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February 26, 2025 | Issue 169 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

Public Schools Week 2025 logo

Celebrating Public Schools Week!


We're celebrating Public Schools Week (PSW25) February 24-28, a time to honor the incredible work of our public schools and the educators, staff, parents, and school board members dedicated to supporting students.


This year’s theme, Community Engagement, highlights how schools and their communities work together to advance student achievement and success.


To learn more about Public Schools Week and find how you can join the celebration and showcase the impact of your school and educators, click here.


To learn how SPAN is building family and community engagement with NJ public schools, learn about our NJ Family Engagement Hub project here.

Picture of Parent Leadership nominees, Kelly Mortimer, Beth Cosentino, Ingrid Perry and Danna Dennis

Pictured left to right are nominees Kelly Mortimer (South Orange/Maplewood SEPAC), SPAN's own Beth Cosentino, and Ingrid Perry and Danny Dennis (East Orange SEPAC).

Celebrating Parent Leadership Month: Honoring Outstanding Parent Leaders


February marks Parent Leadership Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible contributions of parent leaders who tirelessly advocate for their communities. This year, we were honored to nominate exceptional parent leaders to be recognized at the Parent Leadership Breakfast hosted by Parents Inc. The event theme, "Voices in Times of Transition," highlighted the resilience and adaptability of parent leaders during these challenging times.


We are proud to share that SPAN Parent Advocacy Network was a sponsor for this event and played a significant role in submitting nominations. Our organization is dedicated to supporting and empowering parent leaders, and we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize their hard work and impact.


As we navigate through times of transition, let us remember the power of strong, engaged parents and the difference they make in our families and communities. Together, we can continue supporting and uplifting parent leaders, ensuring a brighter future for all.

Black History Month graphic image

Black History Month 2025:

The NMAAHC Explores the World of Work of African American Women


As we recognize Black History Month all February and the 2025 theme, "African Americans and Labor," the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) is placing special focus on the world of work that African American women have faced over the past four centuries and how it has changed.


To learn more, click here.

Resources

Nj Dept. of Education logo

N.J. Dept. of Education Releases Transportation Considerations for Students with Disabilities Resource Guide


The Office of Special Education at the N.J. Department of Education is pleased to announce the release of a new resource guide titled Transportation Considerations for Students with Disabilities. This guide is designed to assist families and school district staff with navigating discussions about transportation as a related service within a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). The guide provides practical information, discussion prompts, and best practices to support collaborative planning and ensure transportation arrangements meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. We encourage you to review this valuable resource and use it as a tool to facilitate productive conversations and informed decision-making.


To read and download the guide, click the link above or here.​

Upcoming Events


SPAN offers a variety of learning opportunities for families and the professionals who work with them.


Highlighted Event This Week

Youth Advocacy Summit Flyer image

Empower Tomorrow: Youth Advocacy Summit

Coming April 26!


Saturday, April 26, 2025

Mercer County College

Conference Center

8:30 AM - 3:30 PM

In-person



This FREE conference is for youth and their parents/caregivers and brings together young changemakers, community leaders, and advocates to drive social change. This inspiring event equips youth with the knowledge, skills, and resources to amplify their voices and take

meaningful action on issues that matter most. Join us in person as we build a future to empower young leaders and make a difference in their transition to adulthood.


We'll cover Transition Planning and Healthcare Access with both Transition and Healthcare Tracks.


To learn more and register, click here.

See all of SPAN's upcoming events with details and registration links here 

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haga clic aquí para suscribirse
SPAN Youth Hub graphic image

Minimalism: A Simpler Lifestyle


Read our latest youth blog post, “Minimalism: A Simpler Lifestyle,” to learn about minimalism and how you can live more, with less.


To access the post, click here.

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