MERRIMACK SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE

MERRIMACK SPECIAL EDUCATION

C O L L A B O R AT I V E

We are: Creative Volume 2, Issue 2 News for the extended MSEC community June 2013

▪ Page 2:The Linnell Circle The End of a SuccessfulYear

players recently presented STARS OF THE
Beauty and the Beast.This was RECENT MSEC PLAY
the 5th year our students per- “BEAUTY AND THE
formed in a theatrical produc- BEAST” APPEAR WITH
tion. Meet the all-star cast and EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
their staff helpers. CHRIS SCOTT. FROM
LEFT: SAMANTHA
We are: Celebrated WOJTOWICZ, CHRIS
SCOTT, CHRISTOPHER
▪ Page 3: Matt Diaz was one CONSTANTINEAU
AND RICKY SCANLON.
of two MSEC students to be
recognized as a Merrimack Val- We are nearing the end of a suc- are proud of the accomplishments
ley Academic Scholar this year. cessful school year. It is the of Matthew Diaz who is graduating
time when we celebrate our students’ from the Alternative High School
We are: Growing accomplishments and recognize the and Maggie King who is enrolled in
hard work of our faculty and staff. COAP. (See story on page 3).
▪ Page 4:To meet growing
This year I have had the oppor- Recently, students in the COAP,
demand for elementary school tunity and pleasure to meet many of SCOAP and School-to-Work pro-
programs, MSEC will open a our students in their classrooms, at grams performed an exceptional ad-
new space in Dracut this fall. their worksites, in the cafeteria line, aptation of “Beauty and the Beast.”
at the school play, and as Students- Families and the community at large
of-the-Month and I am impressed by were impressed by all our talented
their many talents. Sociologist Judy actors.
Singer proposes neurodiversity as a
way to conceptualize the many dif- Our Collaborative offers our
ferent ways people think and learn. students state-of-the art technol-
She argues that many inventors and ogy so that students can engage and
artists are brilliant in non-typical access the curriculum. Our students
ways. Our Collaborative shares this in Topsfield are currently enjoying a
perspective and celebrates neurodi- webcam view of an osprey’s nest, a
versity. Our dedicated staff builds on technology-supported project that is
our students’ diverse ways of learn- embedded in the new Common Core
ing and non-neurotypical communi- Standards-aligned mathematics,
cation style to develop the academic science and geography curriculum
and robust transitional skills re- implemented this year.
quired to be successful in school and
beyond. Over twenty students are gradu-
ating from the Collaborative’s
For the first time, two Merrimack Middle School and are entering the
Special Education Collaborative Collaborative’s Alternative High
students were recognized as Merri- Schools.
mack Valley Academic Scholars. We
Continued on next page

MERRIMACK SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE
The End of a Successful Year the space at its current school and
is now expanding. In addition to
the 40 Brick Kiln Road location in
Continued from cover woodshops. If you need your lawn Chelmsford, the Collaborative plans
The Middle School programs are mowed, your lawn mower fixed, or to lease a school from the Dracut
relatively new and they will continue beautiful lawn chairs made-to-order, Public Schools to accommodate the
to expand as our sending districts please contact our experienced and increased enrollment.
need an alternative placement that dedicated staff and students at:
offers customized programming 978-528-7885 or 978-528-7849. We are proud of the rich pro-
with a student-to-certified-staff ratio gramming opportunities the Col-
that outshines private schools’ ratios Our Elementary School teachers laborative offers our students. MSEC
while at the same time has the low- along with several of their colleagues operates eleven programs approved
est tuition rates. from the Chelmsford Public Schools by the Department of Elementary
Our high school students and have received in-depth, customized and Secondary Education (DESE).
adults continue to develop their professional development supported All our programs are staffed accord-
transitional skills at over thirty by a Department of Elementary and ing to DESE regulations with appro-
worksites throughout our communi- Secondary Education grant. priately certified educators who are
ties. We are grateful for the oppor- committed to our students. In addi-
tunities our many partners offer our They are now successfully imple- tion, according to DESE regulations,
students. In addition, the Collabora- menting the Fountas & Pinnell all staff are now evaluated annually.
tive also runs its own landscaping, literacy intervention program and
small engine repair shop, and several benchmark assessment. As they ▪Please contact me at any time –
say, success breeds success: our
Elementary School has outgrown my door is always open.

