Andover SEPAC is a group of parents of children with special needs working together to address the issues facing us and our children.

Fall 2009 SEPAC Newsletter

Fall 2009 SEPAC Brochure

Fall 2010 Andover Stars Special Olympics Unified Soccer Program Program Details

Coming Events:


Mary French Yellow Rose Award

Wednesday, May 12, 2010 7:00PM
Location: High Plain Elementary School

In September of 2001 Andover lost a real leader with the sudden death of Selectman Mary French. Many of us also remember Mary as the former Pupil Personnel Director, a position she held for many years. In memory of Mary, the Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) sponsors an award we call the Mary French Yellow Rose Award. There’s a story behind the name.

A few years ago a group of Andover teachers, headed by Mary, visited the Glastonbury school system to observe programs designed to improve delivery of services to special needs children. Educators whose contributions provided improved programming, as well as a more inclusive environment, for special education students were rewarded with a yellow rose. Thus the yellow rose became a symbol of excellence. Nominations for the Mary French Yellow Rose Award The nominee can be Special Needs or Regular Ed teacher, as well as an instructional assistant, coach, or therapist. The nominee will meet the following criteria:

  1. The nominee consistently provides the opportunity for the student to access both academic and recreational Regular Ed programs in a meaningful way.
  2. The nominee is a true collaborator, working well with parents and teachers alike. He or she is a team player.
  3. The nominee embraces change and is willing to take risks in order to improve upon current educational policies.
  4. The nominee works with the team to provide a vision for the student and uses the educational process to achieve these goals.
Nominations are due by March 1st and must be submitted in the form of a letter to Kathy Fink, the Pupil Personnel Director, by mail to 36 Bartlet St. in care of Colleen Sheehan or by e-mail address to CSheehan@aps1.net. We will not be accepting nominations through the school principals or individual SEPAC members this year. All nominees will be honored and the award presented at a ceremony on May 12th, 2010 at the High Plain Elementary School. Any questions please contact Karen Finley at kafinley@verizon.net or Sharon Mason at s.sharonmason@comcast.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, 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