Jamestown School

Special Education Local Advisory Committee (SELAC)

 

August 16, 2007

 

Dear Parents,

 

On behalf of the Special Education Local Advisory Committee (SELAC), we welcome you to Jamestown School and look forward to working with you during the 2007-2008 school year.

 

SELAC is a state mandated committee comprised of parents, teachers, school administrators, resource teachers, and community members which serves as a formal advocacy group for parents and children with special education needs.

 

In addition to advocacy, SELAC provides information regarding the special education evaluation process.  This year we plan to utilize the Rhode Island Parents Information Network (RIPN).  RIPN is a statewide organization that provides resources and help to parents of special education and special needs students.  Some of these resources include workshops addressing timely topics, training, book lists, and other means of education and support.    SELAC will keep its members and other interested parties aware of such opportunities.  We also encourage parents to access the RIPIN website at http://www.ripin.org/

 

We also have parents available to help you in a variety of areas related to both regular and special education.  Currently our committee has parents with experience in ADHD, Sensory Integration, Reading Disorders, Dyslexia, Asperger’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Non Verbal Learning Disabilities, Hearing Loss, Learning Disabilities, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and more.  If you have a problem, we can put you in touch with someone who can help through personal experience or networking capabilities.  Please feel free to call one of the following SELAC members for assistance: Tony Rafanelli (423-3953) or Donna Perry (423-0450) OR you may call the Office of the Director of Student Services (423-7021) for a parent point of contact.

 

Attached is list of SELAC accomplishments during the 2006-2007 school year.

 

A schedule of SELAC business meetings is located in this information packet as well.   There will also be opportunities for open forums where you can come and speak to a parent.  Contact one of the SELAC members or the Director of Student Services for more information on this.  SELAC meeting information is posted on the school website-jamestownri.com/school.   We welcome and encourage your participation and communication with SELAC.

 

Sincerely,

 

Anthony Rafanelli

Chair

Jamestown School SELAC

 

APPENDIX A.  CURRENT SCHEDULE OF SELAC BUSINESS MEETINGS

 

SELAC BUSINESS MEETING SCHEDULE [subject to change]*

 

Tuesday, August 21, 2007, 6:30PM, Melrose Teachers Room

Tuesday, September 18, 2007, 6:30PM, Melrose Teachers Room

 

Tuesday, October 23, 2007, 6:30PM, Melrose Teachers Room

 

Tuesday, November 20, 2007, 6:30PM, Melrose School Library

 

December (as of now, no meeting is scheduled but should one be necessary, proper notification will be given)

 

January through June 2008 (2nd Tuesday of each month unless as specified)*

 

 

*Subject to change due to nature of SELAC chair’s schedule.  It is advised that SELAC and other interested parties contact the Jamestown School Director of Student Services at 423-7021 to confirm meeting dates, times, and locations.