Director's Update
What's happening in Special Education in Bedford
Frozen Jr.- A Sensory Supportive Event
Dear Special Education Families,
The John Glenn Middle School Directing staff of Frozen Jr. in partnership with Bedford SEPAC is pleased to offer the option of attending a “sensory friendly” final dress rehearsal of Frozen Jr on Wednesday, March 29th at 2:30 PM in the JGMS auditorium. The house lights will be dimmed vs off and movement and noise from the audience is welcomed. A chill zone will be offered that is more quiet with coloring for attendees who need to take a break from the show. The cast and crew are excited to provide this performance to their peers and hope they enjoy the show.
All Davis and Lane students will need to be accompanied by an adult or part of a group that an adult is sponsoring. This is not a drop off event.
If you are interested in attending this performance, please email bedfordmasepac@gmail.com to receive the code to reserve your free tickets. Once you receive the code, you can reserve your tickets at: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/23538
Additionally, the Friday March 31st performance at 7:00 PM will be streamed. You can purchase tickets for the streaming performance here: https://www.showtix4u.com/events/23538
If you have any questions about accessibility or requests for accommodations, please email bedfordmasepac@gmail.com, thank you.
Marianne Vines, Director of Special Ed
Erica Colbath and Sheila Mehta-Green, Bedford SEPAC
DESE/DDS Residential Prevention Program
The DESE/DDS Residential Prevention Program is a collaboration between the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for DDS-eligible students who are at risk of a future residential placement.
The program provides students and their families:
- The chance to have in-home supports including senior level therapists and skills trainers
- A dedicated navigator agency to identify and hire staff
- Life-long skills development
- Opportunities to practice skills in their home setting and community
This Open Interest period is offered to refresh the list of interested students and families. The DESE/DDS Residential Prevention Program is near capacity; however, new participants are added from the Interest List as spaces become available.
The DESE/DDS Residential Prevention Program has moved to an online submission process. Please complete the online Open Interest Form here.
If you choose to use the paper Open Interest Form, it must be downloaded, saved, and emailed to DESEDDSProgram@mass.gov.
All Open Interest Forms must be postmarked, received by email, or filled out in the online form by March 31, 2023.
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC)
The Bedford SEPAC has a new website! Check it out!
http://www.bedfordmasepac.org/
Bedford SEPAC General Meeting
Wednesday, March 15th, at 8 pm on zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: http://www.bedfordmasepac.org/
Bedford SEPAC General Meeting
Wednesday, March 15th, at 8 pm on zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/4172275285?pwd=OTZaeHZOM3lSY1h4Z0J5SndVMTk0Zz09
Meeting ID: 417 227 5285
Passcode: 333333
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BEDFORDMASEPAC/
Webpage: http://www.bedfordmasepac.org/
Team Verge
Join This Spring!
April 2-May 25
Sundays mornings & Thursday evenings in Lexington.
Registration opens in early March!
Website: https://www.teamverge.org/
WHAT IS TEAM VERGE? WHO IS IT FOR?
Team Verge is a community-based, family-friendly running club for all abilities with a focus on making running and the team environment accessible for people with challenges, so that all may benefit from the transformative power and joy of running.
Kids (ages 7+), Teens, Young Adults, Families
Track | Cross Country (XC) | Trail | Road
501(c)3 Nonprofit
WHAT DOES INCLUSION MEAN AT VERGE?
We’re open to all abilities. Every person (age 7+) who is interested in running may join. In some cases families may need to stay with their child or provide aide support (eg.: if a runner is known to bolt or be aggressive).
Activities may be tailored to athlete's needs and abilities.
Runners on our team train for a variety of goals from general fitness to competition, including: to prepare for and participate in mainstream or para events, to prepare for joining school teams and other sports, to supplement school sports, and for fitness and fun.
We support the disability community while advocating for awareness, acceptance, and inclusion in mainstream.
Our members are the athletes, families, aides, coaches, and volunteers. All members are expected to support and respect each other and each other's differences. We are a team.
Woburn SEPAC- Virtual College and Transition Fair
The Woburn SEPAC announces their 2023 Virtual College and Transition Fair!
Since 2006, the Woburn SEPAC has hosted an annual College Fair geared toward students who learn differently. Over the years, post-secondary offerings and services have evolved, and so has the Fair.
The 2023 Fair will take place over three days. Tuesday, March 28 will focus on transition programs and services. Wednesday, March 29 will feature a panel of local colleges and universities. Thursday, March 30 will host a Q&A with Woburn Public Schools administrators.
No registration necessary! Just head to http://woburnsepac.org to connect to the events. Scan the QR code in the flyer, subscribe to our newsletter, and we'll email you a reminder!
Flyer is attached. Thanks in advance for sharing it with your students and their families!