4th Annual SEPAC Stars in Our Schools Call for Nominations

Do you know of someone (student, parent, staff, community member, etc.) who you would like to recognize for their dedication, creativity, patience, and determination in helping students who receive special education to experience success?

The Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools SEPAC encourages you to nominate such excellence in our learning community so that we may all publicly thank these individuals for the important way they influence our students.  Honorees will be celebrated at an awards ceremony: Cookies, Cupcakes, and Kudos on June 15th (more details are forthcoming).

Please email the completed Nomination Form (attached below in English and Spanish) and Nomination Statement to: SEPAC@ARPS.ORG

or mail to: ARPS, Student Services Office, 170 Chestnut Street, Amherst, MA 01002

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1D81UbgP_fsY3LNTAQHiGVhMzZAivuWZVWWUwAPrxiZ0/viewform?ts=5acf6aa0&edit_requested=true

SEPAC Offers "This is Transition" to Assist Families in Transitioning Students from School to Adult Life

Please join us for a three part series of informational evening seminars. These presentations will provide students, families and school staff with valuable information for future planning and will assist in transitioning students from school to adult life.

All presentations will begin at 6:30pm and will be held at Amherst Regional High School. All are welcome to attend these free information sessions.

Please RSVP to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.

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Session 1: April 25th, 2018 Wednesday: Intro to the Transition Planning Process

An overview of the transition planning process for youth with disabilities ages 14-22 on IEPs. Will also include some tools for creating a vision for after high school. Presented by Leslie Leslie from the Federation of Children with Special Needs. Held in ARHS library.

Session 2: May 2nd, 2018 Wednesday: ABCs of Adult Agencies

An opportunity to hear from and to meet with representatives of some of the adult agencies in our state, including the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), and others. Come find out what kinds of services and supports are available after high school and what you and your student need to do to apply for them. Held in ARHS cafeteria.

Session 3: May 9th, 2018 Wednesday: Family to Family

Families with a range of experiences and perspectives will share details of their students’ journeys into adulthood and discuss how and why they and their children made the choices that they did. There will be plenty of time to meet with panelists and ask questions. Be prepared to laugh a little and learn a lot! Held in ARHS library.

Sessions offered by: Amherst Regional Public Schools, Federation for Children with Special Needs and Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC).

Autism Awareness Night on April 12

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)  and the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools have teamed up to host an Autism Awareness Night.

Thursday, April 12

5:45 PM - 7:30 PM

Amherst Regional High School

Current high school and post-graduate panelists will be in small groups, talking about their experience with Autism, its strengths and challenges, what helps/what doesn’t, and other interesting discussion topics, such as Autism as a disability versus difference. 

We will also feature an art exhibit showcasing artists with Autism, a display of Autism Awareness posters, and a literature table. 

*Please RSVP by April 9th to Nancy Stewart at sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.  Event is free and open to the public.

Basic Rights in Special Education Workshop on March 19 at 5pm

Please note that the Basic Rights in Special Education Workshop scheduled for 3/12/2018 has been rescheduled for March 19. Details below:

Basic Rights in Special Education. Monday March 19, 2018 @ 5:00 PM, ARHS Library.  Please mark your calendars and join us for this informative workshop for parents and professionals.

RSVP to SEPAC@ARPS.org or call (413) 687-4255.

Tenga en cuenta que el taller de derechos básicos en educación especial programado para esta noche, 12 de marzo de 2018, ha sido reprogramado. Detalles a continuación:

Derechos básicos en educación especial. Lunes 19 de marzo de 2018 @ 5:00 PM, Biblioteca de ARHS. Por favor marque sus calendarios y únase a nosotros para este taller informativo para padres y profesionales.

RSVP a SEPAC@ARPS.org o llame al (413) 687-4255.

Basic Rights in Special Education Workshop – English

Basic Rights in Special Education Workshop – Spanish

SEPAC presents "Basic Rights in Special Education" on March 12 at 5 pm

Basic Rights in Special Education, presented by SEPAC.  

Please mark your calendars and join us for this informative workshop for parents and professionals.  

