2025-2026 Meetings
Saturday, September 14 @ 1:00-3:00pm
Stop by to say hello and ask questions at the South Orange Community Day & Health Fair!
◉ Skate House @ Meadowland Park, South Orange
Friday, September 26 @ 9:00am
CUP CHATS: 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.
◉ Community Center @ Founders Park, 317 Valley St, South Orange
Wednesday, October 15 @ 7:00pm
SPECIAL EDUCATION @ SOMSD: Join us for our first SEPAC SOMA community meeting of the year! Kathleen Gesumaria, SOMSD Assistant Superintendent for Special Services, will share an overview of the programs, classes, and services available in our district.
▣ Watch this meeting
Sunday, October 19 @ 6:30pm
CUP CHATS: 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. The six candidates running for the SOMSD Board of Education have been invited to join us to hear your experiences with Special Education in this district.
◉ Community Center @ Founders Park, 317 Valley St, South Orange
Wednesday, October 29 @ 7:00pm
NOW WHAT?! COLLEGE WORKSHOP: Join Matt Endlich, CHS Transitions Coordinator, to learn about starting college with a 504 or IEP. This is a great meeting for juniors, seniors and their parents/guardians. Learn more here and register here (by 10/28, please).
◉ CHS Black Box Theater, 17 Parker Ave, Maplewood
🟧 Monday, December 8 @ 7pm
CUP CHATS: Do you have a child in an out-of-district school? SEPAC SOMA is hosting a meeting exclusively for parents and caregivers 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 Jennifer Wiezorek for an evening of informal conversation about common experiences, questions, concerns, and success stories.
▣ Virtual via WebEx
🟧 Wednesday, December 10 @ 7pm
EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING SKILLS: Staying organized and planning ahead can be difficult for many children (and adults!) with disabilities. Join us to learn more about Executive Functioning skills with EF Coach Stephanie Cannon, and how we can encourage and support development of these essential skills at home.
▣ Virtual via WebEx
2024-2025 Meetings
MISSED A MEETING? CATCH UP HERE!
Friday, September 13 @ 9:15am
CUP CHATS: 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.
◉ The Baird Center, 5 Mead St, South Orange
Saturday, September 21 @ 1:00-3:00pm
Stop by to say hello and ask questions at the South Orange Community Day & Health Fair! We’ll be next to the Sensory Activation Vehicle, a sensory-friendly space for anyone who needs to take a break during the event.
◉ Duck Pond @ Meadowlands Park, South Orange
Monday, September 23 @ 7:00pm
Back to school with SEPAC SOMA! Join us to talk transitions, expectations and plans for the year ahead. With special guests: Superintendent Jason Bing and Asst Superintendent of Special Services Kathleen Gesumaria.
◉ District Meeting Room, 525 Academy St, Maplewood
Sunday, October 13 @ 3:00pm
CUP CHATS: 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. The seven candidates running for the SOMSD Board of Education have been invited to join us to hear your experiences with Special Education in this district and introduce themselves.
◉ The Baird Center, 5 Mead St, South Orange
Monday, October 14 @ 7:30pm
Mental Health & Special Education: A parent- and caregiver-only virtual gathering to talk about the impact of mental health on school success for students with disabilities, led by our new SEPAC SOMA Mental Health Liaison (and fellow parent) Dina Roskin, MA, EdS, LAC.
▣ Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, October 16 @ 7:00pm
NOW WHAT?! COLLEGE WORKSHOP: Join Matt Endlich, CHS Transitions Coordinator, to learn about starting college with a 504 or IEP. This is a great meeting for juniors, seniors and their parents/guardians.
◉ Columbia High School Auditorium
Monday, November 18 @ 7:00pm
IEP BASICS: Our November Community Meeting will focus on the Individualized Education Program (IEP). We’ll have a walk-thru with the Special Services Department, led by Assistant Superintendent of Special Services Kathleen Gesumaria.
Friday, November 22 @ 9:15am
CUP CHAT: Our 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.
◉ The Baird Cafe, 5 Mead St, South Orange
Monday, December 9 @ 6:00pm
PARENT WORKSHOP: Navigating Winter Break for Special Education Families. This in-person workshop, geared toward PreK-5 and open to all South Orange-Maplewood families, will focus on tips and resources to help create a less stressful holiday break for the whole family. Presented by Casey Dickson and Cara Lesperance, Clinton Special Education Teachers.
