Past Events

2019 Past Events

Natick Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Business Meeting

Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 7:00 PM Training Room, 3rd Floor, Town Hall

Join us to kick off plans for the 2019—2020 year. We welcome your ideas and feedback as we prioritize activities and efforts to support Natick families.

  1. 2019-2020 Board Elections: Nominations submitted by May 15

  2. Appointment of 2018-2019 School/Out of District Liaisons

  3. SEPAC Recap

  4. SEPAC Business

  5. Requests for SEPAC suggestions and ideas for 2019-2020 year and open discussion

This is the final business meeting of 2018/19

Everyone is Welcome

Natick Parent Connections

Thursday, May 23, 2019, 12:00-2:00 pm Community Room, Lower Level, Morse Institute Library

Natick Parent Connections is a monthly meeting for parents and caregivers of children with developmental, learning, social-emotional disabilities and other special education needs. The group is committed to provide a welcoming space for these adults to share resources and experiences, ask questions and network with other families as they work to ensure the best special education program for their child. All Natick parents and caregivers for Natick children are welcome to attend. Contact naticksepac@gmail.com with any questions.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support Group

Thursday May 9, 2019 7:00--9:00 pm in the 3rd Floor Training Room, Natick Town Hall

We welcome you to participate in a group designed to provide support and community among families raising children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Parents and caregivers of children who attend any school within the Natick Public School System or with out-of- district placements are welcome! The group will be a venue for sharing ideas and resources as well as successes and struggles, both in and out of school.

Basic Rights Training

Thursday, February 7, 2019, 6:30 - 8:30 pm Wilson Middle School Auditorium - Snow date 2/12/19

A speaker from the Federation for Children with Special Needs helps parents navigate the process to request support services and understand the laws/guidelines surrounding special education. This meeting is highly recommended for parents just starting the special education process or parents that have a child on an IEP but have never attended a Basic Rights workshop before. Registration is not required, but appreciated in an effort to be able provide enough handouts. Please naticksepac@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Special Education 4th to 5th Grade Transition Breakfast

Tuesday February 12, 2019 9:00--10:00 am Kennedy Middle School Library

In preparation for your child’s transition to 5th grade, the Kennedy Middle School Special Education Staff is hosting a breakfast for parents of incoming 5th graders. We look forward to seeing you there!

(NPS Student Services Event promoted by Natick SEPAC)

Special Education 4th to 5th Grade Transition Breakfast

Friday February 15, 2019 9:00--10:00 am Wilson Middle School Library

In preparation for your child’s transition to 5th grade, the Wilson Middle School Special Education Staff is hosting a breakfast for parents of incoming 5th graders. We look forward to seeing you there!

(NPS Student Services Event promoted by Natick SEPAC)

Natick Parent Connections

Meets at Natick Morse Institute Library Community room

Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 7 pm

Natick Parent Connections is for parents/caregivers of children with developmental, learning, social/ emotional disabilities and other special education needs. This group is committed to providing a welcoming space for parents and caregivers to share resources/experiences, ask questions and network with other families as they work to ensure the best possible special education program for their child. For more info: Natick Parent Connections: A Parent Network Navigating Special education

SEPAC Meeting: Winter and Spring Planning

Wednesday, January 9, 2019, 7 pm, Natick Town Hall - 3rd Floor

Please join SEPAC to review the first half of the year and look forward to the second. Great opportunity to meet the SEPAC Liaisons and learn more about the exciting events being planned by SEPAC.

2018 Past Events

Intelligent Lives

Monday, October 29 2018, 7 pm, Natick High School Auditorium

Join the filmmaker, Dan Habib, for this FREE screening of his most recent documentary which challenges our notions of what it means to be intelligent. This film challenges perceptions of intelligence and points to a future in which people of all abilities can achieve their full potential in their education, work, and social lives. INTELLIGENT LIVES stars three pioneering young American adults with intellectual disabilities—Micah, Naieer, and Naomie—who challenge perceptions of intelligence as they navigate high school, college, and the workforce. Academy Award-winning actor and narrator Chris Cooper contextualizes the lives of these central characters through the emotional personal story of his son Jesse, as the film unpacks the shameful and ongoing track record of intelligence testing in the United States. Dan Habib will introduce the film and lead a Q & A following the screening.

Understanding Natick's Response to Intervention (RTI):

identifying and supporting struggling students

Tuesday, October 23 2018, 7 pm, Wilson Middle School Auditorium

Please join Interim Superintendent, Dr. Anna Nolin and Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Tim Luff for an overview of Response to Intervention (RTI) and how it has been implemented in Natick’s schools. RTI is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with academic and/or behavior needs. The RTI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the general education classroom. This program should be helpful for parents/caregivers as they prepare for Teacher- Parent conferences.

