2021-22 Programs

Attend our FREE informative programs on topics related to special, gifted, & general education unless otherwise noted, in WCSD Office Conference Rooms, 105 Casey Rd, East Amherst, NY. Open to the public & all are welcome!

Thursday, May 26, 2022, 7:00 pm until 8:30 pm
*NEW* After-school Program Open House w/ The Arc of Erie County
30 Wilson Road, Williamsville, NY 14221
Come learn more about the new ARC After School Program!
• Tour the program location and meet with program staff!
• Review eligibility requirements and confirm enrollment process. Children must have a care coordinator and OPWDD eligibility.
• Network with other parents of children with disabilities.Learn about the after-school program for Williamsville students with developmental disabilities starting in Fall 2022

NEW DATE: Thursday, June 2, 2022, 7:00 pm until 8:45 pm
Inclusive Programming Considerations
Virtual Presentation. Must pre-register by 4/26/22 using this link:
https://nysrcasd.org/events/979/registrations/new
Learn more about:
● considerations around inclusive programming for children with special needs
● strategies for successful inclusion for both families and school staff
Presenter: David Meichenbaum, Ph.D., Clinical Director at The Summit Center

Please use this link to RSVP for any SEPTSA event 

Previous events:

Thursday, September 23, 2021 6:30 pm until 8:00 pm
Fall Welcome Event & TIES Open House.
Join us at Maple West Elementary‘s playground & parking lot to meet new friends & old!
Learn more about:
• how TIES (Together Including Every Student) can support your child with special needs,
• other local organizations that offer adaptive programming,
• how to advocate for your exceptional learner.
Plus, Chilly Billy’s Ice Cream Truck will provide FREE ice cream for everyone who visits the Williamsville SEPTSA table!

Thursday, October 28, 2021, 7:00 pm until 8:45 pm (Virtual event)
Helping Your Child to Live Well with Anxiety
Come join Kimberly Morrow, LCSW for an interactive session regarding the needs of children who have anxiety.

Thursday, November 18, 2021, 7:00 pm until 8:45 pm
VITUAL EVENT: Technology for All Students & Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs
After a year of using technology like we may have not before, how do we integrate what we learned to help students build their educational learning and learning life skills?
Presenter from UB Center for Assistive Technology

Thursday, December 9, 2021, 7:30 pm until 9 pm
Regional SEPTSA Gathering
Lancaster Public Library conference room 5466 Broadway, Lancaster, NY
or Zoom: Meeting ID: 502 870 3286 Passcode: 673624
Join us for the first  in-person regional SEPTSA meeting.
Network and get to know each other, especially our new groups! Masks are required for everyone at the library. No food or drinks allowed (water ok). Everyone is welcome!!!

Thursday, January 27, 2022, 7:00 pm until 8:45 pm
VIRTUAL EVENT: Special Education: What’s it all about?
Join us to learn:
•what are the different types of special education classrooms and services?
•how does an IEP/504 work?
•what graduation options are available?
•how does WCSD help assist special education students prepare for life after school?

Thursday, February 17, 2022, 7:00 pm until 8:00 pm
VIRTUAL EVENT: Supporting the Five Aspects of Self for Gifted Students
Learn ways to support the five aspects of self (physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual) in high-ability students.
Please pre-register to receive the virtual event link
Presenter:  Amy H. Gaesser, PhD, NCC, MHC-LP is a certified New York State School Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and a Mental Health Counselor-LP with 25+ years of experience in mental health and academia, she specializes in counseling to assist with stress and anxiety. Dr. Gaesser is currently an Associate Professor in Counselor Education at SUNY Brockport and has a private practice working with individuals of all ages. Her present research includes addressing the social and emotional well-being of students and staff in school settings; meeting the unique needs of high-ability students; and interventions to reduce anxiety, including the efficacy of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT).

Thursday, March 31, 2022, 7:00 pm until 8:45 pm
HYBRID EVENT: OT/PT : What can they help with in school?
Please pre-register to receive the virtual event link or join us in-person at
Williamsville Schools District Office meeting room, 105 Casey Road, East Amherst NY.
Learn how Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy can help your student in the school setting.
Presenter: Jennifer Rosen PT, DPT, Doctor of Physical Therapy, Board Certified Pediatric Clinical Specialist, Adjunct Professor at Daemen College and Guest Lecturer