SEPAC SOMA MEETINGS & UPDATES
JOIN US FOR OUR INCLUSION-CENTERED RESOURCE FAIR!
The very first SEPAC SOMA Resource Fair is happening soon! Stop by to connect with local therapists, groups and organizations in the South Orange-Maplewood area who provide inclusive opportunities and services to individuals with disabilities.
Thank you to Together We Bloom for hosting a sensory-friendly quiet space, Lindsey Stone for providing refreshments, and Afield Kids for creating an art activity!
Saturday, May 4 @ 3:00-5:00pm
◉ Columbia High School Cafeteria
17 Parker Ave, Maplewood
CUP CHATS: OUT-OF-DISTRICT SCHOOLS
Informal, in-person gatherings created to share experiences and build connections with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district.
This meetup is exclusively for parents and guardians of neurodiverse students with an OUT-OF-DISTRICT PLACEMENT, whether it’s through SOMSD, unilateral or private. Join our Out-of-District School SEPAC SOMA Liaison Malia Herman for an hour of informal conversation about common experiences, questions, concerns and success stories.
Friday, April 26 @ 9:30am
◉ Sew Leana
12 W South Orange Ave, 2nd Floor, South Orange (near SOPAC)
*please note this location is only accessible via stairs
SOMSD SPECIAL EDUCATION SURVEY
ICYMI, from Susie Budine, SOMSD Assistant Superintendent of Special Services:
“The District of South Orange Maplewood is conducting a study of our Special Education Department. We value your opinion and are seeking your input. Please click here to complete this survey and assist with this process.”
NOTE: If you have more than one child receiving Special Education services, SEPAC SOMA recommends filling out separate surveys for each child.
MID-YEAR UPDATE
It’s been a busy year! Our latest newsletter is loaded with what SEPAC SOMA has been up to, what’s coming up, good news, and other helpful tidbits. 
Read our February 2024 newsletter!
If you aren’t receiving our email updates and would like to have information about SEPAC SOMA meetings delivered right to your inbox, subscribe here.
Missed the meeting? Watch it here!
RACE & SPECIAL EDUCATION IN SOMA: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
Special Guests:
Dr. Ahadi Bugg-Levine, Board President of the JESPY House Board of Trustees, Attorney, Disability Rights Advocate
Kerri Waibel, SOMSD Director of Access and Equity
Our annual February meeting explores the Intersection of Race and Special Education in the South Orange & Maplewood School District. Dr. Bugg-Levine will share her family’s history with special education in our district. Ms. Waibel will provide current data on race and special education in our schools, with an eye to Covid impacts, and discuss the importance and value of equity work for disabled kids of color.
ESY DATES: SUMMER 2024
ICYMI, from Susie Budine, SOMSD Assistant Superintendent of Special Services: ” … ESY dates for the upcoming summer have recently been determined. The Extended School Year programming for 2024 will take place from July 1 through August 2 with the program being closed on July 4 and 5. The locations of programming and individual student assignments will not be determined until closer to the end of the school year.”
It’s fantastic (and very appreciated) that the district has been able to confirm the summer dates this early in the year! 
If you have questions about whether or not ESY is part of your child’s IEP, please reach out to your case manager.
ANNUAL REPORT: The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee of the South Orange & Maplewood School District (SEPAC SOMA) is committed to working with families, the school district and the wider community for the betterment of all students. In this comprehensive narrative Annual Report for the 2022-2023 School Year, we explain the work that was done which helped us accomplish our goals and what we have learned to move us forward in the new school year. In short, it was a busy year … read more.
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)
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 