◉ Clinton Elementary, 27 Berkshire Rd, Maplewood
Tuesday, December 17th @ 7:00pm
INCLUSIVE EDUCATION: Join us to hear about the laws, research and best practices surrounding inclusive education for students with disabilities in our public schools. Presented by Michele Gardner, Executive Director of the New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education.
▣ Virtual Meeting
Monday, January 27th @ 7:00pm
CUP CHAT: Thinking about the years ahead can feel overwhelming for parents of children with disabilities. So many questions and unknowns! Imagine the possibilities by chatting with a panel of veteran South Orange & Maplewood parents who have navigated the world of Special Education with grace, perseverance and heart. They’ll share their experiences and answer your questions.
◉ 525 Academy St, Maplewood, District Meeting Room
Tuesday, January 28th @ 6:00pm
PARENT WORKSHOP: This in-person Parent Workshop, geared toward PreK-5th, will focus on tips and resources to help families of children with disabilities create effective goals at home. Presented by Casey Dickson and Cara Lesperance, Clinton Special Education Teachers.
◉ Clinton Elementary, 27 Berkshire Rd, Maplewood
Tuesday, February 25th @ 6:30pm
PARENT WORKSHOP: This in-person 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. Presented by Casey Dickson and Cara Lesperance, Clinton Special Education Teachers.
◉ Clinton Elementary, 27 Berkshire Rd, Maplewood
Wednesday, February 26th @ 7:00pm
RACE & SPECIAL EDUCATION: Our annual look at the intersection of race and special education in our community. Join us for a discussion with Black community members serving disabled kids in SOMA. With special guests Nicole Josey and Ellis Peters.
▣ Virtual Meeting
Friday, March 21st @ 9:30am
CUP CHAT: 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 Jennifer Wiezorek for an hour of informal conversation about common experiences, questions, concerns and success stories.
◉ The Baird Cafe, 5 Mead St, South Orange
Monday, March 24th @ 7:00pm
TRANSITIONS – PreK to Kindergarten: Transitions are exciting, but they can be stressful, especially for families of children with disabilities. Join SEPAC SOMA and our panel of K-5 experts to talk about what to expect next year in elementary school.
◉ Seth Boyden Elementary, 274 Boyden Ave, Maplewood
Wednesday, April 2nd
PARAPROFESSIONAL APPRECIATION DAY: SEPAC SOMA loves our SOMSD paras! We are grateful for their hard work, commitment to, and compassion for the children in our district. What does a para do? The next time you see a paraprofessional at school, be sure to say THANK YOU!
Thursday, April 10th @ 6pm
PARENT WORKSHOP: This in-person workshop, geared toward PreK-5th, is all about neurodiversity: the idea that we all think, move, process information, and communicate differently, including people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and dyscalculia diagnoses. Learn more about autism, how to be neurodiversity affirming, and community resources. Presented by Casey Dickson and Cara Lesperance, Clinton Special Education Teachers.
◉ Clinton Elementary, 27 Berkshire Rd, Maplewood
Tuesday, April 22nd @ 7:00pm
CUP CHAT: We consistently hear from parents that Executive Functioning Skills are an enormous challenge for our kids. Share your experiences, vent your frustrations, and ask questions. Executive Functioning Coach (and local mom) Stephanie Cannon will be there to lead the conversation and answer questions.
◉ District Meeting Room, 525 Academy St, Maplewood
April 29 – TRANSITIONS: Elementary to SOMS/MMS and Middle School to CHS: Starting 6th or 9th Grade means big changes! Join us to talk transitions for tweens and teens with disabilities with a panel of middle and high school experts.
◉ Columbia High School Cafeteria, 17 Parker Ave, Maplewood
May 3 – The 2nd Annual SEPAC SOMA Resource Fair! Connect with local therapists, groups and organizations in the South Orange-Maplewood area who provide inclusive opportunities and services to individuals with disabilities.
◉ Columbia High School Cafeteria, 17 Parker Ave, Maplewood
May 19 – CUP CHAT: Mental Health & Medication: Join us for a discussion about medications for mental health and other learning and thinking differences. Moderated by Dina Roskin, MA, EdS, LAC, and Dr. Rebecca Farnham, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrician
▣ Virtual
June 4 – Join us for our last meeting of the school year to review how the year went and look ahead to summer and fall. We’ll continue our tradition of giving everyone a chance to share their DOPE, NOPE & HOPE of the year: one thing that went well, one not-so-good thing, and one thing you hope for your child in the future.
