Just two and half weeks of school left until the summer! The weekly focus continues to be providing educational tools and localized support networks for families navigating our complex SPF special education system. Parents and caregivers are highly encouraged to keep communication channels open with district leadership and review recent advocacy strategies as we approach the conclusion of the academic school year.
SUMMER READING LISTS
Below is the link to the Summer Reading Program for the SPF district. If your child is in a grade where summer reading is assigned and your child is entitled to any aids or tools to assist them with the reading, please reach out to your Case Managers before the school year ends.
https://sites.google.com/spfk12.org/spf-summer-reading-hub/home?authuser=0
SUMMER SCHEDULE FOR SPF Department of Special Services STAFF
Please be aware that many case managers and other Department of Special Services (DOSS) staff are off for the summer. If you have a question or issue for your case manager, please copy the following DOSS staff that will be working during the summer:
Supervisor of Special Services Grades 5 through 12OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND FAMILY EVENTS
🐢 SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2026: EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING AND LOCAL ENGAGEMENT
Local outdoor environments provide unique, tactile opportunities that can heavily support students with sensory processing needs or those who thrive through active, hands-on learning. The Union County Board of County Commissioners is hosting a public celebration for the Watchung Stable 100-Year Anniversary from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the stable grounds. This community event includes a petting zoo, nature-focused barn tours, and open arts and crafts, making it an excellent weekend outing for families seeking a relaxed, community-oriented setting. Detailed registration guidelines and regional park event details can be found directly on the Union County Park Activities Calendar.
💻 TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2026: AAC SYSTEMS OVERVIEW AND ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Understanding alternative methods of communication is a core asset for families managing developmental or speech delays. The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is conducting a statewide virtual workshop titled "AAC Overview" from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This session is intentionally designed to give parents and caregivers a foundational understanding of Augmentative and Alternative Communication tools, empowering families to better collaborate with school speech-language pathologists and optimize their child's daily communication. Free enrollment and seminar access portals are open directly through the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network Events Directory.
💻 THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026: SPECIAL EDUCATION BASIC RIGHTS AND LEGAL PROTECTIONS
Navigating state regulations and understanding the explicit differences between legal frameworks is vital to ensuring proper district accommodations. SPAN is hosting an online workshop, "Basic Rights in Special Education," from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. This training acts as an entry-level roadmap to parental rights and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), New Jersey Administrative Code, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Caregivers can secure their virtual seats and locate supplemental regional training links by visiting the SPAN Workshop Eventbrite Page.
🎭 FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2026: ACCESSIBLE PERFORMING ARTS AND MULTISENSORY THEATER
Ensuring that children with special needs have equal access to local cultural events remains a high priority for inclusive community groups. The Theater Project is presenting an audio-described performance of its current production at the DMK Black Box Theatre / Union Arts Center located right in Union, NJ. Audio description provides vital contextual narration for visually impaired or sensory-focused students, offering an adaptive way to enjoy public performance art. Showtimes, ticket brackets, and specific accommodation options can be reviewed via the Union County Event Calendar.
🚛 SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 2026: SENSORY RECREATION AND FAMILIARIZATION
Community exploration events are useful environments for desensitization and introducing children to community helpers in a low-pressure format. Union County’s annual Spring Touch-A-Truck event will take place at Oak Ridge Park in Clark from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This free family day allows children to see and explore police cruisers, dump trucks, and fire vehicles up close. For families with children who experience noise sensitivities, checking with event coordinators on-site regarding designated "horn-free" hours can help maximize a comfortable experience. No pre-registration is required, and operational logistics can be checked through the Union County Public Event Board.
📜 ADDITIONAL REGIONAL PLANNING: UNDERSTANDING IEP PROCESSES AND COMPLIANCE
As parents prepare for annual reviews or look ahead toward setting goals for the upcoming school year, continuous education on school compliance remains essential. Regional health networks frequently partner with educational groups to demystify complex state mandates. Families looking for structural guidance on how individual student accommodations are formulated and tracked can review structural support materials and follow state-wide educational seminars by connecting with the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Community Health Network.
We hope these resources offer valuable guidance and recreation for your families as we bridge into the summer season!
On Behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
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