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adeline27
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 3121 total posts
Name:
Angela
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Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
I had no idea that two groups existed in my school. Wouldn't the regular PTA voice the needs of special needs children also??? I'm now going to contribute to SEPTA. I like that there is a group that will focus on their needs but I just thought PTA did it all. For those that are highly involved with PTA/SEPTA do you communicate together and or share the money that is collected?
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Posted 9/17/12 3:26 PM  |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
completely separate, and SEPTA does not deal with special education IME
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| Posted 9/17/12 3:51 PM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
Definitely join both. In an ideal world, SEPTA and PTA should work hand in hand. SEPTA is district wide while PTAs are school based. There should be a SEPTA liaison at every PTA meeting to report on activities going on and meeting events. Just speaking for my district, the monies collected from a PTA would go to students and activities in that school, including whatever SE children are there. SEPTA money is spread out over the district and for us mostly used for faculty grants and scholarships. We also fund some SE programs. The faculty grants are given to any teacher, not just SE teachers, if they can demonstrate how it will benefit the education of a range of students. SEPTA also works very closely with administration to make sure the needs of the SE children are met, this includes, self contained, mainstreamed, and resource room.
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| Posted 9/17/12 4:12 PM |
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Tah-wee-ZAH
Kisses
Member since 5/05 15952 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
If you have time, I'd join both.
I hope to join both but I've heard that most of the PTA meetings in my district are held during work hours, which in 2012 infuriates me 
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| Posted 9/17/12 8:19 PM |
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CathyB
Member since 5/05 19403 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
We join both, but I'm only active in our school's PTA.
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| Posted 9/17/12 9:26 PM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
Posted by BargainMama
completely separate, and SEPTA does not deal with special education IME
What do you mean? What do they deal with?
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| Posted 9/18/12 8:12 AM |
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dm24angel
Happiness
Member since 5/05 34581 total posts
Name:
Donna
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
i joined both, have only been to a PTAmeeting though.
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| Posted 9/18/12 8:13 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
Posted by dm24angel
Posted by BargainMama
completely separate, and SEPTA does not deal with special education IME
What do you mean? What do they deal with?
Fundraising etc. SEPTA has speakers and talk about various special needs (ADHD, Autism, etc.)
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| Posted 9/18/12 8:44 AM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
No offense, but parents of typical kids really don't understand the workings of a special education world.
Threads on this board alone show that.
PTA might mean well, but there is such a need for SEPTA (unfortunately)
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| Posted 9/18/12 9:11 AM |
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adeline27
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 3121 total posts
Name:
Angela
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
I have typical kids and one that needs special education and just assumed whatever activities, programs funded by PTA membership etc would benefit ALL children at the school. I think it's great to have a group of parent advocates for schools special needs children to make sure their needs are met I guess I'm just surprised there is separate fundraising, membership dues etc...I'm going to do both and try to attend what I can.
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| Posted 9/18/12 10:36 AM |
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
This year I'm going to join both. Last year I wasn't sure if I could join both being that my DS didn't get any type of services. At the very end of the year he was given a few sessions of OT though, nothing really, and I know he needs more.
So yes, I'm not sure how active I can really be at this point, but I'm going to join both.
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| Posted 9/18/12 11:30 AM |
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BargainMama
LIF Adult
Member since 5/09 15657 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
Posted by adeline27
I have typical kids and one that needs special education and just assumed whatever activities, programs funded by PTA membership etc would benefit ALL children at the school. I think it's great to have a group of parent advocates for schools special needs children to make sure their needs are met I guess I'm just surprised there is separate fundraising, membership dues etc...I'm going to do both and try to attend what I can.
The money raised by the PTA DOES cover the activities, etc. for ALL the students in the school, typical and special education. They don't exclude the special education students from participating in the assemblies, etc. The SEPTA money goes toward guest speakers at the SEPTA meetings, etc.
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| Posted 9/18/12 11:30 AM |
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KarenK122
The Journey is the Destination
Member since 5/05 4431 total posts
Name:
Karen
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
Posted by BargainMama
Posted by adeline27
I have typical kids and one that needs special education and just assumed whatever activities, programs funded by PTA membership etc would benefit ALL children at the school. I think it's great to have a group of parent advocates for schools special needs children to make sure their needs are met I guess I'm just surprised there is separate fundraising, membership dues etc...I'm going to do both and try to attend what I can.
The money raised by the PTA DOES cover the activities, etc. for ALL the students in the school, typical and special education. They don't exclude the special education students from participating in the assemblies, etc. The SEPTA money goes toward guest speakers at the SEPTA meetings, etc.
Absolutely correct. School PTAs benefit every child in their school, special needs or not. You have to remember that special needs covers any type of education above the "typical" curriculum. This includes self contained, teacher consult, integrated, mainstreamed kids still getting IEPs, OT, PT, Speech, 504 plans, Resource Room and the Gifted and Talented program. Most districts though split out the G&T program from this though but technically they fall under SEPTA.
IMO, It is extremely beneficial to join your school PTA to foster community and inclusion. All PTA events can be attended by all students but sometimes SEPTA needs to assist to make sure that it is appropriate for all students or to help with accommodations to make it so. The level that SEPTA works at your district varies depending on parent involvement. Our SEPTA is involved in all aspects from elementary to high school and extended school year. We work with the PTAs with kindergarten orientations, created a music program for ESY kids, lobby for and received a transition coordinator for the high school. We also have speakers to come to our meetings but most of those are not paid. All fundraising goes back to the students and programs to benefit them. Other SEPTAs hold movie nights, family fun nights, holiday events, etc. SEPTA does alot more than people know.
Long story short, support both as both benefit the children.
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| Posted 9/18/12 12:59 PM |
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adeline27
LIF Adult
Member since 5/06 3121 total posts
Name:
Angela
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
Posted by KarenK122
Other SEPTAs hold movie nights, family fun nights, holiday events, etc. SEPTA does alot more than people know.
Long story short, support both as both benefit the children.
This is what my SEPTA offers as well as an after school program for special needs children. It gives them an opportunity to work on their IEP goals, be more social etc.. The SEPTA I'm dealing with is very involved with kids needing special education and offers many programs like the one I just mentioned. It's not just wanting money for guest speakers. I'm glad my school has both what matters tom me is that it goes right back to the kids.
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| Posted 9/18/12 1:16 PM |
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Lillykat
going along for the ride...
Member since 5/05 16253 total posts
Name:
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Re: Did you join both PTA and SEPTA
We haven't been given too much info on SEPTA yet - but as a class parent asst rep we had a recent PTA meeting. They explained in our district that the PTA is for all schools - we have one PTA and not a PTA for each school as most districts have. They said many parents join both PTA and SEPTA. That SEPTA has many functions that are for everyone and not just special needs. They encourage everyone in the schools to join both.
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| Posted 9/18/12 2:30 PM |
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