Westwood SEPAC: A Resource For Parents Of Kids With Special Needs

Westwood SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) is a parent-led group which the town is mandated to have per state law. Its mission is to “to work for the understanding of, respect for, and support of children of all abilities in our community.” Westwood SEPAC lives its mission through events it holds throughout the year.

Westwood SEPAC’s first event of the 2019-2020 school year will be a Back-to-School Popsicle Social at the Downey School playground from 2pm to 4pm on September 15. “There will be bubbles and hulahoops, and the kids can run around,” says SEPAC co-chair Megan Brenk of the event.

Brenk became involved in SEPAC when her son was diagnosed with autism at the end of kindergarten. A transplant to Westwood from California, she sought support and found SEPAC. After attending her first meeting, she and another parent, Meggan Flaherty, began leading SEPAC.

SEPAC offers events and advocacy for parents of children with special needs. Brenk add that last year the group addressed the Westwood School Committee about inconsistencies in the bullying policies across Westwood schools. In continuing to build the organization, SEPAC offers parents coffees and socials. Outside speakers on topics such as Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and Executive Functioning have also been featured.

“We don’t check your Westwood credentials at the door,” laughs Brenk. She added that families from other local towns, as well as parents whose children are placed out of district or in a collaborative attend Westwood SEPAC events.

Brenk reports that this year she hopes to expand Westwood SEPAC’s reach to parents of medially-compromised students who might not be able to attend events by using technology such as Zoom video conferencing.

If you would like to become involved with Westwood SEPAC, check out their website or their Facebook Group.

Other Back to School Articles:

• Back to School: 2019 Cross Country (Boys' & Girls') Schedule
• Back to School: 2019 Girls' Soccer Schedule
• Back to School: 2019 Boys' Soccer Schedule
• Back to School: 2019 Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday August 17-18
• School and Town Athletic Fields To Be Sprayed August 15-16