Introduction

Boston Public Schools' vision is that our students with disabilities will have equitable opportunities to engage in innovative, high-quality instruction in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as appropriate to meet individual needs, empowering each student to achieve high levels, leading to post-secondary success.

Our aim is to provide you information on upcoming events, updates, and resources.

Recognizing Andria Amador for her Leadership in Student Mental Health & Well-Being

As mentioned in EdWeek, the Office of Special Education would like to recognize Andria Amador, Senior Director of Behavioral-Health Services, for her vision and decades long work in forging a nationally recognized partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and the University of Massachusetts-Boston to ensure that the district has a stable pipeline of mental health-care professionals. This innovative partnership, called the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Model, has created the opportunity for more social workers and school psychologists to enter the district to work together to improve student well-being and academic outcomes. In addition, the district has also created a health collaborative with more than 20 community organizations, state, and city officials. Andria Amador has also revamped hiring processes to represent the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity and the unique concerns of students. Thank you Andria and the Department of Behavioral Health Services, our schools, and our partners for all of your hard work.

To read the full article in EdWeek click here.

For more information about the services that the Department of Behavioral Health Services offer please visit: www.cbhmboston.com

To read the Department of Behavioral Health Services-Monthly Well-Being Digest please see below.

Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) & STRIVE 

Mariah will be eligible to apply for the extended Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative (MAICEI) program for Transition-Aged Students impacted by the pandemic through Coordinated Pandemic-Related Transition Services. 

The state-funded MAICEI offers partnerships between local school districts and two- and four-year public colleges and universities in Massachusetts. The term “Concurrent Enrollment'' means that participating students are still eligible and receive special education services while enrolled in college. MAICEI works in partnership with BPS’ STRIVE program which provides supplemental transition support to teachers, special education directors, students, and families by delivering ongoing access in the areas of transition assessment, prevocational training, in-school vocational training, community engagement, and post-secondary adult services.

We’re excited for Mariah to continue to receive services and continue to attend Mass Art. Thank you to MassArt and our STRIVE team for your continued support and dedication to our students.

To learn more about Coordinated Pandemic Services and participating agencies please read below.

For transition related support you may contact STRIVE: strive@bostonpublicschools.org

Upcoming Events & Updates

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC)

The Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Boston SpEdPAC) is the independent district-wide volunteer parent advisory council of families with students with disabilities and other interested parties. The volunteer parent advisory council duties include but are not be limited to:

• Advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities
• Meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district’s special education programs
• Establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures
• Provide information and support to members through direct communication and outreach, and monthly meetings

SpEdPAC has access to an interpreter platform that BPS uses to speak with multilingual families. Families can reach out to SpEdPAC and request the use of these services to address any questions or concerns that families may have. 

You may also share your feedback by completing a feedback form. Boston SpEdPAC wants to hear your thoughts and concerns, please share information with us here. 

Join us at our next monthly meeting on February 16! Topics for the February meeting include a discussion and overview of therapeutic services for behavioral challenges and current programs in BPS.

Flyers:

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

SpEdPAC School Parent/Family Council Member

Please consider being your school's SpEdPAC representative for the School Parent/Family Council. As a representative, you will have the opportunity to learn more about special education services and resources and share this information with families in your school community. Interested? Contact the family liaison in your school community for more information.

Flyers: 

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Parent's Notice of Procedural Safeguards (PNPS)

Both State and federal laws contain rules that school districts must follow when deciding if a student is eligible for special education and, if so, what services the student will receive. These laws also provide detailed procedures for ensuring that the student receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) during the time your child is eligible for special education. This Notice provides you with important information about your right to be involved in planning your child’s special education. For more information see the PNPS below.

PNPS: 

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Child Find (Ages 3-21) 

Boston Public Schools must conduct Child Find activities for all students living or attending school in Boston (ages 3–21), regardless of whether students attend public or private schools or are home schooled.

Child Find activities for privately enrolled students must be comparable to those conducted for students in public schools and must include all students who are privately educated, including those who are home schooled, in the district. The district also must provide all private schools and students who are privately enrolled with information about how students can access publicly funded evaluations and special education services.

