Welcome!

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FALL 2026 UPDATE

We hit the ground running in September – here’s the scoop!

We’ve talked about better defining our mission as a SEPAC, and pouring our efforts into meeting people where they’re at, as well as strengthening our community partnerships. As a starting point for these goals, we:

• Had a great presentation from the founders of Woburn Community Fridge!

• Plan on collaborating more with Woburn Commission on Disability.

• Begin to offer “drop-in” virtual office hours throughout the year. Our first was in October, but there are more to come!

• Cast a wider SEPAC net! We have reached out to other SEPACs in surrounding towns so we can share information on speakers and topics. Power in numbers, people!

We talked about what we are watching as a SEPAC:

• Changes in leadership at some of our elementary schools: Qi Chen is now the principal at the Malcolm White and the Shamrock now has an assistant principal, Jennifer Barreto. This is also Principal Clark’s last year!

• Massachusetts Literacy Law Update: Back in June, the governor signed into law that districts must use evidence-based instruction: Every student from kindergarten through 3rd grade is to be taught using phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness, often called the “science of reading.” The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is seeking public comment on proposed early literacy regulations related to An Act Relative to Teacher Preparation and Student Literacy. The proposed regulations are related to high-quality K–3 literacy curricula, universal literacy screening, and educator preparation. Members of the public are invited to submit written comment until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 28. Comments can be submitted using the Student Literacy Act regulations public comment submission form or by emailing them to instructionalsupport@mass.gov. The Board is anticipated to vote on the proposed regulations in January.

• Massachusetts Graduation Standards: As of writing this, the 27-28 Freshman class will be the first graduating class held to the new standard. Watching how this unfolds and impacts kids on IEPs.

• Time-out, Restraint and Seclusion Policy Update: As of August 17, 2026 the law has been updated. We are watching this closely! To learn more about Woburn’s policy, click here.

• Technology in the classroom: It can feel like it is one more thing to keep track of as a parent! Chromebooks, YouTube, AI, oh my! In the same breath, technological advances have allowed some of our kiddos to do things that would have been impossible 20 years ago. A call for more transparency has come to the attention of the larger School Committee and the Policy Subcommittee. See the existing policy here.

Protect Act: Signed by the Governor on August 5, 2026. Update on the district’s policy can be found here.

Notes from SSA (Student Services and Achievement Subcommittee)
Staffing: A motion to add a (grant funded) psychologist and a Speech-Language Pathologist, passed unanimously. Vacancies remain for a BCBA, paraprofessionals, a clinical psychologist, and RISE II positions. Recruitment is happening through SchoolSpring, Indeed, networking events, and the City Job Fair.
Programs and initiatives:
• Reeves School is starting a Best Buddies program.
• Student-run vocational businesses, The Friendly Freeze and Joyce Java, are opening with staff support.
• The district received a grant that will fund music classes in ECP classrooms, taught by a dedicated ECP music person rather than current district music teachers. There is interest in expanding to other special education programs.
• Emergency seclusion procedures are in place and staff training is complete.
Extended School Year: 298 students were offered ESY and about 60% attended. Programming covered ECP, elementary, middle, high school/postsecondary, and services-only placements. Administration called the summer successful, with positive family feedback. The extra crossing guards were especially appreciated and the plan is to have them return next summer.
Summer Intensive Reading Pilot: Ten students were selected based on reading performance and eligibility criteria. The one-time summer intervention will be reinforced during the school year. Early educator feedback showed significant reading improvements. Great interest by all parties in seeing it continue.

Expanding our knowledge
On October 6th, some members of the board attended the UMass Lowell School of Education Fall Symposium. It was the first of its kind, and in retrospect we should have shared the link with members – apologies for that! We are hopeful this is one of many gatherings and have reached out to UML to see if there is a summary or transcript available to those who missed out. Until then we wanted to share these upcoming opportunities!  Special Education Virtual Speaker Series

We hear you!
Your feedback matters to us:
• Continued concerns around AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication), including consistent use and modeling for students in all areas of their day.
• Dyslexia and the supports available to students in the classroom.
• Providing guidance around other supports outside of the school (DDS, MassHealth, therapies etc.).
• When staff and specialists leave or are placed in another school – how is that communicated to families?

Caregiver Check-In

Date: December TBD
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual

As 2026 rapidly comes to a close, we wanted to check in one more time!  Stay tuned

Join us for a causal, virtual drop-in event. Bring your questions, comments, and problems. Connect with SEPAC’s amazing community of parents just like you.

SEPAC needs YOU!