News
Restraining and Secluding Children
Last week, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin introduced the Keeping All Students Safe Act, S.2020, to protect students nationwide from dangerous restraint and seclusion. As the GAO (U.S. Government Accountability Office) has found, restraint/seclusion are dangerous, resulting in deaths, injuries, and trauma to children nationwide. WE ARE SEEKING LETTERS IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL FROM PARENTS THAT CAN BE SHARED WITH SENATOR HARKINS STAFF AND PERHAPS OTHER SENATE STAFF. WE ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN STORIES OF CHILDREN WHO RESTRAINED OR SECLUDED AND WHO MIGHT HAVE BEEN HELPED IF THE BILL WAS LAW.
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Thu, 12/29/2011 - 18:15
Parent Meeting
Attention parents/guardians, please join us for an important parent meeting scheduled on 1/9/12 (snow date 1/11/12) at the Bangs Community Center at 6pm.
This meeting is a rare opportunity to participate in a statewide movement to make the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including DESE and BSEA accountable for non enforcement of special education laws and regulations.
Light refreshments will be provided. Please contact Pat Ononibaku at 413 627 0043 if you need child care, transportation or translation service by 1/7/12.
Meeting Agenda
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Wed, 12/21/2011 - 22:03
Staff Licensure Status
These attachments list the names and license status of Amherst regional special education employees as of October 2011. Comments regarding this list can be made on our blog: http://arpssepac.wordpress.com/2011/12/21/special-education-staff-qualif...
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Wed, 12/21/2011 - 21:59
Fall Newsletter
Please open the link below to read what's new at SEPAC!
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Mon, 11/28/2011 - 10:15
$ Support for your Family
Think Alive Foundation Grant
The Think Alive Foundation is a non-profit organization “dedicated to providing a financial means, through scholarships and achievement grants, for students and young adults to see beyond a disability and allow them to discover the courage needed to realize a dream.” Grants may be used to finance classes, lessons, equipment, travel expenses or other expenditures associated with trying a new activity or realizing a personal goal.
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Mon, 11/28/2011 - 10:09
Basic Rights Workshop
The Basic Rights workshop provides families with an introduction to their rights and responsibilities under:
- Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
- Massachusetts Special Education Law and
- No Child Left Behind (NCLB).
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Sun, 10/23/2011 - 22:36
Your Thoughts?
As many of you know, roughly 1.5 years ago the Amherst Special Education Department underwent two reviews from outside agencies. The PCG and CPI survey and analysis identified strengths and areas of improvement for the District.
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Thu, 10/20/2011 - 11:10
A Call to Activism!
The following is a request sent to all SEPACs in Massachusetts.
Dear SPEDWatch Members,
Attorney Michael Weisman is investigating the question:
Is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts currently meeting its duty to provide sufficient resources to support necessary special education services, particularly high cost special education services, whether those services are provided in-district or out-of-district?
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 01:39
Board Meeting--SEPAC
Title SEPAC Board Meeting; all welcome to attend
Date and Time 7/31/2011, 4pm-7pm
Location The home of Melissa Paciulli, 141 Columbia Dr., Amherst MA
Agenda
• May 2011 business meeting debriefing
• Review May 2011 business meeting notes
• Discuss recruiting more board members
• Plan for next year activities
• Discuss Resource Handbook for parents and website
• Decide how to spend budget allocated to SEPAC by SC
• Discuss upcoming superintendent evaluation in terms of special education
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Wed, 07/27/2011 - 16:06
End of Year Events: 2011
Attention SEPAC Parents and friends of SEPAC!
Please join us for the end of the year SEPAC events on Thursday May 26, 2011 at the ARMS conference room.
~ Business meeting between SEPAC Board and the administration, 5:00PM-6:00PM
Agenda: Approve minutes, Discuss SEPAC budget, Evaluate SEPAC collaboration with the administration, Other issues.
~ SEPAC annual meeting and election, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Agenda: Discuss SEPAC accomplishments, recognition of current board members, Board election, conversation with Ombudsman, Mr Books.
Submitted by Birdie Champ on Mon, 03/14/2011 - 20:19