📣 NEXT UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING: SCHOOL CLIMATE AND INCLUSION
The next Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This meeting will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance at Terrill Middle School and remote participation via Google Meet. The evening's discussion will focus on school climate and fostering inclusive environments for all students.This is a vital opportunity to provide feedback to the district on how to improve the daily experience of students with special needs. You can join the meeting virtually at https://meet.google.com/gtp-uwou-hnk or view the full 2025-2026 schedule at https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/p/sepag-meetings-dates.html.
During the second half of this meeting, the SEPAG will also be hosting a Parent & Caregiver Connection Social. This is not just for families navigating IEPs, 504 plans, but also those wondering if their child may need one. Please join the SEPAG for a relaxed, judgment-free gathering where parents and caregivers can meet, connect, and breathe. This is a space to share experiences, feel re-energized, and find your people. So many families walk this journey feeling alone—yet they shouldn't have to.
Not all children follow the "standard path," and that's okay. Together, families can support one another as they build the path they need. Come for community, conversation, and a chance to feel understood!
📋 SEPAG SURVEY: MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
In an effort to better serve our community, the SEPAG would like to gather feedback from not only families, but staff that works with children who have IEPs and 504s. We would like to know what topics you believe would be helpful in presenting to our community.
Information collected here will be shared anonymously with the Department of Special Services and the District; topic suggestions will be discussed with them for future meetings.
Please note: The SEPAG is not responsible for professional learning for SPF staff; however, multiple families throughout the years have questioned trainings and professional learning for staff. This is an attempt to gather information to share with DOSS and the BOE, which better offerings in trainings and professional learning can benefit our children's educational experience.
For child-specific concerns, please reach out to your case manager or 504 team leader. Please complete the SEPAG survey to make sure your voice is heard!
📝 SUMMARY OF JANUARY MEETING TOPIC: PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE
Since this topic was raised on our Facebook page this week, the SEPAG thought this was worth reposting. We hope this information is helpful to you.
Topic: DVRS & Transition Presented by: Ms. Sanghvi, DVRS Liaison for SPF School District
Transition planning is essential for students aged 14–21. Ms. Sanghvi shared how the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) supports our students in finding their path to employment.
DVRS provides vocational assessments, interview coaching, soft skills training, and even paid/unpaid internships which are typically available for 11th and 12th graders.
To qualify for DVRS, the primary goal must be employment. Students with an IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to apply.
DVRS support doesn't end at high school graduation. They can continue to assist young adults as they transition into the workforce or trade schools.
Visit the state website for my information: https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/special-services/individuals-with-disabilities/
🏦 MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2026: NAVIGATING SCHOOL BUDGETS
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is hosting a virtual workshop titled "Understanding the School Budget" from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This session is designed to help parents understand how local school funding works and how it impacts special education services. Register via the SPAN event portal at https://spanadvocacy.org/.
🤝 TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026: STRATEGIES FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION
SPAN is offering a virtual workshop titled "Creating Agreement: Working Together to Resolve Conflict" from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. This session provides practical tools for both parents and professionals to minimize friction during IEP meetings and other school-based collaborations. Registration is available at https://spanadvocacy.org/.
🎓 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026: TRANSITION TO ADULT LIFE
A critical virtual workshop titled "Look to the Future: Transition From School to Adult Life" will be held from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. This session focuses on the complex process of moving from the school system to adult services, covering topics like employment, housing, and continuing education. Details can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/span-parent-advocacy-network-313399547.
🧠 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2026: PARENT SUPPORT FOR ANXIETY
The Williams Syndrome Association is hosting a virtual support group for parents and caregivers of adults dealing with anxiety at 8:00 PM EST. These open discussion groups provide a valuable space for any caregiver to share tools and emotional support for managing complex behavioral health. Join via https://www.williams-syndrome.org/connections/local/NJ.
🐠 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026: SENSORY SATURDAY AT THE AQUARIUM
Jenkinson's Aquarium is hosting a "Sensory Saturday" session from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. The aquarium opens early with decreased noise and limited visual stimulation to accommodate guests with sensory processing challenges. More information at https://jenkinsons.com/aquarium/event/sensory-saturday-11/.
🎭 SUNDAY, MARCH 1, 2026: INCLUSIVE THEATER AND SUPPORT
The CDC Theatre in Cranford offers ADA-compliant facilities and inclusive community arts. Additionally, the iStrive Community updates their caregiver support schedules today. Parents can find upcoming spring meeting dates at https://istrivecommunity.org/events/caregiver-support-meetings/.
We hope to see you at next Month's SEPAG Meeting!!
On Behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
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