Monday March 12, 2018 @ 5:00 PM
ARHS Library.  

RSVP to SEPAC@ARPS.org or call (413) 687-4255.

Basic Rights in Special Education - English
Basic Rights in Special Education - Spanish 

Basic Rights in Special Education on March 12

Please mark your calendars and join us for this informative workshop for parents and professionals.  

Basic Rights in Special Education.  

Monday March 12, 2018

5:00 PM

ARHS Library
RSVP to SEPAC@ARPS.org or call (413) 687-4255.

Basic Rights in Special Education - English

Basic Rights in Special Education - Spanish 

BASIC RIGHTS In Special Education Workshop on November 9

You are invited . . .BASIC RIGHTS In Special Education

Thursday, November 9, 2017.

6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

ARHS Library

Please RSVP to SEPAC@arps.org or call (413) 687-4255.

This workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities under:

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Massachusetts Special Education Law
SEPAC: Basic Rights in Special Education

October is Disability Awareness Month

from Ms. Chamberlain:

October is disability awareness month. We are all differently abled, and one of the principles at Fort River is understanding that we are all working to the best of our abilities. We teach students to be empathetic and to support each other in times of success as well as in times of challenge. We all have something to learn from one another. SEPAC has designed a community awareness campaign and their signs will be outside of the school all next week to promote awareness. Together we are stronger because of our wide range of strengths and abilities!

SEPAC National Disability Awareness Month Campaign

October is National Disability Awareness Month. 

In an effort to help raise awareness in our community, the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) created a lawn signs campaign last year. The signs were displayed again this week outside the high school and will be displayed outside other Amherst schools later this month. If you missed the campaign, you can view a slideshow of the presentation here: Awareness Campaign

Upcoming SEPAC Events: All are Invited

Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools and our fantastic Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) are pleased to invite you to kick off our 2017-2018 SEPAC hosted events.

Monday October 16, 2017: Join at the ARHS library at 6:00 PM for an informal gathering. This is a great opportunity to meet school staff who support your child on their IEP or 504; learn more about SEPAC and the vital role that SEPAC provides in supporting our students and families; share results of the special education survey completed in last spring; meet other families from across our district(s).

Thursday November 9, 2017: Basic Rights in Special Education – A Workshop for Parents and Professionals. This informative workshop is 6:00 – 8:00 PM in the ARHS library. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts Special Education Law.  RSVP today to ensure your spot in this popular workshop.

Please see the attached flyers (English and Spanish) for additional information. RSVP to attend Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) events by email sepac@arps.org or call 413-687-4255.

English flyer

Spanish flyer

Looking into the Future for a Child with Autism from NYT

Local author Cammie McGovern recently wrote for the NY Times about her son’s transition from high school to the real world, and about the yearly struggle to articulate a vision for our children with disabilities.

To read the article, click here.

SEPAC Presents Post-Building Project Presentation on May 24

SEPAC invites you to take part in the upcoming Post-Building Project Presentation with Interim Superintendent, Dr. Mike Morris. All are welcome.

Date: Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Time: 5:00 -6:30pm

Location: Amherst Regional Middle School, Professional Development Center

RSVP: sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255

Please see the attached flyer for additional information.

ARPS Special Education Services Family Survey

Dear Parents/Guardians of Students with Special Education Services,

This year the Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts have hired an independent consulting firm, Public Consulting Group, to conduct a survey of our special education services. All parents/guardians of students who are currently on an IEP are asked to provide feedback through an anonymous survey. Please know that your feedback will help to improve special education services across the district. The survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete. If you have more than one child currently on an IEP, we ask that you complete a separate survey for each child. Please access the survey online until May 26th at: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3532203/Special-Education-Parent-Guardian-Survey

If you have any questions, please check in the main office at your child’s school or call the Student Services Office at 413-362-1834. Thank you in advance for your time and invaluable input.

