SEPAG Meeting:
We are looking forward to tomorrow October 16th's SEPAG Meeting at 7PM ET.at the BOE office at 512 Cedar St. SP, or virtually via this link.
The focus will be on the role of the Liaisons and the work being done by current members for this school year. It will provide an opportunity for parents and guardians who have an interest in joining to ask questions and see what the SEPAG is like. We look forward to your presence in person or virtually.
We aim to gather parent/caregiver feedback in planning for this upcoming school year, as it is our goal to provide informed input that can shed light on systemic matters and is useful to and actionable by the district. If you are new to the SPF SEPAG, or are a parent/caregiver of a child receiving services in/out of the district, this form can be used to communicate information with us so that we can share with the district. Feel free to share with any other parents/caregivers that may find this communication useful. Remember that case specific information should be shared with your Child's case manager.
At this meeting the SPF SEPAG will also review and approve the 2022-23 EOY Report, as well as the proposed 2023-24 meeting theme plan.
SPF HIGHLIGHTS:
Oct. 16th-20th- VIOLENCE PREVENTION AWARENESS WEEK
SPF K12-Oct. 24th, 7pm -Understanding A Parent's Unique Role In Bullying Prevention. This zoom workshop is hosted by the Scotch Plains Fanwood Education Association and presented by specialized professionals in the district that have direct contact with the kids in the Scotch Plains Fanwood Community.
In this workshop, you will be informed about the new HIB (Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying) laws and district policies, mental wellness and tips you can use at home to support your child.
The Fanscotian-American Sign Language Club Starts Up for 2023-2024 School Year
SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED RESOURCES AND EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEK. SEPAG recognizes that as parents and caregivers time is limited, therefore the majority of the events we share are online events:
Monday, Oct. 16th
10am-The Arc of NJ- Mondays With Michael (FB live)-2023 Get Out the Vote Guide.Mondays with Michael is a Facebook Live series that addresses individual topics related to special education. Episodes take place every Monday at 10am during the school year and feature a 10-15 minute discussion with The Arc of New Jersey's Director of Children's Advocacy, Michael Pearson Jr.
Wednesday, Oct. 18th
Oct. 18th & Dec. 6th-Learning Resource Center (In Person. Virtual session scheduled on Nov. 1)-Building Mathematical Routines
4pm-Scotch Plains Library-Books and Beyond. Books are only the beginning! Students in Kindergarten to 2nd grade are invited to this program which will feature a non-fiction book and then continue to a hands-on related activity.
Thursday, Oct. 19th
6:30pm-Rutgers University Newark School of Law (In person)-The Reading League New Jersey Chapter - The Truth About Reading. Join the New Jersey chapter of The Reading League and our sponsor Lexia for an exciting in-person event at Rutgers University Newark School of Law! "We are thrilled to present The Truth About Reading Film Screening, where we will explore the fascinating world of reading. Discover the latest research and gain valuable insights from experts in the field. A panel discussion will follow the film. This event is a must-attend for educators, parents, and anyone passionate about literacy. Don't miss out on this enlightening experience! See you there!"
Autism New Jersey Conference 2023 (In person). The Annual Autism Conference, which draws more than 1,200 attendees every year, provides training and education to families and professionals to better meet the needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD
UPCOMING EVENTS:
10/4-11/8-Union County Rec Programs for people with Special Needs-Yoga For Teens And Adults With Disabilities And Special Needs
Oct. 23rd- The Arc of NJ, 10am-Which Placement is Best for My Child
October 25th, 4pm-Scotch Plains Library-Paw Buddies. Children are invited to practice their reading with a trained therapy animal at this program. This event will be held in the basement of the library. This program is for emerging readers who are in K-5th grade.
October 26th, 10am-RWJBarnabas-A Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders
October 26th, 6pm-Financial Aid Information Session-Join Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter for an informative FAFSA workshop in partnership with the Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA).
Oct. 26th, 3:30pm-The Reading League NJ Chapter- TRL New Jersey Public Meeting-Please join TRL NJ board members to learn about TRL NJ's impact on the literacy landscape and share your ideas for future projects
Oct. 30th, 7pm-Scotch Plains Library-Conservation in the Classroom
Oct. 30th, 6pm-The Arc of NJ-Turning 18: What Every Parent of a Child with Disabilities Needs to Know (Guardianship, Entitlements & Waiting Lists)
MONTHLY THEMES:
Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
& "Disability History and Awareness Month" in New Jersey
The Learning Resource Center (LRC) Network is a project of the New Jersey Department of Education, Office of Special Education funded through IDEA Part B funds. The materials and resources at the LRC's are provided to support the education of students with disabilities, helping them to succeed and to achieve in the least restrictive environment. LRC shares these resources as a part of it's Learning Disabilities Awareness and Disability History Month theme for the month of October:
Take N.O.T.E. - A step-by-step tool by Understood to help family members spot signs of learning and thinking differences, gather necessary information, and seek support from practitioners. Check out Understood's video explanation of the tool as well!
Learning Disabilities: ADHD, Dyscalculia, and Dyslexia | Learner Variability Project- Specific learning disabilities can include dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, while attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) centers on an individual's challenge with focus. Learning and attention issues often co-occur. These brain-based differences are not the result of low intelligence, poor vision, or hearing, yet with appropriate, evidence-based programs and strategies educators can support a learner to become successful in school, work, and life.
Down Syndrome Awareness Month- Down syndrome is one of the most common types of intellectual disabilities. So it's no surprise that each year in October we recognize Down Syndrome Awareness Month to raise public awareness about the condition, and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.
Telling All Americans' Stories: Disability History- A series by the National Park Service that highlights disability stories throughout our country's complex history that are connected to NPS parks and programs. Browse by themes, places, or people. The series introduction provides a good overview of the available resources.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight: Thriving in Diversity: Latinas and Latinos with Disabilities
IN THE NEWS, BROADCASTS AND UPDATES:
NJ.DOE-Cybersecurity Awareness Month
TOOLS YOU CAN USE:
The Truth About Reading- Short video for the upcoming event. Meeting information and links are shared in this week's events.
NJ DOE Office of Special Education:
Literacy Resources and Interventions for Students with Disabilities
Math Resources and Interventions for Students with Disabilities
AT YOUR LEISURE:
Episode 20 of BoggsCast Now Available: Inclusion and Employment Advocacy with Wendy Lacey. To celebrate Disability Employment Awareness Month, this month's episode features a discussion on inclusion and employment advocacy with Wendy Lacey, founder and owner of Cornerstone Montclair, a business and vibrant community hub that provides opportunities for meaningful work, social engagement, and active lifestyles for people of all abilities.
NJ Dept. Of Education-Proposed Amendments at N.J.A.C. 6A:14, Special Education
READING NOOK:
The William Hoy Story :How a deaf baseball player changed the game
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