In this last school week before we all head off for a well-earned Spring Break, please see this week's newsletter on behalf of the SPF-SEPAG Executive Board. We hope you find this information useful! Please note the details below about this week's meeting! Come join us!!
📣 NEXT UPCOMING SPF SEPAG MEETING: REMINDER The March Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Scotch Plains Library. This meeting is for parents and caregivers only and will be held in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person attendance and remote participation via Google Meet. 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/eib-xzbd-ufa.
During the second half of the meeting, the SEPAG will also be hosting a Parent & Caregiver Connection Social. This is not just for families navigating IEPs and 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.
To view the full monthly meeting 2025-2026 schedule, visit https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/p/sepag-meetings-dates.html.
📢 Advocacy and Educational Workshops
Early Reading Skills Strategies and Support Online Workshop On Monday, March 23, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) is hosting a virtual session focused on the "Big 5" early reading skills. This workshop provides practical ways to practice literacy strategies at home to support successful readers. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/early-reading-skills-strategies-and-support-tickets-1984077415961?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Basic Rights in Special Education Virtual Training SPAN will offer two introductory sessions on parents' rights and responsibilities under IDEA, the NJ Code, and Section 504. The first session takes place Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, and the second on Thursday, March 26, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. https://spanadvocacy.org/event/basic-rights-4/
The Role of Assessments in Out-of-District Placements Webinar The Special Education Alliance of NJ is hosting a webinar on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Presenter Laura A. Siclari, Esq., will discuss how educational and clinical assessments inform the complex process of out-of-district placement and how families can effectively advocate for their child's right to FAPE. https://specialeducationalliancenj.org/alliance-2025-2026-parent-advocacy-series/
Grandparents and the Transitioning Individual Webinar The Arc of New Jersey will host a "Meet Us in the Middle" webinar on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. This session explores the unique role grandparents play during a student's transition to adult life. https://www.arcnj.org/news_events/calendar.html/calendar/2026/3
🎈 Community Events and Inclusion
Inclusive Karate in Cranford Union County residents ages 5 to 14 can participate in Inclusive Karate on Monday, March 23, and Monday, March 30, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 7:45 PM at the Cranford Community Center. A second session for residents ages 15 and up follows from 8:00 PM to 8:45 PM. Registration is required through the Office for Persons with Disabilities & Special Needs. https://ucnj.org/calendar/
East Brunswick Special Education Transition Resource Fair Families looking for post-secondary resources can attend the EBSEPAG and East Brunswick Special Education Department Transition Resource Fair on Monday, March 23, 2026. This regional event provides connections to various community services and transition programs. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/aboutus/events/
Special Education Community Fair in Harrison/Mantua On Thursday, March 26, 2026, the Harrison/Mantua/Clearview SEPAG will host a community fair featuring local resources and service providers for families in the special education community. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dds/aboutus/events/
Relaxed Matinee Journey Back to the 80s Roxey Ballet Company will present a sensory-friendly performance on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Villa Victoria Theater in Ewing. This inclusive event features lowered sound and light levels, a tactile engagement corner, and a judgment-free environment where guests are free to move and use therapeutic devices. https://www.belikebuddy.com/sensoryfriendly/newjersey
💙 Support and Mental Health Resources
Family Support Organization of Union County Warmline The FSO of Union County continues to offer direct peer support and advocacy for caregivers of children with emotional or behavioral challenges. Parents can contact their "Warmline" at 908-755-0090 for immediate assistance and resource navigation. https://www.fso-union.org/
Youth Partnership Program for Teens The FSO hosts weekly meetings for youth ages 13 to 21 with behavioral and emotional challenges every Thursday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grassman Hall, Trinitas Hospital in Elizabeth. These sessions help teens build community and discover their personal contributions.
We hope to see you this Thursday at our March meeting! Come join us before you head off for Spring Break!
On Behalf of the SPF SEPAG Executive Board
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