📣 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 at 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 or view the full monthly meeting 2025-2026 schedule at https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/p/sepag-meetings-dates.html.
During the second half of the March 26th 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. 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!
🏛️ DISTRICT GOVERNANCE AND ENGAGEMENT
The Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG continues its commitment to family support with various opportunities for engagement this week. While individual school liaisons are available for specific building-level concerns, the general executive board encourages parents to stay informed on upcoming district-wide discussions and policy input opportunities by participating in the hybrid sessions noted above.
🧭 MONDAY, MARCH 9, 2026: NAVIGATING COMPLIANCE AND SPECIAL EDUCATION SYSTEMS
The New Jersey Department of Education is hosting a virtual session titled Case Manager's Compass: Compliance for Case Managers – Part 2 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM. While designed for staff, this session offers parents a unique window into the regulatory requirements and compliance standards that districts must follow. This is followed by a session on Designing Inclusive Preschool at 11:00 AM, focusing on practical principles for early childhood inclusion. Information and registration for these Winter Learning Institute sessions can be found at https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/winterinstitute.shtml.
💻 TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2026: FOUNDATIONS OF ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is conducting a virtual workshop from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM focused on how assistive technology (AT) can expand access and support meaningful participation for students with disabilities. This session is particularly helpful for parents whose children may require specialized tools for communication or academic access but are unsure how to request or implement them within an IEP. Register through the SPAN event portal at https://spanadvocacy.org/events/list/.
⚖️ WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2026: SENSORY PLAY AND BASIC RIGHTS
For families with younger children, the Union Public Library is hosting Learning Through Sensory Play with Exploration Stations from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM. This free event at the Morris Avenue branch is designed to engage toddlers and preschoolers through themed stations that stimulate cognitive development. Details are available at: https://clark.macaronikid.com/events/69a1e74dacfe7ef2d7b5196b/free_-learning-through-sensory-play-with-exploration-stations_-union. Simultaneously, SPAN is offering a virtual workshop on Basic Rights in Special Education from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, providing an essential introduction to parental rights under IDEA and the NJ Administrative Code at https://spanadvocacy.org/event/basic-rights-3/.
🏫 THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026: INCLUSION PROJECTS AND TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
The NJ Department of Education will host an Introduction to the New Jersey Inclusion Project from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, detailing statewide initiatives to increase inclusive placements for students. This is followed by a session titled Let's Discuss Trauma-Informed Practices for Young Children at 1:30 PM, which provides strategies for supporting students who have experienced significant stressors. These webinars are accessible via the NJDOE registration system at https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/?p=a.
📚 FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2026: LITERACY SUCCESS AND BEHAVIORAL TOOLS
As part of the closing day of the Winter Learning Institute, parents can join Strengthening Family Engagement to Boost Literacy Success at Home from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This session provides families with collaborative tools to improve reading outcomes. Additionally, a morning session at 9:30 AM will cover Restraint and Seclusion, offering critical information on state regulations and student safety. Links for these virtual sessions are hosted at https://www.nj.gov/education/specialed/winterinstitute.shtml.
🦖 SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2026: SENSORY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES
Jurassic Quest at the NJ Convention & Expo Center continues its popular Sensory Friendly Session from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM. This hour features lowered audio, dimmed lighting, and smaller crowds to provide a calmer environment for children with sensory processing differences. Families can explore fossils and interact with animatronic dinosaurs at their own pace. Event times and sensory details are located at https://www.jurassicquest.com/events.
☘️ SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2026: COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY
The Arc of New Jersey is hosting its annual Step Up For The Arc walkathon at Oak Ridge Park in Clark. This year's "Shamrock Shuffle" theme brings together families, self-advocates, and professionals for a walk to raise awareness and funds for disability services in Union County. This is an excellent opportunity for local families to connect with the broader special needs community. Registration and event details are available at https://www.arcnj.org/news_events/step_up_walkathon.html.
⭐ 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 (https://arcunion.org).
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 at https://founion.org.
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 at https://spanadvocacy.org.
We hope to see you at the March 26th meeting!
On Behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
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