Tuesday, April 9, 2013
HINGHAM SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (SEPAC)
Hingham Public Schools
Hingham Public Library, Fearing Room, 66 Leavitt St., Hingham, MA 02043
Meeting Agenda
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Informal social – opportunity for attendees to meet and converse
10:30 a.m. – noon – Monthly Meeting to discuss SEPAC business
(Audience comments are always welcome as agenda items are discussed. Attendees are encouraged to attend the 30-minute social prior to the start of the board meeting to address matters not related to the agenda.)
Introduction and Rules:
Acceptance of Minutes: February 12, 2013 (final) & March 12, 2013
Treasurer’s Report:
Communications: general inquiries
Old Business:
· Update: Fun Run/Walk – May 4, 2013
· Update: SEPAC special education technology grants
· Update: School Committee liaison to SEPAC
· Update: SEPAC liaisons to HPS
· Update: Spring mailing of SEPAC newsletter
· Update: Spring SEPAC elections – May 21, 2013
· Update: Jen Milia presentation March 20, 2013
· Update: Community Service work for 6-1-13 bottle/can drive
· Update: HMS Transition Night – April 25, 2013
· Update: Support Group
New Business:
· Outreach efforts (Early Intervention, Garrett Bradley)
· Responsibilities of Community Outreach/Public Relations board position
· QPAC-sponsored meeting of area SEPACs – April 10, 2013
Subcommittee Reports:
Director of Student Services Report:
· Guidelines for DDS services
· Update: Transitions MS/HS
Announcements & Adjournment:
- Next SEPAC meeting – Tuesday, May 14
The provision of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) according to federal and state laws and regulations related to the education of children with disabilities includes the following areas: Assessment of Students, Student Identification, Parent and Community Involvement, Curriculum and Instruction, Student Support Services, Faculty, Staff and Administration, School Facilities, Program Plan and Evaluation and Record Keeping.
Meeting Minutes
Present: Board Members: Donna Keaney, Jean Garrity, Marisa Ronan, Kim Cross, Sonja Finney; School Liaison Kerry Ni; School District Personnel: Liz Flynn
A thirty minute social preceded the business portion of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m.
The final minutes from February 12, 2013 were accepted. The minutes from March 12, 2013 were accepted.
Treasurer’s Report: SEPAC account balance is $13,484.34. Final cost for the “Shut Up Sisters” presentation was $2,115.85. SEPAC will consider becoming a sponsor for Hingham Recreation’s July 4th road race. SEPAC will explore developing an accounting that can be utilized year round and aid in board membership transitions.
Communications: Several solicitations and/or informational notices were received via either mail or email. Midge Jacobs sent a thank you note for the SEPAC welcome coffee.
Old Business:
Fun Run/Walk: The event is scheduled for 05/04/13 at Bare Cove Park. Committed sponsorship is at $1,300 ($750 in 2012). 150 t-shirts are ordered at $5 each. Aquarion will donate water and reusable bottles. Kim has arranged for food (3 dozen bagels and 80 pieces of fruit). Starbucks will donate coffee for 75 people. Jean and Donna are soliciting raffle items (target 12 items). The route will have 6 signs and there will be an event banner (app. $55). Jean is organizing volunteers (target 15 people). The cost for Fun Run posters was $57.76 and additional flyer copies for distribution to oldest and only was $183. The board voted to spend up to $2,000 for Fun Run expenses.
Technology Grants: Applications are due April 30 and the Board will review them by the May meeting for action. Liz offered to follow up with SPED educators in substantially separate classrooms about applying.
School Committee Liaison to SEPAC: The School Committee is expected to make this appointment following the election.
SEPAC Liaisons to Schools: Marisa prepared a document for school PTOs setting forth responsibilities for the role of liaison. SEPAC would like each PTO to create a board member position for this role.
Spring Newsletter: The mailing (newsletter and Fun Run flyer) is done with thanks to HPS administration for their help. The cost for 600 copies of 2 pages was $258, postage was $81.49. Next year, SEPAC will consider not sending the Fun Run Flyer in the Spring newsletter to save money.
