Special Services

Dear Parent or Guardian:

As the first day of the new school year approaches, we are working enthusiastically to ensure that everything is in place to provide for your child's needs.  The evidence we have concerning our students with disabilities and the special education programs we have built for them shows that we are helping them to gain the skills they need in order to succeed.  In fact, this year, our district was reviewed by the Massachusetts Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, which found that "The district's special education inclusion model is exemplary and could be used by other school districts."

I believe every parent shares a special sense of pride in the accomplishments of his or her children.  In the upcoming year, we plan to take some time to boast about the achievements of students with disabilities in our schools and raise awareness concerning the power of inclusive education by joining with schools and communities across the United States and Canada to celebrate National Inclusive Schools Week.  I expect this week to be the highlight of our year and would encourage you to take part in some of the fun and creative events we are planning.

Finally, I would encourage you to visit the parent resources section  under the Special Education tab of the Agawam Public Schools website. There you will find a link to the new Parent's Rights Brochure, which the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has updated to incorporate recent changes in special education laws and regulations.  If you are not able to access the Parent's Rights Brochure electronically, please feel free to contact the Special Services Office at (413) 821-0540 to request a copy of this important document.

Sincerely,

John Provost, Ed.D.
Director of Special Services