Arlington SEPAC News

4/4/2025 7:02 am

SEPAC Newsletter: April 2, 2025
News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.

April 8th Monthly SEPAC Meeting (7:30pm)

Please join us for a discussion of early annual survey results and hear what’s in store for the May meeting (spoiler alert: an explanation of supported learning communities — or SLCs — and the upcoming SEPAC board elections. All are welcome. Zoom link below.

us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

What you need to know about APS Supported Learning Centers (SLCs)

WHEN: May 13, 2025 (7:30-8:30pm)

WHERE: Zoom, more details at end of newsletter

At the May 13th monthly SEPAC meeting, APS staff will provide an overview of SLCs—what they are, why they exist, and how placement decisions are made. This session will focus on understanding the purpose and structure of SLCs. While we won’t be diving into individual selection criteria, there will be a facilitated Q&A.

Submit your questions here!

AHS Students Need Your Input for Inclusive Playgrounds!

The Arlington High School Civic Engagement class requests your feedback! One group’s class project is focused on making local playgrounds more inclusive for children with disabilities in Arlington. Please help them gather feedback by completing this survey by April 8th. Your responses will help them determine what features are needed.

Questions? Contact 11th grader, Cece Kapaale: ckapaale2026@spyponders.com

Monthly meetup for caregivers of kiddos with learning differences returns

Friday, April 4th, 12—1 pm (and every first Friday of the month)

Where: Roasted Granola, 1346 Mass Ave, Arlington MA

You are warmly invited to the Arlington-area monthly meetup for caregivers of kiddos with learning differences. Come share your experience of the challenges and joys of caring for kids who learn differently. Questions? Contact Dawn Kopatish, dawnkotapish@gmail.com.

How to help your child with anxiety: SPACE workshop

The Arlington Public Schools counseling team is excited to offer another parent workshop series on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment model. SPACE is designed for families who find themselves struggling to navigate and support their child's anxiety. The next round of workshops will take place in April. More details in the link below!

Do you have a child struggling with anxiety?

Do you find yourself modifying daily routines, avoiding certain places or activities, or doing things for your child to prevent their distress?

If yes, this workshop might be a great fit for you...

See if SPACE could support your family!

Connection, Co-Regulation, and Coping Skills: Helping kids and teens navigate big feelings

(Webinar) Wednesday, April 9th, 12-1pm ET

Sometimes, big feelings can take over a household. Sometimes they're our kids' feelings, and sometimes they're our own! Join Cartwheel and Janine Halloran, LMHC for a webinar to learn practical tips on how to help kids and teens cope with big feelings.

Learn more and register

Arc of Massachusetts Launches Community Check-In Survey in response to government cuts

With new changes occurring in Washington, D.C. seemingly on a daily basis, the disability community finds itself in a moment of great upheaval. The Arc of Massachusetts is trying to track any harm caused by federal government cuts. They are “checking in with our community to identify the most critical services that you fear losing access to because of the simultaneous, impending cuts being discussed at the federal level. The responses to this survey will inform our advocacy and outreach as we look ahead to the challenges to come. This first survey will run from March 27 to April 17.”

Take the Community Check-in Survey

The Arlington Disability Commission is in need of more Commissioners!

The Arlington Disability Commission works to raise awareness of the rights and needs of people with disabilities, and works for full inclusion in all aspects of community life in Arlington. Disabilities and impairments can include physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, and other types of chronic disease.

Learn about the role of a Commissioner and volunteer.

Questions? Contact Grace Carpenter, gmcarpenter1@gmail.com

Research Opportunity: Understanding Language and Cognition in Children with Autism

Children with autism sometimes have difficulty adjusting to change. One theory is that they find it challenging to predict what will happen next, whether in conversation or other everyday activities. This Harvard University study looks at these predictive skills across different areas—such as language, hearing, and vision—to see if there are commonalities how they change across development.

Eligibility: children with autism, ages 6-12. The study includes two sessions:

How it works: Session 1 (2.5 hours) is an EEG study at our office on Harvard’s campus in Cambridge. Afterward, your child will receive a small toy of their choice, and you'll receive travel compensation. Session 2 (1.5 hours) would be conducted over Zoom. After this session, you'll receive $55 in Amazon gift cards.

Your participation in this study can help us better understand how language and other predictive abilities develop in children with autism!

Questions? Contact Hanna Shine, languagecognition@g.harvard.edu/

SEPAC Zoom information:

Link: us06web.zoom.us/j/85412052274?pwd=iKNefvVmbpbrtYAKYBEGnbEW1RhcID.1

Meeting ID: 854 1205 2274

Passcode: 378204

Join by phone: 309 205 3325

Arlington 250 Kickoff Party at the Capitol Theater - APRIL 6

4/4/2025 7:01 am

The Arlington 250 Committee invites the community to a family-family friendly party coming up this Sunday from 11-2 at the Capitol Theatre.

The website  https://www.visitarlingtonma.org/event/arlington-250-kickoff-party-at-the-capitol-theater/ contains more information and schedules for the Patriots' Day Weekend events.

Question of the Week!

4/3/2025 6:34 pm

2 weeks until the auction! Get your tickets and volunteer!

3/28/2025 7:10 am

Save the Date: Holi Celebration April 13th 11am

3/28/2025 7:09 am

Please save the date to join Dallin families for a Holi celebration on Florence Field on Sunday, April 13 at 11am!

