it can't be brought up until the next IEP meeting. We talked about the culture of the school and how staff and administration works to accommodate all students' needs. Mandy walked us through all the points that a parent can contact the team before they sign the IEP. She also encouraged families to contact anyone on their child's team with concerns and suggestions.
Wednesday January 5th at 7:00
Behavior
Parents were joined by Lisa Fisher-OT, Brooke Simpson-COTA, Angela McCaffrey-Behavior Analyst, Brenda Kasper-Behavior Assistant, and Danielle Foley-Behavior Assistant, for a discussion forum focused on behavior. Parents submitted topics of interest ahead of the meeting, all of which focused on understanding and responding to behaviors.
Angela McCaffrey suggested that the process of changing behaviors includes knowing the “why” of behavior, implementing consistent strategies, and seeing if the behavior changes. The group discussed the importance of engaging the child as part of the team in the process of identifying tools or strategies that may help them. Giving the child some autonomy in choosing tools increases their motivation to take control and use a tool. An important consideration is that many students with behavioral challenges do not have a typical baseline. They may already be simmering, so small problems can become bigger quickly.
There was a shared belief that, “To teach a child you need to reach them.” Students who are not regulated or in a space where they can access academics, will have trouble. There was consensus in the group about the importance of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) for all students. The group expressed interested in having a common language and approach or curriculum. PAC would like to support the school in its efforts towards enhancing SEL at BFCCPS.
Wednesday 12/1/21 7:00 p.m
Mental Health
Parents were joined by Dr. Connie Flieger, School Psychologist, and Shauncey Malin, School Social Worker, for a discussion forum focused on mental health. Parents sent topics of interest in advance, such as: Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, ODD, OCD, with Anxiety being the most widely requested topic.
Dr. Flieger and Mrs. Malin shared insights about the heightened stressors for both parents and students associated with the unsettling times we are living in. Kids, especially, may feel they have little control in their life as they have less understanding and capacity than adults to navigate pandemic related changes and concerns. The impact of this can be seen through behaviors or concerns that are not typical for the child. Behaviors such as not following directions, staying up late, having disrupted sleep, or being more tearful can be signs. Dr. Flieger commented that, “Behaviors are ways our children are communicating with us. Behaviors tell us something.”
Parents were interested in BFCCPS’s increased supports for mental health and grateful for the school’s intentional approach to supporting students and families with mental health concerns.
The following ideas and resources were discussed:
Provide consistency and structure
Check in with your child about how they are doing
Focus on the ‘Circle of Control’ (helpful information is readily available online)
Consider outside counseling - get on lots of wait lists to get started; consider remote counseling services; look into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Check out available apps for meditation, and sleep
Look for additional resources on the BFCCPS Counseling Corner
11/3/21
ADHD Forum
Parents were joined by School Counselor, Ali Fay and SSO Director, Mandy Irwin, for a discussion forum focused on attention, time management and organization. Parents asked questions like, “How do you know when it is behavior and when it is beyond what a child can do due to their attention issues?” and “In social situations, how do you explain your child’s behavior without sharing the diagnosis?”
The group shared ideas including strategies for homework such as asking the child to “give your best effort for 5 minutes,” giving the child autonomy, starting with the hardest (or easiest) task, maintaining routines, and using paper rather than electronic calendars. Resources were also discussed like Brain Gym, Sensation Station, and Brendan Mahan’s ‘Wall of Awful’ (YouTube video).
10/6/21
Introduction to Student Services Office & Parents Rights - A Guide to the Special Education Process
During the 2020-2021 School year three virtual PAC meetings took place.
4/26: Meet and Greet with the SSO Office
Join our Director of Student Services, Mandy Irwin to learn more about the SSO Office including a who's who on the team. The meeting will be held virtually and recorded for those who can not join us for the live broadcast. We will be launching a parent survey to gather input as to how you would like to shape the PAC moving forward.
Slides from the meeting can be found here
Click to view Meeting recording
5/17: Parents Rights - A Guide to the Special Education Process
All parents are invited to attend this meeting to learn more about the Special Education Process along with a general overview of Special Education law.
Slides from the meeting can be found here
Click to view meeting recording
6/7: Looking Ahead - Extended School Year and Summer Transition Program Update, and Planning for the 2021-2022 School Year
We encourage parents to join us for a review of the survey findings, learn more about the Extended School Year Program and Back-to-School Transition Programs for students who qualify, and plan the PAC meetings and activities for the 2021-2022 school year.