Parents make a difference at P.L.A.C.E.

Date: 9/28/2009

By Kaitlyn Schroyer

Reminder Intern



LONGMEADOW Few Special Education Parent Groups last beyond five years before breaking down until someone new comes along to revive them.

Michelle Foard, along with the rest of the Longmeadow Special Education Parent Group, is making a difference in her son's education and aiding those with the duty of teaching him.

"We want to help the schools help the kids," Foard, chair of P.L.A.C.E., Longmeadow's group, stated. "Our goal is to improve our children's experiences and outcomes in the system."

The group, since formation, has hosted many workshops and a resource fair to aid parents and provide information to parents and staff such as organizing their children and themselves and understanding special education laws and processes. And it has not only been for Longmeadow.

"We're getting a little stronger and our numbers are growing. Having the event makes people aware of a group to join for support," Mike Sokol, a member of P.L.A.C.E and a father of son with autism, said.

The group has expanded to area towns and really reached out to other communities.

"We want to educate parents as far as special education processes, laws, and responsibilities with what they need to do. This is the fourth year we have been around and we have grown to over 100 families," Foard said.

This past March, the group hosted a March Mingle at the Springfield Elks Lodge. Over 13 restaurants and caterers and many beer and wine vendors attended to showcase their signature dishes and drinks. Tickets were $25 and it was a huge success with about 300 people attending and raising $10,000.

"Last year, many of the parents showed interest in wanting to raise money for the group. Before the March Mingle, we had been working on no budget," Foard explained.

Using the money raised from the event, the group purchased $8,000 worth of supplies and equipment for the schools using teachers' wish lists including a specialized math program, reading programs, programs to help with writing and social skills, and more. Currently, the group has set aside money for more workshops and the Longmeadow High School, who has not submitted a wish list as of present.

"All the staff, parents, restuarents, caterers, vendors, and everyone were amazing and generous in helping," Foard said. "A lot of people went above and beyond to help raise money for the children. It was great to raise awareness in the communities and allow the staff to mingle with parents."

The group hopes to host and expand a 2010 March Mingle and raise even more money for the children.