Tuesday, February 12, 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: January 8, 2013
Treasurer’s Report:
Communications: general inquiries
Old Business:
· Recap: “Shut-Up Sisters” January 31, 2013
· Recap: coffee/meeting on January 17, 2013
· Update: Ad Hoc Committee on Special Education Funding
· Update: Fun Run/Walk – May 4, 2013
· Update: SEPAC special education technology grants
· Update: APPLE Institute May 15 – 17, 2013
· Update: formation of a support group
· Update: School Committee liaison to SEPAC
· Update: SEPAC liaisons to HPS
New Business:
· Next mailing of SEPAC newsletter
· New Board members to replace Jean and Donna in May 2013
· A “welcome coffee” will begin at 11:30 for the new Out-of-District Liaison, Midge Jacobs
Subcommittee Reports:
Director of Student Services Report:
· Budget update
· CPR process and scheduling
· DDS eligibility process and requirements
Announcements & Adjournment:
- Next SEPAC meeting – Tuesday, March 12
- Presentation by Jen Milia, Wednesday, March 20, HHS Room 103, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
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, Daniela Andruszkiewicz, Kim Cross, and Sonja Finney; SEPAC Liaisons to Schools: Diane DiNapoli and Kerry Ni; School Committee Member Dennis Friedman; School District Personnel: Liz Flynn and Midge Jacobs; and four guests.
A thirty-minute social preceded the business portion of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m.
The minutes from January 8, 2013, were accepted.
Treasurer’s Report: SEPAC account balance is $13,484.34. Anticipated expense are payment for “Shut Up Sisters” presentation and a few outstanding reimbursements.
Communications: Several solicitations and/or informational notices were received via either mail or email, including information about skiing with NE Disabled Sports at Loon.
Old Business:
Shut Up Sisters: Presentation was held on 01/31/13 with over 100 in attendance. South Shore Country Club waived the room rental fee. Total cost for the event was $3,139.35 (not including flyers) and ticket revenue was $1,105. Attendees and presenters gave positive feedback and SEPAC will look to host more social events in the future.
Hingham School Committee Meeting Coffee: Hosted on 01/17/13. Hingham School Administrators Superintendent Galo, Roger Boddie, Liz Flynn, Ellen Keane and School Committee members including Caryl Falvey, Carol Falvey, and Dennis Friedman, attended along with 10 other guests.
Hingham School District/ Board of Selectmen Ad Hoc Committee: Ad Hoc meeting was 01/16/13. The committee worked on defining two primary goals: 1. Managing out of district placement costs when students move between districts; and 2. Special education transportation costs. D. Friedman said there are different funding models but the federal government does not fully fund any of its obligation for state/local special education costs. Hingham is looking at the so-called “Circuit Breaker” funding and covering transportation expenses. Most agree that the legislature will need to become actively involved to resolve funding issues.
Fun Run/Walk: The event is scheduled for 05/04/13 at Bare Cove Park. The route is being planned. Last year’s logo will be used for the t-shirts (target order date 04/12) and sponsorships should be finalized before then. Sponsorships will run at the same levels as last year. Registration costs will be $10 per individual/$25 per family with a slightly higher amount on event day. Last year’s race brought in $1500 which funds were marked for technology grants to special educators. Donna has taken the lead on creating the grant application and its distribution. All applications will be reviewed by Joe Andrews to assess system appropriateness. SEPAC plans to award the grant(s) by the end of the school year.
Apple Institute: Liz has confirmed the Institute’s receipt of our application to attend (proposed attendees: Sonja, Daniela, Marisa, Diane and Liz).
Special Education Support Group: Marisa and Diane will schedule a social date in March. Details will be communicated to SEPAC membership.
School Committee Liaison to SEPAC: Donna will follow up with Caryl Falvey about the role of a liaison. Dennis Friedman said he will try to attend some SEPAC meetings. He shared news about the upcoming SPED budget, namely that it will be 1% lower than last year.
SEPAC Liaisons to Schools: SEPAC is still looking for liaisons to the middle school, Foster and PRS. SEPAC will draft expectations for the liaison role. Hingham High’s PTO President suggested that each PTO provide a liaison to SEPAC. Liz will review if parents are able to waive privacy rights so SEPAC can directly communicate with them.
New Business:
SEPAC Newsletter: Members are submitting ideas for the next newsletter. It will mention the technology grant application.
SEPAC Elections: SEPAC is interested in candidates to fill two co-Chair roles next year.
Sub-Committee Reports: Kerry reported no SEPAC activity from South School.
Director of Student Services: Liz Flynn said next year’s SPED budget was prepared. In early March the District will undergo a state-initiated Coordinated Program Review (6 year interval, compliance driven review). SEPAC is invited to speak with the state representatives during the process. Liz will forward a DDS informational letter for students turning 18 re: eligibility and requirements. Marjorie Jacobs (new Out of District Liaison administrator) was introduced to all and an informal coffee proceeded.
