Office
134 Dulong Circle Chicopee, MA 01022 (413) 594-3479
Special Education
2022-2023 Crisis Intervention Training
Full Training - October 5th & 6th 2022, November 29th & 30th 2022
Recertification Training (Refresher) - Sept 7th, Sept 29th, Oct 7th, Oct 27th, Nov 8th, Nov 17th, Dec 2nd
2023 Training TBD
Parent Advisory Council (PAC) General Information
2 days ago
Dr. Andrea Stolar - Director of Special Education
Stacy Moran - PAC School Liaison
Jennifer Fellows-Gardner - PAC Parent/President
chicopeesepac@gmail.com
What is PAC?
PAC or SEPAC stands for Special Education Parent Advisory Council
Under state regulations, every school district, private special education school, and public charter school MUST have one. Some districts/schools are more active than others.
What does PAC Do?
The PAC in collaboration with the district must hold a Basic Rights workshop every school year. This is a workshop to inform parents about their rights under state and federal special education law.
PAC’s are also responsible to advise the district/school regarding concerns that parents have regarding problems with services, and concerns about services and advising the district/school concerning changes in laws, policies, or budgets.
Many PACs (including Chicopee) offer workshops and speakers for parents, guardians, and others regarding topics related to raising children with special needs. These workshops are open to the public and provide parents/guardians the opportunity to connect with others.
Chicopee’s PAC provides workshops on various topics related to raising children with special needs. We strive to offer different topics for a range of ages.
What if my district's PAC is not active?
We welcome everyone including parents from other districts or private schools. The only restriction for non-Chicopee families is that you may not vote for the election of officers.
Chicopee Prepares for a TFM Review from DESE
During the week of May 20, 2024, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s
Office of Public School Monitoring (PSM) will conduct a Tiered Focused Monitoring Review of
Chicopee Public Schools. The Office of Public School Monitoring visits each district and charter
school every three years to monitor compliance with federal and state special education and
civil rights regulations. Areas of review related to special education include student
assessments, determination of eligibility, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team
process, and IEP development and implementation. Areas of review related to civil rights
include bullying, student discipline, physical restraint, and equal access to school programs for
all students. In addition to the onsite visit, parent outreach is an important part of the review process. The
review chairperson from the Office of Public School Monitoring will send all parents of students
with disabilities an online survey that focuses on key areas of their child’s special education
program. Survey results will contribute to the development of a report. During the onsite
review, the Office of Public School Monitoring will interview the chairperson(s) of the district’s
Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC). Other onsite activities may include
interviews of charter school staff and administrators, reviews of student records, and onsite
observations. Parents and other individuals may call Jesus Pena, Public School Monitoring Chairperson, at
(781) 338-3767 to request a telephone interview. If an individual requires an accommodation,
such as translation, to participate in an interview, the Department will make the necessary
arrangements. Within approximately 60 business days after the onsite visit, the review chairperson will
provide Chicopee Public Schools with a report with information about areas in which the
District meets or exceeds regulatory requirements and areas in which the district requires
assistance to correct or improve practices. The public will be able to access the report at
Destruction of Special Education Records:
Parents, guardians, and former students are hereby notified that all special education records within the possession of the Chicopee Public Schools will be destroyed, pursuant to 603 CMR 23.06, five years from the date when the student is no longer eligible for special education, graduates, moves or transfers to another district or completes his/her educational program at age 22. Eligible students, parents or guardians may receive the student's special education records prior to the destruction date by submitting a written request to:
Director of Special Education Chicopee Public Schools 134 Dulong Cir. Chicopee, Ma 01022