Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 7:30 pm Friend of SEPTA Meeting in North Cafeteria of the High School

We want to cordially invite you to attend the final SEPTA meeting for this school year on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 7:30 pm in the North Cafeteria of Wantagh High School.  It will be a special evening honoring some exceptional people. We hope to see you there. 
The Friend of Wantagh SEPTA Appreciation Awards will be presented to:
 

Mary Buccheri is an Aide at Mandalay Elementary School nominated by Christina Vecchio. 

Marybeth Reynolds is a Community Member, Parent and SEPTA Board member nominated by Christina M. Rothhaupt Marybeth Reynolds also nominated by Joanna Burlew. 

Debra Nimmo is a Speech Pathologist at Wantagh High School nominated by Dan & Liz Beatty. 

Joanne Zerner is a Crossing Guard at Wantagh Elementary School nominated by Christina Ferrara. 

Laura Clarke is a Special Education Teacher at Mandalay Elementary School nominated by Dawnmarie Ardelean. 

Jenny Jencius is an ICT Teacher at Wantagh Elementary School nominated by Marilyn Pierce. 

Jennifer Florio is an ICT Teacher at Wantagh Elementary School nominated by Marilyn Pierce. 

Elizabeth Beatty is a Community Member, Parent and SEPTA Board President nominated by Amy Smith. 

Christopher Pedota is a Special Education Teacher at Forest Lake Elementary nominated by Belinda Rodriguez. 

Kerri Anne Chiara is a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst in the Wantagh School District nominated by Sofia Stipanov. 

Lauren Furci is a School Counselor at Wantagh Elementary School nominated by Kristen Sullivan. 

Taylor Zuckerman is a Teacher at Wantagh High School nominated by Tricia Williams. 

Eileen Keener is a Physical Education Teacher at Wantagh Middle School nominated by Marybeth Reynolds.

At this meeting, we will also honor Dr. Stephen Taylor for his years of service and his impact on all students in the Wantagh School District including those with special needs. He was integral in starting the PARISS program. 

We will posthumously award Mrs. Sara Farb for her years of service and dedication as a Wantagh Aide.

We also have one additional person to be honored: Elaine Gianni will be honored for her years of service by Elizabeth LaRosa.

APR 26 2023, WED 7pm 6-12/SEPTA/PTA Council/Boosters/Bandwagon/WDPAA

Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 7 pm in Room 150 of Wantagh High School:

At this meeting our guest speaker was Dr. Michael J. Hynes, the superintendent of schools in the Port Washington school district on Long Island in New York. "He is one of the most creative, innovative, and unconventional thinkers in education today." - Diane Ravitch. He’s also a public school advocate, TEDx and keynote speaker and author. His presentation was on "Setting High Expectations: How to Navigate the System to Support Your Child's Needs". Click here to read the article "What My Child With Down Syndrome Taught Me" he wrote for the November 2022 issue of School Administrator.

Attached is his presentation.

Watch his Tedx Talk at Adelphi University: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4kXrTK1VMk   

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 7:30 pm in Room 150 of Wantagh High School.

"Understanding Behavior: Strategies for Increasing Positive Interactions" presented by Nicole Iannarone, MA, L-BCBA of Cornerstone Behavioral Services. She discussed the Introduction & Applications of Applied Behavior Analysis. Cornerstone Behavioral Services is an agency based in Long Island which has been serving in and around our neighboring communities providing families with supported treatments for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Learn more at their website.

Attached is the PowerPoint presentation.

To watch the Zoom recording of this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/3KlBwhiXcBaSn0IOkqRYEpDwNjk4jCK2ZJ-0G0fuD6wCGrxLj3W_7th69r35ESBz.Xe3HE7qTvXGdhv4p
Passcode: PY+T2kvk 

Monday, October 24 at 7:30 pm Special Virtual Meeting with Guest Speaker Kate Swenson (Via Zoom)
Kate Swenson’s world changed forever when her toddler son, Cooper, was diagnosed with severe, nonverbal autism. Cooper is now eleven, with three younger siblings, and Kate shares their day-to-day lives with the community of close to a million that she’s built across her blog, Finding Cooper’s Voice, Instagram, and Facebook page. She shares her family’s full story in Forever Boy: A Mother's Memoir of Autism and Finding Joy (Park Row Books/HarperCollins; Hardcover; April 5, 2022), from the years-long path to getting a diagnosis for Cooper, to the close bond her children now share. This book will speak to all audiences – it’s not only an honest, inspiring journey relatable to any family with autism in their lives, it’s also an eye-opening look for those who don’t.

