Parent Groups

All parents of students involved in high school athletics are invited to attend advisory meetings that are held each month. Contact the Athletics and Activities Office for further information.

Facilitator: Will Wackman

Representatives working within our three Career and College Pathways meet to provide input and insight into our course offerings and the skills students are developing to be prepared to work in the identified field. They also provide support for programs that provide students direct certifications in alignment with state guidelines.

Facilitator:  Eric Van Brocklin

Parents, community members, and staff meet periodically to assess current communication and outreach efforts, provide insight into planned and future projects and identify opportunities to improve school district engagement with all members of the community.

Facilitator: Erika Taibl

Participants make recommendations for policies, programs, and budget for Community Education Services to meet the needs and interests of community members.

Facilitator: Colleen Pederson

Annually, leadership of Spring Lake Park Schools convenes a broad group of small and large business, non-profit and government leaders from our community for a conversation about the future. The purpose of the roundtable is to gain their input and insights on the skills and capabilities we need to develop in our students to prepare them for the workforce and community involvement, explore ways we can partner together and support strengthening connections among business and industry colleagues.

Facilitators: Jeff Ronneberg, Erika Taibl, Eric Van Brocklin

Parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community members gain knowledge about curriculum, professional learning efforts, instructional programs, and assessments of and for learning being implemented in our classrooms. They convey important community beliefs and opinions as they relate to continuous improvement efforts and teaching, learning, and accountability topics in the school district. 

Facilitator: Melissa Olson

If you are not an ongoing member of the council, please contact the facilitator if you plan to attend. Meetings are held at the District Services Center and snacks are provided.

• November 9, 2023, 6-7:30 p.m.
• January 18, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.
• April 4, 2024, 6-7:30 p.m.

Participants meet regularly to provide input on Early Childhood and Family Education and Preschool programs to support families and children in early learning and in preparing young children for school.

Facilitator: Angela Vokac

For families traditionally underrepresented, we have Native American, Spanish Speaking, and Arabic Speaking engagement groups that meet regularly throughout the year to learn about and provide input on school programs and initiatives and get answers to questions.

Facilitator: Emily Byers-Ferrian

Any family in the district who self-identifies as Native American is welcome to take part in this group which builds community while advising school staff on how best to serve Native students throughout the district. Committee meetings also include opportunities for families to explore important aspects of Native cultures, traditions and histories.

Facilitators: Abbey Pierce, Emily Byers-Ferrian

Parents of students meet periodically to learn about state and federal nutrition guidelines for schools and to provide feedback and input to our nutrition services team.

Facilitator:  Amy Kimmel

The Panther Foundation enriches educational experiences for the 6,200 students in Spring Lake Park Schools. Support for the foundation comes entirely through contributions and special projects. The foundation awards grants for innovative projects school staff, parents, and students initiate to directly benefit students. 

District Liaison: Colleen Pederson

Each school holds parent meetings on at least a monthly basis to share information, gather input and feedback and support efforts to strengthen the school community. Contact the school principal or see the school newsletter or online calendar for meeting information.

We currently have family engagement groups in Spanish and Arabic that meet regularly throughout the year and are facilitated by school staff and parents/guardians in partnership. Each group has its own unique goals and structure; however, both share the common purpose of building a sense of trust and community while partnering in support of Spring Lake Park Schools students. 

Spanish Group Facilitators: Blanca Vazquez , Emily Byers-Ferrian

Arabic Group Facilitators: Leena Mansour

What is the Speical Education Advisory Council (SEAC, pronounced SEEK)? 

Families are essential partners in their children's development and play a vital role in our school community. In our special education department, we cherish the strong connections we build with families through the Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC).

SEAC brings together parents, guardians, and staff to regularly discuss important topics and their effects on student services. Your participation, whether at every meeting or occasionally, is highly valued by our school leadership. We are committed to enhancing our special education programming by working closely with the families we serve, believing that our collaboration leads to the best outcomes for all.