Photos from the 5th grade MFA field trip

3/28/2025 7:07 am

Some photos to accompany Ms. Karustis's report from the 5th grade MFA field trip:

From the Library: March News

3/28/2025 7:06 am

Ask your student about what we are reading and learning in library class!

Culture Night, May 3

3/28/2025 7:05 am

Dance Party TONIGHT, Friday March 28

3/28/2025 7:04 am

METCO Bridging Two Communities Walk Sunday April 6

3/28/2025 7:03 am

Due to forecasted rain, the METCO Families Walk has been rescheduled to Sunday, April 6th, at Franklin Park from 1:00-3:00 PM.

April Vacation Food Support from Arlington Eats

3/28/2025 7:02 am

Arlington Heights Spring Window Painting

3/28/2025 7:01 am

Arlington Heights Spring Window Painting 2025
Saturday, May 3, 9:00 am --1:00 pm, Rain date, Sunday, May 4, 9:00 am --1:00 pm
Arlington residents are invited to participate in the Fourth Annual Arlington Heights Spring Window Painting Event, which will take place on Saturday, May 3, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Paint a window by yourself or grab your friend or family and paint a window together in one of 60+ designated storefront windows in 25 Heights businesses.

Designs must have a spring theme - flowers, trees, birds, insects, etc. We also invite community painters to go beyond painting the beauty of spring blooms by including simple messages and/or steps that people can take to protect our environment and promote eco-diversity in their yards and town wide. 

Online Registration: Saturday, April 5 to Saturday April 19 (two weeks)
Register online at:
https://business.arlcc.org/events/details/arlington-heights-spring-themed-window-painting-2025-4666

Entries are accepted on a first come-first served basis. Space is guaranteed to the first 61 entries. Registration site closes when all slots are filled. No confirmation will be sent. A week after the registration closing date, painters will be emailed their window assignment, a rules and information flyer, and a list of window painting supplies and tips. A $25 registration fee covers paint supplies purchased locally (an assortment of paint brushes and acrylic paints in a pre-selected color palette, which will be available to painters on the day of the event).

Eligibility: All residents and any individuals who attend a school in Arlington are eligible for this event. Painters under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

The paintings will remain on display through mid-June. These public events are organized by the Arlington Heights Community Association (AHCA) in partnership with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce.

The Arlington Heights Community Association (AHCA) is a group of Heights business owners, residents, and non-profits who meet monthly to address local issues and concerns, support beautification projects, and organize public events in the Heights such as three seasonal window paintings and the Holiday Stroll. Meetings take place on the third Thursday morning of every month. If you are interested in attending a meeting or volunteering, please contact Janet O’Riordan, joriordan@comcast.net.

Question of the Week!

3/28/2025 7:00 am

From the Assistant Principal: Fifth Graders Explore the American Revolution at the MFA

3/21/2025 7:10 am

Dallin fifth-graders have been learning about the American Revolution, exploring the causes, events, and impact of this pivotal moment in our country’s history. To bring their learning to life, Ms. Greenland, our talented art teacher, organized a field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston for each fifth grade class. Mrs. Kulshrestha’s class was the first to visit the museum this week and I got to join them! The trip provided students with an incredible opportunity to see artifacts, paintings, and historical objects that connect directly to their social studies lessons.

Equipped with clipboards and charcoal pencils, the students spent 20 minutes in each of the three sections dedicated to the American Revolution. They meticulously examined paintings, silver artifacts, period furniture, and miniature ship models, sketching the pieces that captivated their interest.​

“We’ve been learning about the American Revolution and the colonies, and about all the taxes,” reported Benjamin, one of Mrs. Kulshrestha’s students. “Going to the MFA helped us see what life was like back then—what they wore, what they used, and even the fancy silver teapots.” One highlight for many students was the detailed portrait of Henry Knox, a Revolutionary War hero. “I drew that painting in my sketchbook,” Benjamin added. “It was really detailed and cool.”

Ray, another fifth grader, was particularly impressed by an intricately designed sword. “It had an eagle’s head on it and was made of steel. It looked really cool.” Sylvie was drawn to an elegant dress on display. “It looked like a wedding dress and was in such good condition. It was really beautiful.” Many students also watched a woodworking video that demonstrated how furniture from the era was made, and they loved the model ships on display.

Reflecting on what they’ve been learning in class, students shared strong opinions about British taxes: “The taxes were unfair because the colonies had no representation,” Sylvie explained. “They had no say in the decisions being made, and they were just forced to pay.” Ray added, “Without the taxes, they might not have had a revolution at all.” 

Their advice for upcoming classes visiting the MFA? “Pay attention to what’s in the paintings—they give you big clues about what life was like,” Sylvie suggested. 

This trip was an engaging experience that brought history to life, and we can’t wait to hear what the next two classes discover. A big “thank you” to Ms. Greenland for creating this opportunity and to Dallin’s PTO for funding these great learning adventures!

Best,

Sam

3 Weeks Until the Dallin Spring Auction!

3/21/2025 7:09 am

Have you checked out the Dallin Auction website yet? Here you’ll find:

• Admission and raffle ticket sales

• A list of committed donors so far (a.k.a. hints about what might be on offer!)

• Our generous sponsors

• A “Frequently Asked Question” page that we hope you’ll find helpful

Have even more questions? Email us at dallinschoolauction@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!