Announcements/Calendar:
- Siblings of Children with Special Needs Presentation by Jen Milia on March 20, 2013, 7-9 pm at HHS Room 103
- Next SEPAC meeting is March 12, 2013. Social starts at 10 a.m., business meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 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: January 8, 2013
Treasurer’s Report:
Communications: general inquiries
Old Business:
· Recap: “Shut-Up Sisters” January 31, 2013
· Recap: coffee/meeting on January 17, 2013
· Update: Ad Hoc Committee on Special Education Funding
· Update: Fun Run/Walk – May 4, 2013
· Update: SEPAC special education technology grants
· Update: APPLE Institute May 15 – 17, 2013
· Update: formation of a support group
· Update: School Committee liaison to SEPAC
· Update: SEPAC liaisons to HPS
New Business:
· Next mailing of SEPAC newsletter
· New Board members to replace Jean and Donna in May 2013
· A “welcome coffee” will begin at 11:30 for the new Out-of-District Liaison, Midge Jacobs
Subcommittee Reports:
Director of Student Services Report:
· Budget update
· CPR process and scheduling
· DDS eligibility process and requirements
Announcements & Adjournment:
- Next SEPAC meeting – Tuesday, March 12
- Presentation by Jen Milia, Wednesday, March 20, HHS Room 103, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
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, Daniela Andruszkiewicz, Kim Cross, and Sonja Finney; SEPAC Liaisons to Schools: Diane DiNapoli and Kerry Ni; School Committee Member Dennis Friedman; School District Personnel: Liz Flynn and Midge Jacobs; and four guests.
A thirty-minute social preceded the business portion of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 10:35 a.m.
The minutes from January 8, 2013, were accepted.
Treasurer’s Report: SEPAC account balance is $13,484.34. Anticipated expense are payment for “Shut Up Sisters” presentation and a few outstanding reimbursements.
Communications: Several solicitations and/or informational notices were received via either mail or email, including information about skiing with NE Disabled Sports at Loon.
Old Business:
Shut Up Sisters: Presentation was held on 01/31/13 with over 100 in attendance. South Shore Country Club waived the room rental fee. Total cost for the event was $3,139.35 (not including flyers) and ticket revenue was $1,105. Attendees and presenters gave positive feedback and SEPAC will look to host more social events in the future.
Hingham School Committee Meeting Coffee: Hosted on 01/17/13. Hingham School Administrators Superintendent Galo, Roger Boddie, Liz Flynn, Ellen Keane and School Committee members including Caryl Falvey, Carol Falvey, and Dennis Friedman, attended along with 10 other guests.
Hingham School District/ Board of Selectmen Ad Hoc Committee: Ad Hoc meeting was 01/16/13. The committee worked on defining two primary goals: 1. Managing out of district placement costs when students move between districts; and 2. Special education transportation costs. D. Friedman said there are different funding models but the federal government does not fully fund any of its obligation for state/local special education costs. Hingham is looking at the so-called “Circuit Breaker” funding and covering transportation expenses. Most agree that the legislature will need to become actively involved to resolve funding issues.
Fun Run/Walk: The event is scheduled for 05/04/13 at Bare Cove Park. The route is being planned. Last year’s logo will be used for the t-shirts (target order date 04/12) and sponsorships should be finalized before then. Sponsorships will run at the same levels as last year. Registration costs will be $10 per individual/$25 per family with a slightly higher amount on event day. Last year’s race brought in $1500 which funds were marked for technology grants to special educators. Donna has taken the lead on creating the grant application and its distribution. All applications will be reviewed by Joe Andrews to assess system appropriateness. SEPAC plans to award the grant(s) by the end of the school year.
Apple Institute: Liz has confirmed the Institute’s receipt of our application to attend (proposed attendees: Sonja, Daniela, Marisa, Diane and Liz).
Special Education Support Group: Marisa and Diane will schedule a social date in March. Details will be communicated to SEPAC membership.
School Committee Liaison to SEPAC: Donna will follow up with Caryl Falvey about the role of a liaison. Dennis Friedman said he will try to attend some SEPAC meetings. He shared news about the upcoming SPED budget, namely that it will be 1% lower than last year.
SEPAC Liaisons to Schools: SEPAC is still looking for liaisons to the middle school, Foster and PRS. SEPAC will draft expectations for the liaison role. Hingham High’s PTO President suggested that each PTO provide a liaison to SEPAC. Liz will review if parents are able to waive privacy rights so SEPAC can directly communicate with them.
New Business:
SEPAC Newsletter: Members are submitting ideas for the next newsletter. It will mention the technology grant application.
SEPAC Elections: SEPAC is interested in candidates to fill two co-Chair roles next year.
Sub-Committee Reports: Kerry reported no SEPAC activity from South School.
Director of Student Services: Liz Flynn said next year’s SPED budget was prepared. In early March the District will undergo a state-initiated Coordinated Program Review (6 year interval, compliance driven review). SEPAC is invited to speak with the state representatives during the process. Liz will forward a DDS informational letter for students turning 18 re: eligibility and requirements. Marjorie Jacobs (new Out of District Liaison administrator) was introduced to all and an informal coffee proceeded.
Announcements/Calendar:
- Siblings of Children with Special Needs Presentation by Jen Milia on March 20, 2013, 7-9 pm at HHS Room 103
- Next SEPAC meeting is March 12, 2013. Social starts at 10 a.m., business meeting starts at 10:30 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m.
