Hello SPF SEPAG Parents and Caregivers! See the below bullets for updates and events for this coming week and a few taking place over the summer. We will be sending an end of the school year message before June 24, 2026. Thank you and enjoy the rest of the weekend!
📣 SUMMER DISTRICT UPDATE: REFERENDUM & LAGRANDE SCHOOL ACCESSIBILITY As the school year winds down, the Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG remains committed to tracking local facility updates. Over the summer months, updates regarding the upcoming district referendum projects and the planned inclusive playground upgrades at LaGrande School will be posted to our featured announcement board. These initiatives aim to drastically improve physical accessibility and sensory-friendly recreational spaces for our students right here in SPF. Keep an eye on our main site for building-by-building timelines: https://spf-sepag.blogspot.com/
UPCOMING SUMMER ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES
💻 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2026: NAVIGATING THE SUMMER ESY TRANSITION The SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is hosting a virtual workshop titled "Extended School Year (ESY): Maximizing Summer Progress." This session is designed for parents whose children are entering summer ESY programs to ensure that individual accommodations, behavioral support plans, and speech/OT services are seamlessly maintained from the traditional school year. The online webinar begins at 12:00 PM EST. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/span-parent-advocacy-network-313399547
🎨 SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 2026: INCLUSIVE SUMMER ART IN THE PARK Kick off the summer with a hands-on, accessible community event at the Scotch Plains Public Library (held on the lawn, weather permitting). This inclusive art session offers a structured, low-pressure environment where children of all abilities can explore tactile mediums. Thick-grip brushes, adaptive scissors, and a designated quiet sensory zone will be available. The program runs from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM. https://www.scotlib.org/events/
⚖️ TUESDAY, JULY 7, 2026: PRINCIPLES OF SYSTEMIC ADVOCACY FOR NEW PARENTS For families looking to turn individual school challenges into district-wide improvements, SPAN is conducting an interactive virtual training on "Policy and System Change." Learn how to collaborate effectively with local Boards of Education and Departments of Special Services to advocate for better resource allocation and inclusive programming. The session runs from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. https://spanadvocacy.org/programs/start/
🏃 FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026: UNION COUNTY SENSORY-FRIENDLY SPLASH NIGHT Union County residents can look forward to an exclusive, sensory-aware evening session at one of the county's premier public spray parks. To accommodate children with sensory processing needs, auditory features and overhead tipping buckets will be dialed back, and capacity will be strictly limited to prevent crowding. Pre-registration through the Union County standard calendar portal is required. Event runs from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. https://ucnj.org/calendar
📜 THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026: DISABILITY PRIDE MONTH CONCLUSION & SECTION 504 RIGHTS In honor of Disability Pride, join an online legal advocacy seminar focused on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This workshop provides a breakdown of how accommodations operate in secondary environments, making it a crucial resource for parents of high school students transitioning toward self-advocacy and higher education accommodations. The virtual session starts at 1:00 PM. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/span-parent-advocacy-network-313399547
🐢 SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2026: ACCESSIBLE NATURE TRAILS & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING The Tulpehaking Nature Center is hosting a "Sensory Nature Walk & Tactile Exploration" at 10:00 AM. This guided program allows neurodivergent children to explore native New Jersey wildlife through controlled, experiential touch and quiet observation, offering a calm, structured alternative to traditional high-stimulus summer outings. https://www.njkidsonline.com/events
🤝 MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2026: PARENT & CAREGIVER LATE-SUMMER CONNECTION SOCIAL Before the rush of the new school year begins, join fellow local parents and caregivers for an informal "Connection Social" at 6:30 PM in Springfield, NJ (Union County). This gathering provides a supportive, relaxed space to share experiences, exchange tips on favorite local therapists, and discuss strategies for a smooth transition back to school in September. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/creative-parent-support-group-tickets-1980405672678
💰 TUESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2026: BACK-TO-SCHOOL FINANCES & ABLE ACCOUNTS Planning for long-term security requires early preparation. SPAN is hosting an online webinar titled "Financial Protections & ABLE Accounts for Special Needs Families" at 11:00 AM EST. This workshop covers the legal and practical basics of setting up tax-advantaged savings accounts that preserve eligibility for state and federal benefits like Medicaid and SSI. https://www.eventbrite.com/o/span-parent-advocacy-network-313399547
On Behalf of the SEPAG Executive Board
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