Click on the above image for more photos of the SEAC bowling event.

November 12, 2024 — Westonka’s Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC) hosted a bowling event at Country Club Lanes in Tonka Bay on November 10 for district students who receive special education services and their families. The event, sponsored by the Mound American Legion, helped families connect and helped students come together in a safe and supportive environment to play and have a lot of fun.

SEAC volunteers helped families choose bowling balls and shoes and assisted with the bowling. Westonka School Board member David Olson joined the volunteers to meet with families during the event.

A record number of Westonka families participated, including more than 60 bowlers, plus additional family members who supported those who didn’t bowl. Positive feedback was abundant!

“I really enjoy collaborating with SEAC and community partners to create these opportunities for our students, families and staff,” said Dr. Emily Rustman, director of special services. “It was really fun to see so many families take this opportunity to get out of the house on a Sunday afternoon.”

About SEAC

Westonka SEAC empowers parents and guardians of children with disabilities, from birth through age 21, to actively participate in and advocate for inclusive, high-quality special education programs within Westonka Public Schools.

SEAC achieves this goal by:

• Advising the special education department on current issues, program development, and parental concerns.
• Educating parents and staff on special education rights, school and community resources, and best practices.
• Promoting family engagement through communication, organizing and hosting events and fostering connections with families with children with disabilities.
• Advocating for inclusive learning environments.
• Ensuring district-wide visibility for the needs and achievements of students with disabilities.
• Lifting student voices related to special education and unified programming. 

Future SEAC events include a presence at Kindergarten Information Nights in January; a cooking event with Grandview, MWHS and Transition Plus; an open gym event; a skate and sled event; virtual Bingo; root beer floats at the Shirley Hills Carnival; and a Parent Connection Meet and Greet event.

“The SEAC is focused on bringing families together in meaningful ways to harvest positive connections within our community,” said Dr. Rustman.