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Watchung Hills Regional High School Watchung Hills Regional High School

Off-Canvas

Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)

If you have any questions or concerns please contact:

Amita Sawicki, Transition Coordinator
(908) 647-4800 Ext. 2819
asawicki@whrhs.org 

Ms. Glorinete Laurentino Barnoski, Parent Liaison 
glorinete2003@yahoo.com

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to facilitate collaboration between students, parents, staff, the Board of Education and the community in order to promote inclusion, understanding of, respect for and support of all students with disabilities in our community.

Special Education Parent Advisory Groups are required for all school districts in New Jersey. The purpose of these groups is to provide opportunities for parents and community members to offer input to the district on specific issues. New Jersey Administrative Code 6A:14-1.2(h) states that:

Each Board of Education shall ensure that a special education parent advisory group is in place in the district to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities.

Watchung Hills Regional High School has established the Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) as a forum for parents to provide input to the district regarding students with disabilities. We welcome and encourage the participation of all parents.

SEPAG obtains parent input by hosting meetings for parents, sharing information and other relevant topics. SEPAG will meet quarterly while school is in session to discuss these topics. Meetings can consist of presentations from knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics, as well as offering informal gatherings to share ideas, network, and support each other.

SEPAG’s Purpose:

  • To offer input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for students with disabilities. 
  • To increase the involvement of families of students with disabilities.
  • To provide opportunities for parents to support each other and share resources in the community

WHRHS SEPAG Meeting - Parent Input Form - Click Here to Access 

Please complete this Google Form if you are interested in providing input for future meetings.

Step 1: Click on the link for the Parent Input Form - It will then bring you to a Google Form.

Step 2: Check that your answers are marked in each item and then click "Submit"

 

What to Look Forward to this Month

January

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WHRHS Events

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Please Click Here to Access the Google Slide Presentation Notes: /uploaded/WHRHS_SEPAG_Meeting_-_11_11_24.pdf

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WYBA Buddy Ball

WYBA

WYBA is happy to offer a basketball program for players with special needs (Buddy Ball).

Buddy Ball is offered to all players from kindergarten through 12th grade with special needs.

When: Friday evenings 6-7 pm from January 3rd through February 21st

Where: Mt. Horeb School Warren, NJ

Players should register at https://warrenyouthbasketball.org/register/

WYBA is also looking for high school and middle school volunteers (Buddies) to assist with the program.

Buddies should email Terry MacConnell at tmacc2713@gmail.com and register at https://warrenyouthbasketball.org/register/

Warren Youth Basketball Association

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Planning For Adult Life: Free Online Webinars

PFAL

Starting transition planning? Get information, learn steps, and ask your questions at our monthly workshops. We host presentations on:

  • Planning is for Transition: Why It Is Vital For Your Student's Future
  • SSI and Medicaid for Access to Adult Services
  • Guardianship and Supported Decision Making: Just the Basics
  • Accessing Services and 'Natural' Supports
  • Yes, Your Child Can Work! Exploring Employment Options For People with IDD
  • Preparing Your Student with IDD To Attend College
  • College Options For Students with IDD
  • Preparing to Get The Most Out Of Your Student's High School Experience
  • State Services for Students with IDD
  • Housing 101: Exploring Your Options
  • SOS: Strategies Of Success For Parents of Students with Less Intensive Supports Needs *NEW*

Click on the link to access Planning for Adult Life Calendar for Future Events: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/

Visit their event calendar to view various dates and times throughout the year.

Check out The Arc of NJ - Planning for Adult Life website as they have a variety of topics and handouts to refer to with any questions on transition.

Here is the link for their Archived Webinars: https://planningforadultlife.org/we_offer/archived-webinars-20.html

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HOW SERIES: SOS! Strategies Of Success for Parents of Students with Less Intensive Needs For Support

Is there a secret to success in having your child move from school to adult life if they don’t qualify for state-funded services. What are the things you don’t know or need to know. This workshop will provide information parents have learned through their own experience that they wish they would have known before their student left school. We will suggest steps to add to your student’s IEP that can help orient them to the differences between high school and college, and accessing supports offered to students with IDD.

