Braintree Public Schools Special Education Parent Advisory Council


About the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)

Confidentiality rules prevent us from identifying or contacting parents of children with special needs. If you don’t give us your information, we have no way to find you.Please join us today. To join, simply email us with your name, address, telephone and e-mail address. Members receive notices of meeting, events, news and other items of interest to the special needs community.


What is the Braintree SEPAC?

The Braintree SEPAC is a non-profit organization of parents of children with special education needs, parents of typical children, special and regular education teachers and staff, and interested members of the community. The SEPAC originated as a result of the 1974 state mandate that requires any school district operating a special needs program under the Chapter 766 law to provide a Parent Advisory Council. This organization provides access to relevant resources, laws, regulations and activities that impact special education in this community and across the state.

What does the Braintree SEPAC do ?

:: Works towards the understanding, respect, support, and appropriate education for all children with special needs in our community.

::Promotes and support an innovative educational environment where children with special needs and disabilities have equal access to educational opportunities and a school and community environment where all children are encouraged to reach their full potential.

:: Promotes a network for parents of children with special needs and disabilities and provides a forum to share information and discuss matters of relative interest and concern regarding our children.

:: Promotes communication and programs within the community to encourage understanding, respect, acceptance and inclusion of children with special needs and disabilities.

:: Collaborates with the school community to continually improve the educational opportunities available within and without our schools that promote improved educational outcomes for children with special needs and disabilities.

:: Promotes a sense of community within our schools to gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and develop ways in which to cope and share solutions to both complex and challenging issues.

How can the SEPAC help you?

It can be overwhelming when you are told that your child has a disability. Sometimes you feel like no one quite understands what you are going through. You don’t need to feel alone anymore. Come to a meeting and meet other parents just like yourself, who understand what it is like to raise a child with special needs. We know it’s a huge challenge. We can help each other and share what we have learned with one another.
Who should be involved?

:: Parents and/or guardians of children who receive special education services in or out of this community.

:: Parents who think their child may have some learning issues or differences or behavioral issues, attention issues, does not have many friends, is socially isolated or just different.

::Parents who are just learning about the special education process and IEP's or who already have children on IEP's

:: Parents and educators who want to learn more about local resources - therapists, testing, workshops, programs, camps, etc.

::Parents who would like a support group that understands their issues and concerns.

Membership

Annual membership to the Braintree SEPAC is $5.00 per family. Membership is open to everyone but not required. Your annual dues help us to pay for our speakers. You will also be on our mailing list and receive reminder postcards prior to each of our meetings or events. Your dues also help to support our annual scholarship. “The T. Michael Molongoski Scholarship: which is awarded each June to a graduating BHS special needs student who plans on furthering his/her education. To join, simply fill out a membership form and mail it to our Treasurer. If you don’t have a form, please give us a call, pick one up at one of our meetings or visit our website.

Please mail your membership form and dues to:

Kim Cody, SEPAC Treasurer, 128 Town Street, Braintree, MA 02184.

Please make all checks payable to: “The Braintree SEPAC.” Thank you for your continued support!

Who are the SEPAC officers?

The SEPAC officers consist of parents who have children with special needs. We typically hold our board meetings one week prior to each general SEPAC meeting and a few other times throughout the school year.
At board meetings one of our main goals is to line up future speakers for our

SEPAC meetings. We strive to keep parents up to date and informed on pertinent issues. We continue to work toward creating more open communication, and a greater understanding between parents, educators, and the Braintree School Administration.

Please feel free to call us anytime. We’re here if you have any questions or if you just want to talk. We can always use an extra hand if you’re interested in joining the board. We hope to see you at one of our meetings this year.
SEPAC Officers 2005 – 2006

Barbara Tennison 781-843-3954
Co-Chairperson
Sherilyn Harrison 781-843-0860
Co-Chairperson
Annette Wilson 781-848-2636
Secretary
Kim Cody 781-848-9265
Co-Treasurer
Barbara Sullivan 781-843-0163
Co-Treasurer

BPS Director of Special Services: Robert Belmont X-2264

Assistant Director of Special Services : Michael Bochman x-2219
Telephone - 848-4000

Braintree Public Schools | 348 Pond Street | (781) 380-0130 | Braintree, MA 02184-5310