Hi all, we are so grateful to Kate Swenson for her real, honest talk filled with hope and joy. She shared her family's journey of acceptance and love as they "settled into autism". If you were unable to join us or if you would like to watch it again, here is the link and passcode to our virtual meeting:

Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/ImHMTsetGsgKEd5wtz0AOaPMCTI_qjZlKNX4BMmFGfh3iNdhRt3rdbewG_IAD5BG.-TpouIGMhXnXjAOk
​​​​​​​Passcode: 5u?BK#h*

Thank you to all who were able to join us and share in a special virtual meeting. Here are some ways to follow Kate Swenson, creator of Finding Cooper's Voice and author of Forever Boy:

Website: https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com/

The More Than Foundation website supporting caregivers and families: https://www.findingcoopersvoice.com/foundation/

Follow on social media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingcoopersvoice

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingcoopersvoice/

As Kate pointed out, "Isolation is the silent killer of families with special needs and most of the world has no idea". We would like to remind you all that Wantagh SEPTA is here with resources and support.

Wednesday, October 12 at 7:30 pm in Room 150 of Wantagh High School.

Our first meeting of this school year with a meet and greet with teachers and administrators and parents.

We raffled off signed copies of "Forever Boy" by Kate Swenson who will be a speaker at a special virtual meeting on October 24.
Please note that our meetings will take place this year in Room 150 in the High School. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​June, 21, 2022: Friend of SEPTA Meeting at 7:30 pm in Wantagh Middle School Library

The Friend of Wantagh SEPTA Award Honorees: Heather Naughton & Heather Jones - Teachers: Wantagh High School (nominated by Mrs. Catherine Braun) Megan Musachio - Teacher: Wantagh High School (nominated by Mrs. Carolyn Rochel) Sarah Danzinger - Teacher: Wantagh Elementary (nominated by Mrs. Jill Janson Meinck) Emily Bogart - School Psychologist: Forest Lake Elementary (nominated by Mrs. Katie Matthies) Tammy Torres - Teacher Aide and Bus Matron: Forest Lake (nominated by Mrs. Belinda Rodriguez) Danielle Schiavetta - Teacher: Forest Lake (nominated by Marybeth Reynolds)

The Friend of SEPTA - Certificates of Appreciation Honorees:
Robert Humphreys - Head Custodian: Mandalay (nominated by Laura Megargel)
Greg Orio Yanes - Bus Driver: Mandalay (nominated by Laura Magargel)
Michelle Houlder - Bus Matron: Mandalay (nominated by Laura Megargel)
Alvin Cohen - Bus Driver: Mandalay (nominated by Laura Megargel)
Jared Bursky - Physical Education Teacher: Mandalay (nominated by Maria Maleganos)
Kara Desson - Teacher: Wantagh Middle School (nominated by Iris Klein)
"Officer Mike" - Security Guard: Mandalay (In Memoriam, nominated by Robert Humphreys)

NYS PTA SEPTA Honorary Lifetime Membership Award Honoree:
Gina Federico (nominated by Frank Muzio)

​​​​​​​March 16, 2022: Dodie Daniels - LI Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS (OPWDD Services)

Our presenter shared information from the meeting and Parent to Parent NYS:

1. The quick guide to OPWDD eligibility- one page "cheat sheet"

2. Transmittal form - this is the application

3. Transmittal form in Spanish (OPWDD site has other languages avail as well)

4. Eligibility important facts

5. Eligibility important facts in Spanish

6. Lists of clinics & practitioners for specialty reports - should you need it 

7. OPWDD list of eligibility assessment resources

8. List of CCOs - Care Coordination Organizations that cover Long Island

9. Flyer for upcoming Front Door information sessions - once you get eligibility you will be told to sign up for one, you can register & attend one now it will be noted that you attended  

10. Website page for LIFSSAC - LongIsland Family Support Services Advisory Council-attached is page 1 of grantbook with page link for grantbook

11. Another helpful doc from OPWDD - eligibility determination checklist

12. Non-Medicaid Service Coordinators list

13. The link to OPWDD Front Door access to services page on website - some helpful information

14. Upcoming Webinar (information below)

Information about the presenter: 

Dodie Daniels, Long Island Regional Coordinator, Parent to Parent of NYS

415 Oser Avenue | Hauppauge, NY 11788 | 631-434-6196 | Google voice number (816)708-1722 | ddaniels@ptopnys.org | 631-434-6196 Ext. 13 | www.ptopnys.org | http://parenttoparentnys.org/Dodie Daniels is a Regional Coordinator in our Long Island office. Dodie is always willing to speak to parents and enjoys offering help and support. For over 5 years Dodie volunteered as a support parent. Prior to her current role Dodie worked for Popearth a non-profit organization which provides holistic programs for individuals with disabilities.

