March NSPAC News is Here


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March 2023 News

Dear NSPAC Families,

As we look towards the second half of the year, we want to communicate some exciting initiatives that are under way. The district is working towards bringing back a Disability Awareness program called Understanding our Differences for 4th and 5th graders across both Southborough and Northborough Elementary Schools. Melican Middle School is working towards establishing a Unified Basketball team as well with an eye towards getting a chapter of Best Buddies up and running by the end of the year!

We have so many events coming up and we hope you can join one or all of them! Our first NSPAC Mini Golf Fundraiser is in only two weeks. We hope you and your kids can join for this fun mid-winter event. All funds will help us fund our annual Go the Distance Awards (scheduled for May 11th) and our end of year programming. Keep an eye out for upcoming communications on Go the Distance nominations. Don't miss the workshop with Brendan Mahan from ADHD Essentials also coming on March 22nd.

Don't miss the articles below related to the ESY FAQ, IDEA Stay Put Rights, Links to our previously held Transition Workshop with Monique Cloutier, and information about updated Student Discipline policies within district.

Feel free to reach out to us for any questions, advice, suggestions, or to volunteer! We love to hear from and meet new people.

Sincerely ~

NSPAC Board (Alyssa, Johanna, Nikol, & Joelle)

Friday, March 17th; 4:30 - 6:30 PM

First Annual NSPAC Mini Golf Fundraiser

Join NSPACs First Annual Mini Golf Fundraiser being held at Trombetta Farm in Marlborough on Friday, March 17th. Tee Times begin at 4:30 PM. The event will run from 4:30 thru 6:30 with tee times every 15 minutes. Purchase a slice of pizza and a drink, enjoy a cup of ice cream, participate in our 50/50 raffle, and enjoy being around friends!

Cost is $10 pp who will mini golf.

Pizza and Drinks will be available for purchase.

NSPAC Donations

Can't join the NSPAC Mini Golf Fundraiser on Friday, February 3rd but still want to donate to our organization? NSPAC provides Northborough and Southborough district families with educational workshops, social activities, kid centered activities, advocates on behalf of families with students on IEPs and 504s, delivers our districts annual Go the Distance Awards, and more. Help support NSPAC activities!

Click here to donate to NSPAC and support the programming and advocacy we provide to families in our district!

ESY FAQ Document posted by Student Support Services

The District Student Support Services recently posted a Extended School Year FAQ document on the district website. This document can be found HERE. Want to read more information about ESY Services. Read this article posted by DESE HERE.

Stay Put Rights: What they are and How they work

The "Stay Put" provision is a legal right provided to parents and students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Essentially, it means that a child who is receiving special education services can remain in their current educational placement or setting (Both during the school year and during Extended School Services - ESY), even if there is a disagreement between parents and the school district about the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Want to learn more. Read more HERE.

Upcoming Events!

Wednesday, March 22nd at 6:30 PM

ADHD Essentials with Brendan Mahan

Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS., host of the “ADHD Essentials” podcast, is an internationally known ADHD/Executive Function consultant/coach, and a highly engaging speaker. He has been featured in the Washington Post, Bustle, LinkedIn, Understood, Tilt Parenting, How to ADHD, ADDitude, ADD Crusher TV, and ADHD rewired; has consulted on several books, is part of organizing committee for the International Conference on ADHD.

Topics that will be covered include:

Why the Name ADHD Stinks
How the Name Affects People’s Perception of the Disorder
Look-A-Likes & Comorbidities
ADHD in the Brain
The Role of Executive Function
Brendan’s “Wall of Awful” Model: The Emotional Impact of ADHD
Lifestyle Strategies for Managing ADHD
Practical Tips for Managing ADHD at Home
Practical Tips for Managing ADHD at School

Come join Brendan Mahan on Wednesday, March 22nd, 2023 at 6:30 on Zoom. This program is co-sponsored by the Shrewsbury SEPAC, NSPAC, and Nashoba SEPAC. Please register here.

Coming Back to NSBORO in March

Neary Elementary School (Southborough): March 15^th and 17^th
Peaslee Elementary School (Northborough): March 21^st and 22^nd

How do you teach elementary school children to develop understanding and respect for fellow students and others with physical, sensory or developmental disabilities? How can you reduce bullying, name-calling and intolerance?

Understanding Our Differences is a model, interactive disability awareness curriculum that teaches children to see the whole person and better understand the disability. The Understanding Our Differences program educates schools and communities and fosters respect and inclusion for people of all abilities.

The curriculum covers Blindness and Low Vision, Deafness and Hard of Hearing, Autism, Physical Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Chronic Medical Conditions including Allergic Conditions, Asthma, Diabetes, and Epilepsy.

Our District is looking to bring this wonderful curriculum back to our 4th and 5th graders this year in Southborough and Northborough over the coming few months. This program is primarily driven with the help of parent volunteers. Be on the lookout for upcoming volunteer opportunities.

NSPAC Important Information

2023 Extended School Year Program Descriptions

Find a list of the Summer 2023 ESY Programs. All programs this year will be held at Algonquin High School again. ESY eligibility will be discussed with each family at their annual IEP meeting.

NSPAC District Meeting Notes

Find a list of meeting notes from NSPAC meetings with Student Support Services and NSPAC General Meetings. NSPAC's Meeting Notes from the December 2022 meeting with Student Support Services can be found here.

School Committee Newsletter Links

Find a list of Monthly Newsletter Emails provided to all 3 district School Committees of topics of interest to the SPED community. The monthly email is sent to the School Committee NSPAC Liaisons for review and awareness. You can access the list here.

Have a topic you would like included for School Committee awareness? Send us an email at nspac1@gmail.com

Transition Planning Workshop with Monique Cloutier

Did you miss the Transition Planning Workshop with Monique Cloutier, District Transition Coordinator last year (January 2022)? You can review the workshop slides and workshop video from last years presentation by clicking on the above links. It was a great, informative session. Want additional information or have questions on any of the content, reach out to Monique Cloutier at: mcloutier@nsboro.k12.ma.us or email nspac1@gmail.com

MGL: Updated Student Discipline Amendment as of Nov 2022

The Massachusetts Legislature amended student Discipline law to include new language effective November 8, 2022 that removes the discretion to suspend or expel a student without first considering ways to re-engage the student in the learning process. You can read more about this update HERE.

Northborough/Southborough Special Education Parent Advisory Council

53 Parkerville Road, c/o NSPAC
Southborough, MA 01772

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