SEPAC Newsletter

5/8/2026 5:45 am

SEPAC Newsletter: May 7, 2026

News, events, and resources for Arlington parents and caregivers supporting students who learn differently.

 

 

Reminder! May SEPAC meeting: Tuesday, May 12th, 7:30pm (Zoom)

An optional, casual parent/caregiver chat will follow post-meeting from 8:30-9:00pm.

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

Arlington SEPAC Event

“Understanding Executive Functioning Across K–12: How It Shows Up and How to Support It”

WHEN: May 12, 7:30 – 8:30pm (Zoom link)*

Join Kelly Colon, “The Neurospicy Professor,” and Julia Kelahan Founder of Pathfinder Learning Center for a webinar on executive functioning (EF) through a neuroaffirming, real-world lens. What we’ll cover:

  • What executive functioning is and why it matters for learning, behavior, emotions, and daily school life

  • Common parts of the school day that can create EF strain

  • Practical ways parents and educators can support children using neuroaffirming, responsive strategies

Kelly is an executive function and ADHD coach, educator, and neurodiversity advocate who helps families, students, and schools better understand how executive functioning shapes learning, behavior, and day-to-day success.

Julia brings extensive experience with the public school IEP process and real familiarity with the various ways of being that can pose challenges to learning — including ADHD, dyslexia, and anxiety. She holds a graduate-level certificate in Neurodiversity and Executive Functioning from Landmark College.

*This event will take place during the monthly SEPAC meeting.

Zoom link

 

SEPAC Launches Special Education “Shoutouts” Program

Every year, the responses to the Arlington Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) survey capture how much specific individuals influence our kiddos' experiences at APS. The Arlington SEPAC has created a new way to recognize those folks with a "SEPAC Shoutout." Please consider nominating someone from APS who has made your child's life (or your life!) a little bit easier/better/more understood. We'll recognize that person in our newsletter and let Dr. Homan and her team know how much we appreciate the folks who are showing up in just the right ways for our children.

Nominate an educator

 

APS Summer Screens Workshop for Parents

The district social work team is again offering a parent/caregiver workshop, Coping Ahead: Summer Screen Strategies for Summer. Learn how to plan for summer when it comes to children and devices. with any parents you think would benefit! We are working to confirm that location, but the date and time are set. Learn More

WHEN: June 3, 7:30pm - 9:30pm

WHERE: Arlington High School

Register

 

SEPAC Needs Your Help Next Year!

The more parent/caregiver involvement in SEPAC the stronger our voices are! SEPAC needs more parents/caregivers involved to keep the momentum going. Please consider nominating someone you know (or yourself!) for a position on the SEPAC Board (co-chairs are possible). Not interested in a board position? We need volunteers at all levels too! Take a look at the various position descriptions at the link below, and let us know if you’re interested. 2026-2027 voting will take place at the June SEPAC meeting, the final one of the year.

Nominate a board member OR share your interest in volunteering

 

Services in and Around the Community

ACCEPT Center for Learning & Growth Hosts Transition Fair

WHEN: THURSDAY, May 21st, 2026, 6:00pm - 7:30pm 

WHERE: 4 Tech Circle, Natick MA 

Learn about Community Agencies and Service Providers, Employment and Job Training resources, Independent Living & Family Supports, Adult Program Opportunities

Learn more 

 

What is Arlington SEPAC?

Arlington’s Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a volunteer parent group that acts as a resource for parents and caregivers and advises the district and the School Committee regarding meeting the needs of students with disabilities in Arlington. Each school district in the state is required to have a SEPAC.

Our next meeting: Tuesday, May 12th, 7:30pm: Zoom link

Detailed 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