Schools

SEPTA: Stratford Special Education PTA: Offering Support, Education, Inspiration

Several fundraisers planned beginning with 'Bounce U' event set for February 18.

Stratford SEPTA, which brings together parents, families, teachers, school administrators, students, and friends who are interested in special education and children with special needs, is off to a successful start. Members and friends of the group are from across the school district and beyond.

Ellen Michaels spoke at the initial meeting in December on the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) process and on Individual Education Plans (IEPs), including what qualifies students for special education services and what those services as well as individual goals for students may look like.

Attendees had the opportunity to get to know each other before and after the presentation, and by the end of the evening the organization’s membership count had doubled.

While the second meeting was canceled due to weather, on February 9 the organization met again, with Mary Ritter, DMD, of Commerce Park Dental in Bridgeport speaking on pediatric dentistry and dentistry for children with special needs.

Upcoming events include a Bounce U fundraiser, a LEGO@ Build-a-Thon, and a meeting on successful potty training. In addition, the organization will be raising funds for an ADA-accessible playground for preschool-aged children at Second Hill Lane Elementary School.

The Bounce U fundraiser is planned for February 18, from 6-8 p.m. at Bounce U, 305 Hathaway Drive, Stratford. The cost is $15 each bouncer, with food, games, face painting, karaoke, and raffles available for extra cost to raise money for Stratford SEPTA. With the varied needs of children in mind, Bounce U will not be playing music during bounce time, and the party rooms will be available for a safe, quiet space if needed.

A LEGO Build-a-Thon will take place March 5, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Sterling House Community Center, 2283 Main Street, Stratford. ALL children are welcome to come and show off their LEGO building skills on site (or a finished masterpiece from home). Each builder will be awarded a certificate. Participants are asked to donate $5 or more to Stratford SEPTA and will receive a door prize ticket for registering, plus an additional ticket for each pledge collected.

Ken Blinn from Play-Well TEKnologies will introduce engineering ideas through several projects made from LEGOs, including a catapult and battle tracks (children can build cars and race against friends). Also face painting, food,and more. Donations of LEGO sets or pieces are being sought.

On March 9, 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the library media center at Johnson House of Stratford Academy, 719 Birdseye Street, Stratford, the monthly meeting will include a presentation by Hamden-based potty training consultant Ashley Hickey offering tips for training both special needs and typically developing children.

Details on the ADA-accessible playground will be announced soon, but we anticipate having the playground up and running for the start of the 2011-12 school year.

Stratford SEPTA -- whose tagline is Support, Education, Inspiration -- encourages parents, families, and educators to share their experiences and perspectives, and help families realize the importance of their role in the community. It provides parents with information on navigating the special education system and works to increase the community’s understanding of exceptional children’s abilities to reach their full potential.

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The group also aims to inspire by enriching the lives of children and families though educational and social opportunities, celebrating the individuality and unique abilities of all children.

For more information or to become a member, see www.stratfordsepta.org or the “Stratford Septa” page on Facebook. Advance registration is requested for all meetings and the Bounce U fundraiser, required for the LEGO Build-a-Thon. Email info@stratfordsepta.org.

Editor’s Note: SEPTA is a PTA within a school district. A listing of most other Connecticut SEPTA organizations can be found at www.ctpta.org/Resources/SEPTAS.html. Other SEPTAs in the vicinity include Easton, Fairfield, and Milford (with the Milford-based SEPTA Network offering support to Stratford, Milford, Trumbull, Shelton, and West Haven families and educators).


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