Kirkwood Special School District
December 2023 Edition
Special Olympics
Friendship Dance
Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Upcoming Events
Family Resource Hub
The holidays can be a stressful time financially for many families. The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will be at the HUB at North Tech High School on January 5th from 10-2pm to help families. CAASTLC can provide the following programs and services to families:
● Case management
● Utility assistance
● Rental assistance
● Financial education
● Weatherization
● Program development and educational activities
Webinar
FACE is hosting a webinar highlighting the Missouri Poison Center on December 5th from 6-7pm. In this webinar, attendees will learn how to contact the Missouri Poison Center, what to do if they suspect their student has gotten into something, and poison first aid. Register for this informative event here.
ASL Series
American Sign Language classes were a huge success this Fall. If you did not get a chance to attend, registration for second semester classes will open up in mid December. Keep an eye out on the FACE website for more information. Classes will be held each Thursday for six weeks starting February 8th. Classes fill up fast so register early.
Updates
Are you looking for unique and accessible activities to participate in this winter? Look no further than the latest FACE newsletter! In it you will find not only information on what FACE has to offer, but also ideas to enhance your student’s learning and great community events and offerings. You can sign up to have future newsletters sent to your inbox by visiting the FACE website today!
Scholarship Opportunities for SSD Seniors
High school seniors who receive at least one SSD service or attend an SSD technical school should take a look at these scholarship opportunities if they plan to enroll in a college, university or postsecondary program! Applications for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, and The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship are due Dec. 13, 2023. Additionally, the Special Education Foundation (SEF) sponsors the John Cary Scholarship. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation - don’t wait to begin! Visit ssdmo.org/scholarships for more information.
Nominate a Staff Member for a Salutes Award!
Applications for several awards which honor the contributions of SSD staff and community members are awaiting nominations, which are due Jan. 5, 2024. These awards are collectively known as Salutes awards because they are given at the District’s annual Salutes event in the spring. They include the following:
Special Ambassador Awards (for community members or organizations)
Distinguished Leader Awards (for administrators in SSD and partner districts)
Please refer to the Salutes webpage for details about each award. Some awards permit nomination by SSD staff only, while others accept nominations from people who are not employed by SSD. Please nominate someone you know who works for SSD and help us provide the recognition they deserve for their meaningful work in SSD!
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.
Bridge the Academic Break with Winter Camp
Camp programs within the community can play an important role in sustaining the positive impacts on students with disabilities, extending beyond the social and educational aspects of the classroom. Participation in these camps offers occasions for social interaction, increased independence, and have the potential to boost confidence during breaks in the school year.
SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program provides financial assistance to families of children served by the Special School District so they can attend camp during these breaks in the school year. Campership funds are awarded based on financial need and student benefit.
Help Keep Kids Warm this Winter
The cold temperatures this week have brought with it the reminder that winter is coming to the St. Louis region and how important it is for every student to have a suitable coat, hat, and gloves for the coming months.
Most of us are lucky not to have to choose between heat, food, or a warm winter coat. Sadly, there are many in our region that face that decision, and often, the winter coat comes last.
For a child with a disability, there are additional challenges when it comes to outerwear.
For example, a child in a wheelchair struggles with most outerwear as the bulkiness of the coat may interfere with the positioning equipment on the wheelchair, especially for children with complex positioning devices, such as laterals, harnesses, head supports, and other upper body supports.
For children with sensory issues, winter coats bring an extra burden. A child with autism may be overly sensitive to scratchy seams and tags, or they may react to clothes or waistbands that are too tight.
Right now, the Special Education Foundation is partnering with the Special School District of St. Louis County on the Critical Needs Coat Drive, where we’re raising money to buy coats for students this winter. Please donate online today to help put a coat on a kid who needs it. Especially with these harsh temperatures we’re facing right now!You can also mail your contribution to SEF at 11933 Westline Industrial Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63146.
Thank you for your generous support.
Learn More about UMSL's Succeed Program
The UMSL Succeed Program is designed to encourage and facilitate students to gain independence through academics, vocational experiences, and college residential/student life. Students must meet the criteria, which include:
- Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability.
- Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue post-secondary education to expand career & life opportunities.
- Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
See the entire list of requirements and learn more about the program!
John Cary Student Scholarship
The Special Education Foundation's John Cary Scholarship was established to honor the former SSD superintendent for his dedication to excellence and advocacy for students with disabilities. Each year, SEF grants scholarships to students entering post-secondary education, choosing recipients who embody John Cary's valued traits: resiliency, courage, and determination. Student applications and teacher nominations are accepted through January 26, 2024. Learn more and apply through this link.
Kirkwood SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The KSD PAC is a group of volunteer parents working together with Kirkwood and SSD to
SUPPORT, EDUCATE, and CONNECT other parents of children in special programs. 2023-2024 PAC meetings will be held on the following dates from 6:30-8:00 PM:
December 6, 2023
February 8, 2024
April 24, 2024
Staff Spotlight
Angie Caskey
Hello! My name is Angie Caskey and I have worked as a teacher for Special School District since graduating from college. Most of those years have been spent in Kirkwood at Westchester Elementary.The students I work with keep this job enjoyable. It’s rewarding to see the growth kids make over the few years I see them before they move on to middle school. My husband and I have 4 kids that keep us busy. Very, very busy. Our favorite things to do as a family (when we are not running the kids to and from sporting events) are hiking and just spending time outside exploring.
Tia Wilson
This year, I am grateful to be an SSD social worker at Keysor, Westchester and KHS. I have worked for SSD since 2004. Originally, I worked at Central Office in the Communications Department. I was inspired by meeting with teachers, social workers and other staff while in that role to go back to school and get my masters in social work to be a school social worker. I began as a social worker in the Normandy School District and served in the Rockwood School District for the last eight years. I truly feel it's a privilege for students and families to trust me to support them on their journeys to success. Outside of work, I love being outdoors and being engaged with my three kids in all of their activities.
Adam Vinson
Hello! My name is Adam Vinson and I work at Nipher Middle School as a paraprofessional. This is my sixth year with SSD. I spent three years in Hazelwood and this is my third year at Nipher. I love what I do because I enjoy building relationships and watching students succeed in their goals. In my free time, I enjoy playing Dungeons and Dragons and reading graphic novels.
Upcoming Events
SSD Board of Education Meetings:
December 5, 2023 Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45 PM/Executive Meeting 7:00 PM
Please visit the SSD Board of Education for more information.
Kirkwood School District Board of Education Meetings:
December 4, 2023 Board of Education Work Session 6:30 PM
December 18, 2023 Board of Education Business Meeting 6:30 PM
Please visit the Kirkwood Board of Education for more information.
December 6: Kirkwood SSD PAC Meeting 6:30 PM
December 13: SSD PAC Meeting 7:00 PM
December 20: End of 1st Semester
December 21-January 1: No School Winter Break
January 2: No School Records Day
January 3: No School Professional Development Day
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
Taneal Davis
- Director of Special Education-Robinson
- tmdavis@ssdmo.org
- taneal.davis@kirkwoodschools.org
Colleen Card
- Special Education Coordinator-KHS
- COcard@ssdmo.org
- colleen.card@kirkwoodschools.org
Emily Meuth
- Special Education Coordinator-Keysor, Westchester, NKMS
- ELMeuth@ssdmo.org
- emily.meuth@kirkwoodschools.org
Amy Wassman
- Special Education Coordinator-North Glendale, Tillman, Nipher
- AKWassman@ssdmo.org
- amy.wassman@kirkwoodschools.org