February 2007

Dear Norton Parents, 

     I have lived in the Norton community now for 18 years and although my son graduated from an out of district high school in 2000, he did attend the Norton Public School system until age 14. Many of the same staff that knew me as a parent came to know me better as a co-worker after having worked in the special education office from 1999 to 2006. 

During those 7 years, I established both professional and personal relationships with administrative staff as well as para-professional staff, and these remain relationships that I wish to preserve. Because IEP meetings many times have the potential to become contentious, and as a Parent Advocate, (while I stress that it is not my style), there is always the risk of being forced to take an adversarial position on behalf of my clients; I feel that it is in the best interest of all parties concerned, not to do business in my own back yard.

In sum, I have made this decision with respect to both myself, the best possible service and outcome that I can provide to my clients, as well as respecting the Norton Public Schools and the Norton Community as a whole.  I do however, encourage parents from the Norton Community to feel free to utilize the Tree House Advocacy website as a resource and to contact me via email with questions and concerns. I will be happy to advise and network individuals with appropriate alternative representation and services whenever possible.

Respectfully,

Lee Desmarais-Moitoso

Special Education Parent Advocate