SEPAC MEETING MINUTES – 1/17/13

Attendees:

Eileen Donohue, Shannon Hume, Maureen Murray, Leah Nabstedt (meeting chair), Mimi Pugsley, Jeffrey Rubin,Barbara Tennison, Kristen Zechello

Minutes from theDecember 19, 2012meeting were reviewed and are awaiting approvalfor submission to the School

SEPAC Board meetings

  • The SEPAC monthly Board meeting was held January 10, 2013 and the next one is scheduled for February 5, 2013.
  • Parents are invited to attend and participate in advocacy efforts in our district on behalf of the Special Education population. We continue to reach out to ask for parent participation.

New

Federation Visions of Community Conference 3/9/13

  • SEPAC requested the district to again fund four registrations ($75 each) to the conference this year as they have in past years. Mr. Rubin will get back to the group at the next meeting.

Enrichment/Recreation Programs in Braintree Public Schools (BEEP, Super Saturdays, etc.)

  • SEPAC requested that the district for their help in compiling a list of extra-curricular school activities that are currently being offered in Braintree so that it can be put on the SEPAC website for parents. The group discussed the programs they are familiar with including:
  • Super Saturdays
  • BEEP Classes (Braintree Educational Enrichment Programs)
  • MCAS Tutoring
  • Special Olympics
  • Continuing Education classes at the high school

MCAS/MCAS-Alt Fact Sheet for Parents

  • The SEPAC MCAS Subcommittee would like to collaborate with the Administration to create a “Fact Sheet” to distribute to parents about the differing outcomes from taking the MCAS-Alt vs. traditional MCAS testing. This document would clarifywhen a student would receive either a traditional high school diploma, (also known as a “CD” or Competency Diploma) or a Certificate of Completion.
  • January 31st there is a half day for Professional Development and there will be training for Team Chairs on this issue. Mr. Rubin shared a document to guide the staff on MCAS Alt and what discussions should be happening in meetings. Mr. Rubin suggested that this document could also be used for parents. When he finalizes it, he will share it with SEPAC.
  • The discussion focused mostly on how educators and parents can encourage traditional MCAS students that have participated in the MCAS-Alt in the past. It was noted that there are some students with significant disabilities that may never participate in the traditional MCAS.

New National Standards testing

  • PARCC (The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Career) is set to roll out in 2014. It is a computer based test which adds another phase to the adoption of the new standards. The schools will need to be ready to test with the appropriate technology. Nothing will change about accommodations and modifications for students on IEPs.
  • The transition to this new assessment is a work in progress and SEPAC will be kept informed along with everyone in the district, of target dates and requirements for implementation.

Augmentative Communication/Assistive Technology Specialist

  • SEPAC asked if there are any plans to bring someone who specializes in this area in-house.
  • There are discussions going on currently about how we are utilizing the technology we currently have available and the support we are receiving for students under the current contract with South Shore Collaborative. This issue will remain open until the next meeting.

Ongoing Space Concerns

  • The group discussed the modular classroom initiative that is currently beingdiscussed by the School Committee and the space issues at all schools and that all schools are being examined (ALL elementary, Middle and the High School).
  • SEPAC requested again, that any and all construction/remodeling be considered for not only current special needs students but future special needs population.
  • SEPAC had asked that a procedure be put in place to ensure that all special needs are considered when a renovation plan is approved and that the Special Services department be involved for their approval as well.

Current

  • MCAS – Lead by Mimi Pugsley
  • See update above re: MCAS-Alt. Fact Sheet discussion
  • Anti-Bullying – Lead by Mimi Pugsley
  • Dr. Murray provided the update at this meeting.
  • The bullying Intervention and Prevention Committee met on 1/16/13 to amend and discuss the Anti-Bullying policy which is now reflecting and addressing more emphasis on cyber bullying and “gateway behaviors”. The new policy will be re-submitted to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
  • Three educators attended the MARC (Mass. Aggression Reduction Center) “Train the Trainer” sessions in January to address these more specific issues. One from each of the age groups in the Braintree Public Schools attended (Elementary, Middle and High School). They will train their respective groups of building “trainers” on February 8th.
  • 1/31/13 Professional Development day will include an Anti-Bullying training session for Paraeducators and will be conducted by Melanie Bennett.
  • Diversity - No Lead on this Subcommittee
  • No update at this meeting will continue this discussion at the next meeting.
  • Community Inclusion Awards – Lead by Kristen Zechello
  • The group discussed that the inclusion award is not only about including people with disabilities but how “inclusion” of all people should be celebrated. Advertising requests for nominations will be in February to BCAM, the Forum and the Patriot Ledger.
  • Community Outreach – Lead by Kristen Zechello
  • The group discussed next year’s open houses at all the schools and perhaps some quick announcements could be includedby Principals about the SEPAC and who they are. Perhaps the announcement could include the name of that school’s liaison that let parents know that SEPAC available for questions that evening.
  • The SEPAC liaisons at each school will be listed on the School’s website and in the newsletters. The Community Outreach committee will reach out to all schools.
  • Still open - Mrs. Zechello to put together something in writing for BYB to send out to coaching staff and send it to Mrs. Hume. Braintree Lacrosse meets in the spring and SEPAC will go and present in person for that organization.
  • Social Skills Curriculum – Lead by Leah Nabstedt/Michelle Owens
  • Tracy Stoll (Director, Learning Solutions in Norwood), has met with all nine schools about their individual social skills challenges and ideas for implementation.
  • Ms. Stoll will work with each school on training and collaboration on initiatives already happening in individual schools. The goal is for Ms. Stoll to meet with each and every school and discuss goals and bring a consistent social skills curriculum to the entire district.
  • Mr. Rubin will meet with Ms. Stoll the first week in February to develop an implementation plan.

Open

Search committees for New Director of Special Services - Update

  • Mr. Rubin has been hired as the Director of Special Services (no longer the “Interim” Director). This coming year the district has received a waiver. Each year the state retirement limits eligibility to 960 hours (or 6 months) in a calendar year. Therefore, each school year covers two calendar years (or July 1-Dec 31 and Jan 1- June 30 for one school year).

Disability Awareness/Professional Development Training for teachers – Update

  • No update at this meeting will continue this discussion at the next meeting.

Braintree Professional Development Day - Restraint Training January 2013

  • SEPAC had asked if parents could attend the training in January. Mr. Rubin asked the Town Attorney, Carolyn Murrayto draft a liability waiver for parents to participate in the training (because they are not Braintree employees). Mr. Rubin will get the final version to Mrs. Nabstedt and Mrs. Zechello prior to the training (which will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, January 29th and 30th).
  • The Administration suggested we pilot only two parents this time the training is offered and possibly open it up to all parents in the future. Mrs. Nabstedt and Mrs. Zechello will contact Pam TenEyck who will be conducting the training for specifics.

Next meeting date and time:

  • February 14, 2013 at 11:45am in the Special Services Office.

Minutes prepared by:

  • Kristen Zechello