What We Do

Wellesley SEPAC partners with Wellesley Public Schools (WPS) to improve special education programs and support families of students with disabilities. We do this by hosting workshops and events, meeting regularly with district leaders, and representing families on district and town committees. 

Family Education & Workshops

Each year, Wellesley SEPAC and WPS co-host the district's Basic Rights: Understanding the IEP presentation. This required training, offered in partnership with MassPAC and the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN), explains:

• Special education laws and parents' rights;
• The evaluation and eligibility process;
• How IEPs are developed and implemented; and 
• How families can effectively participate in IEP meetings. 

In addition to the annual Basic Rights presentation, SEPAC helps organize other workshops on topics such as executive functioning, transition planning, and social-emotional supports. 

View latest Basic Rights presentation sildes ->

Central Council of the PTOs with Wellesley Public Schools

During the school year, WPS holds monthly Central Council meetings with representatives from each school's PTO/PTSO, the School Committee, senior district administration (including the Superintendent), and community groups, such as SEPAC, Wellesley Education Foundation (WEF), Wellesley Green Schools, Friends of METCO, and others. 

SEPAC leadership attends these meetings on behalf of families of students with disabilities.

Central Council meetings are an opportunity to:

• Stay informed about district initiatives and priorities;

• Discuss concerns and challenges affect students and families;

• Share best practices across schools and programs;

• Collaborate with PTOs and community partners; and

• Work to make WPS the best it can be for all students.

Central Council Meeting Schedule 2025-2026 School Year

Central Council typically meets once a month during the school year on the following dates and times (subject to change). 

• Monday, September 22, 9:00–10:30 am
• Monday, October 20, 9:00–10:30 am
• Thursday, November 20, 7:00–8:30 pm
• Friday, January 16, 9:00–10:30 am
• Tuesday, February 10, 9:00–10:30 am
• Wednesday, March 11, 7:00–8:30 pm
• Monday, April 6, 9:00–10:30 am
• Wednesday, May 6, 7:00–8:30 pm
• Tuesday, June 2, 9:00–10:30 am

If you have any feedback or questions you would like SEPAC to raise at Central Council, please email us at info@wellesleysepac.org.

Meetings with Special Education Administrators

As part of its legal role, the executive board meets regularly with district special education leaders to advise on matters affecting the education and safety of disabled students and to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of special education programs.

We meet with:

• The Assistant Superintendent of Student Services;
• The Assistant Directors of Special Education; and
• Other members of the Student Services team and other district administrators, when relevant. 

These meetings focus on:

• Trends and concerns raised by families;
• Program strengths and areas for improvement;
• Communication between schools and families;
• Program evaluations;
• Budgeting for student services;
• Legal updates affect student services; and
• Planning for trainings and information-sharing.

SEPAC-Administration Meeting Schedule 2025-2026 School Year

The SEPAC executive board is scheduled to meet with WPS special education administrators on the following dates (subject to change):

• Monday, July 7
• Monday, July 14
• Friday, August 15
• Thursday, August 28
• Wednesday, September 17
• Wednesday, October 15
• Wednesday, November 12
• Monday, December 1
• Friday, December 19
• Wednesday, January 14
• Wednesday, February 4
• Wednesday, March 4
• Wednesday, April 15
• Wednesday, May 13

Additional meetings for the 2025-2026 school year are in the process of being scheduled.

If you have feedback you would like SEPAC to consider raising with district leaders, please email info@wellesleysepac.org.

WPS School Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC)

The SEPAC has a representative on the WPS School Wellness Advisory Committee (SWAC). Massachusetts law requires each district to have a SWAC made up of school staff and community members to review, plan, and help implement policies related to:

• School nutrition and food services;
• Physical education and physical activity; 
• Health education and student wellness; and 
• Other issues that affect student health and well-being. 

The SWAC typically meets at least 4 times per year. 

If you would like to share any thoughts with the SEPAC's SWAC representative, please contact Kayla Sheets and copy info@wellesleysepac.org.

Academic Calendar Task Force

WPS convened an Academic Calendar Task Force to develop recommendations for the School Committee about the district's academic calendar. SEPAC has provided written feedback on behalf of families of students with disabilities. 

We encourage families to:

• Read our open letter to the School Committee.

• Share their own views with the School Committee by emailing School_Committee@wellesleyps.org.

Other Events and Volunteer Opportunities

In addition to the activities above, SEPAC:

• Helps plan community events and speakers with WPS and other partners;
• Hosts listening sessions and informal gatherings for families;
• Shares information from regional and statewide organizations; and
• Offers opportunities for parents and caregivers to volunteer with SEPAC.

If you have an idea for an event or program, or are looking for ways to get involved, please email info@wellesleysepac.org.