EASTCHESTER SEPTA 

Milestones 2010-2011

• Increased SEPTA membership to 281, including 112 staff members.   

• Sponsored Special Education Staff Appreciation Cocktail Parties at Tutta Bella, October 2010, attended by over 70 staff members and administration.

• Social Skills re-training program for AH special ed teachers with Dr. Michelle Dunn, summer 2010

• Professional Training Day costs in Fall 2010 with Dr. Dunn focusing on Communication and Sensitivity towards special needs students by all, including General Ed teachers, covered by SEPTA.

• Held Summer Resource fair in March 2011 with vendors from all of Westchester and beyond, offering information on various recreational options for special needs students.

• Grants approved for the following teachers:

• Facilitated Trip to Yonkers Recycling Facility for two Communication Development Classes in October of 2010.

• Paid for theater rental for exclusive showings of movies for SEPTA members for Megamind (Nov 2010), Mars Needs Moms (March 2011) and Kung Fu Panda 2 (June 2011) whereby Peer mentors were invited to join their “mentees”.

• Contributed to Rachel’s Challenge & Steven Blau Memorial Fund, as well as “Buy a Brick” at the HS.  Also contributed to MS Winter Wonderland Dance and to Tri School Fundraiser.

• Donated Mini calendars EHS “Café” for students to generate sales revenue.

• Donated Ice treats to 190 Anne Hutch Social Skills participants at end of the year celebration.   

• Sponsored “School to Work” Program with $4,000 grant to compensate the participants. Over one dozen special needs students hold jobs in the Eastchester Community.  Also provided ‘senior’ members of ‘School to Work’ program a wage increase, an additional $1200.

• SEPTA continued to sponsor after school clubs for special needs students from WV through to MS-- Backyard Sports provided the core program with supervision by SEPTA board members. SEPTA paid a portion of each student’s participation fee. Sixteen volunteer “coaches” recruited from the MS and HS. Second club, “Mad Science” began in October of 2010, was also very successful!

• Scholarships totaling $2250 awarded to three deserving, graduating EHS seniors in June of 2011.

• Utilizing a $25,000 grant from ASCAP, a private foundation, Music Therapy and Instruction began for six special education classes from Waverly through the MS. It will continue over the next 3 years with services provided by the Westchester Conservatory of Music. SEPTA covered the costs to bring the program to an additional 7th class.  

• Beneficiary of MICKEY SPILLANE’S Golf Outing in September 2010– once again in September 2011!

• Bingo & Brownies: held in May 2011, a huge success with a sellout crowd, great prizes (mostly donated) with large amount of monetary sponsorships! Final numbers not yet tallied, still receiving donations! Wonderful volunteer base contributed time & effort, insuring a fun filled and smooth evening.

• Held Summer Resource Fair in March 2011 with over 22 vendors—camps, summer programs, social skills groups in attendance. Great turnout of parents, both from within and out of district.

• Meetings continue to provide valuable information from various speakers such as Dr. Michelle Dunn, Lori Overland, the District’s Teaching staff.

• Added new board position, Data Communications Officer, to our Executive Board (Doreen Napolitano) and welcomed Theresa Baker as our new Recording Secretary, as Christine Devir stepped down after 2 years of loyal service.