While Boston Public Schools conducts screening activities, if you suspect or know that your child has a disability, please contact the Office of Special Education for a full evaluation for special education services. You do not need to attend a screening date to request an evaluation. Visit our website to sign up.

Upcoming Screening Dates

• March 7, 2023 (3-5 year olds)
• March 21, 2023 (3-21 year olds)

Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools

Listening Sessions

Please join us for an upcoming Green New Deal for BPS listening session to share your experiences in BPS with the design team. Your feedback will directly inform the educational foundation for new and renovated facilities.

• February 21, 2023 at East Boston High School (en español)
• February 27, 2023 at New Mission High School
• March 2, 2023 on Zoom
• March 6, 2023 por Zoom (en español)

Interpretation and childcare will be provided.

To register and for more information visit at boston.gov/gnd-bps-plan

Reimagine School Funding Project

The Reimagine School Funding Project aspires to dramatically re-envision how school funding in BPS can more equitably support our students and schools in having what they need to thrive. To do this, we need the entire BPS family to provide input to help us understand and learn how BPS can better and more equitably reimagine our funding formula and policies in a manner that meets the needs of our parents, students, educators and staff, and school leaders. You can access the survey here. To take the survey in the language of your choice please use the dropdown button on the top right of the page.

Please note that this survey will close at 11:59 p.m. ET on February 24, 2023. 

For more visit: bostonpublicschools.org/reimagineschoolfunding

Questions? Contact us at reimagineschoolfunding@bostonpublicschools.org

Transportation Updates

If your student has transportation through their IEP and you have transported them to and from school due to a lack of transportation, you are entitled to seek mileage reimbursement at the prevailing state rate and/or taxi and rideshare costs for any trips between your home and the school. For example, if your child’s bus did not pick up your child for school and/or your child’s bus was not available to transport them home after school, you are encouraged to seek mileage reimbursement.

For more information visit our website: bostonpublicschools.org/Page/9115

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the BPS Helpline at 617-635-8873 or via email at helpline@bostonpublicschools.org. The Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

BPS Department of Behavioral Health Services-Monthly Wellbeing Digest

Check out the Behavioral Health Services Digest for practical tips around social, emotional, and behavioral development. This month’s digest will focus on habits to support parents’ and student’s mental health. To sign up for the digest click here.

Digest:

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has appropriated 10 million dollars for transition “services for individuals with disabilities that reached age 22 between March 10, 2020 - September 1, 2023 and were entitled to special education services up to age 22.”

This funding is being used to collaborate Mass Commission for the Blind, Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative.

The enclosed flier provides information on connecting with the Federation for Students with Special Needs to learn how to access these extra services.

Flyers: 

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

For more information you may click here or you may visit the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) website for additional support.

Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) goal is to create a world where young people with disabilities lead self-determined lives. To make this happen, we build the skills and abilities of young people with disabilities, and increase the inclusivity of workplaces, organizations, and communities.

Pre-Employment Transition Services Upcoming Events

• Thursday, February 2, 2023: Mentor Appreciation Night (In-person)
• 6:00-8:00 PM | 89 South Street, Boston, MA
• Thursday, February 16, 2023: Working in Retail (Zoom)
• 4:30-6:00 PM
• Tuesday, February 28, 2023: Customer Service (Zoom)
• 4:30-6:00 PM
• ALL MONTH: 1:1 Resume Review

Questions? Contact Becca Cronin at rcronin@pyd.org

6-Week Cohorts with After-School and Virtual Sessions

PYD is calling all artists to join their creative arts sessions for youth ages 14-22 years old.

Session 1: Performing Arts: Theater, Dance, Movement, and more!

        Tuesday, February 28, 2023 - Thursday, April 6, 2023

Session 2: Visual Arts: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, and more!

