Good Evening,
This year's parade carried a particularly powerful message. The event was dedicated to People with Disabilities, celebrating the unique gifts, talents, and contributions that individuals of all abilities bring to our communities every day. The dedication highlighted the importance of inclusion, acceptance, and recognizing the strengths within every person.
For SEPAG, participating in the parade was more than simply marching in a community event. It was an opportunity to stand alongside families, students, educators, and advocates who believe that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued.
Throughout the parade route, our group proudly represented the Scotch Plains–Fanwood community and the many students and families who are part of our special education programs. Seeing the smiles, waves, and support from the crowd served as a reminder that building an inclusive community happens not just in classrooms, but across our entire town.
SEPAG works throughout the year to strengthen communication and collaboration between families and the school district, helping ensure that students with disabilities have the resources, understanding, and opportunities they deserve. Events like this parade reinforce that inclusion is not just a goal—it is a shared community value.
We are grateful to the organizers of the Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade for recognizing the importance of honoring people with disabilities and for creating a moment where the entire community could celebrate together.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the parade and to the families and students who proudly walked with us. Your presence helped make the day truly special.
📣 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 at https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/p/sepag-meetings-dates.html.
🗓️ Upcoming Events and Workshops
Look to the Future: Transition from School to Adult Life Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm This virtual workshop hosted by the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is designed for parents and students to navigate the complexities of the transition process. Participants will learn about identifying post-secondary outcomes, developing relevant IEP goals, and connecting with community resources. Registration: https://spanadvocacy.org/events/month/2026-03/
Supporting Middle Schoolers with ADHD in the General Education Classroom Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm The New Jersey Department of Education is offering a webinar focused on practical strategies for supporting students with ADHD within an inclusive setting. This session is valuable for caregivers looking to collaborate with teachers on executive functioning and behavioral supports. Registration: https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/
Youth Partnership Meeting in Elizabeth Thursday, March 19, 2026, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm The Family Support Organization (FSO) of Union County hosts a weekly Youth Partnership program at Trinitas Hospital (633 East Jersey Street, Elizabeth). This peer-led group provides a space for youth ages 13–21 with emotional or behavioral challenges to build leadership skills. Information: https://www.fso-union.org/
Partner-Assisted Communication: Building Inclusive Interactions Thursday, March 19, 2026, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm This in-person workshop at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, explores methods for supporting children who use assistive communication tools to enhance social interactions. Registration: https://homeroom5.doe.state.nj.us/events/
Nurturing Mental Health at Home: Practical Tips for Parents. March 18, 7:00pm-8:00pm The Morris-Union Jointure Commission offers free Virtual Parent Awareness Workshops on topics related to the education of students with special needs. Registration is open to all interested persons, relatives, educational professionals, and community members. Registration: https://drive.google.com/file/d/174dyBrr4J1UwhrGvnFu_kWVfsqoG-tia/view
Special Needs Caregiver Support Group and Forum Thursday, March 19, 2026, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm The Arc of Union County hosts this recurring forum in Mountainside for parents and caregivers to share experiences and navigate the service system together. Information: https://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/what_we_do/support-groups.html.
💡 Ongoing Resources for Union County Families
FSO Union County Warmline Families needing assistance with the New Jersey Children's System of Care or educational advocacy can contact the Family Support Organization of Union County at 908-755-0090. Resources: https://www.fso-union.org/
Family Resource Network (FRN) Respite and Support The FRN offers "Saturday Respite" and "After School Respite" (Kidz Korner) programs providing recreational activities for children while giving caregivers a break. Information: https://www.familyresourcenetwork.org/what-we-do/
The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute Webinar Library Access a 24/7 archive of recorded webinars on topics like SSI, Medicaid, and Special Education Mediation. Library: https://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/resources/event_calendar.html
Hope to see you on March 26th!
On Behalf of the Executive Board
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