September 28. 2006
PACE Meeting Minutes, submitted September 28, 2006 by PACE President, Jenifer Mullen
September 28, 2006 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm) at the Old Town Hall, Somerset, MA
Five were in attendance.
Opening remarks by PACE President Jenifer Mullen:
vThanked all for attending
vJen explained what PACE is all about
vAnnounced all of the officers.
The schedule for the year was disseminated and comments were welcomed. The mission of PACE was explained and questions were answered.
Jenifer asked the group if they had any connections in the community that may be willing to contribute food/coffee/donuts to upcoming meetings. One member noted that she was friendly with the Liberal Club and could get donations.
Jenifer asked if there were any suggestions for speakers. None were given.
October 30, 2006
PACE Meeting Minutes, submitted October 30, 2006 by PACE president, Jen Mullen
October 26, 2006 (6:30pm – 8:00pm) at the Somerset Middle School
Opening remarks by PACE president Jenifer Mullen:
v Thanked all for attending
v Thanked Sue Doe for organizing this meeting
v Nomination forms available for open secretary seat
Opening remarks by Sue Doe, Special Education Director:
v Welcomed group
v Introduced the specialists who will be presenting/speaking.
v Noted that the surveys have been sent out to IEP and 504 parents and over 100 have been returned. Most responses are positive.
v DOE will be sending out a survey very soon
Nancy Dowd, Sped coordinator at the Middle School spoke of:
v Her experience in the elementary schools is a great benefit for the kids when they get to the Middle School
v SMART Board is very helpful in raising MCAS scores
Kate Perry-Andrew, Sped coordinator at the High School spoke of:
v Transition process at the High School
v IEP meetings and the student involvement
v Provided numerous informative handouts
v Will be happy to present her full Transition Presentation to anyone interested
Patti Steele, Southcoast Director, spoke of:
v Southcoast’s long history with Somerset
v Southcoast’s goal to provide services in regular ed so kids won’t be pulled out or feel like they are “singled-out” (In fact, many kids want to use the Smartboards)
v Somerset is the first community to collaborate with Southcoast in the Smartboard technology
Richard Medeiros, Superintendent of Somerset Schools spoke of:
v Thanked the staff for participating
v Thanked the parents for attending
v Stressed his availability to all who have questions/concerns
v How many of Somerset’s staff are Somerset parents and are invested in the system
v Many staff have received or will receive training in the use of the Smartboards
Participants then had a hands-on demonstration and interaction with the Smartboards. There are Smartboards in every elementary school and the Middle School.
November 30, 2006
PACE Meeting Minutes, submitted November 30, 2006 by PACE Secretary, Shelly Medeiros
November 30, 2006 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm) at the Old Town Hall, Somerset, MA
Opening remarks by PACE President Jenifer Mullen:
vThanked all for attending
vJen explained what PACE is all about
vAnnounced all of the officers.
vIntroduced a new Group called R.O.C.K. (Raising our Celiac Kids)
vJen introduced Ellen Chambers of Spedwatch.
Ellen began the meeting explaining the background and mission of Spedwatch. Ellen stated most children are not getting the services that they need. Massachusetts is still in non-compliance with the federal IDEA law. These are some examples what Spedwatch is about:
vAll activities are non violent.
vThey are trying to help people overcome fear and embarrassment.
vThey publish a monthly newsletter.
vThey have a website. (www.spedwatch.org )
vEllen discussed all of the upcoming workshops and she handed out flyers.
Ellen also stated that parents should get involved with their school district. Spedwatch has asked all the superintendents to notify the parents of children whose rights were violated or denied. The last hour of the meeting was open for questions for Ellen and she answered any questions we had. There were a lot of handouts at the meeting for people to take home. There were approximately 39 people attending the meeting. The meeting ended at 8:45.
December 2006 - No Meeting
January 25, 2007
PACE Meeting Minutes, submitted February 16, 2007, by PACE Secretary, Shelly Medeiros
January 25, 2007 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm) at the Old Town Hall, Somerset, MA
43 people attended meeting
Opening remarks by PACE President Jenifer Mullen:
Thanked all for attending
Jen explained what PACE is all about
Announced all of the officers.
Introduced Crystal Cote and Michelle Rapoza from Sstar in Fall River. Sstar has a new program that is currently studying adolescents with ADHD and substance abuse.
Jen introduced Early Prek – Early Childhood
Jen introduced Dr. Ed Dunton and his wife. Dr. Dunton is doing chiropractor research.
Jen introduced Dr. Conboy
Dr. Conboy began the meeting explaining what his credentials were about his early training. Dr. Conboy stated how children kept coming in his office with the same basic characteristics and they were as follows:
Attention Problems
Impulsivity
Hyperactivity (not all children and fewer adults. Show signs of Hyperactivity).
Dr. Conboy stated typical diagnosed children are at age 12. Doctors still do not know the exact cause of ADHD.
Dr. Conboy stated he has never seen a correct screening during school assessments. Dr. Conboy also stated children should not watch any violent video games or movies. Dr. Conboy also suggested parents buy the book how to teach a child with ADHD by Harvey Park. Children with ADHD work well on a behavioral schedule. Dr. Conboy also stated that children need consistency and discipline.
March 29, 2007
PACE Meeting Minutes, submitted April 15, 2007, by PACE Secretary,
March 29, 2007 (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm) at the
15 people attended meeting
Opening remarks by PACE Vice President Melissa Terra:
vThanked all for attending
vAnnounced all of the officers.
vAnnounced next weeks Thursday Autism group will have a speaker from Handi Kids Summer Camp for cognitive and physical disabilities.
vMelissa introduced speaker Lynn Castino Federal Act.
vLook over your child’s report card
vProgress Reports
vSave children’s school work
1. Parent and student participation.
2. Appropriate Evaluation.
3. IEP – Individualized Education Program.
4. Free and appropriate Public Education (F.A.P.E.)
5. Least restrictive environment (LRE).
6. Due Process – Procedural Safeguards.
If a child has an IEP that child has to be put in a classroom with a teacher who is highly qualified. MCAS helps kids with disabilities. A parent must make a written request for a child to be assessed. The child has to be assessed with in 30 days school calendar days.
Prior to team meetings make a written request for copies of evaluation reports. The IEP Team should be:
vParents
vNot less than one special education teacher.
vNot less than one regular educative teacher.
vDistrict representative who has certain specific knowledge and qualifications and who can commit to resources.
vAn individual who can interpret of evaluation results. Others with knowledge of special expertise including related service providers at the discretation.
vChildren over 14 should be involved with their own IEP.
The most important thing a parent can do is to approach the school with stating this is what this child needs not say this is what I want.