As a support parent and in her current position she uses her experience as the mom of a teenaged son and a daughter with Autism to provide support, guidance and information to parents. Being able to help other parents has been a passion of Dodie’s for years. Helping other parents get the support they need, find the information and resources to engage their children in the community and find programs their children can participate in and enjoy, has always been important to Dodie. Dodie is an active member of the town of Brookhaven Disability Task Force & of her school district SEPTA. Dodie has a Master’s Degree in Education specializing in family and community service from Ashford University.

February 2, 2022: Thank you to Tony Walker for presenting on Nassau County PAL Special Needs Unit and to Marissa Murale for presenting on Sensory Beans, a local childrens gym with great programs including Sibshops. 
Nassau County PAL Special Needs Unit
Facebook page
Website
Family Gameshow Night Fundraiser

Sensory Beans Facebook page Website
Learn more about their programs including Sibshops, Explore and More, and Self-Empowerment
To re-watch the SEPTA Meeting with Sensory Beans on February 2, 2022 07:30 PM Eastern Time, click here (Passcode: 6Jf3cXV!)

October 20, 2021: Join us for our first Wantagh SEPTA meeting of this school year on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm in the Wantagh Middle School library. You can meet our new Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services, Stephen Moran. We will also be giving away IEP binders. This meeting will be in person. We hope to see you there!

Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 7:30 pm: Friends of SEPTA Virtual Meeting: 

The Friend of Wantagh SEPTA Appreciation Awards were presented to:
Jennifer Barrett - Teacher Aide: Wantagh High School (nominated by Mr. Daniel Beatty and Mrs. Elizabeth Beatty)
Diane Garey - Resource Room Teacher: Wantagh Middle School (nominated by Mrs. Amy Smith)
Catherine Kennedy - Occupational Therapist: Wantagh Elementary (nominated by Mrs. Helena McDermott)
Laura Megargel - Teacher: Forest Lake (nominated by Mrs. Bridget Diano, Mrs. Marybeth Reynolds and Mrs. Sabrina Lydon)
Christine Moran - Physical Education Teacher: Forest Lake (nominated by Mrs. Marybeth Reynolds)
Frank Muzio - Director of Guidance: District (nominated by Jeanne Love)
Lori Piumelli - Resource Room Teacher: Wantagh Middle School (nominated by Mrs. Amy Smith)
Ronnie Rom - Teacher Aide: Forest Lake (nominated by Mrs. Marybeth Reynolds)
Steve Simonis - Security Guard: Wantagh High School (nominated by WHS PPS)
Amy Smith - Speech Therapist: Wantagh Middle School (nominated by Mrs. Kerri Marullo)
Christine Torrellas - Teacher: Forest Lake (nominated by Mrs. Belinda Rodriguez)
Victor Torres - Jiu-Jitsu Instructor: community member (nominated by Mrs. Debbie DeRupo)

 To view the meeting again go to:

Meeting Recording:
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/8ivKho7nqJsZ0EWXn2mM-ZbtxwHSVf8wjJf25nI9kg5XhZD7I1VKSWRN5WK9_AZL.dbGCo-Q8rCzGPM8y
Access Passcode: cKC#5&Jx​​​​​​

Wednesday, April 28, 2021: 6-12/SEPTA/PTA Council/Boosters/Bandwagon/WDPAA Meeting

Virtual Meeting on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at 7:30 pm: Title: Autism Has No Look: Putting A Spotlight On The Spectrum with speaker Kerry Magro

We are so grateful to Kerry Magro for speaking at our SEPTA meeting last evening on "Autism Has No Look: Putting A Spotlight On The Spectrum". He gave us personal and meaningful insights about living with autism. He defines what autism is for himself and helps others learn their strengths and abilities.  

Here's the link to receive the slides from the presentation: http://bit.ly/kerryslidenotes

And here are links to help, follow and learn more from Kerry Magro:

Make a one-time donation to nonprofit: https://kfmmakingadifference.org/donate/

Support nonprofit for a cup of coffee a month: https://www.patreon.com/ASpecialCommunity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KerrysAutismJourney/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Kerrymagro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrymagro/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/kerrysautismjourney

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrymagro/

January 14, 2021 Virtual Meeting at 7:30 pm Eastern Standard Time
Topic: Understanding ADHD: A View from the Inside

Hello, We are grateful to Robert Tudisco for his insightful, candid and valuable presentation on “Understanding ADHD: A View from the Inside.” He explained first-hand the ADHD experience and gave us some great resources to share. 