◉ District Meeting Room, 525 Academy St, Maplewood
2023-2024 Meetings
September 12 – CUP CHATS: 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.
October 15 – CUP CHATS: Our 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. This month: Meet the Candidates! SOMSD Board of Education candidates will join us to introduce themselves and hear your stories and feedback about Special Education in our district.
October 18 – NEXT STEPS IN LITERACY: A panel discussion about the changes happening in literacy resources and practices in our district, and how struggling readers get support. Watch it here!
October 25 – NOW WHAT?! COLLEGE WORKSHOP: Join Matt Endlich, CHS Transitions Coordinator, to learn about starting college with a 504 or IEP. This is a great meeting for juniors, seniors and their parents/guardians.
November 16 – CUP CHATS – DR ROSS GREENE FOLLOWUP DISCUSSION: We’ll keep the conversation going at our November Cup Chat with a focus on the October presentation, Dr Greene’s books, and our own experiences with supporting our kids’ behaviors at home and in the classroom.
December 15 – OOD MEETUP: SEPAC SOMA is hosting a meetup 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.
IEP WORKSHOP SERIES – An Individualized Education Program is the cornerstone of the special education experience. 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’s needs. Bring your clipboard, a copy of their IEP, and your questions … we’ll dig into the basics of what should go into an effective IEP to help you feel more confident as a collaborator and an equal member of your child’s IEP team.
January 8 – PRESCHOOL WORKSHOP
February 28 – ELEMENTARY (K-5) WORKSHOP
March 12 – SECONDARY (6-12) WORKSHOP
January 26 – CUP CHATS: 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.
February 7 – RACE & SPECIAL EDUCATION IN SOMA: PAST, PRESENT, FUTURE
Special Guests: Dr. Ahadi Bugg-Levine, JESPY House Board of Trustees, Attorney, Disability Rights Advocate; and 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. Watch it here!
February 8 – LEARNING DISABILITIES PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: A parent-led group open to anyone who has a child with a learning difference (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc.) or has questions about learning differences.
February 25 – CUP CHATS: 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.
April 7 – CUP CHATS: 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 one is just for MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL parents and caregivers!
April 15 – SEPAC SOMA is thrilled to announce a reading and book signing event with autistic author and advocate Tiffany Hammond. Tiffany is the author of A Day With No Words, which invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language. Learn more about Tiffany at Fidgets and Fries.
April 26 – CUP CHATS: 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.
May 4 – The very first SEPAC SOMA Resource Fair! 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.
May 21 – CUP CHATS: 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.
June 12 – Join us for our last meeting of the school year to review how the year went and look ahead to summer and fall. We’ll continue our tradition of giving everyone a chance to share their DOPE, NOPE & HOPE of the year: one thing that went well, one not-so-good thing, and one thing you hope for your child in the future.
2022-2023 Meetings
September – CUP CHATS: Informal, in-person gatherings to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district.
September – SEPAC SOMA President Beth Cosentino presented an overview of our parent-led group to the SOMSD Board of Education, sharing who we are, what we do, and our goals for this school year. Watch her presentation (and Board Members’ follow-up questions).
October – Susie Budine, Assistant Superintendent of Special Services, presented a comprehensive overview of Special Education services in the South Orange & Maplewood School District. Watch the presentation.
October – LEARNING DISABILITIES PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: A parent-led group open to anyone who has a child with a learning difference (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc.) or has questions about learning differences.
October – CUP CHATS: 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.
November – NOW WHAT?! COLLEGE WORKSHOP: Matthew Endlich, CHS Transition Coordinator, presented helpful information about the transition to college for students with IEPs and 504s.
November – CUP CHATS: Informal, in-person gatherings to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district.
November – ANXIETY IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: What does it look like? How can parents and caregivers support children at home? Who can help at school? Where to start?? SOMSD Social Workers Arelis Tapia-Vargas and Marilu Gregory shared information on how to help not only kids with IEPs and 504s but any K-5 student who may be struggling. Watch this meeting and view additional resources.
December – CUP CHATS – OUT OF DISTRICT: An in-person meetup exclusively for parents and guardians of Special Education students with an out-of-district placement, whether it’s through SOMSD, unilateral or private.
December – LEARNING DISABILITIES PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: A parent-led group open to anyone who has a child with a learning difference (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc.) or has questions about learning differences.
January – MIDDLE SCHOOL & MENTAL HEALTH: Our panel of SOMSD experts –Alison Steiner, Caroline Raba and Michael Zarabi – shared a wealth of information about anxiety in middle school, including signs of stress, strategies at home and how to get help at MMS and SOMS. Watch this meeting and view additional resources.
