Call to order at 7:05. Full executive board and several additional members present.

Thank you to Andrew Ferrara for creating the sandwich board signs to advertise the upcoming Mental

Health Seminar to be held on March 11 (next SEPAC mtg.)

Parent raised the question whether the Recreation Department might discount to town groups such as SEPAC. Rec Dept. is separate from the schools and not likely to do this, but can ask in regard to future pool use. Tracey Stoll mentioned that SNCARC might sponsor free Wed. night swimming events.

WEF Grant Information Night was attended by Pam Spiegel and was informative. SEPAC hopes to apply for $5000 grant for the formation of social skills groups. Already applied to WYWC grant.

Being discussed tonight and SEPAC member, Carmel Sterling (also of WYWC) will be present for its discussion.

Co-Chair: Open nominations.
Jennifer Maggiacomo running unopposed. Jen told the group about herself, her family and professional experiences with the Middlesex Probate Court and her support of families with children with special needs.

Pam made a motion to elect Jen Maggiacomo to the co-chair position. Motion accepted, vote taken and Jen was unanimously selected for the position. Congratulations, Jen, and welcome to the Exec. Board.

Discussed upcoming Election of Officers for the 2008-2009 school year. All positions open to nominations which are being accepted now through April 1 for the April 8 Election (note date corrections). Send nominations to Joyce Ford at joycelford@comcast.net

Discussed position of School Liaisons and whether they are still necessary for the smooth running of SEPAC. Duties are primarily to introduce SEPAC at curriculum night, compile/update PTO contact information, and establish how communication occurs within a school (i.e. principal’s newsletter.)

Feedback came from liaisons back to SEPAC only once or twice from schools thus far. Tracey suggested that we make connections with schools in reverse by asking PTOs at the Presidents’ Board Council’s 1st meeting to ask a person to be a representative for the school to keep in mind needs of children with special needs when making plans throughout the year.

Parent said lack of involvement by liaisons may stem from parents being "part of a club they didn't want to be become members of."PTOs may be able to help at curriculum nights by having PTO President announcing the existence of SEPAC (given a brief write-up ahead of time.)

Parent recommended adding SEPAC to the school directories so that people can refer to it in the future…especially valuable to families who become part of special education later in the school year.

Suggestions-Danielle Sutton's group of honor students might like to assist for community service hours.Martha Bakken suggested TEC Students for counting and rolling money.

Recommendation that a percentage raised at the schools go back to schools in the way of classroom supplies that can be accessed by students (i.e. books on tape; get suggestions from each principal’s wish list).

This year, or in future, tie collection in with Disability Awareness week.

Sign up sheet went around for help with the change drive:

Pam S. writing letter to principals.

Tania R. – deliver containers to schools.

Tracey S. – seek volunteers through Danielle Sutton, and follow up with

Martha Bakken – re: her checking with custodian’s ability to get "large water bottles at the schools for use as the money "banks"

Sandra D. – deliver and pick up containers

Joyce F. – Thank you notes to schools

SEPAC brochures distributed among members for distribution to the school offices: Prinicpal, Psychologists, Phys. Ed. Department heads, Nurses, and Guidance Depts. (upper grades) – for staff to suggest SEPAC to families

Suggestion to add information into the Westwood Pediatrics’ monthly newsletter.

Social Skills Activities: Families can check with Federation for Children with Special Needs for schools, summer programs and other activities.
For camp scholarships – apply through Westwood Community Chest.

SEPAC Social Skills Survey: Hope to have at least 2 groups at the Deerfield July and August. Pam requested that everyone return the social skills survey – for future planning as well as for the first groups.

Resource Library: Audrey Seyffert allocating $2500.00 donation to be used for the resource library by June 30th. Vision is to have a lending library so that people can review books, videos, DVDs, brochures, and etc. in the privacy of their own home. Materials must be current…typically not more than 3-5 years old. Email Pam if you have materials to donate. Location under consideration – Audrey offered a shelf in the conference room opposite her office in the administrative wing of the WHS.

Chris F. looking into materials regarding Autism Spectrum.

The SEPAC Website is low linked with the Westwood Public Schools website, under "Student Services."

MY GYM event to be held March 2 in Walpole with 2 sections, by age/grade. Parent should stay and siblings of the appropriate ages are welcome at $10 per child. Total cost of the program = $285 per session, so fees will help defray cost of the program. Refreshments will be served. RSVP required by Feb. 27.

Andy F. looking into procedures for giving scholarships to High School students. Applications submitted to Bob Fanning at the WHS by May 1. Look into also asking Frank Gagliardi for interested out-of –district students. Typically 2-4 graduating student apply. We will be giving two $500 scholarships.

Discussion about buying/having donated a sandwich board for publicity. Pam knows of a possible vendor in Walpole.

Deb, a new member asked to hear more about the purpose of the SEPAC meetings. Discussed that some parents might like a time to meet and chat with each other outside of the business meetings. Members are welcome to form their own social groups, but the purpose of the SEPAC is to provide resources and information.

May consider opening time after meetings adjourn for networking. (Room is booked until 10pm).

Discussed mentoring by HS or College students who have been successful despite a disability (i.e. someone with dyslexia showing younger children they can succeed…)

Best Buddies exists in the High Schools to help mentor peers.

Meeting adjourned 9:00.