Join members of the Andover SEPAC for an informal community chat. Building a supportive community is an invaluable resource for parents/guardians of children with special needs. As always, all are welcome.

We will find a few tables and have signs so you know where to meet us.

Click HERE to register!

A free webinar sponsored by the Falmouth, Hamilton/Wenham, Hingham, North Andover, Northbridge, Northboro/Southboro and Norwell SEPACs.

Join Pediatric Neuropsychologists Dr. Erin Gibbons & Dr. Moira Creedon from NESCA’s Planville and Hingham locations. Anxiety disorders are becoming increasingly common among children and adolescents, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Given the rising numbers of affected children and adolescents, it has become increasingly important that a student's emotional health is addressed both at home through private counseling as well as through the provision of school-based services. When students experience a high level of unmitigated anxiety throughout the day, they are less able to lear and meet their potential. This presentation will discuss the overlap between anxiety and learning challenges and how to seek services for anxiety through the school district.

Sharing Local Event!

The LSRHS SEPAC (Lincoln/Sudbury) will be hosting a Virtual presentation by the Federation for Children with Special Needs titled MCAS: Access & Achievement for Students with Disabilities on Thursday 1/25/2024 from 7:00-9:00 PM

In order to participate you must register first here

The Reading SEPAC is hosting the Federation for Children with Special Needs

A comprehensive introduction to special education laws and procedures. 

• Purpose of the law, referrals, evaluations, team meeting process, determining eligibility, services and placement, what if student is not found to be eligible for services, after the team meeting, parent’s response options to an IEP, procedural due process rights for resolving disputes.

• Virtual Event - Registration required -  - Registration Link 

Medford SEPAC is hosting a presentation this Wednesday, 1/10/24, via Zoom on Executive Functioning given by Elise Wulff from MGH Aspire.  This workshop will begin with an overview of the core skills recognized as ‘Executive Functioning’ as well as prioritize concrete strategies that parents and caregivers can apply to help teach and foster independence at home and in the community.

Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 946 397 9246

Passcode: 933344

Andover SEPAC is excited to host Andrea Morris, the Director of Family Supports at The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport to discuss Transition Planning. Join us to discuss transition timelines to help prepare students for the world beyond secondary education.  We will leave plenty of time for questions.

The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport was formed in 1962 by a small group of concerned individuals and parents determined to improve services for their sons & daughters with developmental disabilities.  Our mission is to advocate, educate, and explore opportunities for personal growth and fulfillment.  We believe in supporting one person and one family at a time.
www.thearcofghn.org

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 912 9376 4113

Passcode: 030359

One tap mobile

+19292056099,,91293764113#,,,,*030359# US (New York)

+13017158592,,91293764113#,,,,*030359# US (Washington DC)

Attention Parents and Guardians of students in Kindergarten through Grade 3! Must register in advance here. The capacity for this event is 100 participants.

Are you interested in learning more about what early literacy instruction looks like in your child’s classroom? Are you curious about how you can support your child’s early literacy learning at home? Join APS's Literacy Coordinator and Literacy Coaches as they share their insights into what literacy instruction looks like in our K-3 classrooms and some tips and tricks on how you can support your child’s literacy development from home.

Join the Andover SEPAC for an informal networking opportunity. Grab your coffee and learn more about our mission, how we can support you and connect with other members of our community. As always, all are welcome.

Virtual Workshop with replay emailed. Sign up here. The cost is $50.

Sailing through the holiday season, involves managing transitions and festivities, which can lead to some dysregulation.

Join Jessica Raddeo for a workshop providing education and strategies from a nervous system perspective to support you and your little ones.

Jessica Raddeo is a pediatric occupational therapist and nervous system clinician. Having dedicated 17 years to the field of sensory processing, Jessica came to the realization that she too possesses her own intricate nervous system and her regulation is crucial for fulfillment and ease in parenting.

