Feb. 3, 2021 | Miasha Lee
LONGMEADOW – At the Jan. 26 meeting, Diane Porfilio and Megan Downey of the Special Education Alliance of Longmeadow (SEAL) did a presentation to inform the community of the advocacy for special need students, special education laws and parent support work done by their organization.
SEAL is a parent advisory council that offers information, support, and networking opportunities to parents. They collaborate with the school community and counsel the Longmeadow school district regarding the planning, development and evaluation of its special education programs and policies.
“The main purpose of SEAL is really for parents to support parents,” Downey said. “Coming forward sometimes is a little difficult for parents who have a child with special needs to reach out and ask for help. It’s always good if you have another parent to talk to and that’s what we're really about making connections for parents to rely on each other. we like to see our numbers grow since we have a very large group of children in this community with special needs.”
Clerk Kevin Shea thanked Portfillo and Downey for the great work they’re doing.
Shea stated, “I think it”s really important for all of us on the committee and district to recognize what you showed us, which is almost 25 percent of our students have special needs, and reminding parents that SEAL is there for them. To help them reach out and really make connections.”
He continued, “I think it’s important to remember that we have a great support network for our kids led by Jean Fontaine and all of the folks who work with Jean, but this is a great way for parents to feel supported as well, so thank you for presenting and reminding everyone that we have networks for the kids and the parents.”
Vice Chair Bronwyn Monahan added, “Thank you for putting in so much time for the program and for coming on this evening. Hopefully, community members or parents will see this and be more inclined to get involved and realize that the parents supporting parents motto is really essential.”
Track Renaming
The committee made a motion to approve the naming of the Longmeadow High School Track for retired track coach and school adjustment counselor Mr. John Devine, and to direct the superintendent to develop a plan in accordance with district policies and procedures for signage or plaque development in placement. All of the members expressed how inspirational this process has been and a joy to hear from the student athletes about their experiences with Coach Devine. Monahan said this is one of the more exciting votes for her and she is thrilled for it to happen soon. The committee has received nothing but positive support for the naming of their track facility after Devine.
Approval and Support
Toward the end of the meeting, the committee then approved the use of anticipated FY 2021 end of the year funds for technology hardware, a Middle School facility study, BAS materials, third- grade social studies textbooks and building security/cameras, in the amount of up to $414,912.50 as designated in FY21 Budget Investment proposal dated Jan. 19, 2021. they also approved a motion to support the Green Communities grant application from the town of Longmeadow that will include the installation of an electric vehicle charging station at Longmeadow High School.
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February 03, 2021 at 10:07PM
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School Committee hosts SEAL presentation, renames track facility - Reminder Publications
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