SEPAC
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Click here to VOLUNTEER: https://forms.gle/NQ2w4rw8QnbhQvVo9
What is SEPAC?
Who's Who in Student Services at PHA
CLICK HERE to see a list of the current Student Services Staff at PHA.
See the Resources available to families at PHA by CLICKING HERE.
Listen to the ABC's of IEPs!: https://in-it-raising-kids-who-learn-and-think-differently.simplecast.com/episodes/abcs-of-ieps
The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) is an incredible resource for families and provides lots of great information and free learning opportunities year-round :
FCSN Events Calendar: https://fcsn.org/news/#calendar
FCSN Information Center online intake form: https://fcsn.org/fcsn-intake-form/
FCSN Information phone number: 617-236-7210
Family TIES: https://www.massfamilyties.org/
Recruitment, Training and Support Center (RTSC): https://fcsn.org/rtsc-updated-brochure/
FCSN REAL Transition Partners: https://fcsn.org/realtransition/
To subscribe to our newsletter: https://fcsn.org/subscribe-to-newsletter/
Looking for Camps, Activities, & After School Programs for Kids?
CLICK HERE for an updated list of local programs put together by PHA's amazing Special Education and Student Services staff.
When does SEPAC meet?
We meet monthly on Zoom at 6:00 PM on the following dates:
September 13, 2023
October 11, 2023: Basic Rights: Evaluation and Eligibility (Registration required- Click here)
November 8, 2023: Dr. Johnson (Anxiety)
December 13, 2023: Meet & Greet Student Services/ Special Education Staff
January 24, 2024: ADHD & Executive Functioning
February 14, 2024 [CANCELLED]
March 20, 2024: The New I.E.P. Form
April 10, 2024: Community check-in meeting
May 8, 2024: Community check-in meeting
June 12, 2024:
Click above to review the slideshow about
ADHD and EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING
And watch the recording of the presentation below
Click above to review slideshow about DISCIPLINE & STUDENT RIGHTS
Click above to review slideshow about
ANXIETY IN CHILDREN
Click above to review the slideshow introducing
THE New I.E.P. FORM
which PHA will start using in September 2024. And watch the recording of the presentation below. For multiple language captions, please CLICK HERE.
How can I contact SEPAC?
PHA parents and family members lead SEPAC. Contact us by email any time.
Izaene Bento (fluent in Portuguese) - izaenebento@hotmail.com
Paula Hercule - pjhercule@gmail.com
Lewis Perdomo - Lewisperdomo1@gmail.com
What do SEPAC Chairs do?
CLICK HERE to read the job description.
Summer is coming: What is Extended School Year (ESY)?
https://www.understood.org/en/articles/extended-school-year-services-what-you-need-to-know
WE LOVE CONCORD's SEPAC WEBSITE RESOURCES!
CLICK HERE to visit their site. Look at the left-hand Menu of items to learn about "Testing and Evaluating" and "IEPs."
How do I write a letter requesting an IEP evaluation?
A request MUST BE WRITTEN. It cannot be verbal or asked for out loud. Here is some suggested language you can use in an email or letter:
I am writing to request that my child/son/daughter, [child's name], be evaluated for special education services. I am worried that [child's name] is not doing well in school and believe he/she may need special services in order to learn. [Child's name] is in the [ _ ] grade at [name of school].
In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004) and Massachusetts Special Education regulations 603 CMR 28.00, Prospect Hill Academy provides screenings and evaluations for all children enrolled in Prospect Hill Academy Charter to determine eligibility for special education services. Any parent, caregiver, or teacher may refer the student for evaluation if they suspect the presence of a disability that may preclude the child from progressing effectively in a regular education program. If you believe your child may be in need of special education services, please contact your child's principal or special education team chair as listed below.
Early Childhood Campus Team Chair: Kristina Junco kjunco@phacs.org
Upper Elementary Campus Team Chair: Wendy Ryder wryder@phacs.org
Grades 7 - 9 Team Chair: Callie Kniffin ckniffin@phacs.org
Grades 10 - 12 Team Chair: Danielle Makarious dmakarious@phacs.org
Child Find Notice: English, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese
Listen to the ABC's of IEPs: https://in-it-raising-kids-who-learn-and-think-differently.simplecast.com/episodes/abcs-of-ieps
What is TIERED FOCUSED MONITORING?
It is the way the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education reviews our Special Education Programs. The review focuses on special education and civil rights. Click to see the TFM Report for PHA from three years ago by clicking on the document to the right.
Great Resources for Families
There are local and national online & free workshops for families to learn more about Special Education. Click on the links below:
https://cambridgesepac.org/se-pac-supports/
How to Get the Right IEP or 504 for Your Child (article)