MSD SEPAC

The MSD SEPAC works collaboratively with families, caregivers, educators, district leadership and the broader community to elevate and amplify student voices; foster understanding and respect for the disability community; strengthen district Student Services systems; and support equitable access to purposeful education and meaningful learning environments for all students

Members of the MSD SEPAC Executive Board were happy to attend Parent Information Nights at schools throughout the district in September. We really enjoyed connecting with parents, caregivers and school staff and having great conversations about what is going well and where there may be opportunities to do better.

We’re looking forward to continuing those conversations and meeting even more members of our community at upcoming school events. We love seeing our SEPAC community continue to grow! Be sure to follow us on social media and join our mailing list to stay connected and see where we’ll be next.

Over the past several months, SEPAC has had the privilege of talking with families and caregivers throughout our district. Every student and every family has a unique story, with their own experiences, successes, hopes and challenges.

Our role as SEPAC is to listen to those individual stories and look for the common threads that connect them. When we hear similar experiences across families, schools or grade levels, we have an opportunity to bring those voices together and help create positive change across our district.

One of the strongest themes we continue to hear is inclusion.

Inclusion means students having meaningful opportunities to learn alongside their peers, participate in their school community, build relationships and belong.

It also means students and families having a meaningful voice in the educational process and in the decisions that affect them.

But inclusion doesn't stop with students and families.

Inclusion includes our educators, paraprofessionals, support staff, service providers and administrators, too.

Every person brings valuable experiences, perspectives and ideas to our school community.

At its heart, inclusion means creating schools where all of us have a place, all of us have a voice, and all of us feel heard, respected, supported and valued.

Over the coming months, SEPAC will continue this conversation by listening, learning and sharing more about meaningful inclusion throughout our schools.

Inclusion means all of us

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Merrimack High School recently welcomed Alvirne High School for a Unified Soccer game that brought the school community together in a pretty special way. The game was held during the school day, and MHS students were released from class to fill the bleachers and cheer on athletes from both teams. It was a great afternoon of school spirit, sportsmanship and community.

Following the game, Best Buddies hosted a walk around the track that brought together athletes, students, staff and administrators. It was a simple but meaningful reminder that inclusion isn't limited to a classroom, a program or a team. It's about creating opportunities for people to participate, connect and belong throughout the school community.

MSD SEPAC General Meetings are help monthly and open to the public and provide an opportunity for families, caregivers, SEPAC members, and district leadership to come together to share information, discuss concerns and ideas, and support collaborative improvement across Student Services.

General Meetings may be held in person, virtually, or in a hybrid format.

• 10/21/2026 at Merrimack Public Library from 1:00 -2:15 pm
  
• 11/18/2026 at Merrimack Public Library from 1:00 - 2:15 pm
  
• 12/16/2026 ZOOM / VIRTUAL MEETING from 6:00 - 7:00 pm
  

District leadership representatives include Superintendent Bob Thornton and Director of Student Services Colleen Sliva.

Come connect with us! Our Community Outreach Administrator, Melissa Jaffe, hosts informal caregiver coffee hours designed to bring parents and caregivers together for conversation, connection, support, and community.

These relaxed, unscripted gatherings give families a chance to share experiences, connect with others who “get it,” and help SEPAC better understand the needs and interests of our community.

Look for our upcoming fall Caregiver Coffee Hour schedule, with both virtual and in-person opportunities to connect.