Sincerely,

Dr. Michael Morris

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Queridos Padres/ Guardianes de Estudiantes con Servicios de Educación Especial,

Este año Amherst, Pelham y los Distritos Escolares Regionales de Amherst-Pelham han empleado a una empresa de consultoría independiente para conducir una evaluación completa de nuestros servicios de educación especial. Se le está pidiendo a todos los padres/guardianes de estudiantes que están actualmente en un IEP que provean su opinión a través de una encuesta anónima. Por favor sepa que su opinión ayudará a mejorar los servicios de educación especial a través del distrito. La encuesta debería tomar aproximadamente 15 minutos para completar. Si usted tiene a más de un niño actualmente en un IEP, pedimos que usted complete una encuesta separada para cada niño. Por favor, tendrá acceso a la encuest a en línea hast a el 26 de m ayo Español:

Español: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3532203/Spanish

Inglés: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3532203/Special-Education-Parent-Guardian-Survey

Si usted tiene alguna pregunta, por favor valla a la oficina general de la escuela de su niño o llame a la Oficina de Educación Especial al 413-362-1834. Gracias de antemano por su tiempo y colaboración inestimable.

Sinceramente,

Dr. Michael Morris

Autism Awareness Night April 13th at 6pm

Amherst Pelham Regional Schools and SEPAC invite you to participate in Autism Awareness Night, Thursday, April 13th, 2017.  

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Committee)  and the Amherst-Pelham Regional Schools have teamed up to host an Autism Awareness Night.

Current middle/high school students and post-graduate panelists will be in small groups, talking about their experience with Autism, its strengths and challenges, what helps/what doesn’t, and other interesting discussion topics, such as Autism as a disability versus difference. 

We will also feature an art installation of Autism Awareness posters and a literature table. 

*Please RSVP by April 10th to Nancy Stewart at sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.  Event is free and open to the public.

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En honor del Mes de Concientización sobre el Autismo, SEPAC (Comité Consultivo de Padres de Educación Especial) y las Escuelas Regionales de Amherst-Pelham se han unido para acoger una Noche de Concientización sobre Autismo.

Los estudiantes actuales de la escuela intermedia y superior y los panelistas de posgrado estarán en pequeños grupos, hablando de su experiencia con el Autismo, sus fortalezas y desafíos, qué ayuda o qué no, y otros temas de discusión interesantes, como El Autismo Como Una Discapacidad Versus Una Diferencia.

También presentaremos una instalación artística de carteles de Concientización del Autismos y una tabla de literatura.

* Por favor RSVP antes del 10 de abril a Nancy Stewart en sepac@arps.org o 413-687-4255. El evento es gratis y abierto al público.

Please see the attached flyers (English and Spanish) for additional information.

Autism Awareness Night: English

Autism Awareness Night Spanish 

SEPAC Meeting - Dinner and Candidate Event TONIGHT, March 20 at 6pm

Please consider attending an informal meeting to connect with others. A light dinner will be provided, so an RSVP would be helpful!

When:  Monday, March 20th 6:00pm-7:00pm

Where:  Amherst Regional Middle School, Professional Development Room

From 6:00 pm-6:30 pm:  We will have an opportunity to connect with some candidates running for school committee.

From 6:30 pm-7:00 pm:  We will continue to explore ways we can support each other in the community.  Dr. Brady and SEPAC board will also be in attendance.

Again, please RSVP if possible to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255.

____________________________

Invitación de la Junta Consultiva de Padres de Educación Especial

Por favor, considere asistir a una reunión informal para conectar con los demás. Se ofrecerá una cena ligera, por lo que una confirmación de su asistencia sería de gran ayuda!

Cuándo: Lunes, 20 de marzo 6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Dónde: Amherst Regional Middle School, Salón de Desarrollo Profesional

De 6:00 pm -6:30 pm: Tendremos la oportunidad de conectar con algunos candidatos que corren para el Comité Escolar.

De 6:30 pm-7:00 pm: Continuaremos explorando maneras en que podemos apoyarnos mutuamente en la comunidad. El Dr. Brady y la junta de SEPAC también estarán presentes.

Una vez más, por favor confirme su asistencia si es posible sepac@arps.org o 413-687-4255.

