[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_stops=”rgba(255,255,255,0.04) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.04) 99%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image=”on” background_image=”https:\/\/fcsn.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/pexels-fauxels-3184438-e1741711219943.jpg” min_height=”508px” custom_margin=”-101px||||false|false” custom_padding=”98px||98px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#C4D123″ custom_padding=”4px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#012947″ header_text_align=”center” header_text_color=”#012947″ header_3_text_color=”#000000″ custom_margin=”-12px||-4px|||” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ module_class=”fcsn-page-text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_margin=”-13px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-19px|auto||auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][difl_advanced_button button_text=”Apply Here” button_link_url=”https:\/\/forms.gle\/Nv5od5wJRTUmL65E9″ button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_text_font=”–et_global_body_font|600|||||||” button_text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_text_font_size=”35px” background_color=”#00577F” button_text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” preview_btn__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/difl_advanced_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font=”||||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00577F” header_4_font=”|600|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#00577F” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Reach out to Ann Teng ateng@fcsn.org<\/a> for further details.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font=”|800|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00577F” custom_padding=”||5px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n A.P.P.L.E. teams move beyond talking about collaboration to actually practicing it – with structure, support, and shared accountability. They develop trust, respect, and develop mutually beneficial relationships.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font=”|800|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00577F” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font=”|800|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00577F” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#39B9BE” icon_color=”#000000″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”22px” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#000000″ toggle_level=”h3″ toggle_font=”|700|||||||” toggle_font_size=”26px” body_text_color=”#000000″ body_font_size=”16px” border_color_all=”#39B9BE” global_colors_info=”{}” toggle_letter_spacing__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Is there a Cost to Participate in FCSN\u2019s A.P.P.L.E. Institute?” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The A.P.P.L.E. Institute (Advancing Parent & Professional Leadership in Education) is a free, virtual leadership program offered by the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) and funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (MA DESE).<\/p>\n So, there is no cost to participate.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What is FCSN\u2019s A.P.P.L.E. Institute?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n A.P.P.L.E. brings together <\/span>family (SEPAC), school, and community leaders <\/b>to form strong, collaborative teams within their school district. These teams work together to improve student outcomes, strengthen family\u2013school relationships, and create more effective and inclusive district practices.<\/span><\/p>\n Participants learn and practice skills such as:<\/span><\/p>\n Research shows that when families, schools, and communities work together, students do better.<\/b> A.P.P.L.E. is designed to turn that research into real action.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What do teams do as part of A.P.P.L.E.?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Through training, discussion, facilitated group meetings, and collaborative activities during and between A.P.P.L.E meetings, teams work together to name their strengths, needs, and opportunities. This helps them co-create and achieve a goal that is designed to significantly improve student outcomes by making changes to policies, programs, or practices in the district.<\/p>\n Attendance at all meetings is expected for positive team development, and so all members of the team gain a shared language and build trusting relationships.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What are the Benefits of Participating in A.P.P.L.E.?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n Each participant brings valuable experience and perspective. Teams include a combination of:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”What are the Time Commitment and Dates of A.P.P.L.E. Institute Meetings?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n District teams are selected in June 2026. There will be pre-APPLE Institute activities to participate in from June through September:<\/span><\/p>\n A.P.P.L.E is a robust program intended for family-led groups and school district staff who are ready and eager to improve communication and collaboration. It includes learning components, facilitated meetings, and work between those meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n In early October, all teams will meet together:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n All-Teams Meeting:<\/b> Thursday <\/span>October 1st, 10am-12pm<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”How Does a Team Apply?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||2px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n No later than Friday, <\/b>May 22nd<\/b>, 2026, <\/b>complete the A.P.P.L.E. Institute team application. Four to six school districts are accepted to the A.P.P.L.E. Institute each school year. All are encouraged to apply. Each team submits a single application AND each person named in the application must submit a <\/span>Participation Agreement<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n A.P.P.L.E teams must have at least 6 members and can be as large as 12 members. Each team must consist of at least 50% family members.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”When Are Teams Selected?” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n All teams who apply to be included in the A.P.P.L.E. Institute\u2019s 2026-2027 Cohort will be notified by <\/span>June 2026<\/b> whether or not your team has been selected.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ link_text_color=”#F76C5F” header_2_font=”|800|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#000000″ header_3_font=”|800|||||||” header_3_text_color=”#00577F” header_4_font=”|600|||||||” header_4_text_color=”#00577F” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][difl_advanced_button button_text=”Apply Here” button_link_url=”https:\/\/forms.gle\/Nv5od5wJRTUmL65E9″ button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” button_text_font=”–et_global_body_font|600|||||||” button_text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_text_font_size=”35px” background_color=”#00577F” button_text_text_shadow_style=”preset2″ global_colors_info=”{}” preview_btn__hover_enabled=”on|desktop”][\/difl_advanced_button][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|300|||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Questions?<\/strong> Or is your district interested but doesn\u2019t have a complete team? Contact Ann Teng<\/strong> at ateng@fcsn.org<\/a><\/span>.<\/span> We are happy to support you.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A.P.P.L.E. Institute Advancing Parent & Professional Leadership EducationSEPAC, School, and Community Leaders:
Apply together to strengthen partnerships and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.<\/h2>\nBenefits of participating in FCSN\u2019s A.P.P.L.E. Institute?<\/h2>\n
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FCSN\u2019s A.P.P.L.E. Institute is for teams who are ready to:<\/h2>\n
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If you district is ready to partner better to serve students better, FCSN’s A.P.P.L.E. Institute may be for you!<\/h2>\n
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Participants benefit by:<\/b><\/h3>\n
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This includes:<\/b><\/h3>\n
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An application is complete when:<\/b><\/h3>\n
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