SSD Ritenour Dispatch
February 2024
RITENOUR WELCOMES CLASS OF 2037 WITH KINDERGARTEN KICKOFF FEB. 22
The Ritenour School District is excited to welcome the class of 2037 with Kindergarten Kickoff.
Families with children entering kindergarten this upcoming fall in the Ritenour School District will not want to miss Ritenour’s important Kindergarten Kickoff on Thursday, Feb. 22. The event will be held from 5 - 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium lobby at Ritenour High School, 9100 St. Charles Rock Road.
Kindergarten teachers and school administrators will be on hand from each of Ritenour’s six elementary schools to answer questions and discuss expectations. In addition, information will be available about registering for school, transportation, special education, kindergarten readiness activities, and before- and after-school care, food service, immunizations and much more.
Incoming kindergarten students are encouraged to attend with their families. Families who attend will have the opportunity to win attendance prizes and receive free kindergarten readiness materials for their child. Students must be 5 years old on or before July 31, 2024 to enter kindergarten in the fall.
For more information about the Kindergarten Kickoff event, please call (314) 493-6006.
Save the Dates: STL County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases
SSD will be partnering with Affton, Pattonville, and Rockwood school districts again this year to host the St. Louis County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases. Last year’s events were very successful and helped middle and high-school students throughout the St. Louis region learn about the many careers available to them that require specialized training. Visit the Showcase webpage for more information! The District will host three Saturday events, each held from 10 AM – 1 PM:
● Feb. 24 – Eureka High School
● March 2 – North Tech High School
● March 9 – South Tech High School
2024 SSD Board of Education Election
Three candidates have filed for two open positions on the Special School District Board of Education in the spring election. The open positions are for three-year terms and represent the following subdistricts:
● Subdistrict 5 – Brentwood, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Valley Park, and Webster Groves school districts
● Subdistrict 6 – Ladue, Normandy, Ritenour, and University City school districts
In March, the Board candidates will be interviewed by the SSD Governing Council, which selects new members of the Board of Education. The Governing Council is comprised of one Board of Education member from each of the 22 school districts in St. Louis County. Learn more about SSD's current Board of Education members, policies, and meetings on the District website.
FACE is set to host Family Academy on Saturday, February 24th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Neuwoehner High School, 12112 Clayton Rd, St. Louis MO 63131. Families can connect with various community providers and vendors and partake in self-directed learning opportunities. Round up the kids and head to Family Academy for a morning of fun and empowerment. You don't want to miss this academy if you’re looking for Summer Recreation opportunities. The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis and many of our local camp vendors will be onsite to discuss funding and recreation options. Visit the FACE webpage for more details and to secure your spot!
The Special Education Foundation is offering 10 sponsorships (valued at $500) for Junior year students to attend the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State and American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Boys State. The programs will be held the week of June 22 – June 29, 2024 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. The program includes a college campus experience of staying in the dorms overnight at the university for a week as a citizen of a mythical state that all the citizens will govern at the city, county and state level. Students must send a sponsorship solicitation email/letter and letter of reference from the student’s SSD teacher to Tim Eby, SEF Executive Director at tim@sef-stl.org by March 1, 2024. Read here for more information, or contact Jackie Ruhm Dunn jackiedunnstl@gmail.com or 314.640.1154 for questions.
The Special Education Foundation is accepting applications for next year's Fred Saigh Leadership Academy class. Started in 2004, this program provides high school students with unique community-focused opportunities to broaden their horizons.
Each year, up to 20 students displaying leadership potential are chosen to participate in a training program that introduces and develops their leadership skills, engaging them in community issues. Students dedicate one day per month to visit key sites and meet leaders in the metropolitan area, exposing them to vital institutions that address community needs. Applications are accepted now through February 20, 2024. Learn more about the program and how to apply
Follow SSD on Instagram!
SSD launched a new Instagram account in October and would love for you to follow. The District will be sharing photos and updates from all across the District, including our students and staff in partner districts. Follow us to stay connected and see what we are up to: www.instagram.com/ssdstlco/
Upcoming Workshops
Kid to Camp Program
American Sign Language (ASL) Series
A few spots remain for families to sign up for American Sign Language (ASL) classes. This six-week class will be held weekly beginning February 8 at 6:00 PM at SSD’s Central Office. Families will be in an immersive environment for learning American Sign Language (ASL)! Learn to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) individuals with an introduction to fingerspelling and basic signs to use in the home, school, and community. Topics include family, school, food, and community signs. Deaf cultural norms will be discussed, which include introductions and daily interaction between the deaf and the hearing. Space is limited. Register here.
Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Hulme Resources' Alternatives to Guardianship Project
The Alternatives to Guardianship Project helps people with developmental disabilities avoid or terminate unnecessary guardianships by using safe and legal alternatives. It encourages and assists parents, educators, judges, lawyers, physicians, and other professionals to implement such alternatives whenever feasible. It promotes the adoption of public policies and systemic changes to protect the rights of people with developmental disabilities, ensuring equal rights and access to justice. These activities are accomplished through research, education, counseling, and advocacy.
Virtual Open House
Are you new to Special School District, or do you just want to learn more about our amazing organization? Join FACE for a Virtual Open House on February 1st at 9:30am. Families can receive an introduction to the services and resources available through SSD. Join the zoom meeting here.
Family Cafe
Are you craving more meaningful connections with members of the SSD community? Do you like learning from others in a safe, inclusive environment? If so, join us on February 8th from 6-8 PM at North Tech for the first Family Cafe of the Spring Semester. Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers with a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on strengthening families' protective factors: Resilience, relationships, knowledge, support, and communication. Click here for more information and to register.
