Since chartering in 2007, the Manhasset Special Education Parent Teacher Association has provided the North Shore with over a hundred programs, speakers and public resources. As the only PTA in Manhasset, the group is dedicated to serving parents, teachers and above all, the community’s children.
“Children who fall outside the general education curriculum—like gifted/talented, special education, and children with learning and developmental disabilities—is SEPTA’s focus,” Manhasset SEPTA Co-President Diane Treacy said.
Providing programs and resources to support these children is the result. Kicking off its seventh year, SEPTA approved several programs, including the districtwide after school homework club. The budget was approved with a unanimous vote in favor of the spending and income outlined. The first meeting of the school year officially welcomed the new executive board, which include co-presidents Diane Treacy and Debbie Najmi, vice president Donna Ciampa, and secretary Connie Feiner. Outgoing co-presidents Kelly Fu and Amy Morse were also honored for their term of service.
It was also noted at the meeting that the Manhasset SEPTA website was updated with a re-launch in September with all the programs, presentations, and key resources for the upcoming year.
The outlined schedule of programs included special needs yoga, SCA Saturday Series adaptive programs, “Ride a Two Wheeler” workshops, adaptive public speaking, and fun events like Big Apple Circus tickets and family movie night. The Gifted and Talented programming for 2013-14 includes the return of the highly successful eighth grade science/research program as well as a pilot program, Manhasset Kids Question Everything which debuts in November.
SEPTA created the Manhasset Library’s first Special Needs Parenting section with over 400 books, videos and DVDs on a wide range of topics. This year, the group will add several titles and new releases to the section.
Free presentations and workshops are another resource offered by SEPTA. Autism expert Dr. Stephen Shore and gifted student expert Dr. James Borland are just some of the renowned presenters featured for 2013-14.
Manhasset SEPTA encourages the community to participate in upcoming fundraisers, including the SCA Theatre bake sale on Nov. 23, and the Barnes & Noble gift wrapping desk on Dec. 6. SEPTA is still accepting membership for the school year.
“Anyone who is involved with special needs children is our membership base,” Manhasset SEPTA Co-President and Membership Director Debbie Najmi said.
