Office of Specialized Services (OSS) Newsletter

December 14, 2023

Read the OSE newsletter online here and click the translate button on our website.

Introduction

The Office of Specialized Services (formerly the Office of Special Education) 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 with information on upcoming events, updates, and resources.

Community Bright Spots

Showcase of Schools

Here's a glimpse of a few members of our collaborative team, which includes the Office of Specialized Services (OSS) and the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC), they were readily available to support families of students with disabilities. Some friendly faces include (counterclockwise): Maureen Gage, Speech & Language Pathologist; Patrick Alexis, Supervisor of Related Services; Heather Tinlin, Occupational Therapist; Carrie Tarzia, Supervisor of Related Services; Petrina Johnson, Assistant Director for Region 2; Jack Sinnoff, SpEdPAC Chair; Zachary Houston, Assistant Director for ABA; and Dr. Lauren Viviani, Deputy Chief of Specialized Services.

Families engage with Dearborn STEM Academy staff and students. Dearborn STEM Academy is a science, technology, engineering, and early college school serving students grades 6-12. They are committed to preparing students to successfully enter the 21st-century global workforce. Dearborn has a passionate team of educators with an unwavering dedication to students as the driving force behind their tireless commitment to fostering growth, learning, and well-being. Dearborn offers inclusion specialized services, contact the school to learn more.

Staff and students from Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers (EMK) joined us at the Showcase of Schools. EMK is one of our Special Admissions School. EMK is a college preparatory and vocational high school for Boston students exploring careers in the health professions and related fields. Visit the EMK website to apply.

Here are a few important details and updates regarding school choice:

Registration periods are the following:

January 4 through February 9: Registration period for grades K0, K1, K2, 6, 7, and 9. Assignments notifications will be sent by March 31.

February 12 through April 5: Registration period for grades 1-5, 8, 10, 11, and 12. Assignments notifications will be sent by May 31.

Helpful Websites:

To learn more about the Office of Specialized Services and Strands, you may visit: bostonpublicschools.org/OSSstrands

All schools are providing information sessions. You may visit our School Choice Information Sessions website to learn more.

For more information about School Choice and other Welcome Services supports, you may visit bostonpublicschools.org/Enroll or call (617) 635-9010.

The English High School Drum Line delivered a fantastic performance that uplifted the event and our community. EHS is committed to challenge each student academically while fostering an enduring commitment to honor, achievement, and service to humanity. They seek to support our students’ social and emotional development and growth, challenge them to meet rigorous academic standards, and provide them with opportunities to explore career development opportunities. EHS offers a variety of specialized services for students with disabilities. You may contact the school to learn more.

Everett Elementary staff joined by our Superintendent Mary Skipper. Everett is committed to strong academics as well as the social, emotional, and physical health needs of students. Everett offers inclusion specialized services, contact the school to learn more.

We look forward to welcoming you into the vibrant Boston Public Schools community as you explore the possibilities for your child's education. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our families for your ongoing interest in BPS!

Special Education Resource Fair

From right: Yashira "Yashi" Perez, our Family Engagement Coordinator from the Office of Specialized Services; Mary Marcella, the Assistant Director for Region 1, also from the Office of Specialized Services; and Kelsey Brendel, the Vice-Chair of the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC). Their warmth, dedication, and expertise make them invaluable members of our Boston Public Schools community.

The Office of Specialized Services, in collaboration with the Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC), recently organized a fantastic Special Education Resource Fair. It was truly heartwarming to see more than 40 external and internal organizations come together to share invaluable insights on advocacy, community support, enrichment, and transition supports, among other topics.

Kim Emery, Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC) Board Member at Large, connected with families.

Angelina "Angie" Camacho, the Director of Constituent Services at the Office of Family & Community Advancement with boundless enthusiasm connects with families, sharing valuable BPS Helpline and community resources. The BPS Helpline is here for you and eager to lend a helping hand!

A sincere thank you to all of our families, community members, SpEdPAC, and BPS staff who graced the event with their presence! The overwhelming support made the fair a resounding success. We're anticipating another incredible gathering next year, we can't wait to host it once again!

From right: Colleen Flanagan, Disabilities Commission Engagement & Outreach Specialist; Desiree "Desi" Forte, Easterseals Youth Program Manager; and Sam Gomez, Easterseals Youth Program Coordinator. Colleen ensures Boston's disability community has full access to the city's offerings. Meanwhile, Desi and Sam, as part of Easterseals' passionate Youth Services team, are committed to fostering healthy, active, and engaged lives for youth with disabilities. Their shared mission focuses on offering a variety of programs for individuals with disabilities, empowering them to thrive as individuals while actively participating in their communities.

From right: Mary Skipper, the Boston Public Schools Superintendent, standing alongside the dynamic duo of Ana Lima and Bishan Liao, Family Resource Specialists from the Office of Multilingual & Multicultural Education (OMME). Together, they're weaving connections, reaching out to our superintendent and families with open arms. Their goal is to craft collaborative processes that link families, community partners, and schools by cultivating success for our English language learners and their families thanks to the backing of the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC).

