SEPAC MEETING MINUTES – 05/19/16

Attendees:

Emily Holleran, Marybeth Sullivan, Pam Ten Eyck, Linda Kokoros, Leah Nabstedt, Tara Hyland, Jeffrey Rubin and Kristen Zechello

Minutes from the April 28th, 2016 meeting went through final approval and are being forwarded on for submission to the School Committee.

New

Anxiety/Mental Health Needs

  • Marybeth Sullivan, school psychologist at Ross gave us her perspective on what she’s seeing at the elementary school level in regards to anxiety. Mrs. Sullivan explained that they have constant communication between herself and the teachers regarding students with anxiety. She stated that they treat each student on an individualized basis and try to alleviate stress and implement frequent breaks and check ins to help the child. They try to be in tune with recommendations from the behaviorist and any outside specialists. Emily Holleran, school psychologist at East spoke about the middle school level regarding anxiety. She said that the guidance counselors are usually the first to be contacted if a student is struggling. The principal, guidance counselors, assistant principal and nurses meet weekly to discuss students who may be struggling. She said students will often come to guidance on their own because they recognize something is going on and they need some help. She discussed the different levels of accomodations that is available to help students whether it be just a small break from the classroom and check in with guidance to students in a program like Pathways that a drop in space on a regular basis. Mrs. Ten Eyck said she is called in after all other accomadations have been tried and a student is still struggling. She will create a behavior plan that will be implemented with strategies to help a child cope.

Status of Open BCBA Position for September

Mr. Rubin stated they have interviewed 8 candidates and 3 will be returning for second interviews.

SPARK Support by ESY staff for Inclusion on Fridays

Mr. Rubin stated there will be support staff on Fridays which is a half day.

Subcommittee Updates/Goals for the school year 2015-2016

  • MCAS/PARCC (Eileen Donohue- Chair)
  • Mr. Rubin is going to research what MCAS tutoring at the High School level looks like.
  • Anti-Bullying (Linda Kokoros – Chair)
  • Mrs. Fay-Beers emailed Kristen and stated Boston Vs. Bullies was sending us their second edition.
  • Diversity (Suzanne Brouillard- Chair)
  • The board has decided to disband this subcommittee.
  • Community Inclusion Awards (Kristen Zechello – Chair)
  • Scheduled for May 26th!
  • Community Outreach (Kristen Zechello- Chair)
  • No Update at this meeting
  • SEPAC Website- ( Leah Nabstedt- Chair)
  • No update this meeting
  • SEPAC Facebook Page- (Leah Nabstedt- Chair)
  • Mrs. Nabstedt continues to update with our meetings and workshops.
  • Transition- (Leah Nabstedt- Chair)
  • Mrs. Fay-Beers stated the Middle School Transition committee is being created and they’d like SEPAC representation on the committee.
  • Social/Emotional/Mental Health Needs-(Linda Kokoros & Leah Nabstedt- Co Chairs)
  • See above for update.

Open

  • School Building Committee/Space needs
  • No updates this meeting.

Next Meeting

  • June 16th, 2016 11:45 at BHS Special Services Office

Minutes prepared by

  • Leah Nabstedt