SPECIAL EDUCATION PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL

(SPEDPAC)

GROTON DUNSTABLE REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

BUSINESS MEETING

Thursday, January 24, 2008

MEETING MINUTES

 

Officers Present:       Nancy Bugbee, President

(sign in attached)            Sarah Campbell, Vice President

                        Maryanne Squeglia, Treasurer

                        Melissa Sweeny, Secretary

Members Present:    none

Staff Present:             None

 

Meeting Location:     Middle School North Library, Groton, MA

 

Primary Purpose:   The January 15, 2008 Business Meeting did not have a quorum of officers present to vote on the approval of the meeting minutes from the November 13, 2007 Business Meeting.  This meeting was scheduled as a follow up to allow for approval of the November meeting minutes and to discuss additional agenda items outlined below.

Notes taken at January 15, 2008 Meeting:

Groton Ed. Foundation

Nancy Bugbee shared with attending members the news that the GDEF approved the two $500 mini-grants the SpedPAC submitted this fall.  This will allow the SpedPAC to donate additional books to the Educational Resource Libraries started at the three elementary schools and the Middle School last year.  The new book titles will be posted on the GD SpedPAC website (gdspedpac.org).  Note: adding to the High School Educational Resource Library will require a separate grant.

Ms. Bugbee has confirmed with the Florence Roche librarian, Sue Weeks, the location of the previously donated SpedPAC books.  Ms. Bugbee advised that this step should also be done for Prescott, Swallow Union, Middle School and High School to make sure the books are available to the staff.  Last year, when the books were formally presented to each of the schools at specified faculty meetings, the staff was told about the books.  Each principal was going to determine how best the books were going to be checked out and monitored.  It was discussed that the staff at each school should be reminded of the availability of these book resources.  Attending member, Cyndy Premru, has volunteered to create a book listing that will include a description of each book.  It was suggested that this type of information could be distributed (again) at “back to school time” when teachers and paraprofessionals are preparing for new students on IEPs.

2007-2008 Lecture Series

Ms. Bugbee shared that upcoming lectures include:

March 18, 2008 – “Finance/Estate Planning for Your Special Needs Child,” presented by Cynthia Haddad;

April 8, 2008 – “An IEP for My Child,” presented by Sandra Osborne from The Federation of Children with Special Needs. 

Ms. Bugbee reported that Cam Huston, PPS Director, is working on scheduling a “Basic Rights” presentation.  Date and time will be announced when known.  Ms.  Bugbee will be contacting Linda Price on her availability to speak on social skills and how to help (ASD, NVLD, PDD, ADD/ADHD) kids in the classroom and at home.  Linda Price has expressed interest in coming to speak to the GD SpedPAC, but wants to know what specific age group and needs to address.

Attendees discussed additional ideas for lectures.  These included: psychologist to speak on topic of parenting strategies for parents of special needs kids (Betsy Dolan researching, Melissa Sweeny will look too); Robert Brooks, author of Raising Resilient Children (Ms. Sweeny sent email); Suzanne Whiney-Heath from Wright’s Law (update: she is not available to speak at this time, but has provided another contact name); Dr. Sandy Jones on reading programs (Ms. Sweeny to follow up).

District Reading Programs

Ms. Bugbee and Ms. Sweeny shared that the SpedPAC is continuing to review the current District reading program and looking for ways to bring the issue of assessments and interventions to the District’s attention.

 

Nancy Bugbee, President began the meeting at 9:25 AM. 

I.          Acceptance of Minutes from November 13, 2007 Meeting

The November Meeting Minutes were reviewed by all officers present.  Ms. Bugbee made a motion to accept the November 13th meeting minutes as amended.  Maryanne Squeglia seconded the motion.  The minutes, as amended, were unanimously approved.

