SSD/Hancock Place Parent Newsletter
Summer 2023
Welcome Back Hancock Tigers!!
Welcome to the 2023/2024 school year!
We are very excited for this school year and all the wonderful things planned for our learning community. This school year, the entire district will focus on evidence-based instruction and assessment. At Hancock Place, Evidence-Based Instruction and Assessment means that we are using sound standards-based grading practices embedded in a philosophy which cultivates a growth mindset using high-leverage research-based teaching & learning practices. The purpose of Evidence-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Hancock Place School District is to raise student achievement by clearly and accurately measuring progress toward learning expectations (standards), allowing us to support all students when they struggle and challenge all students to excel. Evidence of student learning gathered throughout the teaching and learning cycle informs the next step for both teachers and students. In this way, assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and not simply a final step.
We have several new special education staff members joining our Hancock Team.
We welcome the following new staff to our elementary school:
Catherine Fontana - Special Education Teacher
Colleen Klaus - Occupational Therapist
Julia Shields - Special Education Teacher
Colleen Blake - SSD Teacher Assistant
We welcome the following staff to our middle school team:
Timothy Storck - Special Education Teacher
Help us welcome the following staff to our high school team:
Cornell Baker - SSD Teacher Assistant
Amanda Jaegers - Special Education Teacher
SSD case managers and staff return to work Friday, August 11th. Please expect to hear from your child's case manager by Friday, August 18th.
As a member of the SSD community, we will continue to provide specialized instruction that equips and empowers students of all learning abilities to excel to their greatest potential. This is realized through an inclusive, collaborative approach, supported by our comprehensive resources and deep expertise - all of which is centered on each student’s unique needs.
As we get closer to the start of a wonderful fun filled school year, I'm including a bit of information and links that may be of benefit for the start of the school year.
As always, should questions or concerns arise, please don't hesitate to let one of us know. In addition, if any SSD staff member has made a positive impact on you or your student, let us know by submitting a Cause for Applause!
Registration Link
Open House Dates
August 15, 2023, from 5 pm - 7 pm
Elementary School Open House:
August 17, 2023, from 5 pm - 7 pm
Middle School Open House:
August 16, 2023, from 5 pm - 7 pm
High School Open House:
August 24, 2023, from 5 pm - 7 pm
Specialized Equipment Opportunity
Adaptive & Assistive Equipment: The Special Education Foundation (SEF) is able to provide specialized equipment to students with disabilities up to age 21. The aim of the SEF is to enhance the education or the independence of students or to improve their quality of life. Through grants, the Foundation is able to help provide requests for specialized equipment, based on financial need, which includes:
● augmentative communication devices
● adaptive equipment
● hearing aids
● eyeglasses
Applications are accepted year-round and are initiated by the student’s teacher. Learn more about SEF’s Adaptive and Assistive Equipment program and how to apply.
FACE Engagement Opportunities
Charting the LifeCourse Nexus
The core belief of Charting the LifeCourse is that all people have the right to live, love, work, place, and pursue their own life aspirations.
Charting the LifeCourse is:
- About having different conversations.
- A different way of thinking.
- Encouraging high expectations.
- Having life experiences to move the trajectory in the desired direction.
- Integrating multiple types of support.
Charting the LifeCourse IS NOT:
- Only for professionals to use.
- Just about the "tools."
- A "program."
- Designed for just one specific age group.
- Solely for people with disabilities and their families.
Integrated Supports Star
The Integrated Support Star principle and tool can be used by anyone (individuals, families, or professionals) to guide their thinking about supports. It can be used for mapping current services and supports, problem-solving for a specific need, or planning the next steps. The star can help explore current needs, identify gaps, or plan how to access supports for the future.
Download a personal copy of the Integrated Supports Star.
View an example of the Integrated Supports Start to support summer engagement activities.
Upcoming Events and Resources
- The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers meaningful
resources to support youth, educators, families, and caregivers have
productive discussions about mental health with youth and young adults.
Please visit the website to review the resources. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Youth-and-Young-Adult-Resources
Hancock Elementary School Upcoming Dates of Importance
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
FACE Supports Family Engagement Across the District
The mission of FACE is to partner with students, families, and staff to support students throughout the District. These supports will include specialized academic, social, and emotional needs to promote self-determination, equitable opportunities, and authentic inclusion.
To learn more and keep up to date on the great events hosted by FACE during the 2023-24 school year, visit http://www.ssdmo.org/face.
Face Family Workshop and Community Collaborations: https://www.ssdmo.org/Page/495
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.
The SSD Parent Advisory Council has scheduled the following meetings for the 2023 - 2024 school year. All meetings are held virtually via Zoom, from 7-9 PM. Additional information about meetings, including agendas, can be found on the PAC's website.
Get Involved with the SSD PAC
- Network and communicate with other parents of children who receive special education service.
- Become as informed as possible about special education services
- Improve communication between your local school district and SSD
- Create a positive understanding and awareness of students with disabilities
- Establish a network of advocacy for local, state and national disability issues
SSD Hancock Place PAC Meeting
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
- Director of Special Education
- School Social Worker
- School Psychologist
- School Psychologist
Need to access the HPSD website? Click the HPSD Tiger below.
Special School District
Email: drellis@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, Wildwood, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