SEPAC Elections: Election date is May 21, 2013 from 9-11am and 6-8pm at the HPS administrative conference room. Nominations (which should be directed to Liz Flynn) will be posted one week in advance. It was decided that prior to this year’s election, Donna and Jean would officially resign, the election would be held, and there would be no amendment made to the Bylaws (Article VI: Elections) at this time.
Jen Milia’s Sibling Presentation March 20, 2013: Attended by 6 people. The topic was well received and participants talked about their desire for a sibling support group.
Community Service for Can/Bottle Drive: Drive is scheduled for June 1, and community service opportunities being explored are with the Hingham veteran’s services office (cemetery flag placing) and Bare Cove (trash pick up). The effort will be coordinated through email. Volunteers for the June drive will be discussed at the May meeting.
HMS Transitions Night (April 25): Mr. Boddie is all set for the night which will include SPED teachers, guidance counselors and administration. It is scheduled to take place immediately before the general 5th grade transition presentation to increase attendance. Marisa will email the elementary schools to forward the information to families.
Special Education Support Group: Marisa will follow up with a parent who expressed interest in hosting a date in May. Details will be communicated to SEPAC membership.
New Business:
Outreach Efforts: Diane spoke with an aide at Garret Bradley’s office. More information to follow.
Responsibilities of Community Outreach/Public Relations Board Position: Marisa listed her responsibilities and duties. SEPAC will consider SEPAC by-laws concerning officer duties after the A.P.P.L.E. Institute.
QPAC Meeting for Area SEPACs: Several board members hope to attend on April 10 to learn about area SEPACs.
Sub-Committee Reports: None
Director of Student Services: Liz Flynn provided a DDS letter re: agency overview. There is an upcoming presentation in Hull on ipad uses in special education. HPS is exploring grants for social/emotional/behavioral support. 2013 ESY planning for staff and positions is underway.
Announcements/Calendar:
- Fun Run at Bare Cove Park on May 4, 2013
- Next SEPAC meeting is May 14, 2013. Social starts at 10 a.m., business meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
HINGHAM SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (SEPAC)
Hingham Public Schools
Hingham Public Library, Fearing Room, 66 Leavitt St., Hingham, MA 02043
Meeting Agenda
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Informal social – opportunity for attendees to meet and converse
10:30 a.m. – noon – Monthly Meeting to discuss SEPAC business
(Audience comments are always welcome as agenda items are discussed. Attendees are encouraged to attend the 30-minute social prior to the start of the board meeting to address matters not related to the agenda.)
Introduction and Rules:
Acceptance of Minutes: February 12, 2013 (final) & March 12, 2013
Treasurer’s Report:
Communications: general inquiries
Old Business:
· Update: Fun Run/Walk – May 4, 2013
· Update: SEPAC special education technology grants
· Update: School Committee liaison to SEPAC
· Update: SEPAC liaisons to HPS
· Update: Spring mailing of SEPAC newsletter
· Update: Spring SEPAC elections – May 21, 2013
· Update: Jen Milia presentation March 20, 2013
· Update: Community Service work for 6-1-13 bottle/can drive
· Update: HMS Transition Night – April 25, 2013
· Update: Support Group
New Business:
· Outreach efforts (Early Intervention, Garrett Bradley)
· Responsibilities of Community Outreach/Public Relations board position
· QPAC-sponsored meeting of area SEPACs – April 10, 2013
Subcommittee Reports:
Director of Student Services Report:
· Guidelines for DDS services
· Update: Transitions MS/HS
Announcements & Adjournment:
- Next SEPAC meeting – Tuesday, May 14
The provision of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) according to federal and state laws and regulations related to the education of children with disabilities includes the following areas: Assessment of Students, Student Identification, Parent and Community Involvement, Curriculum and Instruction, Student Support Services, Faculty, Staff and Administration, School Facilities, Program Plan and Evaluation and Record Keeping.
Meeting Minutes
Present: Board Members: Donna Keaney, Jean Garrity, Marisa Ronan, Kim Cross, Sonja Finney; School Liaison Kerry Ni; School District Personnel: Liz Flynn
A thirty minute social preceded the business portion of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m.
