SPF-SEPAG Weekly Resource Newsletter: May 17 – May 23, 2026
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
On behalf of the SPF-SEPAG Executive Board, we are pleased to share our upcoming meeting details alongside a curated list of educational resources, workshops, and webinars for our community.
📅 UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG MEETING
Please mark your calendars for our next scheduled meeting on Monday, June 1, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Our meetings are a vital space for parents and caregivers to collaborate, provide feedback, and receive updates on district-level special education initiatives. This meeting will take place both in person at Terrill Middle School and virtually via Google Meet. We look forward to seeing you there! Google Meet Video Call Link: https://meet.google.com/zuo-cgih-yrg
The SPF SEPAG's May Meeting focused on transitions between grades and schools. Check out the meeting minutes to learn about the transition from Pre-K to Kindergarten, 4th-5th grade, 5th-6th grade, as well as 8th-9th grade and 12th grade and beyond! Ms. Peneno and Ms. Tomesko, Supervisors of Special Services, shared out about the transitions, as well as a glimpse into the collaboration between the teachers with the new LaGrande classrooms. It was also shared that nominees for next year's SEPAG Executive Board ran unopposed,and leadership was announced.
OTHER EVENTS AND RESOURCES
📱 Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Apps and Device Mastery
This regional, in-person workshop is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm at William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ. The session, titled "Doing more with AAC apps and devices - Computer Access, IR control, and more," focuses on maximizing assistive technology for non-verbal or minimally verbal students to increase independence at school and home.
🚀 Look to the Future: Transition from School to Adult Life
Hosted virtually by the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, this webinar is highly relevant for parents of middle and high school students across Union County. The presentation will guide families through identifying post-secondary outcomes, understanding the legal shifts after graduation, and building robust transition goals directly into the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP).
⚡ Assistive Technology and Transition to Adult Life
Continuing the day of transition advocacy, SPAN will also host a virtual evening session on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This specialized webinar explores how continuous access to communication devices, apps, and specialized software bridges the gap between high school routines and independent adulthood, community living, or higher education.
📊 Career Navigation and Mapping Using NJCAN 360
For families tracking vocational readiness, an in-person training session will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Learning Resource Center. While located at the South satellite campus, the operational training for navigating the state’s NJCAN 360 portal provides universal strategies for any New Jersey caregiver helping a child build a digital portfolio and explore strengths-based career pathways.
LOCAL COMMUNITY FOCUS & LONG-TERM PLANNING
🌳 Inclusive County Recreation and Special Needs Programming
The Union County Office for Persons with Disabilities and Special Needs provides year-round community events, seasonal camps, and inclusive programming designed for local families. Caregivers are encouraged to review the county's upcoming summer schedule and register for local activities hosted at nearby hubs like the Warinanco Sports Center in Roselle and the Trailside Nature & Science Center in Mountainside.
☀️ Planning Ahead: Preparing for End-of-Year Progress Assessments
As the school year winds down, families preparing for upcoming annual reviews or triennial evaluations can access the Alliance of Private Special Education Schools of North Jersey resource archive. Their professional legal and educational panels provide step-by-step guidance on analyzing school-based data, psychological evaluations, and clinical functional assessments to protect your child's right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
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