SEPAC Meet the Candidates Event on March 20 at 6pm

Invite from Special Education Parent Advisory Board

Please consider attending an informal meeting to connect with others. A light dinner will be provided, so an RSVP would be helpful! 

When:  Monday, March 20th 6:00pm-7:00pm

Where:  Amherst Regional Middle School, Professional Development Room

From 6:00pm-6:30pm:  We will have an opportunity to connect with some candidates running for school committee.

From 6:30pm-7:00pm:  We will continue to explore ways we can support each other in the community.  Dr. Brady and SEPAC board will also be in attendance.

Again, please RSVP if possible to sepac@arps.org or 413-687-4255. 

____________________________

Invitación de la Junta Consultiva de Padres de Educación Especial

Por favor, considere asistir a una reunión informal para conectar con los demás. Se ofrecerá una cena ligera, por lo que una confirmación de su asistencia sería de gran ayuda!

Cuándo: Lunes, 20 de marzo 6:00 pm-7:00 pm

Dónde: Amherst Regional Middle School, Salón de Desarrollo Profesional

De 6:00 pm -6:30 pm: Tendremos la oportunidad de conectar con algunos candidatos que corren para el Comité Escolar.

De 6:30 pm-7:00 pm: Continuaremos explorando maneras en que podemos apoyarnos mutuamente en la comunidad. El Dr. Brady y la junta de SEPAC también estarán presentes.

Una vez más, por favor confirme su asistencia si es posible sepac@arps.org o 413-687-4255. 

SEPAC: Supporting Teens With Executive Functioning Challenges on November 14th

Does your child struggle to keep track of and complete assignments?  Are needed materials often lost or left at school?  Is homework completed, only to be lost before your child can turn it in?  These are all challenges associated with executive functioning challenges.  Come learn about the brain-based source of these challenges, as well as interventions and strategies that can help students plan and organize their academic work. There will be a presentation along with an opportunity to ask questions!

Guest Speakers:

Raloon Bialek, ARHS Special Education Teacher

and Denise Green, ARHS School Psychologist

Date:  Monday November, 14th

Time:  5:30pm-7:00pm

Location: Amherst Regional High School Library- 21 Mattoon Street, Amherst

RSVP: Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Nancy Stewart (sepac@arps.org) or 413-687-4255

Childcare can be provided if given notice one week ahead of time.

Meet Special Education Parent Advisory Council and others on October 17 at 5:30pm

SEPAC meetings are open to all community members! Come learn more about the programs and services available to all families!

Date: Monday, 10/17/2016
Location: Wildwood Elementary School, Library 71 Strong Street, Amherst
Time: 5:30pm-6:30pm
RSVP: Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Nancy Stewart sepac@arps.org 413-687-4255 ARPS

We are fortunate to host this informal gathering and plan to do the following:

• Introduce you to some members of staff that help support your child on an IEP or 504:
• Dr. Faye Brady, Director of Student Services
• JoAnn Smith, Student Services Administrator
• Some members of Wildwood Staff
• Learn more about how the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) supports families on an IEP or 504.
• We will share basic special education information to help you advocate for your child.
• Network with other families in the district!

Childcare can be provided if given notice one week ahead of time.

ARPS SEPAC Families supporting families!

ARPS SEPAC Families supports families in a variety of ways and wants to connect with you!

MONTHLY MEETINGS
The board meets with Dr. Faye Brady, Director of Student Services the first Friday of every month at rotating schools. You are welcome to attend!

WORKSHOPS
Workshops are held at various locations during the school year. Let us know if there is a topic you’d like to learn more about.

FACEBOOK
“Like” us on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/arps.sepac
We post resources, events and tools to support all students and families.

EMAIL US
sepac@arps.org
Feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance!

Blog
https://arpssepacblog.wordpress.com
Check out our blog as well for information!

Volunteer
Please consider reaching out to us if you can make time to help out! Together we can make a difference!

SEPAC= Special Education Parent Advisory Council

SEPAC Event: "Raising a Happy Child" on Tuesday, April 26 at 6:30 pm in ARMS Auditorium ... Open to All!