March 19, 2025 | Issue 172 (View newsletter as webpage) Para leer este boletín en Español, haga clic aquí

Important News

Women's History Month Professional Learning Resources

The American Association of School Librarians website provides a wealth of professional learning resource links for Women's History Month as we celebrate the 2025 theme, “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” including:

15 Ways to Celebrate Women’s History Month: This article from Live Your Dream overviews 15 ways everyone can celebrate Women’s History Month from expanding our own knowledge, hosting local events, supporting women-owned businesses, to showing support on social media.

Women’s History Month for the Classroom: Teach about the challenges and accomplishments of women throughout history with these lessons, activities, background reading, and more from the NEA.

There are many more resources included, which you can access by clicking here.

Cuts to the U.S. Dept. of Education Will Impact Thousands of N.J. Families

As of last Wednesday, more than 1,300 federal workers at the U.S. Department of Education are out of a job. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon announced the evening of 3/11 that 50% of the workforce is being slashed as part of an effort to deliver services more efficiently. It’s also part of a government-wide move by President Donald Trump and White House advisor Elon Musk to slash spending and reduce what they see as waste.

In an article by NJ Spotlight News, executive director of the Education Law Center, Robert Kim speaks about the ramifications of the major cut and what it means for New Jersey schools and beyond.

To access the article and an interview with Mr. Kim, click here.

SPAN 2025 Parent Leadership Conference graphic image

SAVE THE DATE

The 2025 SPAN Conference

The theme for our biennial conference this year is Parent Leadership in Action: Creating Stronger Communities.

The SPAN Conference is a statewide conference focused on meaningful Parent Leadership across New Jersey's family serving systems.

When: Saturday, September 27, 2025

Where: Princeton Marriot at Forrestal

100 College Road East

Princeton, NJ 08540

Please mark your calendars and look for more details on our website soon, including sponsorship opportunities.

Resources

ELC and Partners Send Letter to All NJ School Districts Detailing Legal Rights of Immigrant Students

Education Law Center (ELC), The ACLU of New Jersey, and New Jersey Consortium for Immigrant Children sent a letter to all New Jersey school districts detailing the legal rights of immigrant students and providing guidance to help schools ensure they meet their responsibilities under the law and that all students feel welcome.

The letter reminds school administrators that federal laws, including Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, prohibit discrimination in public education, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Additionally, New Jersey’s Constitution, Administrative Code, and Law Against Discrimination all provide various protections that collectively safeguard access to education regardless of immigration status and prohibit discrimination in places of public accommodation, which includes schools, based on actual or perceived national origin, nationality, or ancestry.

To read and download the letter, click here.

Upcoming Events

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

Highlighted Event This Week

Serving on Groups and Leading by Convening Summit

March 25, 2025

9:00AM - 2:00PM

New Jersey Principals & Supervisors Association FEA Conference Center

12 Centre Drive

Monroe Township, NJ 08831

In-person

Breakfast and lunch will be provided

Serving on Groups Train the Trainer:

Do you want to be more involved in a decision-making group but are not sure where to begin? Join this full-day train the trainer session to learn how to present on interactive comprehensive training series on Serving on Groups that Make Decisions.

Leading by Convening is about shaping traditional meetings in a new way, focusing on content and building relationships.

To learn more about both workshops and register, click here.

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

Para recibir la edición en Español de este boletín semanalmente en su correo electrónico

haga clic aquí para suscribirse

Food Deserts Explained: Barriers to Healthy Eating

Read our latest youth blog post, "Food Deserts Explained: Barriers to Healthy Eating" to learn about the lack of food access in underserved areas.

To access the post, click here.

Subscribe to The Bridge by CLICKING HERE

Share your SPAN testimonial story! CLICK HERE

Join the SPAN Team - View Open Positions here

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network | spanadvocacy.org

DONATE