Maynard SEPAC

Maynard SEPAC Maynard Special Education Parent Advisory Council What is a SEPAC?

Massachusetts Special Education Regulations state that each school committee shall establish a Special Education Parent Advisory Council (PAC) on Special Education. A SEPAC is a formally organized group of individuals committed to the best possible services for children with special needs. A SEPAC:
◾Promotes a network of parents and a forum to share information
◾Advises the school district on spe

cial education programs, training needs, and policy
◾Promotes communication between PAC members; local, state and national organizations, councils and groups
◾Promotes understanding, acceptance, and inclusion within the community
◾Provides informational forums for parents, students, educators, and professionals

Who Should join the SEPAC?
◾Parents and/or guardians of children who receive any type of special education services or accommodations in school, such as an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 accommodation, or out-of-district placement.
◾Parents who think their child may have some learning issues or differences.
◾Parents who would like to understand or have an interest in the Special Education process.
◾Parents, educators, or any members of the community who want to learn more! Why Get Involved?
◾To network with other parents in the community.
◾To share your own expertise and experiences with other parents.
◾To learn about the services available for children with learning issues or differences.
◾To learn to advocate for your child's needs more effectively. Maynard Special Education PAC Officers:

Chair:
OPEN POSITION
Email: [email protected]

Co_Chair:
OPEN POSITION
Email: [email protected]

Secretary:
Karen Heath
Email: [email protected]

Treasurer:
John Skogstrom
Email: [email protected]

Maynard High School Parent Representative:
OPEN POSITION
Email: [email protected]

Fowler School Parent Representative:
Natasha Rivera
Email: [email protected]

Green Meadow Parent Representative:
Jessica Clark
Email: [email protected]

Events Coordinator:
OPEN POSITION
Email: [email protected]

Public Outreach Coordinator:
Kim Baldasaro
Email: [email protected]

Director of Student Services
Jeff Ferranti, 978-897-2138
Email: [email protected]

02/03/2026

Join this Connecting Families presentation to learn what strong neuropsychological evaluations should include, how data and behavioral observations are integrated, and how clear, actionable recommendations can better support understanding, advocacy, and next steps.

Presenters:
• Sean Hyde O’Brien, Psy.D., ABPdN – Pediatric Neuropsychologist, NESCA (Newton)
• Alison Burns, Ph.D. – Pediatric Neuropsychologist, NESCA (Newton)

👉 Register here: https://fcsn.org/event/neuropsych-evals/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_socbostlvm

12/05/2025

Is your child learning English? Does your child have an IEP? Come join us on Zoom, Tuesday, Decemb...

SEPAC is gearing up for some new and returning events. Please complete the survey to help us plan!
11/03/2025

SEPAC is gearing up for some new and returning events. Please complete the survey to help us plan!

Maynard SEPAC’s Mission is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs within our community. We are conducting this survey to understand how SEPAC can better support families in Maynard- including those with and with out IEP/504s and out-of-distric...

Join SEPAC today at Pumpkin Palooza. We will have a table with some books, sensory materials and a soft place to sit and...
10/19/2025

Join SEPAC today at Pumpkin Palooza. We will have a table with some books, sensory materials and a soft place to sit and chill. Hope to see you there!

🎃Pumpkin Palooza is TODAY!

🎉We will have a bounce house, activities, games, music, a visit from the Maynard Police and Fire Departments & a pumpkin raffle.

🌮 🍦Food from Perico's Taqueira and Juniper Farms ice cream truck will also be available during the event for purchase.

🚘Families are encouraged to use the Fowler parking lot for parking.
*Please do not park along Tiger Drive*

See you there, it will be a smashing time!!!

Please take a moment for this short survey to help SEPAC plan for the 25-26 school year.
10/18/2025

Please take a moment for this short survey to help SEPAC plan for the 25-26 school year.

Maynard SEPAC’s Mission is to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of all children with special needs within our community. We are conducting this survey to understand how SEPAC can better support families in Maynard- including those with and with out IEP/504s and out-of-distric...

10/17/2025

It begins tomorrow!

10/13/2025

📢 FREE WEBINAR: Understanding School Refusal
Struggling with school refusal as a parent, teen, or clinician? You’re not alone and help is here.

Join us for a free, expert-led session on what school refusal really is, why it happens, and how to support kids through it.

📅 Oct 29 | 🕛 12 PM
🎟️ Register Here: https://form.jotform.com/252754356746164

10/13/2025

📚 Literacy is a Lifeline – Early Dyslexia Detection is Key 🔍
Dyslexia affects 1 in 5 people, yet many children go undiagnosed—left to struggle silently with reading, writing, and self-esteem.
🔹 Up to 80% of children with learning disabilities have dyslexia.
🔹 Early screening and intervention can reduce reading failure by up to 90%.
🔹 Without support, students may face academic struggles, anxiety, and low confidence.
🧠 Dyslexia isn’t about intelligence—it’s about how the brain processes language. With the right tools and support, students with dyslexia can truly thrive.
🌟 Early detection + literacy support = lifelong empowerment. 🌟
🎙️ In this episode of Ask the Expert, we speak with Nancy Duggan, Executive Director of Decoding Dyslexia MA:
What are the new dyslexia screening laws in Massachusetts, and how will they impact children and families?
👉 If you suspect your child may have a learning or reading disability, don’t wait—ask for an evaluation. Early support changes lives.
▶️ Watch the full video: https://loom.ly/XZnVs_w

10/06/2025

🗳️ Did you know every student with a disability in Massachusetts can pre-register to vote at age 16?

Voting is not just a right — it’s a critical transition skill. Just like we plan for jobs, education, and independent living, we should be planning for civic participation. Every IEP transition plan should include voter registration and voter rights education.

At my upcoming workshop on Monday October 20th from 3-4pm, I’ll share:

✅ How to make voter registration part of every transition plan
✅ Key MA election dates and actions to know
✅ Accessible voting options — early voting, mail-in ballots, voting machines, and your right to assistance
✅ Why representation of youth with disabilities (18–25) matters in our democracy

Let’s make sure our students are ready, registered, and represented.

REGISTER HERE: https://members.spanmass.org/eventcalendar

10/02/2025

Tonight!

Bullying: What Parents Need to Know
October 6 @ 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Bullying: What Parents Need to Know

Please join us for a workshop with the FCSN addressing what bullying is, the school’s legal obligation to prevent and address bullying, some strategies and tools
for dealing with bullying, and how to address bullying in the IEP. Registration: https://fcsn.org/event/bullying-10-6-25/

Then join us 10/22 at the SEPAC coffee for conversation about the workshop. 9am@Saltbox Kitchen.

Address

Maynard, MA
01754

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Maynard SEPAC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Featured

Share

Category