LAC Meeting
December 4, 2015
6:00 pm to 6:45 pm
Minutes to the Meeting
Staff Attendees: Maryellen Rossi, Amanda Studley, Emily Reinhart, Danielle Bruneau, Zachary Berkowitz, Kourtney
DaRocha, Nicole Gugliuzza, Jennifer Andrade
Scholar Parent Attendees: AFPMA: Evette Gonzalez, Jeffephina Fully, Kelley Hartshorn, Manuel Pol, Carmen Lopez,
LaLena Porreca, Julissa De la Cruz, Aura Lopez
AFIMA: Kathy Iremand, Irmari Mercado, Ingrid Ostos
Thank you to all who attended to make the LAC possible
Introductions and Framing -The Local Advisory Council (LAC) is a group of parents, teachers, school administrators, and
related service providers (social workers, psychologists, speech/language pathologists, etc.) working together on behalf
of children with special needs to improve services that support out scholars.
The LAC plays a vital role in the success of special education programs and services by providing resources to parents as
well as special education professionals. These resources help parents and special educators become partners in
delivering the best and most appropriate services to children in their care.
Definition of Roles- the roles of the LAC are on a volunteer basis. Forms were distrusted to the attendees for leadership
positions. Below are the noted roles and potential volunteers
o
o
o
Chairperson: Kathy Ireland
Co-chair
Clerk
Meeting Norms- Meeting Norms serve to uphold the promises and culture of the LAC meeting. These norms preserve
the comfort and climate of all attendees while keeping the best interest of all students and scholars at top of mind.
These norms were preliminarily drafted. Official norms will be voted on at the next LAC meeting.
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Start on time/ End on time
Sticking to the agenda
Kids first mindset
Ask questions
Speak your truth
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Honor confidentiality
Problem solvers/solution oriented
(sp) Listen to understand
(sp) think positive thoughts to contribute
(sp) share experiences that we have lived
Other Business- Parents were asked to share their special education experience at Achievement First. If parents are
inclined to share this information, there were advised to contact Elizabeth Winangun, Associate Director, Team External
Relations. She can be contacted via email at elizabethwinangun@achievementfirst.org or (cell) 401.497.4366 or (work)
401.347.1106 ext 30610.
Closing- Provided feedback and scheduled next meeting (Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 6:00 pm)
What is to come- Glows and grows of AF Special Services Programs and supports and review draft of LAC brochure for
families
Next Steps-
Determine parent leadership roles for LAC
Finalize LAC meeting norms