Parent Advisory Council
Meeting Minutes
December 14, 2006
Handling Holiday Stress: A Discussion for Parents of Children with Special Needs
Mary Cronin
Mary's talk on holiday stress was perfectly timed for the month of December. Introductions were made and participants shared their main holiday "concern" in relation to their special needs children. Participants were encouraged to approach the holidays through three lenses: as parents, as heads of their families, and as individuals. Helpful tips included:
●Maintain routines
●Utilize social narratives/role play
●Save photo greeting cards for a "visual dictionary" of people you know for future use
●Pack a "just in case" bag with snacks, books, toys, hand-held game, etc. before heading out to the next holiday gathering
●Take advantage of "stolen moments" - walk, read, get a cup of coffee
●Take care of YOURSELF!
November 16, 2006
Raising an Organized Child
Lisa Bates, AJS Company, www.ajscomp.com
Lisa Bates discussion on Raising an Organized Child attracted about 40 people in attendance on Thursday! Lisa's talk focused on all families and children and the need for structure and organization. Discussion centered around being organized as a way of living better as opposed to being perfect. Talk centered around the ability to find things when you need them and getting things done when they are due. Lots of tips were given for children of all ages. Lisa conducted a question and answer session which everyone agreed was helpful.
"Do not for your child what they can do for themselves!"
October 19, 2006
Meet Your Director
Dr. Hank Perrin, Director of Special Education
Sandwich Public Schools
About 20 people came out on Thursday to meet their director. Dr. Perrin spoke about topics including the special education budget, special needs population here in Sandwich, accommodations and modifications, 504 Plans and IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). The Massachusetts Department of Education District Review for Special Education for Sandwich will be happening in December 2006. Parents are encouraged to sign up for an interview with DOE representatives to voice their concerns.
Dr. Perrin's talk was followed by a question and answer session which was lively and informative!
September 21, 2006
Mock Team Meeting
Presenter: Joanne Robichaud, Educational Consultants of Cape Cod
A mock team meeting with "actors" playing the parts of school staff and parents was facilitated by Joanne Robichaud of Educational Consultants of Cape Cod. Helpful tips were given including:
● Parents may request reports 2 days in advance.
● Parents may call any person on the team in advance with questions.
● Parents are encouraged to write down their own thoughts about their child for inclusion into the IEP.
● On the day of the meeting, parents should bring all reports, highlight and right in the margins.
● Parents should dress professionally.
● Take someone with you to the meeting. At times, meetings can be very emotional and a great deal of information can be covered. It's a good idea to have two sets of ears present.
An information packet with useful information for parents was provided with more tips and a checklist for meeting preparation and website resources.