II.         Scheduling of Linda Price Lecture

Ms. Bugbee proposed that the SpedPAC consider scheduling Linda Price for a lecture this spring (March-May time frame).  Topic to be geared toward grades 1-6 and social pragmatics.  All officers present agreed that Ms. Bugbee should go ahead and contact Linda Price about scheduling and price.

The Transitions Lecture given in January by The Federation of Children with Special Needs did not have a fee.  Ms. Bugbee asked fellow officers what amount the SpedPAC intends to donate to the Federation for this lecture.  The officers agreed that we first have to determine the cost of additional lectures, currently in the planning stages, for the remainder of the year.   Ms. Bugbee also needs to check with Cam Huston, PPS Director, to see if she has engaged the speaker she had in mind for the Basic Rights lecture.  If the SpedPAC ends up getting the Federation to do the Basic Rights lecture, we will have to pay for one of the two lectures (we get one free a year).

The grant cycle for next year – the source of the SpedPAC’s lecture money – will be coming up in April/May.  We need to have this year’s money allocated by then and ideas for next year’s lectures ready.

Discussion of other possible lecture topics for this year and next included:

·          Psycho-pharmacology (medication for anxiety, AD/HD, moods, etc)

·          GD SpedPAC should continue helping “older students” with transitions and long term issues that extend beyond K-12 years

·          College transition – High School guidance may be interested in creating a program in the fall of 2008 for college search for children with disabilities.  SpedPAC could engage an “anchor” speaker for the event.

·          Hallowell Center lecture for next year (variety of topics)

·          Family dynamics – parenting a child with disabilities

·          Robert Brooks, author of Raising Resilient Children

III.        Acquisition of Books for Education Resource Library

Not discussed at this meeting.

 

Other Topics Discussed:

·                      Accounting Update: Maryanne Squeglia reported that the current account balance is $1,097.54.  All tax forms have been filed for the tax year ending 6/30/07.  The cost: Annual Report, $15.00; Form PC with a 940EZ, $35.00; Change Address (MA), $10.00; Change Address (IRS), Free; Change of Directors (MA), Free.  Total cost = $60.00.  Ms. Squeglia reminded fellow officers that the Groton Education Foundation grant money needs to be paid to the “GD SpedPAC.”  Ms. Squeglia stated that she requires letters from each individual school that received the SpedPAC’s $100 donation for recess supplies this fall.  The letters must state specifically what they purchased with the money.  This is required for our nonprofit organization records since this money was listed as a “program expense.”  Ms. Bugbee has offered to email a message to all school principals asking for this information.

·                      Flow Chart from Sharon SpedPAC: Ms. Bugbee reported that the Sharon SpedPAC has given us permission to use the “Does Your Child Need Special Education Services? The First Steps” flow chart.  Ms. Bugbee will share it with Ms. Huston to ensure alignment with our District policies.

·                      Electronic Mail Correspondence (email): The officers agreed that all emails used for correspondence should be copied and kept in our files just as other written correspondence is done now.  As with any written document, discretion is to be used in any GD SpedPAC business email correspondence.

·                      SpedPAC/School Roundtables: With the success of Florence Roche’s Roundtables, SpedPAC is encouraged to get this going at other schools.  Ms. Squeglia reported that Chris Jones, High School Asst. Principal/Team Chair, wants to do one.  Date/time to be determined.  Ms. Campbell reported that Steve Silverman, Principal at the Middle School, is open to the idea.  Prescott will be on hold due to other Sped issues that will likely come to light with the possible closing of the school.

·                      Possible Prescott Closure: The SpedPAC officers discussed the notice sent home to Prescott parents about the possible closing of Prescott at the end of this school year.  SpedPAC’s major concern is that parents input must be considered in the transition plan for students, particularly those on IEPs and 504 Plans.  Also, how might the influx of new students affect the current support services at Florence Roche and Swallow Union?  Consideration should also include the transition of children from Boutwell into the remaining schools.  SpedPAC wants to assure adequate support and service needs are taken into account for all incoming students.

Meeting ended at 11:30 AM.