SEPAC SOMA MEETINGS & UPDATES
JUNE
END OF YEAR SURVEY
What’s your DOPE, NOPE & HOPE for the year?
Sharing the good, the not-so-good, and what you’d like to see in the future is our end-of-year tradition!
Your feedback, your experiences, your highs and lows … that’s the heart of what we do as an advisory group. We listen, we look for trends, and we share what’s working – and what really, really isn’t working – with the district, constantly advocating for the well-being and growth of our kids. THANK YOU for adding your voice!
JUNE
ESY REGISTRATION
If your child is eligible for Extended School Year with the district, you should have received an email from their case manager with registration details:
“We are asking you to confirm your child(ren)’s participation in the program. We encourage every parent/guardian who is considering ESY for their child to confirm as soon as possible so we are able to secure the appropriate staff and transportation services. Kindly complete the 2026 Extended School Year Registration form no later than Wednesday, June 10th, 2026.”
If you have questions regarding your child’s eligibility for ESY, their ESY services, or ESY Transportation eligibility, please reach out to your child’s case manager.
JUNE-JULY
EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR 2026
Update from the Department of Special Services (5/21/26):
Dear Families,
Extended School Year (ESY) is just around the corner and we can’t wait for another great summer! Please see the information listed below and the attached flyer regarding ESY this year.
ESY 2026
June 29 – July 30 (Closed July 2)
Monday – Thursday
PreK-5th Grade
Marshall Elementary School
8:00 am -12:00 pm
9th Grade -12th Grade+
Columbia High School (Academy Street Door)
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
RESOURCE FAIR GUIDE
What a joy it was to see our SEPAC SOMA community making connections! Huge thanks to the families who stopped by, to the local providers, groups, and organizations who shared a Saturday afternoon with us, and to Together We Bloom, Beloved Bath, Lindsey Stone Homes, and the South Mountain YMCA for partnering with us. We’re already thinking about the 4th Annual Resource Fair next spring!
RECAP: TRANSITIONING TO ADULT LIFE
JESPY House, a local provider based in South Orange, joined us in April to share info about planning, options, and resources for youth with developmental disabilities and their parents. Learn about the transition to adult life after high school or an 18-21 program. Housing, employment, recreational services … what’s next?
What is SEPAC SOMA?
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC) is a parent-led, state-mandated group focused on policies, programs, and practices within the South Orange & Maplewood School District. SEPAC provides parents with tools and information to work collaboratively with the school district and to be more effective advocates for their children with special educational needs. Families and caregivers of students with learning needs or students eligible for or receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to attend SEPAC Meetings. (Español / Kreyòl Ayisyen)
2025-2026 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Nicole Josey
VP, Policy Initiatives: Susan Nasberg-Abrams
VP, Family Engagement: Verna Holcomb
VP, Community Outreach: Dina Roskin
Programming Director: Ifeoma Nwigwe
Communications Director: Kelly Mortimer
Ex Officio: Beth Cosentino
info@sepacsoma.org
SEPAC Meetings
SEPAC hosts meetings throughout the school year to provide parents and caregivers support, resources and information relevant to students with special education programming. Our meetings consist of featured conversations and presentations, as well as support, resource sharing, and the ability to connect with other members of the special education community. Meetings with featured topics are our attempt to get those with similar concerns in the same room at the same time but all are always welcome!
At every meeting, we learn from one another, support each other, share resources and connect with others.
Connect with SEPAC SOMA
Stay informed about Special Education updates, advocacy efforts and upcoming meetings by subscribing to our mailing list.
SEPAC SOMA Advocacy
SEPAC SOMA works hard to support and advocate for Special Education families by identifying trending issues and elevating those concerns to district administration and the Board of Education. If you’re feeling stuck, please let us know by reaching out to your school’s SEPAC Liaison or emailing us at info@sepacsoma.org.
SEPAC SOMA 