Thank you for your help

Ria Smith the Hardyston Township Township Special Education Parent Advisory Group President and I would like to thank the SEPAG Advisory Board Members, the Hardyston Township School staff and administration, the Hardyston Township Board of Education, the Hardyston Township Child Study Team, the school PTA Board Members and all of the families in the community for all of their support this school year. With the support and hard work for all involved there have been many accomplishments this year. Gina Gibson of the Child Study Team should be recognized specifically for working so closely in collaboration for the successes this year as well, she represents a wonderful Child Study Team.

We took on the responsibility this year as an obligation to the community and most important the children who are are our youngest members of the community. Special Education Parent Advisory groups are required for all school districts in the state of New Jersey but the task is not simple.

With full support from non-profit organizations like statewide Parents Advocacy Network (SPAN), Child and Family Resources of Morris County where I am employed, we are able to provide unlimited information to the community.

We are both working closely with the County Councils for Young Children as well so as to inform at State levels the needs of the communities. We also recently attended a statewide conference for parent leaders who are "ALL IN" about meaningful Parent Leadership across New Jersey’s early childhood, education, health, mental health, family support, human services and child welfare systems.

On June 12, Mamma Cee's of Franklin owner Bill Elig generously agreed to fundraise for the SEPAG and donate 10 percent of their earnings so that the SEPAG can apply for a non-profit status. The group is ecstatic because this will assist with all the costs that have been out of pocket to date and hopefully get their website going. Thank you Mamma Cee's and staff.

Charlene O'Brien
Vice President
Hardyston Township Special Education Parent Advisory Group