As a SEAC member, you'll collaborate with other parents and school staff to:

• Represent the interests of Spring Lake Park students with disabilities from birth through age 22.
• Serve as an advocate for high-quality special education programming.
• Promote positive communication and collaboration among family, school, and community agencies.
• Provide feedback to special education leadership on parent involvement, current issues and program development.

Special Education Advisory Councils are required by the state of Minnesota. For information about the legislative requirements: 125A.24 PARENT ADVISORY COUNCILS.

 

Who is SEAC for? 

For guardians or caregivers of students receiving special education services through Spring Lake Park Schools, from early intervention to age 22, across all federal settings and services.

Membership should represent various age groups, grade levels, disabilities, and reflect the gender and ethnic diversity of the District's special education programs.

 

What is a typical SEAC meeting like? 

Our goal for SEAC meetings is to create a positive and inclusive environment where every member feels truly valued. We'll kick off each meeting with introductions and a warm-up activity designed to strengthen our supportive community. During our sessions, we’ll share exciting updates on special education news, community opportunities, and progress on initiatives.

Our agenda will feature a blend of relevant topics for children with special needs and their families, along with insights into the strategies used in our special education programming. Occasionally, facilitators will present new initiatives for your valuable feedback. Time permitting, there will be opportunities for questions and discussions.

SEAC meetings are held for 90 minutes and occur in the evenings, four times per school year. 

 

When and where is SEAC? 

• October 10, 2024; 5:30-7:00 PM
• December 12, 2024; 5:30-7:00 PM
• February 27, 2024; 5:30-7:00 PM
• April 24, 2024; 5:30-7:00 PM

 

How can I get involved in SEAC? 

• Watch for an invite to each SEAC meeting with a link to RSVP from the email address “SpecialEducation@district16.org”. While we would appreciate an affirmative response to the RSVP so we can plan accordingly, we welcome last minute attendees as well. 

 

Are there other ways to be involved if I’m not interested in SEAC? 

• Families are our best partners when it comes to the special education programming for their child. Communicate regularly with your student’s IEP team, including your student’s classroom teacher(s). 
• Read our SEAC newsletters as well as family updates from your child’s school and the school district. 
• Attend school and district events and events geared specifically to children with special needs.
• Join other parent advisory groups offered throughout the district: https://www.springlakeparkschools.org/parents/parent-groups

 

Need more information about SEAC? 

Please contact Jackie Lawson, coordinator of IEP services and practices, at: jlawso@district16.org 

 

Parent Resources

• PACER Center: Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights, a national center based in Minnesota
• The Arc Minnesota: Advocacy and support for people with developmental disabilities and their families
• Minnesota Disability Law Center: Provides free civil legal assistance to individuals with disabilities on legal issues related to their disabilities
• Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health: Promotes positive mental health for all infants, children, adolescents and their families
• MN Department of Education: Special Education
• Help Me Connect: A navigator connecting pregnant individuals and families with young children (birth – 8 years old) with services in their local communities that empower families to be healthy and safe.

 

Resources for Individual Student or Family Supports

SEAC meetings are not intended for discussing individual concerns regarding specific students or any other member of the SLP school community. To ensure data privacy, please use other channels to address these matters. See below for information on how to address individual needs.

• Questions or concerns with your student’s IEP or IFSP programming
  • Contact your student’s case manager (EC/elementary) or counselor for student services (secondary). They know your student’s plan the best and will organize an IEP team meeting as needed. 
• Questions or concerns specific to your child’s school 
  • Contact the principal at your child’s school.
• Support with basic needs, housing or medical or mental health services
  • Contact the social worker at your child’s school.

 

Early Childhood Heather Deutsch  hdeuts@district16.org	Northpoint Elementary Melinda Shimabukuro mshima@district16.org	Centerview Elementary Rachel Perez rperez@district16.org	Park Terrace Elementary  Heather Deutsch  hdeuts@district16.org
Woodcrest Spanish Immersion School Rachel Perez rperez@district16.org	Westwood Intermediate or Middle School  Naomi Pitlick npitli@district16.org	Spring Lake Park High School Whitney Booth wbooth@district16.org	Life Skills Transition Program Whitney Booth wbooth@district16.org