                  Tuesday, April 11, 2023 - Thursday, May 25, 2023 (no class week of April 17)

Location: Dorchester Boys and Girls Club - 1135 Dorchester Ave

Questions? Contact Deep Chinappa at dchinappa@pyd.org

Summer Opportunities

Youth Leadership Forum (YLF)

The Youth Leadership Forum (YLF) is a conference for youth and young adults with disabilities held annually in Massachusetts and other states across the country. Come experience living and studying on a college campus with like-minded and experienced peers while also visiting Boston cultural sites and participating in activities to drive change. Applicants go through a selective process to demonstrate their commitment to being youth leaders within their community. The YLF program is for Massachusetts students ages 16-22 years with:

• Any type of disability
• Demonstrated leadership experience;
• A strong passion and desire to create social change.

Program Dates: Sunday, June 25, 2023 through Thursday, June 29, 2023

Program Location: To be determined at a Boston Area University Campus. Two options:

1. In-person full participation
2. Hybrid

Application Deadline: Wednesday, March 15, 2023

Young Leaders Rising (YLR) Program

PYD’s Young Leaders Rising (YLR) Program is a leadership series exploring topics and contemporary issues to prepare and empower leaders for their future. This year YLR offers live virtual workshops, an online learning community and 4 in-person events to develop leadership, career readiness and self-advocacy skills. Workshops are designed to support youth at all stages of becoming leaders - from those with no experiences to long-term activists. The YLR is program is for Massachusetts students ages 14-22 years with:

• Any type of disability;
• An interest in series topics such as justice, activism, education, and independent living;
• Limited leadership experience.

Program Dates: (4) Two week sessions from Monday, July 10, 2023 through Friday, September 1, 2023

Program Location: Virtual via Zoom with one in-person “learn by doing” event

Application Deadline: First come, first serve.

Boston Center for Independent Living and Easterseals

Join the Boston Center for Independent Living and Easterseals for a fun, and interactive 3-day workshop exploring self-advocacy and Black disability advocates. Learn more about disability history, disability rights, and self-advocacy skills!

When: Wednesday, February 22-Friday, February 24, 2023

Register here: forms.office.com/r/dScaj6bbrr

Questions? Contact Mary-Kate Wells at mkwells@bostoncil.org

Contact/Helpful Links

• Coordinator of Special Education & Assistant Directory
• www.bostonpublicschools.org/specialed
• BPS Helpline 617-635-8873 or helpline@bostonpublicschools.org
• Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards

Introduction

Boston Public Schools' vision is that our students on Individualized Education Programs (IEP) will have equitable opportunities to engage in innovative, high-quality instruction in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as appropriate to meet individual needs, empowering each student to achieve high levels, leading to post-secondary success.

We welcome you to our first Office of Special Education Monthly Newsletter. We aim to provide information on upcoming events, updates, and resources. Each month we will publish our monthly newsletter on our website.

Singing Cardinals Winter Concert

On behalf of the OSDC program at Madison Park Technical Vocational High School, here is the Singing Cardinals Winter Concert video for all of you to enjoy. Click here to view the video.

Remembering the Life & Legacy of

Heidi Cahoon-McEwen

Upcoming Events & Updates

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC)

The Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Boston SpEdPAC) is the independent district-wide volunteer parent advisory council of families with students with disabilities and other interested parties. The volunteer parent advisory council duties include but are not be limited to:

• Advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities
• Meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district’s special education programs
• Establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures
• Provide information and support to members through direct communication and outreach, and monthly meetings

SpEdPAC has access to an interpreter platform that BPS uses to speak with multilingual families. Families can reach out to SpEdPAC and request the use of these services to address any questions or concerns that families may have. 

You may also share your feedback by completing a feedback form. Boston SpEdPAC wants to hear your thoughts and concerns, please share information with us here. 

Join us at our next monthly meeting on January 27! Topics for the January meeting include the 504 plan and ADHD related topics. Flyers are below.

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

SpEdPAC School Parent/Family Council Member

Please consider being your school's SpEdPAC representative for the School Parent/Family Council. As a representative, you will have the opportunity to learn more about special education services and resources and share this information with families in your school community. Interested? Contact the family liaison in your school community for more information.

Flyers: 

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Green New Deal for Boston Public Schools

Listening Sessions

Please join us for an upcoming Green New Deal for BPS listening session to share your experiences in BPS with the design team. Your feedback will directly inform the educational foundation for new and renovated facilities.

