Board Members:

President - Gloria Penaflor

Vice President - Ines Sanchez

Board Secretary - Rebecca Cooley

Parent Liaison - Dan Cooley
Want to volunteer with us?

Reach out at HEWSEPAG@Gmail.com

🫂WELCOME IEP/504 FAMILIES!

SUBSCRIBE HERE 📨
Why do we want your email?
HEWSEPAG is an independent, parent‑led committee that partners with—but isn’t run by—the district. We are responsible for our own outreach and manage all our communications - We send emails that connect families to helpful resources, need-to-know information, and special presentations and community events.

⬇️Discover who we are and what we do by scrolling down

📢Check out our next meeting or big event posted below

🔍 Use our drop‑down menus to explore helpful information
and learn how to support your child with an IEP or 504 Plan.
🎦Watch Past Presentations on our YouTube Channel

What is a Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG)?

All 600 school districts in NJ have what’s called a SEPAG. This stands for Special Education Parent Advisory Group. We are a state mandated, parent driven group in charge of providing input to the local school system.

Simply put, we’re a group created for parents, by parents. We keep families involved in the important conversations we have with our district leaders and make sure your feedback is not only heard, but truly influences how our schools shape the policies and practices that affect our kids every day.

There’s a wealth of information, resources, and support systems available for Special Education families, YET many of them are underutilized or not clearly communicated early on, leading to important need‑to‑know information being overlooked as time goes on. The most important piece of information that is passed down from the school district is your basic rights, P.R.I.S.E [Parent's Rights in Special Education].

Our SEPAG focuses on encouraging and empowering families to understand their rights and responsibilities in Special Education, so conversations with the school — and figuring out the right supports and services for your child — become a smoother and more transparent process. Beyond our state‑mandated role, we’re also Special Education parents ourselves, here to support other families through the everyday challenges and milestones they experience both in the classroom and in the real world.

*New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C.):6A:14-1.2(h) states:

Each district 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.

Our Purpose

Bring families and the district together for open, honest conversations about what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to special education supports.
Share meaningful parent feedback to help improve how policies and practices are shaped for our kids.
Help build a more inclusive school community where every child can thrive and access the supports they’re legally entitled to.

How We Support Families

Help parents find important information and understand their rights.
Make it easier to feel prepared for what comes next in your child’s education journey.
Offer a space to talk about challenges—big or small—without feeling alone.

Why We’re Here

Not just to solve problems, but to create a support system for families navigating special education.
To share resources, have real conversations, and support each other both in and out of the classroom.

How can I be involved?

Stay Connected

Subscribe to our email list and follow our social media pages.
Attend workshops and meetings to stay informed and involved.
Share your questions, concerns, and ideas — your voice helps guide our work.

Interested in Joining the Committee?

Parent/Guardian or Family members must have a child or family member in the district receiving special education services.
We’re a parent‑led, volunteer‑run group — and extra hands are always welcome.
Help us plan events, reach more families, and strengthen parent participation across the district.

Want to Learn More?

Reach out anytime:

Hewsepag@gmail.com

Last BUT not least…

It’s really about showing up—family participation is always the focus. We’re not just here for when things go wrong or to focus only on what’s not working —we want families to stay informed, involved, and share all experiences. When we work together, we can better support each other and make a meaningful difference in our school district!

2026TransitionFair.pdf

MAYHPFO.pdf

PrincipalChat (1).pdf

***Please note that children and students are always welcome to attend our meetings. We especially encourage students aged 14 and older to participate, as this provides an excellent opportunity for them to develop familiarity with self-advocacy. ***

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