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025       Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Click Here to Register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/calendar.html/event/2025/01/14/how-series-sos-strategies-of-success-for-parents-of-students-with-less-intensive-needs-for-support-/503648

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Planning For Adult Life WEBINAR WEDNESDAY SERIES: Navigating Support Coordination in New Jersey's Adult Service System

Join us for an informative webinar designed to demystify support coordination within New Jersey's adult service system. Whether you're a participant, caregiver, or service provider, understanding how support coordination works is crucial for accessing the services and resources available to adults with disabilities.

Key Topics Include:

  • Overview of Support Coordination: What it is and how it functions within the NJ system.
  • Navigating Service Options: Learn about the array of services available and how support coordination can help you access them.
  • Role of Support Coordinators: Understand the role of support coordinators and how they advocate for participants.
  • Participant-Centered Planning: Discover how support coordinators assist in developing personalized plans that meet individual needs and goals.
  • Navigating Challenges: Insights into common challenges and how to overcome them in the service coordination process.
  • Q&A Session: Get your questions answered by experienced professionals in the field.

Who Should Attend:
*Individuals with disabilities
*Caregivers and family members
*Service providers and support coordinators
*Anyone interested in understanding support coordination in NJ's adult service system
Don't miss this opportunity to gain clarity on how support coordination can make a difference in navigating New Jersey's adult service landscape. Reserve your spot today!

Date: Friday, January 15, 2025      Time: 6:00 - 7:30 pm

Click Here to Register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/calendar.html/event/2025/01/15/-pfal-webinar-wednesday-series-navigating-support-coordination-in-new-jersey-s-adult-service-system/398358

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Division of Developmental Disabilities - Office of Transition to Adult Life & Employment

DDD
 Quarterly Welcome Sessions

1st Thursday: Welcome Sessions, Noon-1:00 pm

4th Thursday: Evening Welcome Sessions with Topic Breakouts, 6:00-7:30 pm

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Transition Thursdays Webinar Series

We are excited to invite you to our DDD Transition Thursday’s Webinar Series. These webinars are designed to provide you with essential information and guidance as you or your loved one transition from the school system to adult services through the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

Topic: Transition to Adult Services & Intake Process

Date: 2nd Thursday of each month           Time: 6:00-7:00 pm

You will learn:

  • Transition Preparation: Steps to take as you or your loved one approaches the transition from the school system to accessing services through DDD.
  • Eligibility Criteria: An overview of the requirements to be determined eligible for DDD services.
  • Intake Process: Guidance on completing the application, submitting required documentation, and completing the NJCAT assessment.
  • Interactive Q&A:  Opportunity for questions to be answered.

Please register at the links below:

December 12, 2024 - Link Will Be Posted Soon

January 9, 2025 - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/6075db6d-401c-4953-b5b7-f0532e6f444b@5711ee8f-5e83-4145-be03-c551134f4160

February 13, 2025 - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/37ee1c54-b4de-4374-8b37-335c9b4ff885@5711ee8f-5e83-4145-be03-c551134f4160 

March 13, 2025 - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/2ef19429-35a3-4c8a-a3b4-dbc9d509fcbc@5711ee8f-5e83-4145-be03-c551134f4160

April 10, 2025 - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/d3fed761-5ad4-437a-a7b1-66eb6fa2b884@5711ee8f-5e83-4145-be03-c551134f4160

May 8, 2025 - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/856d023e-63b3-4954-ac0c-9b8c1ee3d410@5711ee8f-5e83-4145-be03-c551134f4160

June 12, 2025 - https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/f21c5e7e-fe5f-4a9a-877f-4a35047dca8a@5711ee8f-5e83-4145-be03-c551134f4160

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NJ Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD):

  • provides a platform for individuals, family members, advocates, and public/private agencies to develop a coordinated social policy for advancing the rights and opportunities of NJ residents with developmental disabilities. 
  • offers Family Support Councils, Youth Leadership programs, and Partners in Policymaking program,  website for more information:  https://njcdd.org/

Boggs Center on Developmental Disabilities: