SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
February, 2024
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement:
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement: Through implementing inclusive practices, rigorous instruction, and the principles of community engagement, Special School District Staff in partnership with Jennings School District will provide high quality, specialized programming and supports designed for all students to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.
From the Desk of Shinita Jones: Jennings Partner District Director
Happy February,
In the month of February, there are several educational events and celebrations that can serve as a great source of inspiration for students and educators alike. Here are a few ideas:
1. Black History Month: February is dedicated to celebrating the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout history. Take this opportunity to learn about influential black figures in various fields such as science, literature, art, and civil rights. Educators can incorporate lessons and activities that highlight their accomplishments, promote cultural understanding, and inspire students to make a positive impact.
2. National Engineers Week: This annual event, usually held in February, aims to raise awareness about the importance of engineering and encourage young people to pursue careers in this field. Students can explore different branches of engineering through hands-on experiments, guest speakers, and field trips. Teachers can also invite engineers to share their experiences and discuss the impact of engineering on society.
3. International Mother Language Day: Recognized on February 21st, this day celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity worldwide. Teachers can develop multicultural events, or storytelling sessions to foster appreciation for different languages and promote global understanding.
4. National Career and Technical Education Month: February is designated as a time to highlight the importance of career and technical education (CTE) in preparing students for future careers. Showcase different CTE programs and career pathways available at your school or in the community. Invite professionals from various industries to talk about their career journeys and offer insights into the skills and knowledge required for success.
5. World Thinking Day: This day, celebrated on February 22nd, is a part of the Girl Scouts and Girl Guides movement and encourages young people to think about global issues and take action to make a difference. Engage students in discussions about global challenges such as climate change, poverty, or access to education. Encourage them to brainstorm solutions and engage in community service projects that address these issues.
I encourage educators to embrace these opportunities to educate, inspire, and empower students to become lifelong learners and active global citizens.
Best Regards,
Shinita Jones, Ed.S.
SSD/JSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
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. The PAC consists of five parents or guardians – one member and four alternates – from each of the 22 St. Louis County school districts and from each of the five SSD special education schools. The parents or guardians of students receiving special education services in that district or school elect SSD PAC members.
STL County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases
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
Family Resource Hub Food Pantry
The 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).
FACE Second-Semester Calendar of Events
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.
Family Academy
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!
American Sign Language
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.
Behavior Strategies in the Home and Community
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.
Spring 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.
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/
Special Education Foundation
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.
Fred Saigh Leadership Academy
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
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.
SSD/JSD Administration Team
Shinita Jones, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Special Education
Email: smjones@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314.989.8133
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Area of Supervision: Jennings School District
Stacy Sturdivant, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Early Childhood Special Education(ECSE)
Office Phone: (314) 989-8411
Email: smsturdivant@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision: ECSE Special School District
Dr. Kathleen Vierod: SSD Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Office Phone: (314) 989-8213
Email: kkvierod@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision: ECSE Jennings School District
Dr. Ashley Brewer: SSD Special Education Coordinator
Office Phone: (314) 989-7873
Email: acbrewer@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision:
- Fairview Primary and Intermediate School
- Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary School
- Northview Elementary School
- Woodland Elementary School
Shavona Peters: SSD Special Education Coordinator
Office Phone: (314) 989-8524
Email: slpeters@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision:
- Jennings Education Training School (JETS)
- Rose Mary Johnson Jennings Junior High & College Prep Academy
- Jennings Senior High & College Prep Academy
Jennings School District
Website: https://www.jenningsk12.org/
Location: 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-653-8000