Download March 17, 2016

SEPAC MEETING MINUTES – 03/17/16
Attendees:
Dr. Mary Ford Clark, Jennifer Fay-Beers, Eileen Donohue, Lisa Heger, Linda Kokoros, Leah Nabstedt,
Jeffrey Rubin, and Kristen Zechello
Minutes from the February 25, 2016 meeting went through final approval and are being forwarded on
for submission to the School Committee.
New
Anxiety and Mental Health Needs
 Dr. Mary Ford Clark, School Psychologist from Braintree High School spoke to us about her
experiences with Anxiety disorders at the high school. Dr. Clark did an overview of the most
common types of anxiety disorders. The primary anxiety disorders that are seen at the high
school are separation anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. The typical presentation is
often seen in kindergarten with separation anxiety and 6th and 9th grade when students enter
the middle school or high school and are incredibly overwhelmed. The presentation often starts
the night before school and students will have physical symptoms about going to school
whether stomach aches or headaches and carries over to the morning when they refuse to get
out of the car once they arrive at school. When they do get into school they often have
frequent visits to the school nurse or call home asking to be dismissed and picked up.
Unfortunately often time’s parents unknowingly reinforce the behavior by letting the student
stay home from school or going to the doctor or becoming hyper focused on whether their child
is being bullied and it can become a cycle. Incidents tend to be worse after a weekend or a
school vacation. Communication between home and school is crucial so staff can help parents
deal with the issues at home to ensure the child does go to school. Teaching the child the skills
to help them manage their anxiety is critical to ensuring they are able to be successful in school.
Figuring out in students what is triggering their anxiety is also crucial, is it changing for gym,
sitting by themselves in the cafeteria, fear of being called on in class. Teachers are great at
making accommodation’s to work with students and make stressful situations manageable.
Bottom line is kids need to be in school so the district doesn’t have to go to court to mandate
children attend school. Dr. Clark stated that they meet with the eighth grade staff that identifies
the kids that will be transitioning to the high school who suffer from anxiety. Often times
students will transition with an existing behavior plan that’s already in place and the high school
will continue that plan. Some students will see Dr. Clark on a daily basis some not so often and
some kids are comfortable checking in with their guidance counselor or learning center staff.
Often times parents, teachers, or students themselves will approach guidance or Dr. Clark if they
are experiencing any anxiety. Dr. Clark stated that often parents are great advocates for other
parents whose child is struggling with anxiety. Mrs. Zechello stated that we are discussing
starting an anxiety support group similar to the autism group BANDS in Braintree.
BHS Schedule Change
 Mr. Rubin stated that none of the special ed/alternative programs will be changing to a 6 day
cycle.
Assistive Technology
 Mrs. Zechello discussed how there are many more students using assistive communication
devices in the district since out of district placements have decreased. Mr. Rubin did an
overview of the many different devices that are being used throughout the district. Mrs.
Zechello brought up our concern that some student’s devices are their means of communication
and questioned the level of training and commitment to this. Mr. Rubin said they are very
committed to making sure there are staff members such as speech therapist that are very
knowledgeable in this equipment and any future staff when being interviewed is asked about
their experience with assistive devices. Mr. Rubin also explained we have on consult Amy
Wolfson from the collaborative 10 hours per week and she is excellent with communication
devices. Mrs. Fay-Beers also explained training is being planned for para’s in the fall during
professional development in assistive technology. She also stated the disticts desire to offer
training for parents and students in the future.
Subcommittee Updates/Goals for the school year 2015-2016
 MCAS/PARCC (Eileen Donohue- Chair)
o No Update this meeting
 Anti-Bullying (Linda Kokoros – Chair)
o No Update at this meeting
 Diversity (Suzanne Brouillard- Chair)
o No update at this meeting
 Community Inclusion Awards (Kristen Zechello – Chair)
o Nominations are now being accepted.
 Community Outreach (Kristen Zechello- Chair)
o No Update at this meeting
 SEPAC Website- ( Leah Nabstedt- Chair)
o No update this meeting
 SEPAC Facebook Page- (Leah Nabstedt- Chair)
o Mrs. Nabstedt continues to update with our meetings and workshops.
 Transition- (Leah Nabstedt- Chair)
o No Update at this meeting
Open
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
School Building Committee/Space needs
o Next meeting scheduled for March 14th.
Language based HS program Equipment issues
o
Mr. Rubin stated he ordered a new printer for Mr. Flynn’s classroom.
Next Meeting
 April 28, 2016 11:45 at BHS Special Services Office
Minutes prepared by
 Leah Nabstedt