SEPAG UPDATE:
The next SEPAG meeting will be on May 6, 2024 at 7pm in the Board of Education Offices at 512 Cedar St., SP. The meeting can also be attended virtually via Google Meet Link here.
The meeting agenda is as follows:
Updates
Vote on proposed changes to by-laws as discussed during the April meeting
Election for Executive Board
Open Discussion
All SEPAG Meeting information can be viewed here on the SEPAG site.
SEPAG meeting minutes from prior meetings can also be viewed here. Please note that Parent/caregiver meetings' notes are not posted/shared in the interest of confidentiality.
SPF K12 Highlights & Information
On May 1st, SPF Superintendent of Schools communicated via email; 5.1.24 A proposal to build the future of SPF giving detail to the upcoming September 17th bond referendum.
The District also communicated that "Our newly updated website is the place to learn all about the September bond referendum: spfk12.org/future. Read about the basics of the proposal, how to vote, and review frequently asked questions. We will continuously update it with more information in the coming weeks."
The District also shared via the April 2024 Newsletter: Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools, which detailed how the district celebrated Autism Acceptance month, a brief and link to SPF's Teaching Academy for Social Justice Featured in NJSBA School Leader Magazine, and many other features. Newsletter & Communications are found on the district home page under the drop down for Our District & Community. *The April 2024 Newsletter wasn't posted at the time this communication was sent out.
SPECIAL EDUCATION RELATED RESOURCES AND EVENTS HAPPENING THIS WEEK:
Monday, May 6th
10am-The Arc of NJ- Mondays With Michael (FB live)-Summer Camp Options and Assistance. 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, May 7th
10am-Children's Specialized Hospital-Navigating the Journey: A Medical Overview of Autism Spectrum Disorders - Children's Specialized Hospital
7:30pm-The Center for Parent Information & Resources-Making the move: Your child's transition from early childhood special education to kindergarten
8pm-SPF Board of Education Meeting- In person at 512 Cedar St. SP and streaming live via the BOE's youtube channel. The Meeting's agenda can be viewed here.
Wednesday, May 8th
1pm-The Arc of NJ-Zoom IEP Review Office Hours
6:30pm-SPAN-Assistive Technology for Middle and High School Setting
Thursday, May 9th
11:30am- The Center for Parent Information & Resources-Writing and dyslexia: Helpful tools
UPCOMING & ONGOING EVENTS:
May 14th, 10am-Children's Specialized Hospital-Navigating the Journey: Recreation Therapy and Community Connections
May 14th, 11am-SPAN-Family Engagement: Supporting Student Success
May 18th, 11am-Union County College-Special Needs Resource Fair & Family Fun Day
May 20th, 7pm-SPAN-Special Education Parent Leader Roundtable- Spring 2024
May 21st, 6:30pm-Span-Look to the Future: Transition From School to Adult Life
June 4th, 10am-Children's Specialized Hospital-Navigating the Journey: Ask the Therapists - Psychologist, Speech & Occupational Therapists - Children's Specialized Hospital
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 topics for the month of May.
Special Education Week in New Jersey
ASAH - Information about special education services in New Jersey for teachers, administrators, parents, school districts, and state administrators. Includes a preschool guide and video advocacy series for parents, as well as links to state and federal government agencies, national disability-related sites, and New Jersey disability organizations.
New Jersey Department of Education: Special Education - Find a variety of information on special education policies and procedures, as well as resources and opportunities to learn more about topics such as NJ Tiered System of Supports, Person-Centered Approaches in Schools and Transition, and Universal Design for Learning.
Special Education Week - Since 2002, the NJSBA has partnered with ASAH to recognize imaginative and effective programs for special needs students with the "Innovations in Special Education '' awards program. Learn about this year's award winners and discover resources to celebrate Special Education Week in New Jersey.
Mental Health Awareness Month
ADHD and Depression - Understood provides three quick tips for parents and teachers, a brief overview of the relationship between ADHD and depression, and resources to dive deeper.
Time to Talk | Mental Health America - A guide for adolescents and teens on signs and symptoms that it's time to talk to someone about their mental health, tips for finding someone to talk to and getting the conversation started, and common concerns about sharing their mental health experiences with their parents.
IN THE NEWS, BROADCASTS AND UPDATES:
TapInto-New Communications Board Helps Young Westfield Soccer Players with Disabilities
TapInto Scotch Plains Fanwood-Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public School District Launches Public Information Campaign in Support of $163 Million Bond Referendum
RESOURCES & TOOLS YOU CAN USE:
The Arc of NJ- Ori Learning-Developing Self-Advocacy IEP Goals: Your Guide with Examples
CADRE ( Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution In Special Education)-Steps to Success: Communicating with Your Child's School
AT YOUR LEISURE:
TapInto Scotch Plains Fanwood-Scotch Plains Resident Ethan Morrobel Shares Insights on Life with Usher Syndrome in Magazine Article
READING NOOK:
Music Education and Social Emotional Learning, by Scott N Edgar
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.
