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Mamaroneck-Larchmont SEPTA E-News |
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Special EDition E-Newsletter |
March 7, 2011 |
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Dear SEPTA Members & Friends,
We want to share this information with you and call to your attention an important SEPTA sponsored meeting for parents of elementary school children - those receiving special education as well as those whose children may receive other services or supports, such as Academic Intervention Services, Section 504 plans, Instructional Support Team services or other building level services (for example, reading support). As we face another tough budget year, we believe it is important to understand parents' views about what they value and what they believe merits changing.
In addition, as you will see below, we have lots of information about upcoming programs and events in our community and region.
Cecilia Absher and Sam Jensen,
SEPTA Co-Presidents
SEPTA's Mission: Recognizing that students have a broad range of learning styles and abilities, SEPTA works to promote a quality learning experience for all children. SEPTA aims to promote a better understanding of children's learning differences and to be a helpful resource for all parents |
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SEPTA Meeting --Parents of Elementary School Children - Share Your Views:Wed. March 9th - 7:30 - 9:00p.m. Hommocks Library.
How is it Going for Your Elementary School Child With Learning Differences?
Does your child who attends public school in Mamaroneck have an IEP, Section 504 Plan, receive Academic Intervention Services or any other supports or services?
Please join SEPTA representatives and other parents to discuss what's working well and what you have questions or concerns about in areas such as: instruction in the classroom, progress monitoring, accommodations, information provided and planning for next year.
SEPTA is working to identify programs, strategies and approaches that are working well and are "best practices" and those that merit re-examination for improvement. SEPTA will bring what we learn from you to the District's attention - your voices will be heard.
Contact Amy Kass at 834-3752 amysuekass@yahoo.com or Jill Gressin at 834-1054 jillgressin@yahoo.com with any questions.
At this meeting we will also vote on on a change to the PT Council bylaws to specify that there are two co-presidents rather than a president and president-elect. |
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Board of Education Meetings focused on the 2011-12 budget, include the following:
- Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 7:30 p.m. MHS Tiered Classroom - Superintendent's Proposed Budget
- Saturday, March 19, 2011, 9:00 a.m. MHS Tiered Classroom - Line-by-line Budget Review
- Tuesday, March 29, 2011, 7:30 p.m. MHS Library Classroom - Discussion between the Citizens Budget Advisory Committee (CBAC) and the Board. |
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SEPTA's Nominating Committee - Please help us work to insure SEPTA has strong leadership and board members for 2011-12. The Nominating Committee is being formed now to identify candidates to fill open officer and board positions. Please let us know if you are interested in participating on the Nominating Committee and invite your friends to join us as well! Contact Amy Lieberman - dashdoar@gmail.com or 552-1568 or Amy Kass - amysuekass@yahoo.com 834-3752. |
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New York Board of Regents Proposes Special Education "Mandate Relief"
In connection with Governor Cuomo's effort to address New York's fiscal difficulties as well as high property taxes, he is considering an array of possible changes to laws and practices that are currently state mandates. The New York Board of Regents is proposing numerous changes that affect education, including many that relate to special education. Apparently these proposals have not yet been vetted with school districts or parents but they are expected to be acted upon in April.
Proposed changes to special education include:
1) Elimination of a school psychologist and a parent member as part of a Committee on Special Education and elimination of parent members on Committees for Preschool Special Education.
2) Elimination of certain assessments as party of an initial eligibility determination, including psychological evaluation, observation and physical examination.
3) Elimination of requirement for Boards of Education to have policies for declassification and provision of education and support services upon declassification.
4) Reduce the statute of limitations for due process hearings from two years to one year.
In addition, Academic Intervention Services would be eliminated - Response to Intervention should be phased in by June 2012
To learn more:
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Important Regional Meeting - Attention all Westchester Parents!
Saturday, March 12, 2011, White Plains Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY
Westchester-East Putnam Region PTA Invites you to our Annual Advocacy and Awareness Breakfast. The theme this year is "WORKING TOGETHER TO PROTECT OUR SCHOOLS, CHILDREN AND COMMUNITIES"
Guest Speakers include: Members of the N.Y. Senate and Assembly, School Board Members and Parent Leaders. Come learn about the efforts of WEPRPTA and other Local Groups to Work Together to Find Solutions to Educational and Fiscal Challenges.
Come and learn about tax caps, mandate relief, and other reforms being considered this year.
DATE - Saturday, March 12, 2011
TIME - Check in 8:30 am/Panel Discussion 9:00 am
PLACE - White Plains Education House, 5 Homeside Lane, White Plains, NY
FORMAT - Panel Discussion with Moderator
This event is free of charge and open to the public. For more information contact Emily S. Hoffner at esaltzmanhoffner@gmail.com
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CACLD Presents LET'S TALK!
My Child Has A Learning Disability. What Should I Do?
Join us at CACLD and find out how to maximize your child's potential
3 sessions 10:30 a.m. - 12 Noon Limited to 10 Participants
Tuesday, March 15 - Know Your Child: What do the tests say about your child?
Tuesday, March 22 - Know The Law: What do the Federal and State laws mandate?
Tuesday, March 29 - Know The School: How can I be sure the school is meeting my child's needs?
Presenter: Rena Schine, Ph.D., School Psychologist/Advocate
Place: CACLD. 25 Van Zant Street, Suite 15-5, E. Norwalk, CT
This program is free, but registration is required. Call 203-838-5010 or email us at cacld@optonline.net
This program is made possible by The Marion Moore Foundation Inc.
