SOMSD Special Services Newsletter
January 2021
Happy New Year from the DOSS
I would like to take a moment to wish you all a Happy and Healthy New Year! With the beginning of the new year, we are all looking to turn the page on the 2020 book and embrace all that 2021 has in store. In the 8 months since I arrived in SOMSD, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time virtually observing in classrooms, meeting families (virtually), and working with the great staff here. I am very much looking forward to continuing our work and continuing to move the department forward. In each of my virtual encounters, I have observed children working diligently, teachers and staff working at max capacity, and have had great collaborative conversations with family. It is part of my New Years goal to continue with all of the good work, and build on each of those encounters!
From the moment staff returned on January 4th, we have been busy continuing our work getting prepared for our hybrid reopening. Within this newsletter, there are many important updates regarding this reopening, so I urge you to please read through them and reach out to your child's case manager with any questions. We are excited for the opportunity to safely return back to school!
As always, thank you for your collaboration and partnership!
Dr. Alegria
Department of Special Services
Dr. Melody Alegria, Assistant Superintendent for Special Services
Leroy Johnson, III, PreK Program Supervisor
Karen Thomany, Supervisor of Special Education K-5
Susan Ellis, Supervisor of Special Education Self-Contained K-8 Programs & 6-8
Gerri Colon, Supervisor of Special Education 9-12
Website: https://www.somsd.k12.nj.us/district/specialservices/
Location: 525 Academy Street, Maplewood, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-762-5600
Return to School
Special Services Reopening Letter- 1/2021
How to prepare for a return to school
Do you need a chromebook?
info@somsd.k12.nj.us to request to borrow one from the district. You will receive a message as to the date and time you can pick it up.
Does your child receive Transportation as part of their IEP?
Therapy & Evidence Based Reading Update
Mask Wearing Social Story
Resource for Families- Explaining the New Normal
Facial Covering Exceptions
Exceptions to requirements for face coverings shall be as follows:
1) Doing so would inhibit the individual’s health*;
2) The individual is in extreme heat outdoors;
3) The individual is in water;
4) The individual is under two years old;
5) The documented medical condition or disability* precludes the use of face covering.
*If an individual cannot wear a facial covering because it may inhibit the individual's health, two things are required:
1) A note from the individual's health care provider submitted to the school nurse;
and
2) Approval from the District Physician. The individual may learn virtually until district physician approval.
If an individual refuses to wear a face covering for a non-medical reason, that individual may not enter the building. A student who refuses to wear a face covering for a non-medical reason may learn virtually.
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.
Thank you,
Dates to Remember
January 18- Schools Closed-MLK day
January 19- First Day in Person for Grades PK - 2, 6 and 9 - 1st cohorts
January 25- Start of In Person learning for all other grades
2020-2021 SOMSD School Calendar
Preschool Registration Alert
Greetings Families,
The time is near! We are pleased to announce that the District has been working diligently to finalize preschool registration dates for the 2021-2022 school year. Registration details such as deadlines and eligibility requirements for the preschool lottery, which determines placement, will be posted on our District's website in the next few weeks. Please be on the lookout!
This is an exciting time as each year brings new opportunities for increased capacity as we expand our program through the establishment of additional partnerships with local private preschool provider sites. We look forward to your interest and participation.
Thank you!
Educational Resources
LEARNING ALLY
Learning Ally, which is an online audio books program. Learning Ally provides either audio books or audio books 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).
Staff Shout Outs!
December Shout outs!
Mr. Michael Wojcio
Ms. Shannon Colonna
Ms. Amy Pitucco
Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)
Save-the-Date(s):
SEPAC Meeting
Wednesday, January 20 7:15 – 8:45pm
Google Meet: meet.google.com/zbt-qtnp-snr
For the start of 2021, SEPAC’s focus topic is New Year, New Goals. It’s time to take a closer look at your child’s IEP and see what goals need some updating. Are they S.M.A.R.T. = Specific? Measurable? Achievable? Relevant? Time-Bound? Join us and find out! All are welcome!
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 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