The Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children’s welcomes local legislators for MAAPS advocacy event

Brighton, Mass. – March 28, 2018 – Students and staff of the Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children’s welcomed members of the Massachusetts state legislature for an introduction and tour of the school’s facility on Tuesday, as part of the Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (maaps) “Invite Your Legislator to School Day” program.

Franciscan Children’s President and CEO John D. Nash, Vice President Jennifer Fexis and student parent Jeanne Doherty highlighted the Kennedy Day School’s collaborative approach to providing special education, therapeutic and health services to 60 students with complex medical needs from more than 30 cities and towns across the Commonwealth before leading a contingent of legislators on a guided tour. James Major, Executive Director of maaps, also spoke, advocating for continued state funding for the education of this population.

State Representatives Carolyn Dykema (D – Holliston), Carmine Gentile (D – Sudbury) and Kevin Honan (D – Boston) were in attendance, as well as staff members from the offices of Kay Khan (D – Newton), Jeffrey Sanchez (D – Jamaica Plain) and Chris Walsh (D – Framingham).

The Kennedy Day School at Franciscan Children’s is one of the 85 member organizations and approximately 160 approved programs maaps represents. The Association organizations provide highly specialized education and treatment to approximately 5,700 of the Commonwealth’s most challenged students.