Working to support children with special needs in our community
Andover SEPAC is a group of parents of children with special needs working together to address the issues facing us and our children.
Mary French Yellow Rose Nominations due March 1, 2010 -Nominating procedure-
Coming Events:
MCAS Workshop
Wedesday, February 10, 2010
Time: 7-9pm
Location: Memorial Hall Library
MCAS: The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) is a tool to measure
progress in the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks or general curriculum. This workshop
will help parents understand how their children with disabilities can participate in a
meaningful way in MCAS. It will discuss accommodations and alternate assessments
available so that students can demonstrate what they have learned.
Helen Higgins from the Federation for Children with Special Needs will conduct this
workshop. Federation workshops are free to parents and open to the public. Feel
free to attend any workshop in or outside of your immediate community.
Anxiety Workshop
Monday, March 1, 2010
12:30 - 2:15 Topic: How to help your children deal with anxiety
Lauren Santucci of the BU Children’s Anxiety Clinic will be speaking to us on the topic of how to help your
child deal with anxiety. The Center for Anxiety and Related Disorder (CARD) is a clinic and research facility
devoted to studying the nature of emotional disorders and developing, providing, and disseminating effective
treatment for children and adults. Lauren has extensive experience in the provision of cognitive-behavioral
therapy to anxious youth and their families. In addition, Lauren’s research interests include developing novel
cognitive-behavioral interventions for children with anxiety disorders, with an emphasis on the creative application
of treatment components to promote peer relationship building. She is currently conducting a NIMH-funded
randomized-controlled trial investigating the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for school-aged girls
with Separation Anxiety Disorder provided within the novel context of an intensive, one-week summer camp-like setting.
Her presentation will include an overview of cognitive-behavioral therapy for child anxiety and the resources
available to families in need of treatment. In particular, she will emphasize specific techniques that parents
can use to help their anxious children, such as when a child is reluctant to separate for school or a
play-date, exhibits anxiety in social situations, or worries excessively about things.
Mental Health Workshop
"An Evening Talking About Children's Mental Health
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7-9pm
Location: West Middle Library ***note location change***
Speaker: Jeff Q. Bostic, M.D., Ed.D - Consulting Child Psychiatrist, Andover Public Schools
Mental Health struggles are a very common aspect of the human experience, and are among the health
conditions that parents need to know about in raising their children. Come for an informative and enjoyable
evening to learn about the kinds of emotional and behavioral difficulties that sometimes show up in childhood, and
how to help your child continue to grow and connect with others.
Dr. Bostic will explain what is going on physically in
the developing brain, how to access good care for your child, and helpful ways to intervene with and for your child.
We will touch on advocacy skills for parents when dealing with school and community, and family and parenting routines
that are helpful for maintaining the mental health status of your children. This presentation is appropriate for parents
of preschool through Grade 12 students. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and questions.
Facilitated by Janet Yedinak, LICSW, Program Head, School Adjustment Counselors.
The Andover Special Education PAC Needs Your Help
The Andover Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) is a group of parents working together to promote the understanding,
respect, support, and appropriate education for all children with special needs in our community.
More information
SEPAC Meeting
Please come to the meeting if you're interested in joining Andover's Special Education Parent's Advisory Council.
Monday, February 8th at 9:30
School Administration Bldg, 36 Bartlett St, 3rd Fl, Conference Rm C
News:
Transition Law
Beginning age 14 or sooner if determined appropriate by an individualized
education program team, school age children with disabilities shall be entitled to transition services and measurable postsecondary goals,
as provided under the federal Individual with Disabilities Education Act, 20 USC sec. 1400, et sec.
Observation Law
“The legislature recently amended section 3 of G.L. c. 71B, the state special
education law, to require school committees, upon request by a parent, to grant timely
and sufficient access by parents and parent-designated independent evaluators
and educational consultants to a child's current and proposed special
education program so that the parent and named designees can observe the child in the
current program and any proposed program.” - Technical Assistance Advisory
SPED 2009-2