Putting On a Show Dr. Chris A. Scott, Executive Director
[email protected]

MEMBERS OF THE CAST Friends and Family
AND CREW OF THIS
YEAR’S PRODUCTION New Arrivals
OF “BEAUTY AND THE Congratulations to Pat Diglio,
BEAST.” FROM LEFT: a teacher in the COAP program.
JOE VENSKUS, BILL Diglio is a grandmother—again.
PEDRERIA, SAMANTHA Seen here, three year old Mason
WOJTOWICZ, SUE TOT- Diglio and twins Roman and
TEN, CHRISTOPHER Lilah, born on December 7, 2012.
CONSTANTINEAU,
CHRISTEN TRYDER,
RICKY SCANLON AND
CHARLIE SPIDLE.

The Linnell Circle Players re- show. Christen Tryder, director,
cently presented “Beauty and Joe Venskus and Charlie Spidle
the Beast.” This is the 5th year that worked on set design and construc-
MSEC students put on a show and tion. Sue Totten was responsible
their performance dazzled friends, for the outstanding costume design.
family and community members
who attended. This year’s all-star In addition to being an op-
cast featured Samantha Wojtow- portunity to show off our talented
icz playing the role of Belle, Ricky students to a broader audience, the
Scanlon playing the role of the performance also raised $750 for a
Beast and Christopher Constan- great cause: One Fund Boston. In
tineau playing the role of Gaston. lieu of selling tickets, the Collabora-
tive also asked for a $5.00 donation
Special thanks to MSEC staff
who worked side-by-side with our ▪to its drama club to help continue
students to put on such a terrific
this extra curricular program.

MERRIMACK SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE

The “Core” of Instruction THIS ‘COMMON CORE COLLAGE’
SHOWS OUR TEACHERS AND STU-

The Common Core initiative in- DENTS DOING WHAT THEY DO BEST:
cludes a new nationwide frame- MEETING CHALLENGES, RISING TO
work for curriculum standards. THE OCCASION AND SETTING AN EX-
AMPLE TO LEARN FROM AND LIVE BY.

Its goal is to prepare students for
college and careers so they can lead
productive, fulfilling and success-
ful lives in a complex, diverse and
changing world. But while the
standards may be new, the mission
is a familiar one to anyone who
is part of the MSEC family. All of
our educators, therapists, support TEACHER CATHERINE GOODWIN AND STUDENT
staff, families and communities are LORICY PAULINO, SCOAP PROGRAM.

committed to providing our stu-
dents equal access to core subjects,
enrichment strategies, arts, school
to work programs, and the opportu-
nity to volunteer in their communi-
ties.
According to the Massachusetts
Board of Education, the Common
Core standards are informed by the
belief that all children can become TEACHER PAT DIGLIO AND STUDENT
lifelong learners and meet high JULIA LESNIK.

standards. Here at the Collabora- STUDENT ALEX LAMMARE’S DAY IS FILLED
tive, we coudn’t agree more. In fact, WITH MATH AND SCIENCE—HIS FAVORITES.
we believe that our students, faculty
and staff offer a vivid testimony to
the power of this vision in action.
MSEC is responsive to all of the Professional Development

educational needs of our students The Collaborative supports the
and is committed to honoring their
academic achievements, and chal- professional goals of all of our STUDENT JILLIAN SPINALE SHOWS OFF
lenging work. With cutting edge faculty and staff and is pleased A SCIENCE LESSON INFORMED BY NEW
technology, innovative teaching, to provide them with the re- COMMON CORE STANDARDS.
and dedicated staff, we are able to sources necessary to achieve
engage our students in meaningful their goals. All of our educators 5
learning experiences and provide a are licensed by the DESE. In
knowledge base and access to every- the past year, numerous teach-
day situations. ers have earned initial licensure
in their field, advanced to the
MSEC promotes student learn- next level license or earned
ing as well as the acquisition and an administrator license. We
development of these essential would like to congratulate our
skills. The Common Core initiative staff for their dedication to the
and MSEC’s diverse programs pro- students they work with, and
vide students with the opportunity for working diligently to ac-
to make their education relevant
today even as they prepare for a ▪complish their professional

▪rewarding, independent life in the goals.

future.

