Seanda Bartlett

The meeting included a director's update, which featured the announcement of updates to the NPS website and a discussion about the information SEPAC would like on their webpage. It was decided to have a SEPAC table at the NES and NIS open house events only. The new format of holding SEPAC informational meetings and Uncommon Parents support group separately was also discussed.

The meeting included updates from the director regarding new forms for transition services and a DOE grant to inform educators and families about the new IEP in September 2024. The department is planning workshops with refreshments and childcare. Fairwinds will offer a 4-part series in Portuguese to inform families about the SPED process. Priscilla Ryan Graham presented on CranioSacral Therapy and NeuroMovement for Neurodivergent Children. Michelle Soderberg has been awarded a Grant to benefit Nantucket Youth to provide therapeutic Programs for Mental Health, Wellness and Learning through Equine Assisted Learning.

The meeting covered the renaming of the council from SNAC to ACK-SEPAC and the upcoming election of board members and building representatives. Updates were provided on the Special Services department's move to a new location, staff roles, annual review and evaluation meeting formats, and a new IEP system, EdPlan. Discussions also included NPS Open House dates, issues with the ACK-SEPAC webpage, transition plans for students at age 14, and the Nantucket Buddy Walk.

The meeting included a presentation on the Family Support Center, which serves both Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard, focusing on family trainings, community connections, and flexible funding. Discussions covered potential respite solutions and activities to bring the two islands together, with a survey planned to gather input on training and support group interests. Parents requested more activities for children in grades 5-8 and for siblings of special needs kids, as well as solutions for the lack of ABA services. The Transition Specialist shared information about transition planning, the new IEP format, and resources for parents and teachers. The vocational rehab counsellor assigned to Nantucket can help with pre-employment training. NHS is partnering with Our House for a 'day school' program to work on skill building.

The meeting included the election of officers, with Laura Steele and Suzanne Fronzuto re-elected as Co-Chairs, and Lora Kebbati as Recording Secretary. There was a discussion about the FaceBook portion of the social media liaison role. The dates for NPS Open House Week were confirmed, and coverage for the SEPAC table was assigned. Suzanne talked about 'SEPAC Office Hours' and 'Parent to Parent' program. Deb Gately reported on the family informational meeting and a new I.T. system for signing in for IEP meetings to increase safety and security in the district. The sharing of electronic documents in electronic IEP folders will continue this year. The second annual Buddy Walk for Down's Syndrome was announced.