Above: NSPAC is welcoming parents back and bringing them up to speed on what they need to know for supporting their kids with Special Education IEPs and 504s. (images from flyer and presentation)
This Wednesday morning, the Northborough Southborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council (NSPAC)* will host its first general meeting of the school year. I’m sharing those details along with other upcoming NSPAC events and announcements.
Scroll down for the details on NSPAC events planned through October, starting with the September 25th meeting.
NSPAC’s Annual Presentation
Last week, NSPAC President Alyssa Degon made the committee’s annual presentation to members of the combined Northborough, Southborough and Regional School Committees. You can watch that, along with the discussion that followed, here. You can also view the slides submitted to the committee for the presentation here.
New IEP Form
The presentation introduced the new official form being used by the schools for IEPs (Individualized Educational Plans). It was described as a better format with improved readability and transparency. New features include:
- Student vision according to the student
- Assistive Technology summary
- Autism-specific questions
NSBORO Student Services is offering a training session on the form and how to use it through an in-person only workshop on October 1st.
In a Facebook post, they also shared information from other SPACs and organizations about three options for a virtual forum to be held on October 7th, including versions in Spanish and Portuguese.
Scroll down for those details.
Special Education Concern Log
This fall, NSPAC announced the launch of their new Concern Log. In the presentation, it was framed as:
- A new way for district parents and guardians of children who access 504s and IEPs to connect with NSPAC
- The log will give NSPAC an ongoing way to collect and collate data from our families and provide a data-based resource that we can use in conversations with the district
- Provides families with a venue to share feedback anonymously
On Facebook, NSPC wrote, “This is a new initiative, so we are happy to take feedback on the form itself! And as always, you can reach out to us directly at NSPAC1@gmail.com”
To use the Google Docs Concern Log form, click here.
Events this fall
Anyone interested in the above news may want to mark their calendars for NSPAC’s upcoming events. For each, NSPAC encourages advance registration to help them with planning.
NSPAC General Meeting
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 9:30-10:30 am, Northborough Library (34 Main St)
NSBORO Student Support Services staff will provide updates and answer questions. Following the formal session, there will be a parent coffee and discussion. All Are Welcome. (Please RSVP here.)
Coffee & Connect
Wednesday, October 23, 6:00 – 7:00 pm at at Panera in Westborough (600 Union St)
These occasional meetups are informal opportunities for parents/ guardians of students with IEPs and 504 plans in our school district to chat with other parents, share experiences, and ask for advice. (Please RSVP here.)
New IEP Format Workshop – In Person
Tuesday, October 1, 6:00 – 7:00 pm at Algonquin Regional High School library, 79 Bartlett St, Northborough
To help parents navigate the new form and avoid wasting time during IEP meetings, NSBORO Student Services will is offering this training session on the new form. Parents will learn about the form and be able to ask questions. (This won’t be recorded for later viewing.) Register here.
New IEP Format Workshop – Virtual
Monday, October 7, 6:00 – 7:00 pm at Algonquin Regional High School library, 79 Bartlett St, Northborough
Register here
This isn’t an NSPAC hosted event. But NSPAC shared the news on Facebook about these workshops on the new IEP form being offered over zoom. Click the following links to register for versions in English, Spanish and Portuguese. (These are offered through a partnership between the Worcester SEPAC, The Federation, CPLAN, and the Worcester Educational Collaborative.)
Transition Planning Workshop
Monday, October 30th, 6:30 pm
Details TBD for the annual workshop for families to plot out the Transition Planning steps for students ages 14-22.
*NSPAC is a NSPAC is a volunteer-run, positive and solution oriented organization of parents of students ages 3-22 with special needs, medical challenges, and learning differences in the Northborough and Southborough School Districts. Learn more about the organization and events at www.nspac.org.
Updated (10/18/24 6:11 pm): I added the registration link for Coffee & Connect.
