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Office of Specialized Services (OSS) Newsletter


March 11, 2024


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

Coordinator of Special Education Professional Development

On February 16, the Office of Specialized Services and the Office of Multicultural and Multilingual Education held a joint professional development to discuss supports for Multilingual Students with Disabilities. Kay Seale, Chief of Specialized Services and Joelle Gamere, Chief of Multilingual and Multicultural Education, provided the group of Coordinators of Special Education (COSE), Regional Assistant Directors, and the Language Assessment Team Facilitators (LATF) important updates.


The professional development keynote speaker, Dr. Bertha Elena Rojas, presented on Understanding with Criticality the Challenges of Assessing Multilingual Students Suspected With a Disability and Best Practices to Support Multilingual Learners with Disabilities.

Exploring New Heights: Adventure at Loon Mountain

Andrea Higgins, Adaptive Physical Education (APE) Teacher, led a group of APE students from BGA up to Loon Mountain in New Hampshire for two days of skiing, snowshoeing and mountainside sightseeing.

Andrea organizes all the school, mountain volunteers, meals and lodging to ensure the students learn a new skill and have fun. She is dedicated to having her students explore experiences that otherwise would not have been possible for them. These lived experiences have impacts that go far beyond our classroom walls. Thank you Andrea for your dedication to our students and building lasting, unforgettable moments.

Dedicated Team Supports Students with Visual Impairments

Boston Public Schools has a team of teachers that travel to schools who work with students with visual impairments. Students have medically documented visual impairments and/or conditions that impact their access to their curriculum. The teachers are titled Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVIs). TVIs teach students with visual impairments many different ways- using specialized instruction such as technology, tactile items, braille, and large print.


Additionally, certain educators, known as Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), assist students with visual impairments in acquiring safe navigation skills within their school and community environments.


Instruction is creative and unique to each student depending on their visual impairment. Teachers also help students learn and experience expanded core curriculum and life skills.

A TVI recently traveled to New York City and collaborated with the LEGO Foundation. Prior to COVID, the LEGO Foundation produced braille LEGO bricks to promote inclusive play experiences, introducing sighted individuals to braille letters and numbers through play. Over 130 inclusive play activities were developed to normalize and expose braille to a wider audience in enjoyable, creative ways. The initiative included training LEGO employees and co-developing engaging, accessible games. As a result, the LEGO Foundation designated six individuals as LEGO Braille Ambassadors of North America.


If a classroom would like to have an inclusive play lesson email me

mlee2@bostonpublicschools.org and would love to share some!

STRIVE Boston Public Schools Wentworth Training Program

The STRIVE Boston Public Schools Wentworth Training Program celebrates 35 years of providing vocational training and true community inclusion to over 6,000 local youth with disabilities. Participants have benefited significantly, gaining both hard and soft skills, such as facilities management and teamwork, in a supportive environment.

The program's success is evidenced by its alumni, who have secured various roles in the greater Boston area, and its ongoing commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities through education and opportunity. Learn more about the STRIVE program at Wentworth.

Quincy Elementary Lunar New Year Celebration

The Josiah Quincy Elementary School shared the joy of Lunar New Year with their annual celebration filled with music and dance. Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous Year of the Dragon!

Chinese New Year Unspoken

Experience the unique perspective of the only deaf individual at a Lunar New Year Celebration. Watch the Chinese New Year 2024 Unspoken video that showcases the power of connection transcending barriers.

Boston Arts Academy Spirituals Ensemble Performance

The Boston Arts Academy Spirituals Ensemble performed an inspirational and powerful set at the Bolling Building to celebrate Black History Month at BPS! We wish these incredible performers well as they prepare for their national competition!

Celebrating Black History Month

The Office of Specialized Services Regional Assistant Directors for Special Education (from left to right): Tanisha Roulhac, Mery Faial-Zaynoune, and Petrina Johnson share their Black joy.

From left to right: Alicia Scott, Director of Extended School Year & Expanded Learning, and Petrina Johnson, Regional Assistant Director for Special Education, celebrate African heritage.

Resources for Families

Visit the Office of Specialized Services website to learn more about:

  • Upcoming Events
  • Family Guide for Students with Disabilities
  • Specialized Services & Strands
  • Meet the Coordinators of Special Education
  • Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards (PNPS)
  • Join Our Team
  • Boston Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SpEdPAC) and more!


The BPS Helpline is available to assist you with any questions, or concerns.


The Department of Transportation is available to assist you with transportation related questions or support needed.


The Welcome Services is available to assist you with the following:


Upcoming Events & Updates

  • Wednesday, March 20th, 6-7:30 PM | ELAC: Spanish
  • Thursday, March 21st, 4-5:30 PM | ELAC: Haitian Creole
  • Tuesday, March 26th, 6-8 PM | CPC Meeting
  • Wednesday, March 27th, 7:30-9 PM | ELAC: Chinese
  • Thursday, March 28th, 5:45-8:30 PM | Ramadan Community Iftar
  • Thursday, March 28th, 7-8:30 PM | Boston SpEdPAC


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.  

