Hingham Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
7:00-10:00 PM
School Department Conference Room
Meeting Minutes
Attendees present: Nate Rand, Diane Denapoli, Katie Gaughen, Liz Kurlin, Ed Schreirer, Kay Praschma
Additional parents were present for the “Rights and Responsibilities” presentation that did not stay for the business part of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
Special Education Rights and Responsibilities
Liz Kurlin presented Special Education Rights and Responsibilities. The powerpoint slides are available for review upon request.
Business Meeting
The business portion of the meeting began at approximately 8:30 PM. The meeting minutes for 9/14 were approved.
School Climate Presentation
Ben Louchheim presented about the High School School Climate Committee. The Climate Committee began last Fall due to an incident at a football game and at a drama performance in the Spring. In addition, 24% of students felt that there was an adult in the building that they could speak with and a large percentage felt that their ideas and opinions weren’t heard/impactful.
There’s been a concerted effort to make the Climate Committee youth-run. There are 25-30 student members, PTA members, and administrative staff.
The committee has a two-prong plan:
The committee meets every other Tuesday from 7:15 – 7:55 AM in Room 103. Community members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Ben at blouchheim@hinghamschools.gov
Speaker Series Debrief
The Homework presentation was well-received. It may lend itself to a more intensive study series or workshop. The High School Auditorium was not the ideal location – we should look into the Middle School Auditorium for future presentations.
Parent Breakfast
The parent breakfast was well-attended. Approximately 8 families were present. Two significant topics were discussed:
November Social
The SEPAC November Social is scheduled for 11/10
Other Business
All four elementary school playgrounds have been assessed for accessibility and all four require remediation. Two schools have been finished and two remain. Cost will likely be high and improvements will roll out over a few years. Kress Playground open house scheduled for 11/5 at 3 PM.
10:00 PM: Adjourn
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
7:00-10:00 PM
School Department Conference Room
Meeting Minutes
Attendees present: Nate Rand, Diane Denapoli, Katie Gaughen, Liz Kurlin, Ed Schreirer, Kay Praschma
Additional parents were present for the “Rights and Responsibilities” presentation that did not stay for the business part of the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.
Special Education Rights and Responsibilities
Liz Kurlin presented Special Education Rights and Responsibilities. The powerpoint slides are available for review upon request.
Business Meeting
The business portion of the meeting began at approximately 8:30 PM. The meeting minutes for 9/14 were approved.
School Climate Presentation
Ben Louchheim presented about the High School School Climate Committee. The Climate Committee began last Fall due to an incident at a football game and at a drama performance in the Spring. In addition, 24% of students felt that there was an adult in the building that they could speak with and a large percentage felt that their ideas and opinions weren’t heard/impactful.
There’s been a concerted effort to make the Climate Committee youth-run. There are 25-30 student members, PTA members, and administrative staff.
The committee has a two-prong plan:
- Senior community service day all in Hingham (April 13, 2017) (7-10, 10-2 or 8-2)
- Website - harbormanhelpinghingham.weebly.com (160/280 signed up)
- Figure out how to help engage special needs students as part of that work
- Trying to get teams out to watch and support each other
The committee meets every other Tuesday from 7:15 – 7:55 AM in Room 103. Community members are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Ben at blouchheim@hinghamschools.gov
Speaker Series Debrief
The Homework presentation was well-received. It may lend itself to a more intensive study series or workshop. The High School Auditorium was not the ideal location – we should look into the Middle School Auditorium for future presentations.
Parent Breakfast
The parent breakfast was well-attended. Approximately 8 families were present. Two significant topics were discussed:
- Medicaid letters
- Liz Kurlin reported that the Medicaid form letter that is generated through data based on who is potentially eligible and emphasized that it has nothing to do with health insurance and does not count against a families’ benefits.
- The Medicaid funds allow the district to get back a certain percentage of costs, based on Random Moment Time Study by special education staff
- Settlement Agreement
- Liz Kurlin cautioned that requesting settlement agreements would not yield much information because they would be heavily redacted.
- A parent would file a public record request with the Superintendent’s Office
November Social
The SEPAC November Social is scheduled for 11/10
Other Business
All four elementary school playgrounds have been assessed for accessibility and all four require remediation. Two schools have been finished and two remain. Cost will likely be high and improvements will roll out over a few years. Kress Playground open house scheduled for 11/5 at 3 PM.
10:00 PM: Adjourn