SEPAC Meeting: Meet the SEPAC Liaisons and Fall Planning

Tuesday, September 11 2018, 7 pm, Natick Town Hall - 3rd Floor

Please join SEPAC for their first business meeting of the school year. Great opportunity to meet the SEPAC Liaisons and learn more about the exciting events being planned by SEPAC.

SEPAC Board Elections, RTI Overview & Annual Student Services Recap

WEDNESDAY, MAY 30 2018, 7 - 9 pm, Natick Town Hall - 3rd Floor

Please Join Tim Luff and Dr. Anna Nolin for an overview of Response to Intervention (RTI) and recap of the 2017-2018 school year and participate in voting for the SEPAC board members for 2018-2019.

Increasing your Child's Self Determination and Positive Outcomes

TUESDAY, MAY 22 2018, 7 - 9 pm Natick High School, Lecture Hall -2nd floor

Please join Dr. Lori Peterson, from the University of Northern Colorado, and a panel of Natick champion teachers who are working to build self determination skills in students. Learn strategies parents can use at home to help build your child’s self determination skills. More info

SEPAC presenting at School Committee

MONDAY, APRIL 23 2018, Natick Town Hall

SEPAC Business Meeting

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 08 2018, 6:15 pm Natick High School (Lecture Hall - 2nd floor)

Please join Natick SEPAC for some February Business meeting - see details/agenda here.

Basic Rights Training

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 2018, 7 - 9 pm Natick High School (Lecture Hall - 2nd floor) - Snow date 2/15/18

A speaker from the Federation for Children with Special Needs helps parents navigate the process to request support services and understand the laws/guidelines surrounding special education. This meeting is highly recommended for parents just starting the special education process or parents that have a child on an IEP but have never attended a Basic Rights workshop before. Registration is not required, but appreciated in an effort to be able provide enough handouts . Please naticksepac@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

SEPAC Business Meeting

TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 2018, 7 pm Natick Town Hall (2nd floor)

Please join Natick SEPAC for their January Business meeting.

2017 Past Events

Strategies for reducing academic stress and strengthening executive function skills at home

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2 2017, 7pm

Natick High School (Lecture Hall – 2nd floor)

Please join Dan Levine and Melissa Wilson of Engaging Minds who will present strategies for reducing academic stress and strengthening executive function skills at home. For parents with students in grade 4 - 12. In this workshop parents will learn:

  • Strategies to help your child get “unstuck” when he/she has trouble initiating tasks

  • Organizational strategies to help your child keep track of his/her belongings and schoolwork

  • Strategies to promote flexible thinking, enhance working memory, and sustain attention

  • Self-monitoring strategies to help your child set goals, stay on track, and follow-through

Natick SEPAC Meeting: Meet SEPAC School Liaisons

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 3 2017, 7pm Natick Town Hall

Please join Natick SEPAC for our first meeting of the school year. We will discuss the upcoming 2017-2018 SEPAC school year, discuss volunteer opportunities and welcome all SEPAC school liaisons with a review of their roles in our schools.

Developing Your Child's Self-Determination Skills and SEPAC Board Elections

THURSDAY MAY 25 2017, 7pm Natick Town Hall (3rd floor - School Committee Room)

Join Dr. Lori Peterson to explore these questions and learn about evidence-based strategies to increase opportunities to support the development of your child’s self-determination skills. Parents will walk away with:

  • An understanding of what are self-determination skills and its impact on success

  • Strategies to increase your child’s self-determination skills and how to provide opportunities for your child to practice these skills

  • Resources available for additional support with promoting self-determination skills.

Personal Pathways to Success: Career & Training Fair

WEDNESDAY MARCH 22, 2017, 6:30-8:30 pm

Natick High School Cafeteria, 15 West St

Students and families are invited to learn about a variety of postsecondary options beyond typical 4 year colleges. Hosted in Collaboration by Natick, Holliston, Framingham, and Newton Public Schools Link to more info

Self-Determination Skills and the Student led IEP process

THURSDAY MARCH 16, 2017, 7pm Natick Town Hall (3rd floor - Training Room)

Join Tim Luff, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, to learn how the Natick Public Schools will teach self-determination skills to students in an effort to have them become meaningful participants in their IEP Team Meetings. Note: A vote to approve the 01/23/17 Meeting minutes and revised SEPAC Bylaws will also be taken.

Post-Secondary Transition Roundtable

THURSDAY MARCH 9, 2017, 7 - 9 pm (rescheduled from the original 2/9 due to storm)

Natick High School, 15 West St

Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Natick, Newton, and Wellesley Public Schools are pleased to announce a Transition Roundtable Presentation on the topic of post-secondary transition options. Link to more info

Basic Rights Training

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 2, 2017, 7 - 9 pm Natick Town Hall (3rd floor - Training Room)

A speaker from the Federation for Children with Special Needs helps parents navigate the process to request support services and understand the laws/guidelines surrounding special education. This meeting is highly recommended for parents just starting the special education process or parents that have a child on an IEP but have never attended a Basic Rights workshop before.