The final minutes from February 12, 2013 were accepted. The minutes from March 12, 2013 were accepted.
Treasurer’s Report: SEPAC account balance is $13,484.34. Final cost for the “Shut Up Sisters” presentation was $2,115.85. SEPAC will consider becoming a sponsor for Hingham Recreation’s July 4th road race. SEPAC will explore developing an accounting that can be utilized year round and aid in board membership transitions.
Communications: Several solicitations and/or informational notices were received via either mail or email. Midge Jacobs sent a thank you note for the SEPAC welcome coffee.
Old Business:
Fun Run/Walk: The event is scheduled for 05/04/13 at Bare Cove Park. Committed sponsorship is at $1,300 ($750 in 2012). 150 t-shirts are ordered at $5 each. Aquarion will donate water and reusable bottles. Kim has arranged for food (3 dozen bagels and 80 pieces of fruit). Starbucks will donate coffee for 75 people. Jean and Donna are soliciting raffle items (target 12 items). The route will have 6 signs and there will be an event banner (app. $55). Jean is organizing volunteers (target 15 people). The cost for Fun Run posters was $57.76 and additional flyer copies for distribution to oldest and only was $183. The board voted to spend up to $2,000 for Fun Run expenses.
Technology Grants: Applications are due April 30 and the Board will review them by the May meeting for action. Liz offered to follow up with SPED educators in substantially separate classrooms about applying.
School Committee Liaison to SEPAC: The School Committee is expected to make this appointment following the election.
SEPAC Liaisons to Schools: Marisa prepared a document for school PTOs setting forth responsibilities for the role of liaison. SEPAC would like each PTO to create a board member position for this role.
Spring Newsletter: The mailing (newsletter and Fun Run flyer) is done with thanks to HPS administration for their help. The cost for 600 copies of 2 pages was $258, postage was $81.49. Next year, SEPAC will consider not sending the Fun Run Flyer in the Spring newsletter to save money.
SEPAC Elections: Election date is May 21, 2013 from 9-11am and 6-8pm at the HPS administrative conference room. Nominations (which should be directed to Liz Flynn) will be posted one week in advance. It was decided that prior to this year’s election, Donna and Jean would officially resign, the election would be held, and there would be no amendment made to the Bylaws (Article VI: Elections) at this time.
Jen Milia’s Sibling Presentation March 20, 2013: Attended by 6 people. The topic was well received and participants talked about their desire for a sibling support group.
Community Service for Can/Bottle Drive: Drive is scheduled for June 1, and community service opportunities being explored are with the Hingham veteran’s services office (cemetery flag placing) and Bare Cove (trash pick up). The effort will be coordinated through email. Volunteers for the June drive will be discussed at the May meeting.
HMS Transitions Night (April 25): Mr. Boddie is all set for the night which will include SPED teachers, guidance counselors and administration. It is scheduled to take place immediately before the general 5th grade transition presentation to increase attendance. Marisa will email the elementary schools to forward the information to families.
Special Education Support Group: Marisa will follow up with a parent who expressed interest in hosting a date in May. Details will be communicated to SEPAC membership.
New Business:
Outreach Efforts: Diane spoke with an aide at Garret Bradley’s office. More information to follow.
Responsibilities of Community Outreach/Public Relations Board Position: Marisa listed her responsibilities and duties. SEPAC will consider SEPAC by-laws concerning officer duties after the A.P.P.L.E. Institute.
QPAC Meeting for Area SEPACs: Several board members hope to attend on April 10 to learn about area SEPACs.
Sub-Committee Reports: None
Director of Student Services: Liz Flynn provided a DDS letter re: agency overview. There is an upcoming presentation in Hull on ipad uses in special education. HPS is exploring grants for social/emotional/behavioral support. 2013 ESY planning for staff and positions is underway.
Announcements/Calendar:
- Fun Run at Bare Cove Park on May 4, 2013
- Next SEPAC meeting is May 14, 2013. Social starts at 10 a.m., business meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:40 p.m.
