Special Education & Pupil Services Announcements
August 28, 2024
Dear Families, Staff and Community:
As the 2024-2025 school year approaches, I wanted to reiterate that inclusivity is an impetus in the East Bridgewater Public Schools as we look to support all learners. I look forward to working with families, students and staff in meeting the needs of all students regardless of disability, ethnicity, race, religion or sexual orientation. As always, students remain the center of all services and programs that we provide.
It has been busy during the summer of 2024. Once again, the Extended School Year (ESY) program was a huge success. I would like to thank Ms. Sandi Telless, ESY Coordinator, and the ESY staff for all they do during ESY. Eighty-Five students were able to work on summer reading, writing and math as well as taking part in themed units addressing a variety of topics over the course of the five week program.
I would like to take this opportunity to welcome Ms. Christine Danielson to the district. Ms. Danielson is a Board Certified Behavior Specialist who will work with students and staff across the district.
Beginning this school year (2024-2025 school year), the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has released new Individualized Education Program (IEP) forms to be used in school and districts across the state. Your child’s education team is committed to providing the best possible supports and services for your child’s educational journey, and our use of the new IEP forms are designed to enhance that commitment.
Please feel free to reach out to your child’s grave level IEP Coordinator or the special education office at (508) 378-5963 if you have any questions or concerns regarding the implementation of the new statewide IEP forms. We value a partnership in your child’s education, and we look forward to working together to support your child’s educational needs.
As a reminder, all IEP TEAM meetings are scheduled as in person meetings. Parents/guardians may request a virtual or phone conference meeting by contacting the IEP Coordinator at their child’s grade level or the Special Education Office at (508) 378-5963.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s special education programming or are concerned that your child needs more support, please contact the IEP Coordinator for your child’s grade level.
PreK - Grade 3 Sheila Pero [email protected]
Grade 4 - Grade 7 Andrea Lopes [email protected]
Grade 8 - Grade 12 Mitchell Daley [email protected]
Please review the Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards. To review the Parents’ Notice of Procedural Safeguards, please utilize the applicable link below to access this document in your preferred language. The Parent’s Notice of Procedural Safeguards is an important document that provides information regarding special education and your right as a parent to be involved and planning your student’s special education. If you would like to receive this document by mail, please contact my office to request a copy.
As always, if you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected] or at (508) 378-5962.
Sincerely,
John Phelan
Director of Special Education
Important Notices
Child Find
In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA 2004) and Massachusetts special education regulations, 603 CMR 28.00, the East Bridgewater Public School District provides screening and/or evaluations for all children residing in East Bridgewater, between ages 3-21, when parents, caretakers, and/or teachers suspect the presence of a disability. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine eligibility for special education services. This notice applies to children residing in East Bridgewater who attend either public or private schools. If you suspect your child may have an educational disability, please contact the Specialized Services Office at the East Bridgewater Jr/Sr High School at 508 378-5962.
Destruction of Records
All special education records of students who graduated, withdrew, or transferred from the East Bridgewater Public Schools during the 2016-2017 school year will be destroyed effective, October 25, 2024.
Per MA state law governing student records, please notify the East Bridgewater Public Schools' Special Education Department, 143 Plymouth Street, East Bridgewater, MA 02333, in writing prior to October 18, 2024 if you will pick up your records. No records will be mailed. Parents have the right to obtain the records if a student is under 18 years of age. Parents/guardians may pick up student records after receipt of a letter of authorization from the student.