SEPAC Board Meeting

MONDAY JANUARY 23, 2017, 7pm Natick Town Hall (2nd floor - Dlott Meeting Room)

2016 Past Events

SOLD OUT: Sarah Ward (Parent/Caregiver Event): Developing your Child's Independent Executive Function Skills

MONDAY OCTOBER 17, 2016: 6:30-8:45 pm, Wilson Auditorium

Learn strategies to help your child with Executive Function Skills including: time management, goal setting, carrying out organized steps and modifying a plan to complete a task successfully.

Sarah Ward (Educator Event): Executive Function Skills For Success in the Classroom

MONDAY OCTOBER 17, 2016: 3:30-5:00 pm, Wilson Auditorium

This workshop will provide practical, hands-on strategies to develop students' executive function skills for success in school.

Meet the Student Services Team

THURSDAY OCTOBER 13, 2016: 7-9pm Town Hall, 3rd Floor

Note: Prior to this event there will be a SEPAC Board Meeting, 6 - 6:45pm

Join us for an opportunity to meet the Students Services team for all grade levels (preschool - high school), including Superintendent, Peter Sanchioni, and Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, Tim Luff. Parents and staff will participate in small group discussions to help learn from each other. A great opportunity for parents to meet the Student Services staff outside of a formal IEP meeting, or to meet staff members that parents may be working with in the future.

Student Services Recap, Board Member elections and 2016-2017 planning

THURSDAY MAY 26, 2016: 7 pm, Natick Town Hall (3rd Floor)

2015-2016 Student Services Recap, Welcoming of our new School Representatives and 2016-2017 planning

SPARK/SEPAC: How to Make and Keep Friends

WEDNESDAY MARCH 16, 2016: 7-9 pm, Natick High School

Donna Shea and Nadine Briggs, friendship experts and social coaches, offer tools to help your child achieve social success. Nadine and Donna provide easy to implement and actionable tips that assist children in attaining, maintaining and sustaining improved social skills and true & lasting friendships.

Metrowest Special Needs Resource Fair

SUNDAY MARCH 6, 2016: 1-4pm, Natick High School (snow date: April 3)

Please join us for this free event to learn about local resources, activities, and services available to individuals and family members with special needs. The fair is designed to offer MetroWest families the opportunity to learn about dozens of programs, services, products and resources – all in one location. Note: Children are welcome. We will have an arts and crafts area staffed with volunteers so parents and caretakers can take in the fair. Click here for a list of participating vendors

SEPAC Board Meeting

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2016: 7-9pm, Natick Town Hall, -3rd floor

Please join Natick SEPAC to get an update on the upcoming Metrowest Special Needs Resource Fair.

Elementary Specialized Programs

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2016: 7-9pm, Natick Town Hall, -3rd floor

Please join Tim Luff, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services and Paul Tagliapietra, Assistant Director of Student Services for a presentation on the Natick Elementary Specialized Programs.

Understanding your Child's Learning Style

THURSDAY JANUARY 28, 2016: 7-9pm, Natick Town Hall - 2nd floor

The different ways students take in and generate information can greatly affect how and whether they succeed in school and later in life. The presenter will identify the features of different learning styles and through interactive discussion with the group participants will explore how parents and teachers can harness a child’s learning style to help him/her achieve success in many different environments, including the classroom.

SEPAC Board Meeting

THURSDAY JANUARY 7, 2016: 7-9pm, Natick Town Hall, -3rd floor

Please join Natick SEPAC to get an update on the upcoming Metrowest Special Needs Resource Fair and SPARK/SEPAC event: How to Make and Keep Friends. Volunteers are needed.

2015 Past Events

Basic Rights Training

DECEMBER 3, 2015: 6:30-8:30pm, Natick Town Hall 3rd floor, 13 E Central St.

Free babysitting provided: Must register for babysitting by Monday 11/30 by emailing naticksepac@gmail.com

A speaker from the Federation for Children with Special Needs helps parents navigate the process to request support services and understand the laws/guidelines surrounding special education. This meeting is highly recommended for parents just starting the special education process or parents that have a child on an IEP but have never attended a Basic Rights workshop before.

Meet the Student Services Team

OCTOBER 15, 2015: 7-9pm, Town Hall 3rd floor

An opportunity to meet and interact with the Student Services Staff

Student Services Recap, Board Member elections and 2015-2016 planning

THURSDAY MAY 28, 2015: 7 pm, Natick Town Hall (3rd Floor)

2014-2015 Student Services Recap, Welcoming of our new School Liaisons and 2015-2016 planning