Interested in an evening series? Call CACLD! |
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Protecting Children (and their Parents) from Environmental Toxins
Speaker: Dr. Maida P. Galvez -The Children's Health Center, Mount Sinai Medical School
April 4 at 7:30 p.m. Hommocks Middle School Auditorium (Free)
BPA & Phthalates:
They're in your plastic containers and baby bottles; in your cosmetics and the linings of your canned goods. Europe, California, and Suffolk County have banned these chemicals.
What do they know that we don't?
There are simple things you can do to protect your family. Dr. Galvez can tell you how!
From the Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center, a world authority on the growing effects of environmental toxins on our children's mental and physical health, comes Dr. Maida P. Galvez, a pediatrician, professor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine and a leading researcher in how pervasive chemicals in our households are endangering children and babies in utero. Asthma, learning disabilities, ADHD, lower I.Q., the rise of childhood cancer, early puberty: if you are concerned about these issues, this is a talk you won't want to miss!
Sponsored by SEPTA, the Village of Larchmont Committee on the Environment, Town of Mamaroneck, Village of Mamaroneck, Village of Larchmont
Chatsworth Avenue PTA Sheldrake Environmental Center |
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Community & Regional Events:
View many events and information in the Hudson Valley. Click here for the newsletter
Monday, March 7, 2011 - Rick Lavoie "It's So Much Work to Be Your Friend" -- Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success
6:30 registration, 7:00 pm Lecture. Location: Temple Israel Center, White Plains. Rick Lavoie is a special education expert who has served children with special needs for 40 years. He holds three degrees in Special Education and has served as an adjunct professor or visiting lecturer at numerous universities and has made many national television appearances including on CBS Morning Show, Good Morning America & ABC Evening News. Kindly RSVP! Space is limited - call Michelle Steinhart 914-948-2800 x 145 or e-mail michellesteinhart@gmail.com.
10th New Rochelle School District Transition Fair - Thursday, March 10, 2011 - 5:00 pm - New Rochelle High School House 4 Cafeteria. For students and parents who are interesting in learning more about transition from school. Representatives from colleges, employment, housing, and social and recreational programs. On March 22, 2011, Purchase College, State University of New York is hosting a symposium entitled, The Autistic Mind, Music, and the Brain. Attached is a flyer for a symposium as well as a program for the day's events
Thursday, March 17, 2011 - COLLEGE PLANNING FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES Parents and Students are Invited to Attend This Important Program
AN INSIDE LOOK AT COLLEGE SUPPORT PROGRAMS
Thursday, March 17, 2011 - 7:30 P.M. LITTLE THEATER Scarsdale
Featuring:
Mr. Oren Iosepovici, Dean
Ms. Julie A. Yindra, Director for Services for Students with Disabilities, Hofstra University
Ms. Nancy Vericker, Parent
Ms. Loryn Solomon, Department Chair, Special Education
Mr. Matthew Sweeney, Dean
Video Presentation with Students
Sue Adams Chair, Scarsdale CHILD
Organizing and Time Management Tools for the Busy High School Student. Sunday, March 20th 4:00-5:00pm - Cost: $15 RP19S 999 JCC WIlmot Road, Scarsdale, NY10583 914.472.7250
School, homework, activities, jobs, friends. When you're in high school your time is managed pretty well-by everyone else! In this workshop, through hands on exercises, you will take time to learn to make time to juggle your schedule by using time maps, school planners and electronic devices. SEPTA's own Leslie Josel is the Instructor. Leslie Josel, is a certified professional organizer specializing in students and adults with chronic disorganization. She received her Chronically Disorganized and Hoarding Specialist Certificates from the Institute of Challenging Disorganization and is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers.
Family Resource Day at Westchester ARC
Date: Saturday, March 26.
Place: Westchester ARC, 265 Saw Mill River Road (Route 9A) in Hawthorne, NY. This event is free. There is online registration at www.westchesterarc.org.
For additional information check out the website or call Fran Higgins- 914-495-4536 or fhiggins@westchesterarc.org.
"Understanding the IEP, becoming effective partners in the CSE process and more..." Mamaroneck, New York. Sunday, April 3 · 9:30-11:30am,Westchester Jewish Center Phyllis Zigman Conley, New Direction Educational Consulting. Phyllis Zigman Conley currently runs New Direction Educational Consulting. She recently retired from working as Director of Pupil Personnel Services for Dobbs Ferry Schools where she designed, implemented,and supervised a comprehensive model of inclusive services for students with disabilities K-12. Ms. Conley worked as Assistant Director of Special Education for the Greenwich Connecticut Board of Education where she provided leadership in program and curriculum development, instructional strategies, staff development, and overall management of the Special Education department. As a Coordinator for SETRC she designed and delivered training and technical assistance to regular and special education teachers and parents from 34 districts in Westchester County. To RSVP, contact Aleza Kulp 914-698-2966 or educdir@wjcenter.org
SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday, May 18, 2011 12:30pm -- Rebecca Cort, NYSED: Issues Pertaining to the IEP Diploma and Graduation Requirements at Westchester Institute for Human Development. Don't miss this opportunity to hear first-hand from the Associate Commissioner for Special Education for NYSED on these important issues. Registration information coming shortly!
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