Minutes from September 2017 SEPTA Meeting

Minutes of Arlington Special Education PTA

Thursday 9/14/17 7-8:30 PM

Syphax Education Center

2110 Washington Blvd.

Arlington, Rooms 101, 103

As reported by SEPTA Secretary, Karen Sosnoski

Dr. Patrick Murphy – Superintendent

– Welcome and looking forward to the SuperChat in December

– All APS School are fully accredited again this year

– Region 4 Teacher of the Year – Michelle Catcha Williams, Social Studies Teacher from Wakefield

– Just shy of 27,000 students in APS, very close to projection

– APS Open House on 9/23 at Kenmore MS 10am -2pm

– Back-to-School Night Dates for Elementary, Middle, High School on APS website

Caroline Levy – President

– Would love a rep to be on the Engage APS team this year

– Treasurer’s Audit Report

• Treasurer Adam had a baby, Caroline sent around the card,
• Draft of the audit is available.
• Need one more volunteer to sign as the third person of the audit committee.

– Highlighted Fall Schedule:

• 1st Activity on Sunday 9/24 – Ice cream Social & Activity Fair
• 1st Fundraiser of the Year – Whole Foods on 9/20 – 5% Give Back to SEPTA
• 2 hour Art Workshops for the Reflections Contest – highlighted the flyer
• October Monthly Meeting on Sibling Support
• Mini-Grants
• Phantom Ball Fundraiser
• APS Dyslexia Workshop
• Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.
• November – Twice Exceptional Students
• Online Auction – Black Friday Launch
• Superintendent Super Chat / Student Panel
• Sensory Friendly Santa Event

– Budget (available on the back table)

• Ambitious about programming and membership
• Grant to support the sib-shop program w/ Kathleen Donovan
• Expenditures – new items – revamping of website, 1 hr./month for maintenance and issues that arise; Amazon Prime Membership (important for mini-grant program); Unstuck & On Target; Sib Shops funding; Documentary; Transportation Breakfast; Magic Paint Brush; Pep Program; Sweet Gatherings – 1/2 of the expenses provided and they can apply for a mini grant; Espacio Espanol
• Amazon smile & Harris Teeter….indicate Arlington SEPTA

Introductions:

– Dr. Tara Natrass, Assistant Superintendent Teaching and Learning

• Quick introduction (as she is next door at the ACI training)
• Dept. of Instruction welcomes Special Education Under The Umbrella

Caroline Levy – Introductions of Janna, Leslie, & Cristina:

– Janna Dressel – Parent Liaison Program Overiew & schools still in need

– Leslie Goodman & Cristina Yacobucci – Espacio Espanol

– Paul Jamelske

• Central Office Redesign and Office of Special Education Updates
• News release from this summer
• Vision for embracing greater inclusivity
• Inclusion working group:
• Meaning of “ALL” Students – APS means ALL – including sub groups that are sometimes not included, not “us” and “them”
• All teachers and related services will now be all under one roof (2nd floor of Syphax) Rationale – common goal & vision to support all students, increases accountability and collaboration; Uniformity of content, focus, and communication; Eliminates organizational “silos.”
• The majority of professional development opportunities will be accessible for all staff.
• Last week’s leadership retreat – a large group came together to work on values, agenda, future, etc.
• Reviewed flow chart for Phase 1 personnel – all working together under one umbrella
• New vocabulary needed, new roles, clarified vision
• New role for Wendy Carria (Kelly’s old role)
• Sarah Putnam just hired as interim director for Teaching & Learning
• Goal is better outcomes for all students
• Answered parent questions: Explained the differences in some of the roles – but much of it is getting revamped. How do we work on breaking down “silos” at the school level? Timeline? August professional developments were inclusive for both special education and general education staff. Gradual process – will make time to see this happen on the school level – looking forward in a hopeful way, timeframe may vary from school to school. Future early release days will also offer inclusive professional development opportunities.  What does it mean to tackle the Inclusion Policy? Not many policies out there yet for various school systems, but there are some school systems that have inclusion embedded throughout all of the policies and practices – woven throughout – naturally – this is Paul’s assumption of the direction that APS may likely take. Can APS offer professional development down to the aide level to foster collaboration between special education & general education?  PLC’s (Professional Learning Community) and TLC’s – small workshop efforts – personalization and engagement – trickle up & down effect. Co-teaching Math Lessons – previous work to use as a model for future efforts

– Karen Peterson, Lisa Hill, & Caroline – Communication Program at Patrick Henry

• Home-school Communication Issues – form a base of communication where everyone is on the same page, be real, be honest
• Parents taking the time to get to know the entire school community, specialists, aides, etc. – seek them out and start to establish communication with them too
• Establish trust and openness when things get difficult
• Different formats for email communications, in person efforts, notebooks
• Don’t be afraid to ask your teachers any questions – ideally get a response within 24 hour period
• Be a strong advocate, don’t be afraid to speak up
• Understand the student’s schedule – specials, etc. when is the best time to pull a child out for apps. Etc.
• Don’t be afraid to give your perspective
• Back-t-school Night is only Day 7
• Group emails – feel free to include private therapists too as appropriate – so everyone is on the same page
• Caroline shared the 30 second recorded buttons so that the student can also be involved
• Share time – send in videos and pictures to share with staff and peers
• Each teacher will have a different method about reporting about their day
• Time is precious but go into the classroom, schedule observations, see for yourself what is going on in the classroom

– Kathleen Donovan & Kelly Mountain, Parent Resource Center

• Back to School Success
• Presentation is posted on the PRC website
• Role of PRC: Meet with families 1:1, provide workshops & trainings, work with other groups like SEPTA.
• Kathleen Introduced Kelly to the group: Kelly’s background as a school psychologist, bringing a different perspective, real interest in mental health
• PRC as a “recipe”–About the “chefs” – parents in our community are the real chefs; PRC learns so much from our parents. Ingredients = Initiative, preparation, communication, collaborative spirit, resourcefulness

– Kelly Mountain’s  tips

• Communication – what happens at home or in private therapy – share with your education team
• Healthy nutrition and sleep habits
• Exercise as much as possible
• Setting goals with your kids. Share with your educational team.  
• Goals for family fun time – create total experience for your child
• Positive Tone: Notes, pictures in backpack or lunch. It’s okay if you are nervous.  Pretend as if everything is okay – model calm
• Remember routines
  • Meals
  • Homework
  • After school
  • Sleep time (no screen time two hours before bed)
  • Chart of recommended amount of sleep
• Organized family
  • Big calendar – visual schedule
  • Family meeting each week
  • What is coming up
  • Check backpacks
  • Morning launchpad – for backpacks, paperwork to be signed
• PRC Introduction to Special Ed
  • Becoming an active member of your child’s IEP team
• Extracurricular activities
  • Quality, not quantity.
• Shout out to Therapeutic Recreation
• “Side Dishes” Ask an open ended question – listen – ask follow up questions – encourage participation. When we disagree – be affirming.
• Take care of yourselves
  • This is a journey, not a sprint
  • Prioritize time with your partner
  • Sleep, eat well, exercise
  • Access resources and supports – network with other parents Share what works. Let PRC know tips, questions