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SEPAC General Meeting Minutes
May 13, 2008
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- Call to order: 7:10 PM
- Introduction of newly elected Executive Board Members for 2008-09 school year:
- Chair Person – Tracey Stoll
- Co-Chair - Jennifer Maggiacomo
- Treasurer – Roger Zessis
- Secretary - Sylvia Serratore
- Membership – Michelle Fiola-Reidy
Thanks to all who volunteered to take a leadership role. Please support your officers in the coming year.
- Westwood Social Skills Development Group: Signing contract with Lori Hodgins-Brazell to head up the social group. Lori works with children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and runs her own company, “Adventures Outside the Box” (team building experiences for middle school age and older).
Lori will interview leaders and co-leaders (already received at least 24 applications, including many with strong experience. SEPAC is partnering with SNCARC for hiring assistance and perform CORI (background) checks.
Grant money received to help fund the social skills group from:
Crossroads Community – Metrowest Matters - $1000
WEF – Westwood Education Foundation - $ 7500
WYWC – Westwood Young Women’s Club - $5000
Dedham Institute for Savings Foundation – TBD
Question was raised regarding W. SEPAC being recognized as a charitable organization.
Jen M. and Tania Rooney have written "Articles of Organization", but these have not yet been submitted because, the new board is coming in and may contemplate eliminating liaisons (or consider only one coordinating liaison), thus prompting a change in the by-laws, meaning a new fee for application. Will hopefully be resolved/ put into place this summer and then SEPAC can file for 501 3c status.
- Andy Ferrara reported on Scholarship Committee:
Six (6) H.S. students applied.
Students submitted letters reflecting on their personal challenges, how well they utilized resources, and how well they knew themselves. They also provided references.
The committee (Andy, Jen, Tracey, and Tania) found it difficult to choose a winner as all candidates had goals in mind and not any was unworthy of recognition. So, a decision was made by the committee to award two scholarships of $500 each, as planned, and add honorable mention prizes of $50.00 each, to be distributed as gift certificates to Barnes and Noble, for all other applicants (presumably to be used on campus for books, but not limited to this purpose).
Recipients and prize amounts will be given to Bob Fanning (H.S. Director of Special Needs) with letters (or printed card).
A motion was made to contribute $100 toward the all night graduation party.
Discussed that next year we will recruit parents for chaperoning.
Graduation/party are June 1, 2008.
- Treasurer’s Report:
Tracey Stoll distributed financial report specifying income, account transfers, interest, fees and expenses, and contributions to the SEPAC account throughout the year.
Current Assets $1500.00.
- Grant money designated for the social skills groups is being kept in a separate checking account for managing invoices and salaries.
- Given the substantial grant money received, parents will pay for a child to participate in the group at a significant price reduction.
- Expense of Approx. $19,000 anticipated for the consultant, facilities, staff, curriculum materials. Future groups should incur lower costs if a similar curriculum is utilized.
- Audrey Seyffert has mentioned ideas for future grant writing and SEPAC will also explore fundraising ideas.
- I.Social skills groups (continued): - Potential students will be interviewed by the consultant and the hired staff for purpose of evaluating skills /needs/ developmental level for grouping.
May still apply. Children with assisted technology welcome as long as they have some spontaneous language.
There have been 28 applications received and 30 resumes for leaders.
Philosophy of program: Develop "Social Thinking Groups" --
What is Expected behavior vs. Unexpected behavior. (Example – screaming at a friend is unexpected.) "Just me kid" vs. "Thinking about you kid".
- Website – nothing to report.
- "Morning out" with Claudia Luiz – was opportunity to share stories, gather support and get to know each other. If interested in future group meeting with Claudia, let the board know.
- Approved earlier motion to donate $100 from SEPAC to the All Night Graduation Party.
- Discussed the news of an investigation into alleged sexual abuse by a YCN driver toward a 6 year old in Brookline. Concerns and questions about student transportation should be brought to the attention of Mary Martin in Special Ed. Administration.
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Guest Speaker tonight: Veronica Kane, Director of Family Support at SNCARC, Westwood. Shared wealth of information regarding programs and resources in our area.
Contact vkane@sncarc.org
Adjourned 9:00 PM
Respectfully submitted by Joyce Ford, Secretary (07-08).
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