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WHAT IS SEPTA?

SEPTA stands for Special Education Parent Teacher Association. SEPTA is a PTA unit with an Executive Board of Officers that volunteer their time under the auspices of the State and National PTA. SEPTA represents children, ages 3-21, who receive services under the umbrella of “Special Education” and Section 504, in addition to children who are in the “Gifted and Talented” program. In collaboration with the Department of Special Education, SEPTA helps individuals and groups make a real difference for families and for children with special needs. The purpose and goal of SEPTA is to ensure a free and appropriate education for ALL children. We do this through advocacy, educating ourselves and the community, and supporting the entire family. Harborfields SEPTA invites everyone in the community to become a member. SEPA recognizes the importance of Community Support as a necessary component in achieving our goals.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Harborfields Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is to advocate in an informed and positive manner for the welfare of families and children with special needs. Our efforts focus on the needs of children, ages 3-21, who receive services under "Special Education," Section 504, and "Gifted and Talented".

Recognizing that every child deserves to have excellence in education, strong self-esteem, and a quality life, SEPTA strives to serve special needs students and their families by:

• Providing programs that will benefit the educational, physical, mental, and social development of our children;

• Offering information and support to parents through sponsoring speakers, forums, discussion groups, and workshops;

• Advocating for the issues affecting special needs students and their families.

Harborfields SEPTA, part of the National PTA, believes in fostering strong ties with our families, our community, and our school personnel to collaboratively help special needs children in our district.

The Harborfields Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is requesting support from corporate sponsors, community and individuals through donations and membership.

The purpose and goal of Harborfields SEPTA is to work with our Community, Board of Education, Administration, and Staff, in the most productive way so that we can appropriately educate children of special needs, whether they are learning disabled, physically or emotionally challenged, or “gifted and talented.”

SEPTA supports students throughout their school years. We provide 8^th grade awards and scholarships to graduating seniors. Students return to Harborfields to participate in our “Silver Linings” evening. This event highlights the importance of community support of students with special needs. It is truly rewarding to hear how grateful these students are for the community support from SEPTA. In 1992, SEPTA began a “Summer Bridging” program, which provides academic services for classified children. Working closely with the district, SEPTA has expanded the program and incorporated it into the district’s Summer Academy. We continue to help fund this worthwhile program to an increasing number of children with expanded hours of service.

SEPTA provides parents with support, education, and direction. “Second Cup of Coffee” and BETA meetings are support groups for parents who gather monthly in an informal setting to network and share information about special needs children. SEPTA hosts educationally pertinent workshops. We furnish up-to-date information and analysis on timely state and federal legislative issues. We provide advocacy assistance as it relates to the education and provision of services for children with special needs.

SEPTA supports our teachers and school district. Every year we award Teacher Fellowships for Summer Study and Distinguished Service Awards. We also provide grants to Principals and Teachers to support additional needs, along with continuing education programs for Teachers and Teaching Assistants.

SEPTA collaborates with all of the PTAs in our district. We co-sponsor various programs, workshops, and fundraisers. The Board of Education looks to the PTAs for feedback on existing programs and participation in the school budget process. Our board members attend educational workshops, school board functions, and legislative meetings. We do this so we can better serve our community and we ask you to continue to support our efforts.

HISTORY

Harborfields Special Education PTA (SEPTA) is a PTA unit with an Executive Board of Officers, who volunteer their time in the pursuit of quality education for all families. We are recognized and supported by the New York State and National PTAs. Harborfields SEPTA was created in 1979 by parents and teachers in the Harborfields Central School District who realized the need for an organization that could help the progress established under the new federal legislation, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As laws change in education, an organization like Harborfields SEPTA has been able to adapt to meet the needs of our children and our school district. SEPTA was recognized as the “Winner of the 1997 Suffolk District National PTA Advocates for Children Award” for outstanding community awareness and parent participation.

SEPTA Programs

Summer Academy (summer academic services for classified children)

Second Cup of Coffee (informal special education support group made up of parents)

BETA (informal gifted and talented support group made up of parents)

SEPTA Awards

Senior Scholarships

Teacher Fellowships for Summer Study

Eighth Grade Awards

Distinguished Service Awards

SEPTA Grants

Continuing Education for Teachers

Grants given to the district, principals, and teachers to support additional needs

SEPTA Workshops

Professional Speakers provide pertinent information relating to special needs students

The Purpose and Goal of Harborfields SEPTA is to work with our Community, Board of Education, Administration and Staff, in the most productive way so that we can appropriately educate children with special needs. The motto of the National PTA is “every child.one voice®.” The children receiving services under special education, whether they are learning disabled, physically or emotionally challenged, or “gifted and talented,” are part of this one voice.