The vendor information will be provided in our January newsletter. Stay tuned for updates.

Coordinator of Special Education Professional Development

Kay Seale, Chief of Specialized Services, shared an Inclusive Education Update during our November Coordinator of Special Education Professional Development.

Introducing the Office of Specialized Services Family Guide

The Office of Specialized Services has created a Family Guide for Students with Disabilities in Boston Public Schools. The Family Guide provides a helpful summary of our Policy and Procedure Manual, also available on our website. This guide will help families to understand the special education process and their role as valued team members. You may also find tips and resources to help you navigate the special education process.

We welcome your feedback! You may provide it in the "Tell Us What You Think" portion which you may find at the end of the Family Guide.

Thank you to our BPS community and partners in your collaborative endeavor in this project!

Family Guide for Students with Disabilities in Boston Public Schools:

Contact/Helpful Links

Office of Specialized Services:

Visit our website to learn more about upcoming events, our newsletter, Family Guide for Students with Disabilities, Specialized Services & Strands, Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC), and more!

Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards (PNPS)

The PNPS follows a question and answer format to provide you with important information about your right to be involved in planning your student’s special education needs.

EdPlan Parent Connect

EdPlan Connect allows you to virtually access your child’s IEP or Section 504 Plan documents, service information, teacher of record information as well as apply your response and electronically sign document(s).

BPS Helpline

If you have any questions, concerns, you may call the BPS Helpline at

617-635-8873 or helpline@bostonpublicschools.org.

Department of Transportation

If you have any questions about transportation or need support you may contact the Department of Transportation by calling (617) 635-9520 or emailing schoolbus@bostonpublicschools.org.

Welcome Services

If you need a change of address, register your student for school, request a transfer, or request an evaluation for special education you may visit Welcome Services. If you need further assistance you may visit the Welcome Services website or

call (617) 635-9010.

Upcoming Events & Updates

Saturday, December 16th, 1:30-4 PM | Boston SpEdPAC: Family Holiday Social
Wednesday, December 20th, 6-8 PM | ELAC: Chinese
Wednesday, December 20th, 6-7:30 PM | ELAC: Spanish
Thursday, December 21st, 4-5:30 PM | ELAC: Haitian Creole
Tuesday, January 9th, 6-8 PM | DELAC Meeting
Thursday, January 18, 8-1 PM | Child Find Screenings (3-5 year olds)
Tuesday, January 23rd, 6-8 PM | CPC Meeting
Tuesday, February 6th, 8-1 PM | Child Find Screenings (6-21 year olds)

To learn more about these upcoming events see below.

District-Wide Parent Advisory Councils & Community Collective

Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC)

The Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (Boston SpEdPAC) is an independent group of parent volunteers established under Massachusetts General Law to ensure that Boston Public School students with disabilities get the services and support they need to develop their full potential. The duties of Boston SpEdPAC include but are not limited to:

Providing information and support to members through direct communication, outreach and monthly meetings, with translation of materials and interpretation services, as highlighted in the SpEdPAC Electronic Newsletter
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
Promoting communication, collaboration and cooperation between families of students with disabilities and the Boston Public School district.

Parents, guardians, educational surrogates and BPS students with disabilities aged 18 and older are SpEdPAC Members, as well as any other interested party.

Family Holiday Social

Join the next SpEdPAC general meeting on Saturday, December 16 at 1:30 PM for our Family Holiday Social. General meetings are organized for Boston SpEdPAC members and focus on a specific topic related to supporting a student with a disability. The December meeting will be an in-person event that will take place at the Murphy School located at 1 Worrell Street, Dorchester, MA 02122. We will have activities, games and prizes. Fun for the whole family!

Want to stay up-to-date with SpEdPAC? Join the SpEdPAC mailing list.

General Meeting Flyers:

Visit our Website

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:

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) is a multicultural and multiethnic, parent-led committee. All Boston Public Schools parent/guardians of English Learner and Former English Learner students are automatically members.

The purpose of the DELAC is to provide recommendations to school and district officials in regard to programs and services provided to English Learners and to promote the implementation of the LOOK Act. On November 22, 2017, Governor Baker signed into law the LOOK Act. Broadly, the new law aims to provide districts with more flexibility as to the language acquisition programs they choose to meet the needs of English learners, while maintaining accountability for timely and effective English language acquisition. For more information about the Look Act visit their website.

To join DELAC at their next meeting see the flyers below for more information. Join the DELAC mailing list.

General Meeting Flyers:

Visit our Website

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Spanish ELAC

Josefina Peralta, Family Resource Specialist from the Office of Multicultural & Multilingual Education (OMME), will be hosting the monthly Spanish ELAC on Wednesday, December 20th from 6-7:30 pm via Zoom. The meeting topics include: bilingual program expansion and updates for the upcoming school year. The guest speakers include: Carolina Armstrong, Deputy Chair of Instruction of OMME; Teresa Martinez, Director for Multilingual Learners Community Outreach; and Ben Parad, Director of Bilingual Programs.

If you have any questions you may contact Josefina Peralta by phone at (617) 635-9435 X45046 or via email at jperalta2@bostonpublicschools.org.

