CPAC reports sensory-bag program, Special Olympics and parent trainings to North Andover School Committee
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Summary
The district's Special Education Parent Advisory Council (CPAC) told the school committee it has expanded community outreach — donating sensory bags and AAC boards to schools and police patrol cars, hosting Special Olympics events and planning parent-rights trainings — and requested volunteer and modest funding support.
Sasha Weinrich, president of the North Andover CPAC, presented the council's annual report to the school committee on Dec. 4, summarizing outreach, programming and advocacy work focused on students with disabilities.
Weinrich said CPAC operates under Massachusetts law and advised the committee it helps translate statewide guidance into local practice. "Massachusetts Special Education Law chapter 71 b, well, section 3 of chapter 71 b, really defines what a special education parent advisory council is," she said while outlining CPAC's statutory advisory role.
CPAC highlighted several community-facing initiatives: sensory "grace" bags and augmentative-communication boards distributed districtwide and 10 sensory bags placed in North Andover Police patrol cars to provide consistency when students interact with public safety officers. CPAC members also previewed Special Olympics events they will host locally (a junior event in mid-May and the main games in June) and noted expanded partnership activity with neighboring districts.
The council described parent-rights education and training work (partnering with the Federation for Children with Special Needs) and a transition-support pilot (ages 14–22) run in partnership with the Department of Developmental Services and local YMCA programs. CPAC representatives asked for help recruiting volunteers and for financial support to expand parent workshops; they acknowledged some activities require modest funding to sustain.
Committee members thanked CPAC and discussed ways to amplify inclusion and parent awareness in classrooms and PTOs. The committee noted improved communications and more regular consultation between CPAC and central office staff.
What happens next: CPAC will continue consultation with district staff on special-education implementation and seek volunteer and funding support for upcoming programs; the committee will continue to involve CPAC in district planning and trainings.
Sources: CPAC presentation to the North Andover School Committee (Dec. 4).