A meeting schedule focusing on current issues affecting special education awaits members of the Huntington School District’s Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA).
The group is in the middle of its annual membership drive and already has one meeting under its belt and another is set for next Thursday, October 24.
SEPTA is a district-wide PTA organization that focuses on the specific needs of children who receive assistance through the special education and student support services department.
SEPTA recognizes that students have a broad range of learning styles and abilities. It aims to support existing or innovative new programs so that each child’s educational experience is maximized. SEPTA sponsors a variety of events as well as unique activities for all children.
SEPTA sponsors a grant program for teachers and also honors several faculty and support staff members each year with Distinguished Service Awards. It raises the bulk of its funds at an annual gala each spring held at the Bay Club. The 2020 bash will be held on the evening of Saturday, May 16.
SEPTA members collaborate and strengthen partnerships among the district’s staff and serve as a resource for parents and teachers. Throughout the school year, SEPTA holds informal meetings or Coffee Talks for parents to connect. SEPTA also hosts presentations, inviting speakers who address an array of relevant topics. All SEPTA meetings and presentations are free of charge.
Annual dues are $10 for individuals and $18 for a family membership. Checks payable to Huntington SEPTA can be sent to Huntington SEPTA, 50 Tower Street, Huntington Station, NY 11746. To join SEPTA online log onto https://huntingtonsepta.memberhub.store.
SEPTA will hold a “movie night” on Thursday, November 21 at 7 p.m. at Elwood Cinemas (1950 East Jericho Turnpike, East Northport 11731). Tickets are on sale for $20 for a viewing of “Charlie’s Angels.” The ticket price includes mini-popcorn and soda. Eat at Miko restaurant next door and 10 percent of the bill will be donated back to Huntington SEPTA. Interested? Tickets can be secured by logging onto https://huntingtonsepta.memberhub.store.
Monthly SEPTA gatherings include an opportunity to meet with other members and share information. Guest speakers will be featured on a variety of topics, including speech and language, math, health and nutrition, programming, etc.
SEPTA members say the organization’s monthly meetings offer those attending a chance to learn about district, community and statewide issues regarding special education.
SEPTA’s officers this year include Denise Murtagh (co-president), Rene Babich (co-president), Kerri Brandine (co-vice president), Corinne Heffernan (co-vice president), Kristin Peters (corresponding secretary), Miho Verfenstein (recording secretary), Charlene Fehrenbacher (treasurer), Tonya Guandique (PTA Council delegate) and Meaghan Buffa (PTA Council delegate).
SEPTA’s Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Thursday, October 24
10 a.m. at Flower Hill Primary School
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
7:30 p.m. at Southdown Primary School
*December 2019- no meeting*
Thursday, January 9, 2020
10:00 a.m. at Jefferson Primary School
Thursday, February 27, 2020
7:30 p.m. at Huntington High School
Thursday, March 26, 2020
10:00 a.m. at Washington Primary School
Thursday, April 23, 2020
7:30 p.m. at Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School
*May 2020 - no meeting*
Tuesday, June 16, 2020
7:30 p.m. at J. Taylor Finley Middle School