The warrant for the Special Town Meeting was signed by the Select Board on October 18, 2023, and can be viewed online at: andoverma.gov/townmeeting

Ballot Questions:

Article 1: Open Town Meeting

Article 2: Property Tax Limit for Andover Residents 65 or Older

Article 3: Retiree Health Care Premiums

Article 4: Town Meeting Speaking Limits and the Time Clock

Article 5: Reduce the Speed Limit on Several Roadways Under Municipal Jurisdiction

Article 6: Establish and report Key Performance Indicators of Vehicular Traffic Safety

Article 7: Andover High School Schematic Design

Andover Parent to Parent is hosting Sarah Ward, M.S., CCC/SLP. Sarah has over 25 years of experience in the treatment of executive dysfunction. Sarah is an internationally recognized expert on executive function and presents seminars on the programs and strategies for all ages.

ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://fcsn-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpceiurjMqGNYZzPWfHyM2fI3I_vJzqoXP

We are excited to host Lynne Hanley from the Federation for Children with Special Needs to delve into the IEP document, its development, the breakdown of each section and understanding how the document will support a student.

Workshop Topics:

• Why the IEP is Important

• Who is eligible for an IEP

• How the IEP is Developed

• Strengths and Concerns

• Vision Statements

• IEP Sections including PLEP A & B, Annual Goals and Service Delivery Grid

• Differences between Accommodations and Modifications

• Response, Placement and Consent

• Procedural Safeguards and more!

Dyslexia: What 21st Century Science Has Taught Us

Register in Advance Sponsored by LexSEPTA, in partnership with Lexington Public Schools. 

Presentation by Dr. Sally Shaywitz, The Audrey G. Ratner Professor in Learning Development, Co-Director of the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity and co-author of Overcoming Dyslexia, 2nd edition. 

World renowned expert on dyslexia and reading, Sally E. Shaywitz, M.D will present on the latest research on dyslexia, one of the most common learning disabilities. Please submit questions for Dr. Shaywitz here. The deadline to submit questions is Saturday, Nov 4th. Questions: lexdyslexia@gmail.com

Umass Chan Medical School is offering a new, free program focused on building sibling resiliency, decreasing trauma and strengthening families of youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental Disabilities and/or Mental Health Issues.

Interested in learning more or signing up? Contact: Emily.rubin@umassmed.edu or 857-523-1145 (cell).

Who is eligible to participate?  

• Parents & caregivers, regardless of the age of the children. This includes all adults in a caregiving role, such as grandparents, aunts and uncles.  

• Siblings between the ages of 6–18 that are able to engage appropriately and independently in a group setting.   

• The child with challenging behaviors is not eligible to participate; this program is designed to support the family members of that child.   

• Parents/caregivers can participate if siblings do not, and vice versa.  

What is the program about? 

For Siblings it is an opportunity to meet peers that understand what it’s like to have a brother/sister with behavioral issues, express their feelings and process their experiences in a safe setting, and learn coping strategies. Parents & caregivers join an information session on how to decrease trauma and increase resiliency among siblings. We discuss the experience of siblings, strategies for parents to best support siblings, information on why it is important to support siblings, and resources for the family. Once caregivers have attended the first session, they are invited to join a follow-up discussion group offered on subsequent Thursdays. 

How do I sign up?   

Contact Emily.rubin@umassmed.edu or 857-523-1145 (cell). Once we receive the completed consents, we will confirm participation the week of the program, then email the log-in link, resources, and a link to a survey to be completed after the group is over. 

Program Flyer

Wakefield Parent University & Wakefield Parent Partnership are hosting this virtual session.

For more information and to register: Click here

Families of pre-K, elementary, and middle school students are the target audience for the October 25 session, "The Power of Play." Dr. Peter Gray, renowned researcher, Boston College professor, and author of Free to Learn, will discuss children's natural ways of learning and the life-long value of play. He will call upon his research in neuroendocrinology, developmental psychology, anthropology, and education to inspire attendees.

The discussion will continue with a Q&A session comprised of Wakefield Public Schools staff and community members, including Brian Schmitt, Walton School Principal; Brendan Kent, Director of Athletics, Health, and Wellness; Craig Beiker, Walton School Physical Education and Health Teacher; Estelle Burdick, Wakefield Academy Director; and Ann Herzog, clinical instructor in the Child Life and Family-Centered Care program at Boston University Wheelock College of Education and Human Development.

This session will be virtual via Zoom from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.  You do not need to be a Wakefield resident to attend this virtual session.