Our Next Meeting Will Focus On:

Support Services for Students with Autism


Join the next SpEdPAC general meeting on Thursday, March 28 at 7 PM. General meetings are organized for Boston SpEdPAC members and focus on a specific topic related to supporting a student with a disability. The March meeting will be a virtual meeting about support services for students with autism.


You can access presentations from past meetings on the SpEdPAC website under the 'General Meetings' tab.


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


 General Meeting Flyers:


English | Español  العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt


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: 


English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt

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. 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:



English | Español |  العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português 



Visit our Website

Ramadan Community Iftar


In celebration of Ramadan, the month of fasting for Muslims, Boston Public Schools' Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education is hosting the Ramadan Community Iftar on Thursday, March 28th, from 5:45-8:30 PM at the 2nd floor of the Bolling Building, located at 2300 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02119. We look forward to seeing you there as we come together in celebration and community. Complete the form to register for Ramadan.


Questions? Email Hala Ashour, hashour@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, March 26th 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

Countdown to Kindergarten


Countdown to Kindergarten is hosting the Annual Flash Rhyme Mob on Wednesday, April 10th at 11-11:30 AM at various locations. The Flash Rhyme Mob is part of the Talk Read Play Campaign and highlights the importance of talking to and with young children.


Host a Flash Rhyme at your center for your families, collaborate with other centers to create a bigger "mob"! Sign up here to participate!  Check out our flyer.


To learn more attend the next question and answer session join us on Thursday, March 7th from 6:30-7:30 pm via Zoom.

Parent-Child Playgroup


For all children, newborns through 5 years of age, who live in Boston! Parents, grandparents, guardians, and caregivers are welcome! Children will start to build on their school readiness skills!


Why Play With Us? Each family attends a two hour once a week playgroup. Call for scheduled times. Make new friends and get connected to community resources. Practice School Readiness, experience free play, circle time, story time and learn about early childhood development! Check out our flyer.


If you are interested please click the links below to fill out the the interest form:


Interested in joining us?

Boston Saves:

Every BPS K2-4th Graders Receive $50 Children's Savings Account


Help your student prepare for life after high school. Get started with Boston Saves! Every K2 - 4th grade student in BPS gets a student’s savings account with $50 from Boston Saves. The $50 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: 


English | Español | العربية | Cabo-Verdiano | 中文 | Français | Kreyòl Ayisyen | Português | Soomaali | Tiếng Việt


Visit our Website

Wellness Resources for Immigrant Families

The Center to Support Immigrant Organizing (CSIO) is hosting its Equity Now and Beyond wellness clinic on Thursday, March 14th from 3-7 PM in the 1st floor lobby of the Bolling Building. Families will receive a variety of health and wellness resources such as: COVID testing/PPE supplies, blood pressure screenings, on-site health insurance enrollment, and more! Boston Public Schools will be present with resources from several departments including the Office of Multilingual and Multicultural Education (OMME), the Office of Specialized Services, Welcome Services and others. Interpretation will also be provided.  


For more information please email CSIO: info@csioboston.org.

BPS Long-Term Facilities Workshops


Please join the BPS Capital Planning Team and the City of Boston at upcoming workshops to learn more about the BPS Long-Term Facilities Plan over the next few weeks. Interpretation and childcare services will be provided at all in-person workshops, the next upcoming workshop will be:


Workshop 2 (rescheduled) - Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 6-8 PM

Register for Workshops

Capital Planning School Transition and Planning Survey


As BPS moves into the next phase of implementing its Long Term Facilities Plan, we want to hear your thoughts on how we make school transitions a better, more supportive experience. Please share your thoughts by completing our School Transition and Planning Survey.


Survey Window: February 26 through March 15

Survey Duration: 10 minutes


The survey is available in multiple languages.

Share Your Voice

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.

Submit a Request

Partnerships & Opportunities

Wings for Autism


Wings for Autism is holding their next event on Saturday, April 6th. Wings for Autism(TM) is a free program specifically designed to support families of children with autism, creating a travel test run to help ease the stress of airline travel. By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience (without actually leaving the airport) parents and their children with special needs can gain the familiarity and confidence they need to take future trips.


By getting comfortable with the airport and flight experience (without actually leaving the airport) parents and their children with special needs can gain the familiarity and confidence they need to take future trips.

During this free, half-day event, children and their families are able to familiarize themselves with the airport and travel procedures. They experience:

  • Entering the airport
  • The check-in process and checking bags
  • Security screening
  • Boarding the plane
  • Preparing for take-off
  • Exiting the plane


Registration will open on Friday, March 1st.



Visit our Website

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: 1stTuesday of every month 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm 


Day/Time: 3rdThursday 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.