SPF-SEPAG COMMUNICATION FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 26th

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SEPAG update:

SPF-SEPAG held a Parent/Caregiver meeting last week, on Monday 3/20. 

We held a discussion of topics ranging from communication, Inclusion, Transition, the Tri-State Consortium and other pertinent topics. We collected feedback and subsequently engaged the Superintendent and Director of Special Services in a collaborative discussion based on that feedback. 

Our April meeting will be on 4/10 at 7pm at the BOE office. 


SPF Highlight:

Dr. McGarry tweeted:




Here's a List of Special Education related resources, events and updates going on this week:


Monday, Mar. 27th

  • 10am-The ARC of NJ, Counseling in School. Join every Monday at 10am on Facebook Live for a brief chat with Michael Pearson Jr., Director of Children's Advocacy at The Arc of New Jersey. Each week, Michael will discuss a topic related to special education and share helpful tips and resources for families. No registration is necessary, just visit the link above every Monday at 10am.
  • 7pm- The Scotch Plains Library, Seven Ways to Simplify Your Life This Spring

Tuesday, Mar. 28th

  • 6:30 pm-The ARC of NJ: How Series, Guardianship and Supported Decision Making: Just The Basics. Guardianship can be a valuable tool to protect individuals who don't or no longer possess the ability to make appropriate personal or financial decisions for themselves. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand the guardianship process, levels of guardianship and alternatives to guardianship.
  • 7:30pm-Nettingham Middle School, Ask the Superintendent . Join for a conversation with Dr. Mast, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education, and members of the school district.

Wednesday, Mar. 29th

  • 4:30pm-SPAN, The SPAN Youth Chat for ages 14-26:A community of youth supporting youth. Chats begin with information sharing, followed by group conversations related to the week's topic.

Saturday Apr. 1st



Upcoming:


Later Events

Monthly Themes:


Wrapping up the month of March & National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

Developmental Disability Awareness Month is an opportunity to promote respect for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and to increase awareness of the daily obstacles faced by these individuals and their families. This month is also a chance to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with developmental disabilities lead productive and fulfilling lives. NJDOE Learning Resource Center shares: Art Enables strives to create opportunities for artists with disabilities to make, market, and earn income from their artwork and take their place as an invaluable part of the arts community through their studio art program and gallery.



April is Autism Acceptance Month

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education designated April 2023 as National Acceptance Month; recognizing and commending both individuals living with autism and the parents and relatives of those individuals for their sacrifice and dedication.


This year's NJDOE theme is "Colors of My World". The theme encourages schools to take part in fostering ASD awareness to promote understanding and acceptance for individuals with ASD in their schools and surrounding communities. It also encourages schools to celebrate the diversity, and unique contributions individuals with ASD make daily in the classroom.


Rowan University and the NJDOE Learning Resource Center share several Online Resources for Autism Acceptance Month. Here are a few:

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) A nonprofit organization run by and for autistic individuals that fights for disability rights and empowers the autistic community to amplify their voices through policy and legal advocacy, educational resources, advocacy tools, and leadership training. Learn more about the importance of Identity-First Language.
  • Autism New Jersey Ambassador Program Autism New Jersey's campaign to increase awareness, education, understanding, and compassion for autistic individuals and their families. Explore resources and ideas for engaging your community, such as your local police department, neighborhood, workplace, and local government. Check out the educator resources, social media toolkit, and Fact-a-Day Calendar as well!
  • Amazing Kids - Autistic Spectrum Condition By Amazing Things Project Watch an animated video based on interviews of autistic children from different backgrounds describing their unique experiences and how they want to be treated by others.



In the News and other updates:

Tools you can use:

  • NJ Coalition for Inclusive Education-Behavior Support:Using task lists and schedules for homework
  • NJSLA testing will take place in May. The State of New Jersey Department of Education shared I Learn School Inc's, 4 Tips for students on how to deal with Anxiety during NJ State Testing. 
  • Central New Jersey Mental Health Education Resources-This is a collection of resources on support groups, education, college programs, and recreation for people with autism spectrum disorder or other mental health issues and their caregivers.


At your Leisure:

The Inclusion Think Tank- Episode 10: Inclusive Education: The Academic and Social Benefits


Visit our site spf-sepag.blogspot.com for more info