Tuesday, March 13, 2012

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 – Formal Board 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 14,  2012

Treasurer’s Report:

Communications:  

Old Business:
  ·         Update on  fundraising (Antique Show, Can Drive, Fun Run)
  ·         Vacant Co-chair position & board member responsibilities
  ·         Possible SEPAC events for 2012 – 2013 school year

New Business:
  ·         Transition Planning Presentation – Nicole Hammers & Julianne MacKinnon
  ·         Discussion regarding policy of possible future HEF grant requests

Subcommittee Reports:

 HPS Director of Student Services Report:

Announcements & Adjournment:
  ·         Upcoming SEPAC events:
  - “Think Differently: A New Approach for Understanding and Helping Children with Challenging  Behavior,” Tues, April 3, 2012, 7 p.m.- 9 p.m., Hingham High School, Room 103

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:  Jean Garrity, Donna Keaney, Marisa Ronan, Kim Cross, Dr. Jean Curtis Loud, Nicole Hammers, Julianne MacKinnon, Susan Slane, Sonya Finney, and Daniela Audruszkiewicz

Donna Keaney called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.

The minutes from the February 14, 2012, meeting were not prepared but will be reviewed at a later date.

Old Business: 

            Fun Run/Walk:  All aspects of the Fun Run/Walk were discussed.  A “Save the Date” notice will be sent to Dr. Loud for her to send out to staff.  We will also get a “Save the Date” notice out to the school newsletters.  Once the registration form is finalized, we will send to Dr. Galo to get approval to send it home in the backpacks.  A motion was made with a unanimous vote to spend up to $1500.00 for the Fun Run/Walk.
                Antique Show:  An update was given from Kim and Donna about the antique show.  All aspects of the show were also reviewed and discussed.

New Business:

            Julie MacKinnon and Nicole Hammers discussed their work on the Transition Grant made possible from funding provided by the SEPAC.   There are 18 binders being used at HHS for students with intensive needs (121 total at secondary level).  The transition grant is being piloted in Julie’s and Nicole’s classrooms now (intensive needs students) and then the moderate population will follow.  There needs to be more staff training and a plan of how to get all parties informed regarding transition planning.  

Director of Student Services Report: 

            Dr. Loud informed those present that April 2 is Autism Awareness Day.

            The FY ’13 budget passed the Advisory Committee vote 12 -2.  Both Selectmen and Advisory Committee had a better understanding of the increase in the total school budget because the regular and special education budgets were presented separately. 

The meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m.