📰 SPF SEPAG Newsletter: The Week of December 15 – December 22, 2025 📰
Happy Third Week of December!
As the year winds down, the focus for our community shifts to practical skill-building in special education planning, specifically surrounding IEP fundamentals, inclusive practices, and mental wellness support. This week features multiple virtual training sessions from the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE), offering valuable information on educational regulations and inclusive strategies for parents and educators. We also highlight key support groups available in the Union County area.
📣 SPF-SEPAG Important Date Reminder
The next full SPF-SEPAG meeting for the 2025-2026 school year is scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026, from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM ET at Terrill Middle School (Hybrid format). The meeting's topic will be 504 plans. Please visit the official SPF-SEPAG Meetings Information Page for the virtual meeting link, potential updates and the dates of the meetings for the remaining school year.
🗓️ New Jersey State & Regional Webinars (NJDOE Focus)
The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has several virtual training sessions next week, with registration required and available via the NJDOE Events Registration link. On Monday, December 15, the NJDOE Learning Lounge is presenting Revisions to Chapter 8 and Science Graduation Requirements from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, with a repeat session on Monday, December 22, from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Additionally, on Monday, December 15, from 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM, the NJDOE is hosting three key webinars: CST Team Basics: Building a Strong Foundation for Effective Special Education Planning, Inclusive Practices in the General Education Elementary and Middle School Classroom, and Developing Effective IEPs for Preschoolers with Disabilities.
🤝 Union County Community & Local Support Events
These local events offer crucial peer support and family wellness opportunities in or near Union County, NJ. Prevention Links is hosting a Coffee and Chat on Monday, December 15 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (RSVP Required) and a PAC Meeting from 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM, with details for both available on the Prevention Links Event Calendar. Also, NAMI Union County is hosting its Online Family Support Group on Tuesday, December 16, from 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM; details are available on the NAMI Union County Support Group Details page.
⭐ General Resources & Information (Union County & Statewide)
Ongoing resources include The Arc of Union County, which offers year-round family support services, including Recreation, Respite, and After-School Programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Family Support Organization (FSO) of Union County provides education, support groups, and advocacy for families dealing with children's behavioral and emotional challenges; visit their website for resources. Finally, the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) is a leading statewide resource for special education rights and family engagement, and you can find more workshops and resources on their official website.
On Behalf of the SPF SEPAG Executive Board
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