• February 4, 2023 at Dearborn STEM Academy
• February 8, 2023 at Brighton High School
• February 13, 2023 at Burke High School
• February 21, 2023 at East Boston High School (en español)
• February 27, 2023 at New Mission High School
• March 2, 2023 on Zoom
• March 6, 2023 por Zoom (en español)

Interpretation and childcare will be provided.

To register and for more information visit at boston.gov/gnd-bps-plan

Transportation Updates

If your student has transportation through their IEP and you have transported them to and from school due to a lack of transportation, you are entitled to seek mileage reimbursement at the prevailing state rate and/or taxi and rideshare costs for any trips between your home and the school. For example, if your child’s bus did not pick up your child for school and/or your child’s bus was not available to transport them home after school, you are encouraged to seek mileage reimbursement.

For more information visit our website: bostonpublicschools.org/Page/9115

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to get in touch with the BPS Helpline at 617-635-8873 or via email at helpline@bostonpublicschools.org. The Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 5:00 pm.

BPS Department of Behavioral Health Services-Monthly Wellbeing Digest

Check out the Behavioral Health Services Digest for practical tips around social, emotional, and behavioral development. This month’s digest will focus on habits to support parents’ and student’s mental health. To sign up for the digest click here.

Digest:

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Child Find (Ages 3-21) 

Boston Public Schools must conduct Child Find activities for all students living or attending school in Boston (ages 3–21), regardless of whether students attend public or private schools or are home schooled.

Child Find activities for privately enrolled students must be comparable to those conducted for students in public schools and must include all students who are privately educated, including those who are home schooled, in the district. The district also must provide all private schools and students who are privately enrolled with information about how students can access publicly funded evaluations and special education services.

While Boston Public Schools conducts screening activities, if you suspect or know that your child has a disability, please contact the Office of Special Education for a full evaluation for special education services. You do not need to attend a screening date to request an evaluation. Visit our website to sign up.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has appropriated 10 million dollars for transition “services for individuals with disabilities that reached age 22 between March 10, 2020 - September 1, 2023 and were entitled to special education services up to age 22.”

This funding is being used to collaborate Mass Commission for the Blind, Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, and Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative.

The enclosed flier provides information on connecting with the Federation for Students with Special Needs to learn how to access these extra services.

Flyers: 

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Visit fcsn.org to learn about “services for individuals with disabilities that reached age 22 between March 10, 2020 - September 1, 2023 and were entitled to special education services up to age 22.

The EPIC Service Warriors program is a community service and leadership development program for youth with disabilities between the ages of 16-23. EPIC Service Warriors meet from May 2023 - May 2024 for one year to participate in community service projects and leadership development skill building sessions. By creating the change they want to see in the world, the Service Warriors learn more about local communities and develop practical skills that will help them develop as leaders and pursue future goals. We believe that every young person has a Warrior within.

EPIC is currently accepting Service Warrior applications in 2 different cities, Boston and Worcester. Depending on the city you apply to, you will be serving the entire year within that city and its surrounding communities. The Service Warriors program has a one-time program fee of $250 for the program year. EPIC has full and partial scholarships available for all that need them. Please do not worry about the program fee or scholarships when applying. EPIC staff will ensure you have all the information you need for this through the application process.

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET ENGAGED!

Deadline Application: Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

To apply click here: epicleaders.org/bostonwarriors

To view the Frequently Asked Questions document click here.

Questions? Contact Dorothy Whitfield | Call (617) 917-5181 | Email: dwhitfield@epicleaders.org.

Contact/Helpful Links

• Coordinator of Special Education & Assistant Directory
• www.bostonpublicschools.org/specialed
• BPS Helpline 617-635-8873 or helpline@bostonpublicschools.org
• Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards

Introduction

Boston Public Schools vision is that our students on Individualized Education Programs (IEP) will have equitable opportunities to engage in innovative, high quality instruction in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as appropriate to meet individual needs, empowering each student to achieve at high levels, leading to post-secondary success.