Webinar
FACE will be hosting Part 2 of our 2 part webinar, Behavior Strategies in the Home and Community on February 7th at 6 PM. Join us as we expand on previous lessons which discussed crisis procedures in the home and reinforcing alternative behaviors, a review of acceptance and commitment therapy strategies, and a focus on present moment and diffusion techniques. Register here today! You can access part 1 on the SSD YouTube channel.
Exciting news! The FACE second-semester calendar of events is now available. Packed with enriching activities, it aims to strengthen family/school partnerships. You can access the calendar here. Mark your calendars and join us—your participation is key to fostering a positive and engaging school community.
Want to learn more about opportunities for families in our district? Sign up on our website for the new FACE-to-face newsletter from SSD’s Family and Community Engagement Division. Scroll to the bottom of the page, look to the right-hand corner, and share your name and email address to stay up to date on our events.
Letter from the PAC President
Greetings PAC Family!
It can be overwhelming figuring out school, insurance, future planning, not to mention what to make for dinner, all while parenting our beautiful kids who require extra attention. We're here to help you navigate the confusing waters of the disability world with our PAC meeting presentations. We want to help you now so your child’s future is bright.
Check out our upcoming meeting topics below. Note: Our PAC meetings are always held on the second Wednesday of the month, 7-9 PM, August through May (except March):
- Feb. 14, 2024: Our zoom topic will be guardianship alternatives. This is a VIP topic to educate yourself about before it's thrown at you in high school.
- May 8, 2024: Mark your calendars for our in-person celebration at SSD Central office! We are working to make it a one-stop shopping experience that will hook you up with integral resources for your child all in one place.
Come join your PAC family and get that help you haven’t had time to ask for.
Peaceful holidays to all,
Rebecca Flieg
President, SSD Parents Advisory Council
SSD Parent Advisory Council Meeting
The SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised of families advising and collaborating to improve the education, confidence and social outcomes of each student served by SSD.
February's Meeting - Feb. 14, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meeting ID: 955 4237 2430
Passcode: 795650
All meetings are held virtually via Zoom.
For more information or to join the meeting virtually, please visit the PAC website.
PAC general council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.
The Family Resource Hub
For more information visit the The Family Resource Hub.
The Family Resource Hub Satellite Food Pantry is located at North Tech High School which supports families with access to non-perishable food items and household supplies.
Family Resource Hub Food Pantry is stocked with food and supplies and open for families who are in need. Contact FACE or your school social worker to find out more.
The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will also be available at the SSD Family Resource Hub (located inside North Tech High School) on Friday, February 2nd, from 10am-2pm to provide information and access to many of their programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Water Assistance Program (LIWAP).
Online SSD Resources to Help You All Year
Visit SSDMO.org for links to resources that will direct you to information that will be helpful throughout the year - bookmark the webpage to make it easy to find. The links below apply to all SSD students districtwide.
Partner District Communication Sequence
Public Notices
Each year, the Special School District posts annual public notices as required by Board of Education policy and state law. These notices primarily serve to inform parents and students of their rights. Full SSD Board of Education policies and regulations can be found on the District website. All of SSD's public notices can be found on the District website at www.ssdmo.org/publicnotices.
Procedural Safeguards Notice
Did you know that the SSD has copies of the Procedural Safeguards and Parent Bill of Rights available in multiple languages on our website? The Procedural Safeguards help keep families informed about their rights and protections under IDEA. Visit the Procedural Safeguards section of the District website to review.
Free Flu Shots Through BJC
Upcoming Dates
February 8
Early Release Day (K-12)
February 16
Professional Development
NO SCHOOL PreK-12
February 19
Presidents' Day
NO SCHOOL PreK-12
All District Offices and Schools closed
Family Cafe
Events are held at the North Tech High School Library
1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033
February 8 6:00pm - 8:00pm
March 14 6:00pm - 8:00pm
April 11 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lunch & Learn
Each event is held virtually through YouTube Live.
February 28 11:30am - Noon
February 28 11:30am - Noon
Virtual Open House
February 2 9:30am - 10:00am
April 18 6:00pm - 6:30pm
Hub Huddle
Events are held at the Family Resource Hub
at North Tech High School
1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033
February 2 10:00am - 2:00pm
March 1 10:00am - 2:00pm
March 1 Noon - 2:00pm
Hub Huddle: Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
April 5 10:00am - 2:00pm
April 5 Noon - 1:00pm
Hub Huddle: Higher Education Consortium (HEC)
May 3 10:00am - 2:00pm
American Sign Language Series
A few spots remain for families to sign up for American Sign Language (ASL) classes. This six-week class will be held weekly beginning February 8 at 6:00 PM at SSD’s Central Office. Families will be in an immersive environment for learning American Sign Language (ASL)! Learn to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) individuals with an introduction to fingerspelling and basic signs to use in the home, school, and community. Topics include family, school, food, and community signs. Deaf cultural norms will be discussed, which include introductions and daily interaction between the deaf and the hearing. Space is limited. Register here.
FACE Workshops
February 7th 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Behavioral Strategies in the Home and Community (Part 2 of 2)
Register for this virtual event.
April 2nd 6:00pm - 7:00pm
10 Steps to Effective Advocacy
Register for this virtual event
May 7th 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Special School District of St. Louis County
Angi Fouste, SSD Director of Special Education
Email: aafouste@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDStLCo
Ritenour School District
Kyle Johnson, Special Education Coordinator - Kratz, Marvin & Wyland
Emya Williams, Special Education Coordinator - Iveland, Marion & Buder
Stephanie Genenbacher, Special Education Coordinator - Hoech & Ritenour Middle
Nathan Dwyer, Special Education Coordinator - Ritenour High
Website: https://www.ritenour.k12.mo.us/
Location: 2420 Woodson Road, Overland, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-6010