Canyon Creek Elementary School received a $1,500 SEPAC (Special Education Parent/Professional Advisory Council) James MacDonald Inclusion Grant to implement its “Families” project. SEPAC presented a check at the school’s March 8 assembly to members of the sixth-grade leadership team who wrote and submitted the grant.

Facilitated by older students and school staff members, students across all grade levels form “families” that meet monthly to participate in activities to promote acceptance and understanding of diversity and individual similarities and differences. The project hopes to create strong bonds of friendship and collaboration, to challenge students to work together to build a more positive school climate and to make everyone feel comfortable with who they are and be a part of the Canyon Creek family.

Leota Junior High School also received a $400 inclusion grant to bring an enhanced version of the WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) program to its school. WEB is a nationally recognized program that strives to make all incoming students feel welcome and comfortable.

The SEPAC James MacDonald Inclusion Grant is an annual grant up to $2,000 to a school or schools in the district for projects, programs or events that promote the inclusion of all students, make a positive difference in the community, are student-initiated and build leadership in the student body.

SEPAC is an active support and advisory network comprised of parents, professionals and district administrators who work together for the benefit of special needs students in the Northshore School District.