We would like to welcome you to our first Office of Special Education Monthly Newsletter. Our aim is to provide you information on upcoming events, updates, and resources. Each month we will publish our monthly newsletter on our website.

Upcoming Events & Updates

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC)

The Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Boston SpEdPAC) is the independent district-wide volunteer parent advisory council of families with students with disabilities and other interested parties. The volunteer parent advisory council duties include but are not be limited to:

• Advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities
• Meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district’s special education programs
• Establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures
• Provide information and support to members through direct communication and outreach, and monthly meetings

SpEdPAC has access to an interpreter platform that BPS uses to speak with multilingual families. Families can reach out to SpEdPAC and request the use of these services to address any questions or concerns that families may have. 

You may also share your feedback by completing a feedback form. Boston SpEdPAC wants to hear your thoughts and concerns, please share information with us here.

Join us at our Family Social next monthly meeting on December 17! Flyers are below.

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

SpEdPAC School Parent/Family Council Member

Please consider being your school's SpEdPAC representative for the School Parent/Family Council. As a representative, you will have the opportunity to learn more about special education services and resources and share this information with families in your school community. Interested? Contact the family liaison in your school community for more information.

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Child Find (Ages 3-21)

Boston Public Schools must conduct Child Find activities for all students living or attending school in Boston (ages 3–21), regardless of whether students attend public or private schools or are home schooled.

Child Find activities for privately enrolled students must be comparable to those conducted for students in public schools and must include all students who are privately educated, including those who are home schooled, in the district. The district also must provide all private schools and students who are privately enrolled with information about how students can access publicly funded evaluations and special education services.

While Boston Public Schools conducts screening activities, if you suspect or know that your child has a disability, please contact the Office of Special Education for a full evaluation for special education services. You do not need to attend a screening date to request an evaluation. Visit our website to sign up.

Coordinated Pandemic-Related Transition Services

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has appropriated 10 million dollars for transition “services for individuals with disabilities that reached age 22 between March 10, 2020 - September 1, 2023 and were entitled to special education services up to age 22.”

This funding is being used to collaborate Mass Commision for the Blind, Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commision, and Massachusetts Inclusive Concurrent Enrollment Initiative.

The enclosed flier provides information on connecting with the Federation for Students with Special Needs to learn how to access these extra services.

Flyers: 

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Visit fcsn.org to learn about “services for individuals with disabilities that reached age 22 between March 10, 2020 - September 1, 2023 and were entitled to special education services up to age 22.

Transportation Memo

We share your concerns and are focused on hiring more drivers and monitors as well as partnering with a ride-share company to provide backup door to door transportation where driver and monitor staffing shortages occur. We are aiming to have the least amount of disruptions to your child’s transportation as possible.

If your child has missed time in school or an entire school day due to the bus being late, not arriving, or not having a monitor, your child may be entitled to compensatory services for missed special education services. Please note that not all missed time will result in the need for compensatory services. The determination of compensatory education is made by your child’s team, which you are an equal member of, to remedy any lack of educational progress caused by the loss of services and classroom time.

For more information visit our website: bostonpublicschools.org/Page/9115

BPS Department of Behavioral Health Services-Monthly Wellbeing Digest

Check out the Behavioral Health Services Digest for practical tips around social, emotional, and behavioral development. This month’s digest will focus on habits to support parents’ and student’s mental health. To sign up for the digest click here.

Digest:

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Empowering People for Inclusive Communities (EPIC)

The EPIC Service Warriors program is a community service and leadership development program for youth with disabilities between the ages of 16-23. EPIC Service Warriors meet from May 2023 - May 2024 for one year to participate in community service projects and leadership development skill building sessions. By creating the change they want to see in the world, the Service Warriors learn more about local communities and develop practical skills that will help them develop as leaders and pursue future goals. We believe that every young person has a Warrior within.

EPIC is currently accepting Service Warrior applications in 2 different cities, Boston and Worcester. Depending on the city you apply to, you will be serving the entire year within that city and its surrounding communities. The Service Warriors program has a one-time program fee of $250 for the program year. EPIC has full and partial scholarships available for all that need them. Please do not worry about the program fee or scholarships when applying. EPIC staff will ensure you have all the information you need for this through the application process.

THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO GET ENGAGED!

Deadline Application: Tuesday, January 31, 2023.

To apply click here: epicleaders.org/bostonwarriors

Questions? Contact Dorothy Whitfield | Call (617) 917-5181 | Email: dwhitfield@epicleaders.org

Contact/Helpful Links

• Coordinator of Special Education & Assistant Directory
• www.bostonpublicschools.org/specialed
• BPS Helpline 617-635-8873 or helpline@bostonpublicschools.org
• Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards

Introduction

Boston Public Schools vision is that our students on Individualized Education Programs (IEP) will have equitable opportunities to engage in innovative, high quality instruction in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as appropriate to meet individual needs, empowering each student to achieve at high levels, leading to post-secondary success.

We would like to welcome you to our first Office of Special Education Monthly Newsletter. Our aim is to provide you information on upcoming events, updates, and resources. Each month we will publish our monthly newsletter on our website.

Welcome to the '22-23 School Year

Bradley School

Dancing into a new school year! The Bradley School kicked off the new school year with an outdoor sensory friendly dance party to welcome their students back to school!

Eliot K-8 Innovation School

Welcome back!

Adams Elementary School

The Adams Elementary School continues the tradition of starting the school year with popsicles with the principal. Students were invited to come in to meet their classmates, meet the school parent council and see their classrooms. The yearly tradition is a great start for all students in both special education and general education to be together and integrate into their school community.

Richard Murphy K-8 School

Mid-Autumn festival is a joyous celebration with family reunions, mooncakes, parades, and lanterns. It is celebrated in many Asian countries and is one of the biggest holidays. The Richard Murphy K-8 School invited all of its students and families to participate in their outdoor festival in September 2022. All students and families were able to learn about the holiday traditions and come together as a community.

Upcoming Events

Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC)

The Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Boston SpEdPAC) is the independent district-wide volunteer parent advisory council of families with students with disabilities and other interested parties. The volunteer parent advisory council duties include but are not be limited to:

• Advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities 
• Meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district’s special education programs
• Establish by-laws regarding officers and operational procedures
• Provide information and support to members through direct communication and outreach, and monthly meetings

Join us at our next monthly meeting on October 27! Flyers are below.

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Topics for tonight's meeting include updates on the Systemic Improvement Plan (SIP) followed by a SpEdPAC family special education discussion. The ADHD presentation has been rescheduled for January 26th.

SpEdPAC School Parent/Family Council Member

Please consider being your school's SpEdPAC representative for the School Parent/Family Council. As a representative, you will have the opportunity to learn more about special education services and resources and share this information with families in your school community. Interested? Contact the family liaison in your school community for more information.

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Child Find (Ages 3-21)

Boston Public Schools must conduct Child Find activities for all students living or attending school in Boston (ages 3–21), regardless of whether students attend public or private schools or are home schooled. 

Child Find activities for privately enrolled students must be comparable to those conducted for students in public schools and must include all students who are privately educated, including those who are home schooled, in the district. The district also must provide all private schools and students who are privately enrolled with information about how students can access publicly funded evaluations and special education services. 

While Boston Public Schools conducts screening activities, if you suspect or know that your child has a disability, please contact the Office of Special Education for a full evaluation for special education services. You do not need to attend a screening date to request an evaluation. Visit our website to sign up.

Transition Series

The Boston Public Schools' Office of Special Education is committed to providing robust transition services to all students with unique talents. These events are for families of students with disabilities between the ages of 14-22. Please join us on Zoom as we explore transition topics.

Questions? Email us at STRIVE@bostonpublicschools.org.

Flyers:

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

BPS Department of Behavioral Health Services-Monthly Wellbeing Digest

Check out the Behavioral Health Services Digest for practical tips around social, emotional, and behavioral development. For anyone that would like to sign up click here.

Flyers:

English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

Contact/Helpful Links

• Coordinator of Special Education & Assistant Directory
• www.bostonpublicschools.org/specialed
• BPS Helpline 617-635-8873 or helpline@bostonpublicschools.org
• Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards