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Judge finds New Jersey has the responsibility to address school segregation
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In the five-year legal battle to desegregate New Jersey public schools, on October 6, 2023, a Superior Court judge denied the state’s defense that it should not be held responsible for the “unlawful, persistent, and pervasive” segregation in its educational system.
While acknowledging that state public schools are segregated by race, and that the state has the constitutional power to take action, Judge Robert Lougy’s decision also found that the activists who made the allegations failed to prove the “entire” school system is segregated “across all districts.”
The 99-page decision was complex and nuanced — a reflection of the historic lawsuit itself.
For full coverage of the decision, and potential next steps with the case, click here.
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Protect yourself and others from COVID-19, Flu, and RSV | |
As we transition into fall and winter, it is common to get sick from respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). However, there are actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Vaccination remains the best protection against the severe effects of these respiratory viruses.
- The updated COVID-19 vaccine is now recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
- Everyone 6 months and older should receive an influenza vaccine.
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People 65 and older should get a higher dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine, including: Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent, Flublok Quadrivalent, or Fluad Quadrivalent vaccine.
- New RSV immunizations are recommended for people over 60, pregnant people, and young children.
Learn how you and others can stay safe by visiting CDC’s website on COVID-19, Flu, and RSV. For information on COVID-19 vaccines for adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs, visit CDC’s Bridge Access Program.
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Introduction to the National Center on Improving Literacy
October 19, 2023
12:00 PM ET or 7:00 PM ET
Via Zoom
The National Center on Improving Literacy is a federally funded center that is committed to improving literacy outcomes for all learners, including students with or at risk for reading disabilities like dyslexia.
This webinar will provide attendees with an overview of the center and its mission. It will also review available free resources, services, and opportunities to work directly with the center.
To register for the 12:00 webinar, click here.
To register for the 7:00 webinar, click here.
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From EP Magazine:
Supporting Families to Focus on Student Self-Determination
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SPAN's own Lauren Agoratus, M.A. has authored an article in the current edition of EP Magazine pointing out how family engagement and student empowerment need to be linked.
She indicates how Parent Centers, Family to Family Health Information Centers, and other family-run organizations, can help families understand the “dignity of risk” – having their child make their own choices. Families can start early, start small, build on choices, and add or take away supports as needed. Parent Centers, F2Fs, etc. can help families learn the benefits of self-determination, both for their child and the family as a whole. Charting the Lifecourse also has tools for individuals and families that help plan for achieving a “good life.”
To read Lauren's article, click here.
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Upcoming Events
SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.
Highlighted Event This Week
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Bonus Session for Transition Trilogy Series
Tuesday, October 24
6:30 - 7:30PM EDT
Online
SPAN is partnering with childcare and after school program partners to share information and answer your questions about high quality and inclusive programs to fit your needs.
This session is for you if:
- You’re looking for childcare before or after school
- You’re looking for a preschool or childcare setting for your infant, toddler or preschool child
- You have questions about the early childhood program your child is currently attending
Join us to speak with experts from Child and Family Resources, one of New Jersey’s Child Care Resource and Referral agencies, and NJSACC, New Jersey's Afterschool & Out-of-School Time Professional Network.
To attend, register here.
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