January – CUP CHATS: Informal, in-person gatherings to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district.
January – HIGH ANXIETY: High school can be hard to handle in the best of times and, after the events of the last few years, even more teens are struggling. Jenny Easton, Sara Brinkerhoff, Elizabeth Kolodiy and David Velder joined us to discuss anxiety and mental health in the teen years, the support programs available at Columbia High School, and how to support any student, not just those with an IEP or 504. Watch this meeting and view additional resources.
February – RACE & SPECIAL EDUCATION: Dr Kevin Gilbert, SOMSD Assistant Superintendent of Access & Equity, joined us for our annual look at the intersection of race and special education in our school district. This year the discussion focused on students in middle and high school. Watch this meeting.
March – CUP CHATS: Informal, in-person gatherings to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district.
March – ALL ABOUT IEP MEETINGS: Join us to take a deeper look at what’s in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), how to prepare for an IEP meeting, and parents’ rights during the process. We’ll share info and tips, with lots of time for questions and discussion. Watch this meeting.
March – LEARNING DISABILITIES PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: A parent-led group open to anyone who has a child with a learning difference (dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, etc.) or has questions about learning differences.
March – TRANSITION TALK with JESPY HOUSE: SEPAC SOMA proudly presents an opportunity to learn about transition, life after high school and a gem of an organization, JESPY House, located right here in South Orange. JESPY provides employment, housing, and recreational services, and resources to the post-18-year-old disabled population. Watch this meeting and presentation.
April – PARENT WORKSHOP – SELF-COMPASSION FOR PARENTS: Join SEPAC SOMA and Mindful Parenting Coach Sarah Schwartz for a free, in-person workshop to learn about tools, support, and practices to cultivate self-compassion.
May – CUP CHATS: Informal, in-person gatherings to connect with other parents and caregivers of kids with Special Education-related needs in our district.
May – PARENT WORKSHOP – UNDERSTANDING OUR SENSORY SYSTEMS & REGULATION: Our sensory systems shape how we experience our worlds. But how often do we consider their impact on our children’s regulation and behavior? Join us for an opportunity to better understand sensory differences at our free SEPAC SOMA Parent Workshop, where we’ll learn together and gain strategies to support regulation with Occupational Therapist, DIRFloortime Provider and Parenting Coach Larissa Balik.
June – CUP CHATS – HIGH SCHOOL & THE LOFT @ CHS: Do you have a rising 9th-12th grader with an IEP or 504? Join us for a high school-focused gathering! Just like a regular Cup Chat, we’ll chat, we’ll share, we’ll connect. Plus, we’ll learn about the activities and support systems available through The Loft @ CHS. Don’t miss this chance to experience an incredible in-school resource for your teen! More about The Loft.
June – LAST MEETING OF THE YEAR! It’s time for our annual Dope, Nope & Hope meeting! Join us to talk about the good, the not-so-good, and our hopes for summer and fall, as we wrap up the 2022-2023 school year.
2021-2022 Meetings
October – The return to in-person school after 18 months of virtual/hybrid learning.
November – The ABCs of IEPs in PreK: Special Education during the preschool years. (Missed the meeting? View the presentation here.)
December – Get to know SOMSD’s new Assistant Superintendent of Special Services, Susie Budine.
January – Beyond SOMSD: Behavioral, disability, and family support services available through the State of New Jersey. (Missed the meeting or want a recap? View our PerformCare Fact Sheet here.)
February – Black Family Voices and Special Education: A panel discussion with SOMSD families. Co-hosted by SEPAC SOMA and the Schools Committee of the Community Coalition on Race.
March – Speech & Social Skills, with special guest Reesa Salomon, MS, CCC-SLP.
April – Q&A Panel: Preschool & Elementary. Learn more about how Special Education works in preschool and elementary with our panel of Special Education teachers and Child Study Team members.
April – Workshop: Now What? The Transition to College. Join Matthew Endlich, CHS Transition Coordinator, to learn about the transition to college for students with IEPs and 504s.
May – Q&A Panel: Middle School & High School. What happens during your tween or teenager’s school day is often even more of a mystery than it was in elementary. Go behind the scenes with our panel of SOMSD experts.
June – What’s Next?! Looking ahead to summer and next September! Chat with other parents who are navigating IEPs and 504s about what worked this year, what didn’t work, and what your hopes are going forward.
SEPAC SOMA 