🏫 SPF-SEPAG Weekly Resource Newsletter: November 9 – November 16, 2026
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We hope you are having a wonderful start to your week! We are pleased to present our updated compilation of upcoming special education workshops, district support sessions, and family resources across Scotch Plains-Fanwood, Union County, and New Jersey. Please join us tonight in person to check out the newly opened LaGrande Elementary School, or via Google Meets.
📅 UPCOMING SPF-SEPAG DISTRICT MEETINGS
🤝 Special Education District Updates & Parent Support
Date & Time: Monday, November 9, 2026 | 7:00 PM EST
Location / Format: LaGrande Elementary School, Scotch Plains, NJ, with a hybrid remote option via Google Meet
Details: Join us tonight for our district-wide SPF-SEPAG monthly meeting. Held in LaGrande Elementary School, these collaborative sessions bring parents and caregivers together with district special education administrators to discuss program updates, exchange ideas, and share local experiences.
Resource Links: You can review our full 2026–2027 meeting schedule on the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Dates Page or read previous session summaries on the SPF-SEPAG Meeting Minutes Archive.
💻 UPCOMING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS & WEBINARS
⚖️ Basic Rights in Special Education
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: Hosted by the SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, this foundational workshop breaks down the special education process, IEP evaluations, parental rights, and key advocate responsibilities under New Jersey special education regulations.
🎓 Look to the Future: Transition from School to Adult Life
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: Facilitated by SPAN Parent Advocacy Network, this presentation outlines the transition process starting in middle and high school. Learn how to craft meaningful transition goals within the IEP, connect with adult service systems, and build community linkages for a fulfilling post-secondary life.
👨👦 Deepening Male Engagement: Practical Strategies for Fathers and Male Caregivers
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: SPAN's Family Engagement initiative offers a targeted session exploring the vital role fathers and male caregivers play in student development, educational self-advocacy, and navigating school partnerships.
💼 Parent Advocacy Training at The Arc of Morris County
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Format: Hybrid / Virtual Options Available
Details: The Arc of New Jersey Family Institute hosts an interactive parent training covering effective strategies for communicating with school districts, keeping records organized, and advocating for necessary classroom accommodations.
🏡 An Overview of Group Homes and Supervised Apartments
Date & Time: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: Designed for parents planning ahead for older youth or young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this workshop by The Arc of New Jersey reviews community-based residential options, funding models, and housing application processes.
📖 Parents As Champions Training Series (Morning Session)
Date & Time: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM EST
Format: Virtual Webinar
Details: Part of SPAN's ongoing leadership and advocacy framework, this interactive morning training focuses on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and literacy access to help parents foster academic progress and emotional resilience at home.
🌳 LOCAL COMMUNITY FOCUS & RECREATION
🍂 Trailside Nature & Science Center Adaptive Programs
Date & Time: Ongoing November Schedule
Location: 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside, NJ (Union County Parks System)
Details: Take advantage of Union County's accessible parks right in our backyard. Trailside Nature & Science Center provides sensory-friendly exhibit hours, paved interactive outdoor walking loops, and inclusive nature exploration programs suitable for children of all abilities.
🌟 WISHING YOU A GREAT WEEK AHEAD
Wishing all of our Scotch Plains-Fanwood families a productive and empowering week!
✉️ Contact & Connect With Us
On Behalf of Scotch Plains-Fanwood SEPAG
