SOMSD Special Services Newsletter
March 2021
Message from the Assistant Superintendent of Special Services
It is hard to believe that just one year ago today we were in a completely different place- in more ways than one! With all of the changes this past year has brought, I am using it as a time of reflection and appreciation for health, family, and togetherness.
With the challenge of the past year, the support and collaboration of families, teachers, school and district staff has been a mainstay. Please continue to reach out to your child's teachers and school support staff as any challenges arise, together we can work through the concerns.
This past year has undoubtedly been a challenging year for all, but one thing is for sure, Spring will be here before we know it! By definition, Spring is the season of new beginnings. I certainly am looking forward to seeing the Sun more and enjoying the outdoors.
As always, thank you for all of your support and advocacy.
Dr. Alegria
March is Disabilities Awareness Month
In 1987, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed March Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. In his proclamation, he invited “all individual, agencies, and organizations concerned with the problem of developmental disabilities to observe this month with appropriate observances and activities directed toward increasing public awareness of the needs and the potential of Americans with developmental disabilities.
The ARC of New Jersey has great resources to learn more about Disabilities Awareness Month.https://www.arcnj.org/news_events/dd_awareness/developmentaldisabilityawarenessmonth.html
National Social Worker's Month!
Below represent the names of our District Social Workers who go above and beyond to support students and their families. Please join us in thanking them for all that they do!
Arelis Tapia-Vargas
Eric Stoudemire
Eva Buggy
Fajr Salaam-Goodwin
Jennifer Easton
Laura Prato
Marilu Gregory
Maudjah Francis
Sharonn Dinkins
Shazaan Napoleon
Zakiyya Jordan
Janis Catalano
Phil McCormick
Kasoundra Clemons
Renee Joyce
Valencia Henry
Amy Pitucco
March Shout Outs!
Mrs. Spina- Special Education Teacher
Mrs. Butler- CHS Assistant Principal and 504 Coordinator
Mrs. Quinichett- Special Education Teacher
Mrs Pleasant- Special Services Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Hersh- Speech Therapist
Shout out a Special Services Staff Member!
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee
Thursday, March 18, 7:15-8:45pm
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/mbc-ieza-xmg
About SEPAC
The Special Education Parent Advisory Committee, or SEPAC, is an advocacy group focused on policies, programs, and practices within the South Orange/Maplewood School District. Families and caregivers of the student(s) with learning needs or students eligible for or receiving services under an IEP or 504 plan are encouraged to attend SEPAC Meetings. 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.
Find us at www.sepacsoma.org. Contact us at info@sepacsoma.org.
SEPAC BOARD, 2020-2021
Michele Richman, Vice President of Policy
Malia Herman, Vice President of Community Outreach
Caryn Gehrke and Nicole Josey, Vice Presidents of Family Support
Nicole Stewart and Lindsey Stone, Vice Presidents of Programming
Beth Cosentino, Communications Officer and Administrator
Ann Leeb, Ex Officio
Dates to Remember
March 18- SEPAC Meeting
March 29- April 1- Spring Break
Preschool Registration Updates!
Families who have pre-registered by the February 26, 2021 deadline must complete the process with the Registrar by scheduling and attending an appointment to turn in their documents.
Stay tuned for details on the lottery!
ASQ-3 Results
Dear Preschool Families,
As a reminder, results from the ASQ-3 Screening will be sent out to families on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. We encourage all families who have not submitted their ASQ-3 questioner to please do so by Friday, March 12, 2021.
Extended School Year 2021
Parent Workshop by MUJC
Returning to School Tips
As the SOMSD prepares to welcome back more of our learners to our schools. This is an exciting time but one that may be anxiety-producing. As we prepare for the return to in-person learning there may be many things we forget about Please click on this link from the CDC to find out some helpful ideas on how to prepare for a smooth transition back to in-person learning.
Educational Resources
LEARNING ALLY
Learning Ally, which is an online audiobooks program. Learning Ally provides either audiobooks or audiobooks with highlighted text for many textbooks and other books. Any student that falls into one of the following categories can use this program:
Students with print disabilities (learning disabilities)
Students with Physical Disabilities
Students with Visual Impairments
Struggling readers who are receiving intervention in the school setting
LEXIA
Lexia, is an online reading supplemental program to support struggling readers.
If you would access to Learning Ally and Lexia, please contact your special education teacher(s).
Reminder: Frontline Collaboration Portal
Parent/Guardians,
During virtual IEP meetings, you will be asked to sign the participation page of the IEP electronically via the Collaboration Portal. The Collaboration Portal is a message delivery system we are that allows us to share documents related to your child’s IEP. It is a service provided by Frontline Education, which is our IEP platform (IEP Direct). You will receive an email indicating that a document is available for your review/signature.
The access code for this document is the first three letters of the student's last name (upper case) plus his/her date of birth in mmddyyyy format. Example: XYZ04032005. Note: if a student has fewer than three letters in his/her last name, the full last name is included with date of birth.
Your case manager will be available to support as needed.