SECAC Frederick County MD

☀️ Summer SECAC Sessions Are Here! 📚

Join us this summer to share the experiences, needs, and priorities of students with disabilities in Frederick County Public Schools.

📍 June 25 —Walkersville Library | ⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 July 15 —Urbana Library | ⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 July 21 —Myersville Library | ⏰ 6:30–7:30 PM
📍 July 28 —Brunswick Library | ⏰ 7:30–8:30 PM

Your voice matters. Help us identify opportunities, discuss challenges, and strengthen support for students with disabilities across FCPS.

✨ We hope to see you there!

✨ SECAC Champions for Special Education Spotlight - shout outs! ✨

Meet Majida Elhassan, a dedicated Special Education Instructional Assistant who is passionate about helping students receive the individualized support they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Driven by a belief that every student deserves equal opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, Majida works each day to provide accommodations, advocacy, and encouragement for students with disabilities. One of the most rewarding parts of her role is watching students gain confidence, achieve their goals, and become more independent.

Thank you, Majida, for your commitment to creating inclusive learning environments and empowering students to succeed. 💙

Read Majida’s full interview here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UAyedQjr6q1BC_GIB2aaniA5TMPEEPkoDzam5Twp6Zw/edit?tab=t.0

✨ SECAC Champions for Special Education Spotlight - shout outs! ✨

Meet Hannah Clampitt, a dedicated special education teacher and case manager at Glade Elementary who is passionate about supporting students with disabilities and their families.

Inspired by her father, a fellow educator, and her cousin, an individual with Down syndrome, Hannah chose a career in special education to help students grow, succeed, and reach their full potential. She values the opportunity to build lasting partnerships with families and celebrate each student's progress along the way.

Thank you, Hannah, for your compassion, dedication, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of your students every day. 💙

Read Hannah’s full interview here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mXnVfd78biXcnXClyXPBl-UVCmqZOUmXSoanG3Ri3vY/edit?usp=drivesdk

✨ SECAC Champions for Special Education Spotlight - shout outs! ✨

Meet Elissa Grimm, a dedicated advocate who has spent 41 years serving students, families, and staff in special education with Frederick County Public Schools.

Inspired by her experiences growing up with a sister who is deaf, Elissa has devoted her career to ensuring students receive the services, accommodations, and support they need to succeed. She believes that strong partnerships between schools, families, and communities are the foundation of student success.

Thank you, Elissa, for your decades of advocacy, compassion, and commitment to helping every student reach their full potential. 💙

To read Elissa’s full interview, visit:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-x-GKfXE-14b8t9wbHV2uza9_JPyTVX9oty_yGlXPZU/edit?usp=drivesdk

Maryland residents now have the option to add a butterfly symbol to their driver's license or identification card to show a developmental or intellectual disability. These disabilities may not be immediately noticeable. The butterfly symbol helps first responders and law enforcement understand a person's needs during an interaction. Adding the symbol is completely voluntary.

Join the Frederick County Sheriff's Offices for ‘what to do during a traffic stop’

The new date for this event is Friday, July 24th, at Frederick Community College from 10am-2pm.

Rescheduled!

The new date for this event is Friday, July 24th, at Frederick Community College from 10am-2pm.

💙 World MS Day | May 30 💙

Today, we recognize World MS Day, a global movement dedicated to raising awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), supporting those affected, and advocating for better care, research, and access to diagnosis and treatment.

This year’s campaign, “My MS Diagnosis: Navigating MS Together,” highlights the importance of early and accurate diagnosis while working to break down barriers to care.

Together, we can stand with individuals living with MS, their families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, educators and advocates around the world. By raising awareness and supporting research, we can help create a brighter future for the MS community.

👉 Learn more and get involved: https://worldmsday.org

🚨 ICYMI: New SECAC Officers Elected! 🚨

Please join us in congratulating our newly elected SECAC leadership team! 🎉

⭐ Terra Capps — Chair
⭐ Lauren Shillinger — Vice Chair
⭐ Chris Griffin — Treasurer
⭐ Laura O’Neill — Secretary

We’re excited for the leadership, collaboration, and advocacy this team will bring in the year ahead.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our outgoing officers (Jamie Shopland and Jennifer Wheat) for their dedication, hard work, and service to SECAC. Your time, effort, and commitment have made a lasting impact on our community and continue todo so!💙

We also want to recognize and thank those continuing in service as SECAC officers — your continued commitment and experience are greatly appreciated!

See the recorded SECAC meeting from 5/18 below 👇

https://youtu.be/2wVV7S_6heo?si=Z27drvsgZ4QgUhjU