MERRIMACK SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE

MSEC Leadership Team MSEC Board

Chris A. Scott, PhD Joia Mercurio Chair: Mr. Donald Ciampa
Executive Director Executive Assistant Superintendent of the Tyngsbor-
ough Public Schools
[email protected] jmercurio@
msec.collab.k12.ma.us Mr.Timothy Piwowar
Camelia Rosca, PhD Superintendent of the Billerica
Systems Director Kari Morrin Public Schools
Therapies
[email protected] Dr. Frank Tiano
kmorrin@ Superintendent of the Chelms-
Amy Gagnon msec.collab.k12.ma.us ford Public Schools
Student Assessment
& Professional Develop- Kenneth Wedge Mr. Steven Stone
ment Specialist Network Administrator Superintendent of the Dracut
Public Schools
[email protected] kwedge@
msec.collab.k12.ma.us Dr.Anthony Bent
Annie Willis Interim Superintendent, Groton-
Principal, EBS & PDD Marla De La Dunstable Regional School
Programs Cruz-Ballard District
Chelmsford, MA Principal, Middle School
Tyngsborough, MA Dr. Judith Klimkiewicz
[email protected] Superintendent of the Nashoba
mdelacruzballard@ Valley Technical School District
Bill Bryant msec.collab.k12.ma.us
Principal, Alternative Ms. Joan Landers
Vocational High Tim Callahan Superintendent of the North
Schools, Chelmsford & Principal, SCOAP, COAP Middlesex Regional School Dis-
Pepperell & Adult Programs trict
Billerica, MA
[email protected] Dr. John O’Connor
[email protected] Superintendent of the Tewksbury
Charles LeBuff Public Schools
Vocational High School WE ARE: LEARNING
Topsfield, MA MSEC student Whitman Mamayek. Mr. Everett (Bill) Olsen
MSEC gives students the skills they Superintendent of the Westford
[email protected] need to live independently and Public Schools
successfully after they graduate.
Cheryl Crumb MA Department of Elementary
Assessments and Secondary Education Repre-
sentative—to be announced.
[email protected]
Special Thanks To:
Denise Devine
Nursing Marilyn Humphries, photography

[email protected] Copley Business Service, printing

Jacki Dubois Little House Communications,
Principal, Public School newsletter design and production
Day & ISN Programs

[email protected]

MERRIMACK SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE

MSEC Students Named that other students look up to and
Merrimack Valley Scholars go to for support,” says Molloy.
Two Merrimack Special Educa-
tion Collaborative students and academic accomplish- Diaz’ strong academic perfor-
have been recognized as Merrimack ments. mance is all the more impressive
Valley Academic Scholars. Matthew
Diaz,who is graduating from the For teachers and men- MATTHEW DIAZ HAS EMERGED AS A
Alternative High School program, tors who work with Maggie STRONG STUDENT AND A LEADER IN
and Maggie King, who is enrolled King, she was an obvious HIS FOUR YEARS AT MSEC. ENGLISH
in the COAP program, were cho- choice to recommend for the TEACHER KUAN-YIN MOLLOY SAYS THAT
sen to receive the annual award, award. Principal Tim Cal- MATT IS THE KIND OF STUDENT THAT
which honors top scholars across lahan says that a quote from OTHERS LOOK UP TO.
the region. Executive Director Chris Christopher Reeve describes
Scott notes that the inclusion of Maggie best. “For everyone in that he has faced some difficult
MSEC students was an honor—and who thought I couldn’t do it. personal circumstances. With the
a first for the Collaborative. “We’re For everyone who thought I support of MSEC staff and fellow
so proud of Maggie and Matthew shouldn’t do it. For every- students, Diaz overcame his chal-
for being recognized in this way. one who said ‘It’s impossi- lenges, all the while maintaining ex-
They’ve worked incredibly hard and ble,’ I’ll see you at the finish cellent attendance, a solid academic
deserve to be honored.” line.” performance and an unwavering
sense of humor. “I believe Matt will
The luncheon ceremony, which All along the way Magie’s be successful in whatever he choos-
took place in May, recognized story has been one of surpassing es to do in the future.”
students from more than 25 school expectations, including joining her
districts, including many of the peers at graduation. When she re- Executive Director Scott notes
technical high schools in the region. ceived her certificate, it was accom- that while Maggie and Matt may
School principals and superinten- panied by a standing ovation from have been the first MSEC students
dents presented each student to her entire MSEC class. Maggie has to claim this honor, she’s certain
the gathering of parents and school literally crossed the finish line. She that they won’t be the last. “I’m so
officials, describing their hard work was part of a fundraising team with
various runners from Children’s ▪impressed by the hard work and
COAP STUDENT MAGGIE KING, WHO Hospital Boston that participated in
WORKS IN THE MAILROOM AT BILLERICA the Boston Marathon raising over many talents of our students.”
TOWN HALL, DOESN’T HAVE THE WORD $23,000 in the process. Congratulations to Maggie and
“CAN’T “IN HER VOCABULARY, SAYS Matt on being selected as 2013
PRINCIPAL TIM CALLAHAN. On a daily basis she continues Merrimack Valley Academic
to teach others patience, compas- Scholars. We are so proud of you!
sion, empathy and that the words “I
can’t” are not in her vocabulary. 3

Maggie now works in the mail-
room at the Billerica Town Hall.
“Her perseverance, determination
and good spirit are a source of
inspiration for me and all my staff,”
said town manager, John Curran.

