{"id":1380033,"date":"2025-04-24T15:54:05","date_gmt":"2025-04-24T19:54:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fcsn.org\/?p=1380033"},"modified":"2026-06-03T13:16:49","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T17:16:49","slug":"annual-calendar-meetings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fcsn.org\/ar\/annual-calendar-meetings\/","title":{"rendered":"Annual Calendar\/Meetings"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"MatureHave a Plan<\/strong>
\nSEPACs with a formal calendar find that parents are better able to plan to attend meetings, events and workshops with advance notice. Getting the membership together on a regular basis also helps to create a group identity, provide a forum for ideas and sharing resources, and address member concerns. The SEPAC should consider alternating between day and evening meetings to allow all families the opportunity to participate. All meetings must be held in an accessible location, which is open to the public.<\/p>\n

After establishment of the SEPAC, planning a calendar or meeting dates is the next step. The SEPAC can send a survey to learn about families’ needs and interests to help plan the calendar. Many topics are of interest to all parents in the district (homework, stress, anxiety, executive function, bullying, etc.) and SEPACs should look for opportunities to collaborate with other parent organizations (PTA\/PTO) to create district-wide events. Financial resources will also have to be addressed.<\/p>\n

Share a copy of your SEPAC calendar and meeting agendas with your district Administrator of Special Education who can help distribute them to all families of students with disabilities \u2013 through the district’s electronic mail system, at IEP meetings, or post on their website. SEPACS can ask principals to share information in their school\u2019s newsletter and website to promote SEPAC activities.<\/p>\n

Successful and Productive Meetings<\/strong>
\nMany SEPACs use speakers to attract members and provide information for families. For the most effective turnout, care should be taken to plan ahead.\u00a0 If the meeting will be held in-person, book an appropriate room, advertise in the community, have the necessary AV equipment, refreshments and workshop materials, and plan for any necessary changes due to weather conditions. If the meeting will be virtual, can the district provide a platform and help train the SEPAC on how to use – admitting people, breakout rooms, saving the chat.\u00a0 Speakers may be expensive \u2013 the SEPAC should look to local resources or find local partnerships to support fees.<\/p>\n

Successful business meetings require:<\/p>\n