West Orange Families Invited to Special Education Advisory Council Webinar

Upcoming STEM sessions, art classes, concerts, and more community events in the West Orange area

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:52pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene composed of warm, blurred colors and shapes representing various lifestyle elements like people, objects, and settings associated with community events, educational activities, and family celebrations in West Orange.The vibrant weekend celebration of community events and family activities in West Orange will bring a sense of connection, learning, and joy to local residents.West Orange Today

The West Orange Special Education Parents Advisory Council is hosting a webinar on April 23 where families can meet the director of special services, Derek Ressa. Additionally, the community calendar is full of upcoming events like STEM workshops, an art class, concerts, and an autism acceptance festival.

Why it matters

These events provide valuable educational, cultural, and community-building opportunities for West Orange residents, especially families with children in the special education system who can directly engage with local leaders and resources.

The details

The Special Education Parents Advisory Council webinar will allow families to ask questions and learn more about special education services in West Orange. Other upcoming events include hands-on STEM sessions at Columbia High School, a dot painting class at Lackawanna Station, the Montclair Flea market, a comedy show at the Newark Museum of Art, an Autism Acceptance Festival with La Casa de Don Pedro, and a Mega Mezcla concert with Latinos of Montclair.

  • The Special Education Parents Advisory Council webinar is on April 23 at 6:30 p.m.
  • The STEM sessions at Columbia High School are on February 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • The dot painting class at Lackawanna Station is on April 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • The Montclair Flea is open on April 25-26 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The comedy show at the Newark Museum of Art is on April 24 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The players

Derek Ressa

The director of special services for the West Orange Special Education Parents Advisory Council.

La Casa de Don Pedro

A community organization hosting the Autism Acceptance Festival in Newark.

Latinos of Montclair

A group organizing the Mega Mezcla concert in Newark.

Essex County Environmental Center

The organizer of the Earth Day celebration in Roseland.

Union County Prosecutor's Office

The office investigating a mass shooting that took place in Union.

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What’s next

The judge in the Union County mass shooting case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

These community events in West Orange and the surrounding area demonstrate the vibrant civic life and commitment to inclusion, education, and the arts that residents can engage with, even as the region grapples with the aftermath of a tragic act of gun violence.