Books:

(These books can be found for sale on many websites and in libraries)

“Driven to Distraction (Revised): Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder" by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and John J. Ratey M.D.  

Jenn Barrett, a staff member of the Wantagh School District also shared a follow up book: "ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction--from Childhood through Adulthood" by Edward M. Hallowell M.D. and John J. Ratey M.D.

ADHD Coaching Resources:

The Edge Foundation: https://edgefoundation.org/

Cindy Goldrich, PTS Coaching: https://ptscoaching.com/ 
NOTE: She is presenting at the CHADD of Nassau County Meeting on Monday, January 18, 2021.

Iris Kline, psychologist in Wantagh High School, shared an ADHD coaching resource: https://www.worksmartcoaching.com/

One of our previous presenters, Samantha Feinman, is from another ADHD Coaching company called New Frontiers: https://nfil.net/

CHADD resources for ADHD:

CHADD:  https://chadd.org/

CHADD of Nassau County: https://www.chadd.net/chapter/105

CHADD of Suffolk County: https://www.chadd.net/chapter/160

YouTube Channels & Videos:

Robert Tudisco's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB0P5RCozZyBuNVzinQYc3w 
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​How To ADHD YouTube Channel with Jessica McCabe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-nPM1_kSZf91ZGkcgy_95Q

​​​​​​​Jessica McCabe also has an excellent Ted Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/jessica_mccabe_this_is_what_it_s_really_like_to_live_with_adhd_jan_2017/transcript?language=en​​​

Disability Friendly Colleges:

There was discussion about colleges that are disability friendly and have good office of disability services. They included:

Landmark College: https://www.landmark.edu/

Lynn University: https://www.lynn.edu/

Mitchell College: https://mitchell.edu/access/

University of South Carolina: https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/student_disability_resource_center/

Responding to Your Child’s Anxiety

Presented by Kristie Schwarz, MA CN Guidance and Counseling Services

Responding to Your Child’s Anxiety provides an overview of child/adolescent anxiety: different types of anxiety, an understanding of the prevalence and method of treatment.  This presentation is then tailored towards how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted child anxiety and ways parents can help their children.

Here is an attachment with tips for responding to your child's anxiety.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017: 7:30 pm in Middle School Library
Topic: "How to Talk to Your Child About Their Disability' presentation.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017: 7:30 pm in Middle School Library
Topic: Meet & Greet our special education personnel and we are hoping to get a special presentation from the OT's and PT's to explain more of what services the children get at school.

​​​​​​​Monday - November 7^th @ 7:30 pm: "Anxiety in Childhood" was discussed by Dr. Deena Abbe, PhD. She presented information addressing anxiety and depression in children and how it manifests in children. She was an insightful speaker who answered many questions and gave some suggestions for books along with CDs, websites and apps to help children cope with stress and anxiety. Several are listed below, as well as on our Resources page.

Websites to find Books, CDs and other resources on mindfulness for children and ways to relieve stress and anxiety:

Mindful Schools: http://www.mindfulschools.org/

Lori Lite's Stress Free Kids: https://stressfreekids.com/

Wake Up Schools: http://wakeupschools.org/
from http://www.thichnhathanhfoundation.org/

GoZen Mindfulness Cards: http://www.gozen.com/product/mindfulnesscards/

Teaching Emotional Language books from: http://www.weareteachers.com

Websites to find Apps and Videos:

Smiling Mind: https://smilingmind.com.au/

Buddhify2: http://buddhify.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/buddhify-2-Media-Release-Jan-6-2014.pdf

Yoga for Kids Video and info: http://bentonlearning.org/

Yoga for Kids App: http://www.kidsyogaverse.com/

Stop, Breathe and Think: http://www.stopbreathethink.org/

To find more information on Dr. Abbe, go to her website. Anxiety is something that effects so many children in general education as well as special education.

Wednesday - January 11^th @ 7:30 pm: Thanks to Alissa Morris of Parent to Parent. She covered the topic of "Understanding OPWDD Supports and Services' from OPWDD.To learn more about NYS Parent to Parent, go to their website. ​​​​​​ PPS Director Jeanne Love will discuss graduation requirements at a future meeting. And special thanks to Heidi Felix from NEFCU who gave a great amount of info for parents about the services NEFCU provides or families, students and PTA members.

Wednesday - March 22^nd @ 7:30 pm:Jonathan Cooper, LCSW presented "All in the Family" talking about the challenges families face when their children have difficulty with social skills. Jonathan Cooper LCSW has been in practice for over 30 years as a therapist, administrator, consultant, and trainer in the field of social work, therapy and education. To learn more about his practice and social skills groups, go to his website.