SEPAG Update:
The driving force for the SPF SEPAG is parental/caregiver feedback which allows us to advise the district on systemic matters. 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.
Sepag Meeting Reminder:
The upcoming SEPAG Meeting will be on 10/16/23 at 7PM ET. The focus will be on the role of the Liaisons and to gather your feedback in planning for this upcoming school year. At this meeting the SEPAG will review and approve the 2022-23 EOY Report as well as the proposed 2023-24 meeting theme plan. The meeting will also focus on work being done by current members for this school year and 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 at the BOE office at 512 Cedar St. SP, or virtually via this link
SPF HIGHLIGHTS:
A snippet from Nettingham Middle School's Week of Respect:
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-The Beginning of Long-Lasting Friendships: Club Inclusion Opens Up their Year Strong with Bonding Between Club Members
SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED RESOURCES AND EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
SPF Schools Are Closed on Monday 10/9
Tuesday, Oct. 10th
7pm-SPAN-The IEP and Assistive Technology: What Are Your Rights?The Training will provide you knowledge on IEP and Assistive Technology.
5pm-The Center for Parent Information and Resources-Study Skills and Homework Strategies. This workshop gives parents a better understanding of how children view and deal with homework.
Wednesday, Oct. 11th
4:30-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.
6:30pm-SPAN-Supporting your Child's Big Emotions after School - Parent Circle Time
Supporting your Child's Big Emotions after School - Parent Circle Time. Parent Circles are an informal gathering with featured discussion topics and resources.
Thursday, Oct. 12th
6:30pm- RWJBarnabas-Building Positive Relationships with your Special Education Team and School District. An informative presentation where families will share their lessons learned and best tips on how to build relationships, foster good communication, become knowledgeable, and Advocate successfully.
Friday, Oct. 13th
UPCOMING EVENTS:
10/4-11/8-Union County Rec Programs for people with Special Needs-Yoga For Teens And Adults With Disabilities And Special NeedsOct. 19th-The Arc of NJ,6 pm: Turning 18: What Every Parent of a Child with Disabilities Needs to Know (Guardianship, Entitlements, & Waiting Lists)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).
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 Month theme for the month of October:
ADHD Awareness Month-ACO, ADDA, and CHADD partner with medical, healthcare, and professional associations to correct misunderstandings about ADHD and highlight the shared experiences of the ADHD community. Explore their short video interviews with experts, artwork and stories depicting personal experiences, mythbusters, and more.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month-share stories from people living with dyslexia, insights into dyslexia around the world, events held by branches of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) across the United States and Global Partners around the world. Track #DyslexiaAroundTheWorld and #UntilEveryoneCanRead to make sure you don't miss a post!
Awareness Month: Supporting kids who learn and think differently-Understood shares videos and articles to help people understand learning differences like dyslexia and ADHD by hearing real stories and learning from the insights of people who experience learning and thinking differences daily.
National Hispanic Heritage Month Highlight: Salma Hayek, Role Model for Latina Women with Disabilities
IN THE NEWS, BROADCASTS AND UPDATES:
TOOLS YOU CAN USE:
AT YOUR LEISURE:
The Inclusion Think Tank-Episode 28: Rising to the Occasion. This episode discusses the challenges and barriers of inclusion from a statewide perspective, and also how schools can support parents who believe that separate placement is better for their children who have disabilities.
READING NOOK:
Conversations with My Kids-30 Essential Family Discussions for the Digital Age. By Dina Alexander
The information on this website/newsletter is for general informational purposes only. SPF-SEPAG makes no representation or warranty, express or implied. Your use of the information is solely at your own discretion. This website/newsletter may contain links to third party content that are not controlled or operated by the SPF SEPAG. Your use of third-party websites is at your own risk and subject to the terms and conditions of use for those websites.
