Category Archives: Uncategorized

BEHAVIOR GOALS AT HOMEThis in-person Parent Workshop, geared toward PreK-5th, will focus on tips and resources to help families of children with disabilities support and encourage positive behaviors at home and beyond. Learn how to set, track, and make progress toward behavior goals. Questions welcome! Presented by Casey Dickson and Cara Lesperance, Clinton Special EducationContinue reading “Workshop: Behavior Goals at Home, February 2025”

NOVEMBER 2024: MEETING RECAPKathleen Gesumaria, Christina Punturieri, and Tim Franklin joined us to introduce the Special Services team, share a breakdown of responsibilities, and give an overview of the IEP process.  See the Supervisor Structure (in other words, who’s in charge of what) for the Special Services Department, as well as the members of the Child Study Team at each school. Continue reading “Recap: November 2024 Mtg – Special Services Overview”

DECEMBER UPDATESInbox piling up? Check out our December newsletter for recent SEPAC SOMA news, updates and events all in one convenient spot (plus extra events to check out, locally and online!). ► Read it here!

DECEMBER: INCLUSIVE EDUCATIONAs parents, caregivers and advocates for children with disabilities, we understand more than anyone that inclusion matters. Learn more about the laws, research and best practices in public schools that lead to inclusive learning communities where students with disabilities and learning differences are welcomed as classmates, valued as learners, and empowered to succeed. Presented byContinue reading “Meeting: Inclusive Education, December 2024”

NOVEMBER: CUP CHATOur informal, in-person gatherings are a great way to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district. We get it. We really do. We hope you’ll join us. Friday, November 22 @ 9:15am◉ The Baird Cafe5 Mead St in South Orange

NOVEMBER: IEP BASICSJoin us to welcome the new Special Services Department Team as they review each component of the Individualized Education Program in the Frontline Management System. Understanding the essential parts of an IEP can help you take a more active role in the process of creating a plan that is tailored to your child’sContinue reading “Meeting: IEP Basics, November 2024”

SPECIAL EDUCATION AUDITResults of the recent Special Education Audit and recommendations for the district going forward were shared at the 10/15 BOE Meeting. SEPAC SOMA highly recommends reading the full report and watching the meeting recording. Understanding the district’s challenges and goals helps make us better advocates for our children with disabilities. It’s a longContinue reading “SOMSD: Special Education Audit Results, October 2024”

DYSLEXIA AWARENESS MONTHOctober is Dyslexia Awareness Month! The New Jersey Dyslexia Handbook is a great resource for educators, students, families, and community members about dyslexia, early literacy development, and the best practices for identification, instruction, and accommodation of students who have reading difficulties. 

BOE FORUMSThere are seven candidates on the November 5th ballot vying for three spots on the Board of Education. Board members serve three-year terms, so it’s important to educate yourself on the candidates. One of the best ways is by attending the candidate forums happening this month. The forums are open to all! (Another fantasticContinue reading “Resource: BOE Candidate Forums, October 2024”