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

 

What to Look Forward to this Month

September

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WHRHS Events

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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.

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PFAL WEBINAR WEDNESDAY SERIES: Navigating What the Limited Circumstances Where a Person Ages 18-21 May Receive DDD Services

Are you a student with a disability, a parent, or an educator preparing for the transition from IDEA services to adult support systems? Join us for an informative webinar where we will delve into the critical aspects of transitioning from public education to services offered by the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).

Key Topics:

- Transition to DDD Services: Discover the differences between IDEA services and those provided by the New Jersey Division of Developmental
Disabilities, including eligibility criteria and service options for young adults transitioning from high school.
- Limited Circumstances Enrollment: Explore how eligible individuals aged 18-21 may access Division services for higher education or competitive
integrated employment before turning 21.
- Options Counseling: Find out how to connect with a DDD Representative for personalized support and planning, ensuring a smooth transition.

This webinar is essential for anyone involved in the transition process and will provide valuable insights to help navigate the shift from IDEA to adult services. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your questions answered and plan for a successful future!

We look forward to your participation and helping you understand the next steps in your journey!

Date: Wednesday, September 18, 2024          Time: 6:00-7:30 pm

Click Here to Register: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/calendar.html/event/2024/09/18/-pfal-webinar-wednesday-series-navigating-the-limited-circumstances-where-a-person-ages-18-21-may-receive-ddd-services/452043

 

Self Direction and Self- Advocacy Presentation

Date: Friday, September 20, 2024          Time: 3:30-6:00 pm

Location: ZINEniac, 223 DeGraw Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666

Contact Jeannette Mull via email at JMull@caunj.org for more information

Click Here for More Details: https://planningforadultlife.org/calendar/calendar.html/event/2024/09/20/self-direction-and-self-advocacy-presentation/491237

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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/