Special Education

About Special Education
The Acton-Boxborough Regional School District is committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment for students with disabilities. Serving over 800 students, our Special Education Department provides a robust continuum of supports, from comprehensive related services to Learning Center and Specialized Program resources. Our team collaborates closely with families and educators to personalize support plans that maximize each student's potential.
Our program is designed to promote access and equity, ensuring that students can thrive in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) possible and participate meaningfully in the general education curriculum. We emphasize student-centered practices that encourage the development of independence, self-determination, and advocacy skills, enabling students to take an active role in their learning journey. With a focus on differentiated instruction, multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS), and inclusive practices, we aim to empower each student to achieve academic and personal success, preparing them for lifelong learning and fulfillment within and beyond the school setting. Click on our Program Guide to learn more!

Introducing the New IEP:

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has introduced a major update to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the first time in over 20 years!  This modernized format brings significant changes designed to enhance clarity, accessibility, and focus on student-centered planning. Our staff will be engaged in ongoing training throughout the school year to learn about these updates and implement them effectively. While our official rollout will begin in September 2024, some staff are eager to pilot the new forms as early as April 2024 with a few students, pending training completion.
In partnership with SEPAC, we are excited to host parent information sessions this fall, offering insights into the new IEP structure and what it means for our community. For a preview of the new forms, please visit DESE's website here. Together, we look forward to creating an even more effective, inclusive approach to supporting our students.

 

School

Acton-Boxborough SEPAC

We look forward to another collaborative year with Acton-Boxborough SEPAC.  Co-Chairs Amanda Bailey and Abe Gutierrez have shared meeting dates for the 2024-2025 school year and they can be found here.  You can also contact them at [email protected]. Please note that Special Education Coordinators will be joining the first SEPAC meeting in September.  We are excited to welcome your students back to school very soon.  Please reach out to us or your coordinator if you have any additional questions or concerns.
PowerSchool 
Parents of students with IEPs and 504 Plans can find their student's documents in the PowerSchool Parent Portal found under the Families menu above. Restraint Policy
Each school has a team of professionals trained in restraint accoring to the policies and procedures established by ABRSD. The district provides yearly training to staff to keep everyone current. Please review our Restraint Policy (JKAA)

Special Education Leadership Team

Mary Emmons

Interim Director of Special Education

Dan Mazur
Assistant Director of Special Education
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Team meetings will continue to be held both virtually and in-person based on your preference. Your school's Special Education Coordinator will be in touch to schedule these meetings. For any questions about your student's IEP or specific services, please refer to the appropriate contact listed below.

CHECP: Joe Gibowicz
Elementary Schools:

Blanchard Kelly Morrissey

Conant Rachael Fusco

Douglas/GatesTara Kirousis

McT Kristie Barry-Ayres

Merriam: Rachael Fusco

Secondary Schools:
RJ Gray
Maureen Lin

ABRHS Sarah Turner

Out of District: Matt Kidder
Online Resources

Homebound/Hospitalized
Please visit Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website for important information and click here for the required forms.  

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