Haitian Creole ELAC

Body Homicile, Family Resource Specialist from the Office of Multicultural & Multilingual Education (OMME), will be hosting the monthly Haitian Creole ELAC on Thursday, December 21st from 4-5:30 pm via Zoom. At this meeting you will have the opportunity to be informed about the resources from the Office of Language Access Services, Bilingual Programs Expansion, and an update from the Capital Planning team and the Mayor's Office around Green New Deal for BPS.

If you have any questions you may contact Body Homicile by phone at (617) 635-9435 or via email at bhomicile@bostonpublicschools.org.

Citywide Parent Council (CPC)

Made up entirely of current BPS family volunteers, the Citywide Parent Council (CPC) for Boston Public Schools (BPS) is the official voice of all our 49,500 families. The CPC is the umbrella organization of each of our 125 schools’ School Parent/Family Councils (SPCs)/(SFCs), and we are constituted by the elected representatives (reps) from each of our schools. We advocate as one voice for all of our students and their families.

CPC meetings are open to all BPS parents and community members to participate in. Many schools elect representatives through their School Parent/Family Councils, though you do not need to be an elected representative to attend meetings.

We have a fantastic agenda prepared that covers all the Title 1 requirements for Family Engagement, including the formation and parent participation requirements for every school’s Parent/Family Council and School Site Council, and family engagement compacts and plans.

Learn more and get involved with the CPC!

Attend our next meeting on Tuesday, January 23rd from 6-8 pm via Zoom!
Attend your school’s Parent/Family Council’s monthly meetings
Ask your school’s Family Liaison how to get involved!

Visit our Website

Child Find Screenings

The Child Find screening is for 3-21-year-old students who are not presently attending the Boston Public Schools and are residents of the City of Boston. The screened student must attend the screening with a parent/guardian. Please follow the BPS Registration Checklist in the BPS Welcome Services Registration website.

Child Find Screenings (3-5 year olds)

Thursday, January 18, 2024
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Child Find Screenings (6-21 year olds)

Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Thursday, March 21, 2024

While Boston Public Schools conducts screening activities, if you suspect or know that your child has a disability, please contact Welcome Services to request an evaluation. You do not need to attend a screening date to request an

evaluation. For more information about Welcome Services, you may visit their site:

bostonpublicschools.org/welcomecenters.

For quetions about Child Find email us at ChildFind@bostonpublicschools.org. Visit our website to sign up for Child Find.

Visit our Website

Behavioral Health Services

Check out the Behavioral Health Services Digest for practical tips around social, emotional, and behavioral development. This month’s digest will focus on coping with holiday stress. To sign up for the digest click here.

Digest:

Boston Saves

Help your child prepare for life after high school. Get started with Boston Saves! Every K2 - 2nd grade student in BPS gets a children’s savings account with $50 from Boston Saves. This free money can be used for college, career training, or disability-related costs for independent or supported living. Plus, you can take simple steps to start earning more! See the flyers below to learn more:

Flyers:

Visit our Website

Transportation Reimbursement Procedure

If your student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan includes transportation and due to an uncovered bus route, you transported your student to/from school you are entitled to seek reimbursement. Reimbursement is at the state rate for driving or the cost of a taxi/rideshare between your home and school. Starting this school year, all families will complete the same intake form for special education transportation reimbursement.

If you have any questions, reach out to 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.

Visit our Website

Partnerships & Opportunities

Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN)

Want to build your confidence talking about testing, scores, and other data?

The Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) will be hosting a Family Data Leadership Training. This is a 3-Part Training Series to Empower Parents and Caregivers. The Family Data Leadership (FDL) Training is your opportunity to:

Build your capacity to participate in critical data discussions
Advocate for programs and systems that impact children with disabilities
Create positive changes at the state and program levels

This series is free and open to all parents and caregivers. The focus is on early childhood data.

Dates: Dec 18th, Dec 19th, Dec 20th

Time: 5-7 PM

Location: Online

To register click here.

Department of Children (DCF): Upcoming Foster Care/Adoption Informational Meetings

The Department of Children (DCF) and Families is actively recruiting foster parents for children in your community. DCF's goal is to provide their foster children with a supportive and healing environment in a home in their own community until they can be reunited with their families, or another plan can be made on their behalf. The rewards of providing daily care, guidance and acceptance are immeasurable.

If you are thinking about becoming a foster parent, you can learn more about the application process and the support provided by the Department by attending an information meeting. Please join us at one of the following sessions.

Upcoming Foster Care/Adoption Informational Meetings:

Day/Time: 1st Tuesday of every month 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Day/Time: 3rd Thursday of every month 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

If you have any questions you may the Department of Children and Families (DCF) Boston Regional Office by phone at (617) 822-4769.

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Quarterly Forum

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission hosts a quarterly forum for individuals with disabilities and family allies to engage, share information, and connect to the resources that are available. During these forums, we would like to hear from you to better understand the challenges that impact your access to the services and supports you need.

When: Tuesday, December 19th from 5-7 pm

Where: Zoom Webinar