When Matthew Diaz arrived at
MSEC four years ago, he was a shy,
tentative student who often kept to
himself. Today, says English teacher
Kuan-yin Molloy, Matt is a leader at
MSEC, excelling academically and
going out of his way to help others.
“During his time here Matt has de-
veloped real leadership skills,” says
Molloy. “He’s the kind of student

MERRIMACK SPECIAL EDUCATION COLLABORATIVE

MSEC Elementary MSEC Programs
Program Expanding
Elementary
The MSEC elementary program • Emotional Behavioral Programs
has long been one of the best • Programs for Students with Pervasive
kept secrets in the area, offer-
ing individualized instruction to Development Disorder
students needing a broad range • The Intensive Special Needs
of special education services. In Program
recent years the word about the • After-School Social Skills Development
program and its effectiveness
has gotten out—and that’s meant Program
growth, explains Principal Annie • In-district Classrooms
Willis. “The growth is coming
from everywhere,” says Willis. Middle School
“We have students coming from as PARAPROFESSIONAL KAREN CURRY • Merrimack Transitional Middle School
far away as Rochester, NH.” AND STUDENT NII-ODOI PATTERSON.
MSEC ELEMENTARY PROGRAMS OFFER Program
And in the five years since MSEC INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION TO • Merrimack Middle School Alternative
started a program to meet the needs STUDENTS WITH A VARIETY OF SPECIAL
of behavioral and emotionally chal- EDUCATION NEEDS. Program
lenged learners, demand has more • Programs for Students with Pervasive
than tripled. That has meant crowd- grams will have a lot more room.
ed classrooms and a challenge for The program will be divided between Developmental Disorder (Extension
teachers who pride themselves on two facilities: the original location in and Substantially Separate Class-
being able to customize instruction Chelmsford and a new space rented rooms)
on the basis of the needs of each and from the Dracut Public Schools, one • Supported Center for Occupational
every student. of MSEC’s member districts. Willis Awareness and Placement (SCOAP)
explains that the division will reflect
Starting this fall, teachers and the programmatic needs of the High School
students in the Elementary pro- students. “The teachers will really be • The Merrimack Alternative Vocational

able to focus deeply on specific High School
types of students.” • The Merrimack Alternative High
Best of all, says Willis, the
move to two spaces means School
continued opportunity for • School-to-Work Program
growth—and the introduction of • Center for Occupational Awareness
additional programs that reflect
the needs of sending districts and Placement (COAP)
and parents in the area. “The • Supported Center for Occupational
word about the progress our stu-
dents are making is really getting Awareness and Placement (SCOAP)
out there,” says Willis, who will • Programs for Students with Pervasive
oversee the Chelmsford facility
STUDENTS ZACHARY CRAIGEN AND ADAM Development Disorder
• High School Drop-out Prevention
SCHOLL. DEMAND FOR MSEC ‘S PROGRAMS and other offsite programs. “This
Programs
FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS HAS means we can continue to grow Adult

SURGED IN RECENT YEARS. EXPANDING INTO while maintaining our focus on the • Today-and-Tomorrow – Adult Day
▪specific needs of our students. It’s Work Program (in collaboration with
A NEW FACILITY WILL ALLOW STUDENTS the Department of Developmental
LIKE ZACHARY AND ADAM TO RECEIVE really exciting.” Services)
CUSTOMIZED INSTRUCTION.
• Transitional Job Placement Services (in
collaboration with the Mass Rehabili-
tation Commission)

Other
• The Merrimack School 45-Day
Assessment Program
• Complete Vocational Assessment Bat-

tery (McCarron Dial Systems)
• Merrimack Assessment of Social,Tran-

sitional & Employment Readiness Skills
(M.A.S.T.E.R.S Assessment)
• On-site Assessment and Support
Program
• Home School Services (Home School
Facilitation, Partners in Advancing
Children’s Education PACE, At Home
BCBA Services)

4