Upcoming Events

Transition Meeting for parents of 5th grade students receiving special education who will be transitioing to Hommocks next Year.  Tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1st, Hommocks library at 7:30p.m.

Technology to Support Communication - February 7th at 9:00a.m. in MHS Room N101 (Post Road side).  The district workshop featuring District specialists, Ann Rushe M.A. CCC/SLP and Michele Pinkas and Susanna Franco, both SLPs, will help parents learn more about how technology may be used to help faciliate a student's communication in a school setting.  The specialists will review software, augmentative/alternative communication devices, and iOS apps that focus on addressing the needs of students with language and communication delays.  See some examples here.

Building Bridges at Central School. February 6th - February 10th

Building Bridges is an interactive program which will be held at Central next week. The objective of the program is to:

(1) increase students' knowledge and understanding of people with different abilities

(2) Allow students to experience what it is like to live with these differences

(3) Reinforce the idea that all people have the same social needs and feelings

The program features in-class activities and outside speakers. Outside speakers include: a vision impaired woman with a guide dog, a para-olympic athlete and a panel of MHS high school students who have successfully overcome learning disabilities.  The program will also be integrated into specials such as library and gym.

The students will each be bringing home some materials from the program. Please be sure to talk about the program with your child and ask them what they learned about people with different abilities.

School Board Meeting Featuring an Update on Special Education Across the District

Tuesday, February 7th at 7:30pm in the MHS Library.  Come to this important school board meeting and learn about the special education programs and operations in the district.  This will be an update by Dr. Anthony Minotti, Asst. Supt. for Student Support Services and Personnel to the Board of Education and audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions.  If you have a special needs child please attend this meeting and learn about how special education is implemented in the district, what some of the important federal and state requirements are and what areas of focus are being pursued.  

What are SEPTA Faculty Grants? SEPTA faculty grants provide funding, typically in the $200 - $500 range, for creative programs, equipment or pilot projects that enhance and support the educational experience for students with disabilities. 

Special Education News & Resources:

Did you miss the Pleasantville SEPTA College Fair?  If so, check out these video resources:

2011 Pleasantville SEPTA COLLEGE FAIR KEYNOTE SPEAKER VIDEOS:

"THINK COLLEGE!" NYS Programs for Students w/Disabilities

 

Dr. Manju Banerjee presents: Getting Ready for Instructional Technology"

 

 

In the News:

 

What will the new DSM V mean for children currently diagnosed with Aspergers?

 

Inner Speech is Key for Kids with Autism 

 

 

 

Become a SEPTA Member - Your Support Helps Kids! 

We invite and encourage EVERYONE to join SEPTA! 

• If you have a child or know a child with a learning or social difference - whether or not they receive special education - please join SEPTA!
• If you teach or support a child with a learning difference or special need, please join SEPTA!
• If you or anyone you know ever needed help to understand something, to make a friend or to overcome a challenge, please join SEPTA!

SEPTA is the District-wide PTA that supports children with differences, staff and parents from grades pre-K through grade 12.  Your membership and support enables us to provide informative speaker programs, parent programs, in-depth newsletters and grants to teachers and other staff that benefit children and help them succeed.

Please join print the SEPTA membership form and mail it in with your check, join online with PayPal accessible through the SEPTA homepage or the membership form to your SEPTA school representative!  Questions?  Contact SEPTA Membership VPs Debbie Ezbitski or Elisabeth Weisman.