SEPAC SOMA MEETINGS & UPDATES
MAY
TRANSITIONS – Preschool & Kindergarten
Starting preschool or kindergarten is a thrilling (and a seriously ADORABLE) major milestone. But it can also be anxiety-inducing, especially for families of children with disabilities.
Join us to learn more about what to expect next year and how to help your child (and YOU!) ease the transition to a new environment with new expectations. Our panel of district supervisors, school staff members, and veteran parents will share tips and strategies and lead the discussion.
Tuesday 5/26 @ 7:00pm
▣ Virtual via WebEx
Join by phone:
+1-408-418-9388
Meeting number: 2348 738 5084
Meeting password: bpX8GBYaH98
JUNE
LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR!
Join us for one of our favorite get-togethers of the year … our annual Dope, Nope & Hope meeting, where we review how this school year went and look ahead to summer and next fall. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone!
But the school year isn’t quite over … we have one last bit of homework for YOU! At the meeting, we’ll continue our tradition of giving everyone a chance to share their DOPE, NOPE & HOPE of the year. So, think about:
• One thing that went well
• One not-so-good thing
• One thing you hope for your child in the future
Wednesday 6/3 @ 7:00pm
In person @ District Meeting Room
525 Academy St, Maplewood
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
More information will be shared by the ESY Coordinators in the coming weeks. As a reminder, eligibility for ESY is a determination made by the Child Study Team. If you are unsure if your child is eligible for ESY, please contact your child’s case manager.
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!
APRIL
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 