Hazelwood SSD News & Updates
December 2023
Important December Dates
12/5- FACE-Workshop:Missouri Poison Center
12/12- HSD Board Meeting
12/16- SSD Parent Advisory Counselor(PAC) Meeting
12/18-1/1- HSD Winter Break
1/2-No School- Professional Development Day
1/3- School Resumes
Bryce Brady Crowned Hazelwood Homecoming King
October 30, 2023 - Bryce Brady, 12th-grader at Hazelwood West High School, couldn’t help but jump for joy when his name was announced at one of the biggest events of the school year.
“At the homecoming dance, they said my name as the winner of Homecoming King,” said Brady. “I was so happy. I went on stage and they gave me a crown to wear.”
Brady is the first student who receives SSD services who has been crowned Homecoming King in the Hazelwood School District. Brady’s teacher Susan Bova was present to witness his sweet reaction.
“It was incredible to see him light up,” said Bova. “We are thrilled for him. We are so proud of you Bryce. You deserve it.”
The high honor did not come without Brady putting in a lot of work. Leading up to the vote, Brady coordinated a campaign. He made posters and also handed out chips, candy, and cupcakes to students. He made time to speak with his peers during the passing periods and also met with different clubs, including the dance team.
“Bryce was motivated to put together a good campaign,” said Bova. “His dedication translates to his school work too. He is incredibly social and he cares about how he is doing in his classes. His biggest goal has always been to go to college. He talks about attending the University of Missouri St. Louis (UMSL) and makes sure that he's on track to get there.”
After Brady graduates, he plans to attend UMSL or join a SSD Vocational Skills Program (VSP) first. In his free time, Brady likes to watch YouTube videos, learn about the history of dinosaurs, and write.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
FACE News
Family Workshops
All of the workshops offered by FACE are provided free of charge and are open to all parents, families and community members. After registering, participants will be provided with information about the platform that will be used for the workshop.
The workshops will be set up as webinars, so you will be able to see the panelists but not other attendees. Your confirmation and reminder email will contain information about how to submit questions to the panelists in advance, or you can use the chat and Q&A features during the workshop. If you have any questions, please let us know. If you are unable to attend the live workshop, please still register so that we can send you the link to the recording a day or two after the workshop.
If you need more information, or if you require an alternative format as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act, contact face@ssdmo.org, 314.989.8460 or 711 (Deaf/HOH).
Ready to Register?
FACE has an updated registration process that makes it easy for all! Find the event you wish to register for in the list to the right and select it. Inside, you will find a registration link. Please be sure to register for each event you are interested in!
If you need additional assistance, please email face@ssdmo.org or call 314.989.8460.
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.
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!
Hazelwood SSD Parent Advisory Council
The Hazelwood SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a cross-categorical group of parents of children receiving services from the Special School District. It is a volunteer organization made up of parents, SSD and Hazelwood administrators who are committed to identifying and building upon the strengths of all children in the Hazelwood School District. Hazelwood Parent Advisory Council provides a forum for parents to meet other parents and share information concerning their children and resources.
If you would like to become involved in the Hazelwood SSD PAC or if you would like more information about Hazelwood SSD parent supports and resources, please reach out at anedwards@ssdmo.org or (314)989-8466.
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.
Grants Available for Innovative Classroom Projects
Educators working with children who have disabilities possess invaluable expertise in effective teaching methods. Frequently, there is a lack of funding from government-regulated taxes to support innovative educational initiatives, leading teachers to either personally finance materials or abandon expensive projects. The Special Education Foundation (SEF), has been bridging this financial gap by providing Classroom Innovation Grants to selected teachers each year since 2002. Classroom Innovation Grant applications for the 2024-2025 school year are being accepted now through December 15, 2023. Those selected will be notified in early 2024.
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.
Work for SSD in Hazelwood!
SSD is hiring all summer long! Come join the amazing SSD HSD instructional team!
An awesome benefit of working at a school is that you have the same schedule as your child! Pictured below are just a few of the positions currently available countywide - in Hazelwood, we specifically need teachers and paraprofessionals. We have openings in middle schools and elementary schools from the West side of the district to the East. We have open opportunities to work with students in general education classrooms, special education classrooms, collaboratively taught classrooms (two teachers - one HSD & one SSD), essential skills classrooms, and classrooms for students with our highest support needs.
Please also share this information with friends and family looking for a collaborative, equitable, and committed work culture, outstanding benefits, and competitive salaries.
Click here for more information about working for SSD.
Click here to see a current list of job vacancies on the SSD website.
Click here to contact a special education coordinator to ask about opportunities at a specific school or in a specific classroom.
Let's Talk
We want to hear from you! Click here to share your comments, questions, or concerns.
Lunch & Learn Series
Click here to register for upcoming sessions or to view recorded sessions from SSD's Lunch & Learn series that features community organizations.
SSD Website
Click here for information for SSD's families, students, and community.
Hazelwood SSD Department Contact Information
If you have any questions feel free to contact us at any of the following:
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314-989-8100
Hazelwood School District
Interim Director of Special Education for Hazelwood
Mrs. Angela Edwards
Meet the SSD Team
Hazelwood Special Education Coordinator Contacts
Amanda Barton: Arrowpoint Elementary, Grannemann Elementary, Jury Elementary, and Townsend Elementary, Armstrong Elementary
Dr. Tonya Nalls- Central High
Gina Hatsy: Keeven Elementary, Twillman Elementary
Erin Kinion: Lawson Elementary, Cold Water Elementary, McNair Elementary, and Russell Elementary, Barrington Elementary
Matt Moellering: Hazelwood West High and Hazelwood Opportunity Center
Tara Mueller: Brown Elementary, Lusher Elementary, McCurdy Elementary, and Walker Elementary
Sarah Mulqueeny: ABA (all elementary schools)
Renita Murphy: Hazelwood Central Middle, Hazelwood East Middle, and Hazelwood North Middle, Larimore Elementary
Denise Quante: Hazelwood East High, Jamestown Elementary
Dr. Leigha Wetter: Hazelwood Northwest Middle, Hazelwood Southwest Middle, and Hazelwood West Middle, Garrett Elementary