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Watchung Hills Regional High School

Off-Canvas

Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)

If you have any questions or concerns please contact:

                                                        Amita Sawicki
Parent Liaison                                (Ext. 2819)
                                                        asawicki@whrhs.org 

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 children with special needs 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’s goal is to support parents whose children receive special education services, and to advise the district on matters related to special education. SEPAG does this by hosting meetings for parents, sharing information and other relevant issues. SEPAG will meet quarterly while school is in session to discuss these issues. Meetings can consist of presentations from knowledgeable speakers on a variety of topics, or simply be an informal gathering to share ideas, network, and support each other.

SEPAG’s purpose:

  • To provide direct input on the policies, programs and practices that impact services and supports for students with disabilities. 
  • To increase the involvement of families of children with special needs.
  • To advise on issues that affect the education, health and safety of students with special needs.

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: Complete the form and click on the button below "Get Link:

Step 3: Copy the link and paste into a new web browser and click enter. 

Step 4: Check that your answers are marked in each item and then click "Submit"

 

Click the link below to access the "Transition to the High School SEPAG Meeting Slide Presentation"

/uploaded/Special_Services/Transition_SEPAG_Mtg._May_2022.pdf

What to Look Forward to this Month

MAY 2022

SSI and Medicaid

Date: May 3, 2022         Time: 6:00-7:00 pm

There are many different ways to initiate the Medicaid eligibility process and so it is important to make sure you have all of the necessary information. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand how to access health care services for their loved one with I/DD from the current health care system.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/03/ssi-and-medicaid/365678

*Zoom Link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

“How Series: Accessing Services and Natural Supports”

Date: May 4, 2022         Time: 7:00-8:30 pm

Accessing Services And 'Natural Supports'

Everyone has a right to be involved in their community. There are many supports for people with disabilities to help them do just that. This workshop will discuss supports for accessing the community and will provide hands—on tools for helping students to obtain natural supports in the community. It will also include a discussion on how to navigate some of the challenges associated with accessing services.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/04/-how-series-accessing-services-and-natural-supports-/374626

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

State Services for Students with I/DD

Date: May 5, 2022          Time: 6:00-7:00 pm

New Jersey programs provide many supports and services including family support, crisis intervention, after school programs, summer camp and intensive in-home and out-of-home supports, just to name a few. This presentation will provide and overview of what these programs offer, eligibility for services, and how young adults transition form children’s services to adult services when they turn 21.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/04/06/state-services-for-students-with-i-dd/365677

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

WHRHS Presents: Transition to the High School SEPAG Meeting

Date: May 5, 2022          Time:6:30 pm

5.5.22

________________________________________________________________________________________

“How Series: Planning for Transition: Why It Is Vital For Your Student’s Future”

Date: May 10, 2022          Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Planning For Transition: Why It Is Vital For Your Student’s Future

The transition planning process includes evaluating the student’s skills, abilities, strengths, challenges, and preferences to envision their life after leaving school. Planning involves setting goals for the student to strive toward and identifying the need for supports. Carrying out the transition plan can begin and should be a part of the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Students and families must be actively involved in the transition planning process as early as possible and keep it moving forward. This presentation discusses the importance of planning, the steps necessary to plan, and provides hands–on tools to put a plan in place.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/10/how-series-planning-for-transition-why-it-is-vital-for-your-student-s-future/374628

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

How Series: Guardianship and Supported Decision Making: Just the Basics

Date: May 11, 2022          Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Guardianship And Supported Decision Making: Just The Basics

Guardianship can be valuable tool to protect individuals who don’t or no longer possess the ability to make appropriate personal or financial decisions for themselves. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand the guardianship process, levels of guardianship and alternatives to guardianship.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/11/-how-series-guardianship-and-supported-decision-making-just-the-basics/366075

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

“How Series: Planning for Transition: Why It Is Vital For Your Student’s Future”

Date: May 12, 2022          Time: 6:30-8:00 pm

Planning For Transition: Why It Is Vital For Your Student’s Future

The transition planning process includes evaluating the student’s skills, abilities, strengths, challenges, and preferences to envision their life after leaving school. Planning involves setting goals for the student to strive toward and identifying the need for supports. Carrying out the transition plan can begin and should be a part of the student’s Individualized Educational Plan (IEP). Students and families must be actively involved in the transition planning process as early as possible and keep it moving forward. This presentation discusses the importance of planning, the steps necessary to plan, and provides hands–on tools to put a plan in place.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/12/how-series-planning-for-transition-why-it-is-vital-for-your-student-s-future/380107

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

Preparting To Get the Most Out Of Your High School Experience

Date: May 17, 2022          Time: 6:30-8:30 pm

Getting the Most Out of Your High School Experience (HOW Series)

As a parent, you want to help your child make choices that are best for his or her needs. This workshop will explain the role your district will play in the transition process and how you can prepare your child for adult life.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/17/preparing-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-high-school-experience/353636

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

How Series: Guardianship and Supported Decision Making: Just the Basics

Date: May 18, 2022          Time: 10:00-11:30 am

Guardianship And Supported Decision Making: Just The Basics

Guardianship can be valuable tool to protect individuals who don’t or no longer possess the ability to make appropriate personal or financial decisions for themselves. This workshop will help parents and caregivers understand the guardianship process, levels of guardianship and alternatives to guardianship.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/18/-how-series-guardianship-and-supported-decision-making-just-the-basics/361645

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

“How Series: Accessing Services and Natural Supports”

Date: May 24, 2022         Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Accessing Services And 'Natural Supports'

Everyone has a right to be involved in their community. There are many supports for people with disabilities to help them do just that. This workshop will discuss supports for accessing the community and will provide hands—on tools for helping students to obtain natural supports in the community. It will also include a discussion on how to navigate some of the challenges associated with accessing services.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/24/-how-series-accessing-services-and-natural-supports-/365683

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

“How Series: College Options for Students with I/DD”

Date: May 26, 2022         Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

College Options For Students With I/DD

This workshop will provide information about the different opportunities that college may offer your student with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will suggest steps to add to your student’s IEP that can help orient him or her to the differences between high school and college, and accessing supports offered to students with I/DD.

Click on the following link to register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/event/2022/05/26/-how-series-college-options-for-students-with-i-dd/365684

*Zoom link will be emailed

________________________________________________________________________________________

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/