SPAN The Bridge Newsletter pictorial graphic.  Your weekly access to SPAN news, resources and events.

December 4, 2024 | Issue 159 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

Mildred Crump photo

Remembering

the Honorable

Mildred C. Crump


SPAN joins the Newark community, the state of New Jersey, and the entire nation in mourning the passing of a trailblazer, Mildred Crump.


  • She was the first Black woman elected to the Newark City Council, serving for nearly twenty years.  
  • She was the first woman to serve as the City Council President.
  • She was the first Black Braille teacher in both Detroit and New Jersey.


She was an inspiration. She was an advocate for education. She was a champion of the arts.  She was a staunch supporter of literacy and the Newark Library. She was a public servant dedicated to supporting women and her community.


Ms. Crump was a friend of SPAN and a supporter of our work during her tenure as a councilwoman. Throughout her career, she was a "consummate and consistent advocate for women, children, senior citizens, the disabled, working families and those in need."


To read more about her life of advocacy and activism, click here.

FAFSA logo

U.S. DOE Officially Releases 2025-2026 FAFSA Form


On November 21, The U.S. Department of Education (Department) officially released the 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), 10 days before its Dec. 1 goal. The online FAFSA form is available to all students and families at fafsa.gov, and the Department is processing submissions and sending them to schools. The paper form is also now available for students to submit.


Release of the updated form followed four rounds of rigorous beta testing. The Department also incorporated feedback from students, parents, schools, community-based organizations and other partners into the FAFSA process.


To read more about the release, click here.

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U.S. DOE Releases Guidance to Better Support Students' Behavioral Needs


On November 20, The U.S. Department of Education released guidance to help schools and early childhood programs better support students’ behavioral needs.


The “Using Functional Behavioral Assessments to Create Supportive Learning Environments” guidance focuses on evidence-based practices to support students, with or without disabilities, whose behavior interferes with learning.


“Historically, there’s been an overreliance on exclusionary discipline practices, and this remains a top concern for educators, families, and the Department,” said Glenna Wright-Gallo, assistant secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS). This Functional Behavioral Assessment (FBA) guidance is rooted in evidence-based practices to support all students, regardless of disability status. It is one step toward getting needed, practical tools into the hands of every educator so they can more effectively meet the needs of all students.”


To read more about this release, and how it strives to address the urgent public health problem of school discipline, click here.

Resources

NAMI logo

Trauma Awareness Training for Educators and Youth-Serving Professionals


NAMI TraumaInSight training is designed to help youth-serving professionals in all communities better understand the effects trauma has on youth. In this training, learners can expect to receive lessons on:


  • How to identify youth who are experiencing trauma
  • What actions to take to support youth living with trauma
  • Language to use (and avoid) when talking with youth about trauma
  • How trauma impacts behavior
  • Resilience’s role in healing trauma
  • Exploration of individual, community, and institutional sources of trauma
  • And more!


This virtual course is designed for youth-serving professionals, can be completed in three hours, and is completely free. To learn more about TraumaInSight training and how to start one, click here.

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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Surviving the Holiday Season: Strengthening Family Engagement


Tuesday, December 10, 2024 

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM ET

via Zoom


The holidays bring a mix of emotions and challenges. Parents juggle work, holiday preparations, and keeping kids entertained - while educators focus on building family relationships, and students look forward to traditions.


Community partners are eager to support family engagement. Join us for an informative session with practical planning advice, shopping tips, fun activities, and strategies for family safety and well-being this holiday season. Let's create a memorable and enjoyable time for your family and the community.


This is a NJ Family Engagement Hub event.


To 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

History's Leaders with Disabilities


Check out our latest youth blog post, History’s Leaders with Disabilities. Explore how some of history's most inspiring figures turned challenges into greatness, leaving a legacy of resilience and achievement.


To access the post, click here.

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