SSD Lindbergh Schools
January 2024 Community Engagement Newsletter
YOU KNOW YOU MAKE ME WANT TO SHOUT!
WE WANT TO GIVE YOU THE CHANCE EVERY MONTH to give a shout out to any SSD staff who is making a difference in your child's life. Think about a teacher, paraprofessional or SSD administrator who is doing something wonderful, tell us their name and any compliment you'd like to share.
Click here to SHOUT THEM OUT!
Hannah Rose and Joe Johnston
Paraprofessionals at Truman Middle School
Hannah Rose and Joe Johnston, paraprofessionals at Truman Middle School, were both recognized by their building for their support of students and staff in their daily work. Hannah was recognized for her calm presence in the classroom and her support of students to help them make good choices. Joe was recognized, by a student, for his kindness and the impact he has made on what she wants to be when she grows up.
Hannah and Joe are just two examples of the excellent SSD staff in Lindbergh Schools and the positive impact being made on staff and students.
Congratulations Ms. Hannah Rose and Mr. Joe Johnston for being January's SSD-Lindbergh Staff Spotlight!
What's the Next LPAC Offering?
This presentation will discuss some important skills that any child should know to bolster their success when trying to make and keep friends, such as how to read social cues/nonverbal communication, knowing characteristics of a good friend, how to find appropriate friends, the importance of sharing and taking turns in play and conversation, and more. Some strategies for teaching these skills will be presented as well as providing information about Easter Seals Midwest's Children’s Friendship Training and PEERS social skills programs.
"Strategies for Making & Keeping Friends" is intended for parents of students of ALL ages and ALL abilities.
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!
FACE UPDATES
Join FACE for a virtual Lunch and Learn on January 24th at 11:30 AM as we hear from Mizzou PAWS (Preparing Adults for Work and Society) program. The PAWS program is a post-secondary option for students with intellectual disabilities located on the Mizzou campus in Columbia, Missouri.
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.
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.
FACE Newsletter
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!
FACE YouTube
Would you like to learn more about how to support our student’s learning this Winter? Take a look at the FACE YouTube page and watch any of our pre-recorded webinars. Topics include toilet training, executive functioning, behavior supports, and Special Education Process. Check it out and email us at face@ssdmo.org to suggest other important topics.
American Sign Language
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.
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.
Help Keep Kinds Warm
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.
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.
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 AM - 2 PM 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.
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!
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.
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!
FREE FLU SHOTS THROUGH BJC
For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/3oCxqYu
Online SSD Resources to Help Families 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 students county-wide who receive services from SSD.
Lindbergh Special Education Administrator Team
Shannon Jeralds
Special Education Coordinator - Truman Middle, Crestwood Elementary, Long Elementary & Sappington Elementary
314-989-8680
Special Education Coordinator - Sperreng Middle, Concord Elementary, Dressel Elementary & Kennerly Elementary
314-989-8202
Amanda Smith
Special Education Coordinator - Lindbergh High School
314-989-8381
Special School District of St. Louis County - Director Dr. Joy Doyle
Email: jmdoyle@ssdmo.org
Website: ssdmo.org
Phone: 314-989-8463