What is CoMO SEPTA?
A Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA) provides families and educators with an organizational structure, resources and the opportunity to be a collective voice for their special needs children. CoMO SEPTA has the benefit of reaching district-wide to bring together individuals with similar needs. We will be able to discuss issues, share resources, support our students and more.
Who is welcome to join?
Anyone with an interest in the welfare of students who access special education services in the Columbia, MO area is encouraged to join. Any type or level of disability, any age from preschool through high school, any classroom setting. Maybe you’re a special education teacher, a therapist, or a general education teacher who has some students with special needs. Maybe you’re a parent who’s still looking into special education services, maybe you’re a homeschooler who uses some special services through the public schools. Maybe you have a student who’s in a typical classroom with some supports, maybe you have a student who is in a self-contained classroom. We’d love to have you join us.
What makes a SEPTA different from a typical PTA?
The SEPTA will be focusing on parent support and education. We will have speakers on topics of interest, topics that are a problem issue, education about transitions between the various levels, and more. In addition, we are hoping to offer parent to parent support for IEP/504 or other school meetings. It is always helpful to talk with someone that has been through it and offer advice, or just an additional person to be at the table to take notes. We would also like to have a time after the meetings for just general talk/support time, if anyone needs it that evening.
If I join CoMO SEPTA, should I still join my school’s PTA?
Absolutely. Getting involved in both the school PTA and CoMO SEPTA is a great way to encourage inclusion and helps keep the lines of communication open to all parent groups. Families can then be a part of all school activities, ensure the inclusion of their children and still have their own format for the special supports and opportunities that they may see. Individual PTAs provide parent involvement opportunities and cover school-specific issues that CoMO SEPTA will not cover as a community-wide parent organization.
What is the membership fee?
The membership fee is $10 per person, with a discounted fee of $5 for an additional family member. Furthermore, you can provide a scholarship to cover the membership fee of someone else. We don’t want to turn anyone away because of financial hardship, so let us know if you need assistance.
Who are our officers?
Molly Myers, President
Amie VanMorlan, Vice President
Crystal Standiford, Treasurer
Dena Petrie, Secretary
Contact us at comosepta@gmail.com, fill out our contact form, or let us know on Facebook.