Andover Special Education Parents Advisory Council

2012-13 Coming Events:

“Mary French Yellow Rose Award”
Wednesday, May 22nd
High Plain Elementary Auditorium
Time: 7pm

2013 Mary French Awards Event Details

Leaders in education are frequently hard found and unsung. Mary French, who held the positions of Andover Selectperson and Director of Pupil Personnel, was truly such a leader, breaking ground in the delivery of special education and the inclusion of the whole child in service delivery. It is in her memory that, since 2002, the Andover Special Education Parents Advisory Council (SEPAC) has sponsored the Mary French Yellow Rose Award to recognize like leaders in special education.

As Director of Pupil Personnel, Mary French led a group of Andover teachers and parents on a field trip to visit the Glastonbury school system to observe programs designed to improve delivery of service to special needs children. Educators whose contributions provided improved programming, as well as a more inclusive environment for special education students were acknowledged for their work with a yellow rose that would “mysteriously” be found on their desk. Thus the yellow rose became a symbol of excellence and the seed for the Mary French Yellow Rose Award was planted.

Information & Networking Group

TOPIC: "Open Agenda Meeting, Middle-High School Focus" "

Monday, May 13th
12:30 - 2pm
Conference Room B
School Admin Building, 3rd Fl
36 Bartlett St.

Come network with your fellow parents of middle school and high school-aged students with special needs. This is an opportunity to identify common concerns of parents, share information and resources, and get your questions answered about supporting your young person with special needs. Discussion facilitated by Janet Yedinak, LICSW. If parents have a particular topic request, suggestions can be emailed to jyedinak@aps1.net.

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, October 17th 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