Tania Symmons, the director of special services for Verona Public Schools, and Verona C.H.I.L.D., the group for parents of children with learning differences, will hold an open SEPAC meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 6, at 7 p.m. in the Learning Commons at Verona High School. Symmons has created a slideshow using information collected from the parent survey sent out by C.H.I.L.D. in February. Attendees are welcome to ask additional questions after the slideshow has concluded.
What is a SEPAC and what can I expect from an Open Meeting?
A SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is a “state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group charged with providing input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services.”
A SEPAC, through various channels, allows parents and caregivers to provide input to their district regarding systemic programs, services, policies, and concerns that have an impact on students who receive special services. An Open SEPAC meeting is a forum in which to be able to do this collectively and directly with the Director of Special Services. Please note that any parents with individual student concerns will be directed to schedule a meeting with our Director of Special Services, Ms. Tania Symmons, or the student’s case manager at a later date.
What is Verona C.H.I.L.D.?
Children Having Individual Learning Differences) is a non-profit organization of parents and caregivers dedicated to providing support to children who are classified under IDEA, Section 504, or facing a learning challenge. Our goal is to advocate for our community by providing a solution-oriented forum for families, educators, and administrators to effectively communicate and collaborate to better understand and help bridge the gap between special education and general education.
What is the connection between the SEPAC and C.H.I.L.D.?
C.H.I.L.D. is the designated SEPAC for our district, and while the functions of the two organizations may differ, our shared board members work seamlessly together across both platforms to further their mutual mission of supporting our community and effecting positive systemic change within the district.
If you cannot attend the meeting in person, please email [email protected] for the Zoom link.
