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Manhasset SEPTA Starts Third Year
First Meeting of 2009-10
Passes Budget and Proposes Programs
Manhasset Special Education PTA (SEPTA) held its first meeting of the 2009-10 school year on Tue, Sept 22, accepting new membership and conducting a membership vote on the year’s proposed working budget and programs. The proposed budget was approved by attending members which included school administrators, teachers, as well as parent members.
The meeting also marked the start of Manhasset SEPTA’s third year since chartering in Oct 2006. One of the fastest growing Special Education PTAs on Long Island, Manhasset SEPTA had over 130 members join last year. Furthermore, Manhasset SEPTA won national PTA recognition for having more than 25% male membership in 2008-09.
During the meeting, the 2009-10 executive board was introduced and the new directors, webmaster and committee chairpersons were welcomed (click to view).
The budget outlined the various children’s community programs and student support programs for Manhasset’s schools proposed for the upcoming year. There were many new programs introduced and scheduled to pilot this year, including three in the public schools and one in the SCA Saturday Series enrichment program.
“We are so grateful for the overwhelming support from parents, the school district, and the community that allows us to have such a strong budget to work with in the upcoming year,” stated Co-President Lori Mann at the SEPTA meeting. “Furthermore, we are honored to be the recipients of two grants, including one from the prestigious Greentree Good Neighbor Fund (click to view), that will enable SEPTA to offer some wonderful community programs for youngsters with special needs,” she added.
Among the programs listed and approved during the meeting are two special support homework programs at Shelter Rock elementary school (click to view), a mid-term special support prep program in Manhasset Middle School (click to view), and a Theatre Workshop program for 5th graders that helps build self-confidence and interpersonal skills (click to view). In addition, grants to SEPTA will fund four special needs classes offered in the SCA Saturday Series during the Fall 09 and the Winter 10, including a new OT pilot class focusing on sensory play for young children (click to view). Other community programs for children include a proposed social outings program for 7-12 year olds.
Also new this year, SEPTA is proud to announce the kick off of its gifted and talented efforts, headed by chairperson Kelly Fu. With a focus on providing gifted and talented students with programs and activities to challenge them, Mrs. Fu is working with school principals regarding several program ideas for both elementary and the secondary school students.
The budget also reviewed fundraisers Manhasset SEPTA is planning this year, including the pocket school calendar. The pocket school calendars, which debuted last year, are being very well received by teachers, school staff, parents and students. A larger calendar lay-out with all district events listed and full listing of school, district, and SCA contacts are some of the new features this year.
The approved budget (click to view), budget summary (click to view), and the full list of special programs (click to view) are available. Pocket calendars, which were being sold at school open houses, are also available during the homecoming parade. Mail in orders are also being accepted with calendar order forms (click to view).
Manhasset SEPTA is an official chapter of the National Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that focuses on the needs of children with disabilities and the gifted and talented students. As the local Manhasset chapter, it is SEPTA’s mission to empower the community with sensitivity, awareness, and knowledge that will ensure every child the opportunity to reach their highest standard of educational excellence and quality of life. SEPTA provides support to teachers, school staff, parents, students and families through free public resources, community programs, and local networking. Contact Manhasset SEPTA by email at ManhassetSEPTA@gmail.com, or by mail at Manhasset SEPTA, P.O. Box 155, Manhasset, NY 11030 to join as a member. Log onto the website for membership forms and for more information about SEPTA.
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