SEPAG UPDATE:
On Tuesday 4/9, the SPF SEPAG E-Board met with Dr. Mast and Dr. Rebimbas. A robust discussion was held based on topics raised at the March SEPAG meeting, as well as items that were recently brought to the awareness of the SPF SEPAG. We look forward to continuing discussions with the District in efforts to impact continued positive change for students receiving Special Education and Related services. Below are some of the items that were discussed:
Communication
Discussion of the District's strategy for Autism Acceptance month.
Suggested having an 'Ask the Superintendent' session for parents and caregivers of children with special needs.
SEPAG resources such as vendors from the JCC event on our website.
Transition
After having a great "transition" focused Grade level events last year, we discussed how this can be a cultural practice.
We discussed the idea of having a Transition night panel or event.
Inclusion
Lunch Buddy Programs @ the High School and all schools.
Inclusion focused after school activities.
Focus Group for High School principal replacement – Was there any representation from parents of special education children?
Update from the consortium
Social Skills – What is being done? Shouldn't be recess or facilitated during recess. Why is it only IEP based and not throughout the school day?
SEPAG MEETING:
The next SEPAG meeting will be on May 6, 2024 at the BOE offices. The nomination period ended on 4/8 for the SEPAG Exec Board elections. Updates and announcements on the election will be shared at the May 6th meeting. Meeting information can be viewed here on the SEPAG site.
SPF K12 Highlights & Information
SPF Preschool Application open 4/13
SPFk12.org-Our Evergreen Elementary special education teachers worked with Creative Speech Solutions therapist, Brenda, to create this innovative board for our friends who use AAC devices on the playground!! #SPFProud!!
Nettingham Middle School- Celebrates Poetry Month with a feature on Amanda Gorman from Mrs. Drechsel
Think Purple week 4/15-4/19
Archived article from The Fanscotian-Scotch Plains Takes On Think Purple Week
SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED RESOURCES AND EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
Monday, Apr. 15th
10am-The Arc of NJ- Mondays With Michael (FB live)-Alternatives to Guardianship. Mondays with Michael is a Facebook Live series that addresses individual topics related to special education. Episodes feature a 10-15 minute discussion with The Arc of New Jersey's Director of Children's Advocacy, Michael Pearson Jr.
Tuesday, Apr. 16th
7pm-SPAN-New Jersey Early Intervention System: An Information Session Hosted by SPAN. Learn about Early Intervention's Application for Federal funding and the opportunity to provide feedback for continuous quality improvement.
Wednesday, Apr. 17th
4:15pm-SPAN- The SPAN Youth Chat. SPAN Youth Chats is a community of youth supporting youth, monthly, hearing from professionals and SPAN staff on empowerment in daily living.
The ARC of NJ-PFAL Webinar Wednesday Series: Getting Ready For Your Student's High School Iep. "Join us as we discuss the whole new world of high school, the differences between a middle school and a high school IEP, the supports offered, and other related services."
Thursday, Apr. 18th
6:30pm-The Calais School Transition Fair. Learn about post-high school options
UPCOMING & ONGOING EVENTS:
Apr. 20th, 10am-Union County Autism Celebration
Apr. 24th,6:30pm-SPAN-Essential Components of the IEP
Apr. 24th, 7pm-SPAN-Helping Your Child Finish the School Year Strong
Apr. 25th, 6:30pm-All Kids Belong: The Importance of LRE/Inclusion
May 6th, 10am-The Arc of NJ-Summer Camp Options and Assistance
May 7th, 10am-Children's Specialized Hospital-Navigating the Journey: A Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders - Children's Specialized Hospital
May 14th, 10am-Children's Specialized Hospital-Navigating the Journey: Recreation Therapy and Community Connections
MONTHLY THEMES:
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. The following information is a selection of some of the resources and information shared by the LRC as they highlight Awareness Themes for the month of April. During the month of April, the LRC moves beyond #AutismAwareness and celebrate #AutismAcceptance by recognizing and embracing #Neurodiversity.
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!
PL Shorts: Neurodiversity Informational Series with Amy Accardo | LRC-South - In this series of four short videos, Dr. Amy Accardo explores the question: What is neurodiversity? Learn about language usage and definitions, the importance of self-advocacy, and strategies to improve executive functioning skills.
Amazing Kids - Autistic Spectrum Condition (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) 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.
NJ DOE Office of Special Education
Office of Special Education E-Learning Opportunities-Autism Spectrum Disorder
1st Annual Autism Acceptance Virtual Art Expo
NJ Dept of Human Services Autism Family Guide
Autism: A Family Guide to Navigating NJ Service Systems for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other Developmental Disabilities (Spanish) is a collaborative effort of New Jersey's Interdepartmental Work Group on Autism Spectrum Disorder.
IN THE NEWS, BROADCASTS AND UPDATES:
NJDOE-New Jersey Department of Education's High-Impact Tutoring Resource Release
NJDOE-New Jersey Special Education Annual Summit
RESOURCES & TOOLS YOU CAN USE:
SPFK12-May 2024: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Testing Calendar 2023-2024
AT YOUR LEISURE:
These articles were shared by the Center for Parent Information & Resources:
Child Mind Institute-Helping Kids With Autism Build Communication Skills
Us Dept of Labor- Office of Disability Employment Policy-Youth, Disclosure, and the Workplace Why, When, What, and How
ADDitude-Video Game Guidelines: 5 Smart Screen Rules for Teens with ADHD
READING NOOK:
Rowan University- Spotlight on Neurodiversity. A collection of resources related to neurodiversity to support educators, students and families.
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.
