For those who couldn’t make the February 2016 monthly SEPTA meeting, we’re pleased to pass along the Board’s minutes. Hope to see you at our next monthly meeting, coming up on March 10 (more to come on that later)!
SEPTA MONTHLY MEETING
Thursday, February 11th, 2016
Syphax Center,
2110 Washington Blvd., Arlington, VA
Attendance:
Katherine Harris, President
Caroline Levy, VP Membership
Maria Votsch, VP Communications
Kathleen Donovan, PRC
Vickie Barr, PRC
George Buzby, Acting Secretary
Katherine—Introductions
- Katherine began the meeting by welcoming those attending, and introducing Board members present.
Deborah Hammer—“I’m determined”
Deborah provided a slide presentation which explained the “I’m determined” program. The program is directed by the State of Virginia and is funded by Virginia’s Department of Education. She emphasized the importance of the program and noted that there are no Federal mandates for individuals with disabilities, such as ASD, beyond the age of 21. The essential goals of the program are to support student involvement in setting goals, making choices, and developing skills to foster independence. The program’s website is: www.imdetermined.org
Lisa Triano from Yorktown H.S. introduced two of her students, who are involved in the “I’m Determined” program. Andrew and Michael spoke briefly about their goals and they each presented a one-page document, inspired by the program. The one-page document is an effective tool for understanding the student’s goals, challenges, and personalities. Although not an official annex to a student’s IEP, Lisa indicated that they are helpful tools for busy teachers to get to know students with special needs. The presentations were very well received and were touching and inspiring.
Katherine—Nominating Committee:
Katherine spoke about expected SEPTA officer vacancies for the coming year. She reported that the following positions have been filled:
- Secretary
- VP for Communications
- Coordinator for PRC/Liaisons
However, she highlighted that the following key positions have not yet been filled:
- President (2016-2017 school year)
- President-elect (to serve as President in 2017-2018 school year)
- Treasurer
- Assistant Treasurer
- VP Fundraising
- VP Membership
Caroline L.—Membership:
Caroline L. reported that SEPTA currently has 726 individuals on its List Serve and 237 paid members.
She noted that SEPTA recently completed a survey distributed on the SEPTA website and through “School Talk” messages. She reported that 146 people completed the survey, which address the following areas:
- Membership
- Website
- Social Media
- Attendance at meetings
- Special event participation
- Volunteering
Caroline L. remarked that the survey identified several individuals interested in volunteering, and useful feedback on ways to reach the community better.
Vickie Barr—Parent Liaisons:
Vickie said the a the PRC will soon offer a class on “transitions out of H.S.” which may be of interest to some, given the positive response to the student presentation on the “I am Determined” program.
She also noted that the rescheduled parent liaison meetings will be held on March 29th. She explained that, as in the past, meetings will be held in the morning from 10:00-Noon and the evening from 7:00-9:00 to accommodate the busy schedules of the school liaisons.
Katherine—Fundraising:
As Linda Campanelli could not attend the meeting, Katherine spoke briefly about SEPTA’s fundraising successes and encouraged members to help Linda in the coming year.
Katherine—Budget:
As Caroline Butler could not attend the meeting, Katherine spoke briefly about the budget update Caroline had circulated. She noted that the speakers from SEPTA’s recent event had not submitted invoices. Post meeting, Caroline B. reported that Panera charged us and she paid it over the phone the same day that Tauna placed the order. The charge is on our bank statement and they have NOT issued a refund (as we’d hoped for). Caroline asked for, but never received, the invoice/receipt. It is the supporting documentation she needs as back-up for that charge in her records.
Katherine—Inclusion Task Force:
Katherine noted that Tauna Szymanski will come to the March meeting and make a presentation on the task force’s progress.
Questions:
A concerned parent asked about how SEPTA could help her with challenges she’s encountering with support for her son in an APS MIPA program. Katherine spoke about SEPTA role in advocacy at the APS level and the role of individual school PTA’s and Parent Liaisons. Information about her son’s school liaison was provided and a SEPTA member at the same school spoke with her at length after the meeting.
Adjourn: The meeting adjourned at a little after 8:00.
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