SEPAC RESOURCES AND LINKS
FACEBOOK for SEPAC - like us for updates!
Parent Resource pages - Mass Partnership for Youth
Dep. of Elementary and Secondary Education
Bureau of Special Education Appeals (BSEA)
MASS Problem Resolution System
Mass Chapter for SEPAC awareness
State Early Intervention Resources
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, NE Chapter
International Dyslexia Association
Think Kids - Rethinking Challenging Kids
Understood (for learning and attention issues)
SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL
MAYNARD SPECIAL EDUCATION PAC OFFICERS
To contact all board members, please e-mail sepacboard@maynard.k12.ma.us
Co-Chairperson: | Co-Chairperson: | Secretary: |
Treasurer: | Maynard High School Parent Representative: | Fowler School Parent Representative: |
Green Meadow Parent Representative: | Public Outreach Coordinator: | Event Coordinator: |
THE MAYNARD SEPAC WELCOMES INTERESTED MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE!
Joining is easy - any community member who attends a SEPAC meeting or event during the year is considered a voting member. Interested parties may also request voting membership by writing to the SEPAC Chair and Co-Chair. You may also contact your school's SEPAC representative. There are many ways to contribute and we will work with you to identify something that works with your schedule and responsibilities.
The mission of SEPAC
The mission of the Maynard Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs in the community. You can download our brochure by clicking on the link in the SEPAC Resources and Links section of this page.
What is a SEPAC?
Massachusetts Special Education Regulations state that each school committee shall establish a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC) on Special Education. A SEPAC is a formally organized group of individuals committed to the best possible services for children with special needs. A SEPAC:
Promotes a network of parents and forum to share information
Advises the school district on special education programs, training needs, and policy
Promotes communication between PAC members; local, state and national organizations, councils and groups
Promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion within the community
Provides informational forums for parents, students, educators, and professionals
Who should join the SEPAC?
Parents and/or guardians of children who receive any type of special education services or accommodations in school, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 accommodation, or out-of-district placement.
Parents who think their child may have some learning issues or differences.
Parents who would like to understand or have an interest in the Special Education process.
Parents, educators, or any members of the community who want to learn more!
How do I Join?
To join the Maynard SEPAC, contact your school's parent representative, listed above or any of the other members. We are all here to assist all parents.
Why Get Involved?
To network with other parents in the community.
To share your own expertise and experiences with other parents.
To learn about the services available for children with learning issues or differences.
To learn to advocate for your child's needs more effectively.
When are the Meetings?
Maynard SEPAC Board Meetings are generally held from 7:00 pm to 8:45 pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month. Collaboration meetings with district administration are generally held on a quarterly basis, or more frequently as needed.
All meetings are open to the public and are currently conducted remotely via Google Meets. Meeting details will be shared on SEPAC's Facebook page and updates from Building Principals in their weekly communications.
Subcommittees - please share your expertise!
The SEPAC is searching for parents to participate in SEPAC Sub-Committees including: Meeting Planning, Public Relations, and Grant Writing / Fundraising.
A committee member would be considered a SEPAC board member, and would be asked to attend SEPAC board meetings to determine the direction of the SEPAC and what activities the SEPAC participates in (bi-monthly).
The Meeting Planning Committee is responsible for researching and choosing our guest speakers and handling all arrangements for the speaker to attend, such as information on the speakers, the content of their presentation, handouts and flyers and ensuring that materials are available in a timely manner to the Public Relations Committee for Advertising and promotion purposes.
The Public Relations Committee is responsible for advertising our meetings locally (newspapers, school newsletters, websites/list-serves) and promoting the SEPAC within our community through school open houses, school committee meetings, other school-sponsored events, town events, promotional materials, and other ways to promote visibility and other opportunities for SEPAC.
The Grant Writing / Fundraising Committee is responsible for looking at fundraising opportunities for the SEPAC and what these funds would best be utilized for from year to year. Opportunities such as applying for grants, seeking donations, possibly working with other school organizations and/or officials on fundraising and determining special education, training, or regular education needs as they relate to students with disabilities or learning differences.
To receive emails about upcoming SEPAC events and other local special education events, please email
sepacchair@maynard.k12.ma.us and type "SEPAC list-serve" in the subject line.