The Westfield Public School Department understands the importance of working closely with parents, caregivers, agencies, and community groups and organizations to provide a continuum of high quality specialized programs and services to students with special needs. As such, the Department works closely with the Westfield Special Education Parent Advisory Council to:
*Work for the understanding, respect and support for all children with special needs
*Provide a forum for parents of children with special needs to share information and
discuss matters concerning our children and the Westfield Special Education
Program
*Provide informational speakers to educate parents, educators and students on a
variety of issues
*Collaborate on issues related to development of policies and practices, creation and
improvement of programs and services, effective use of resources.
SEPAC meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month in the Westfield Technical Academy cafeteria (33 Smith Ave) from 6:30-8:30. Meeting dates for 2017-18 school year are as follows:
October 5, 2017- Technology Showcase with Lesley Quinn from Communicare. Come and learn about the technology available to our students!
November 09, 2017 (2nd Thursday of the month) - Basic Rights and Section 504. Come and learn about parents rights!
December 07, 2017 - Sibling Workshop - Discuss the dynamics of sibling relationships when impacts one (or more) children.
February 01, 2018 - Changing Schools - Discuss the impact, both positive and negative, of your student changing schools.
March 01, 2018 - Feedback Session on 2017-18 school restructuring. Discuss the new distrcit structure for elementary and middle school.
April 05, 2018 - TBD
May 03, 2018 - 2018 Shining Star Awards. Come celebate our special education staff!
June 07, 2018 - End of year celebration!
Parents are encourage to participate in the SEPAC in any capacity that they can. If you are unable to come to the meetings we encourage you to join our Facebook page: Westfield MA Special Education Parent Advisory Council. Here you can voice concerns and participate in discussions. For internet safety, we ask that you do not post any personal information regarding details of your child's education.
Parent Leadership Team:
Melissa Rutkowski
Rachel Bullock
Dawn Altieri
Michele Douglas
Please contact the leadership team with any questions or concerns at westfieldsepac@gmail.com