Mehlville Special Education
December 2023
Director Message and Link to Parent Survey
The Mehlville School District is currently conducting a special education review for federal reporting. As part of this reporting, families are asked to complete a special education survey. We are asking for your help as part of this reporting.
Please click on the link then, click on which survey you would like to take and follow the directions to either take the survey online or to print out the survey and mail to the University of Missouri (address is on the form).
https://apps.chp.missouri.edu/specialed/admin/downloads.aspx
Kimberly Lawson, EdS
Director of Special Education
Information from Missouri Poison Center
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.
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.
American Sign Language Courses
FACE Youtube Page
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.
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.
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 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!
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!
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.
Meet the Special Education Leadership Team
Kim Lawson Director of Special Education
Andy Nieters Mehlville High School, Buerkle Middle School, SCOPE
Adam Krenski Beasley, Bierbaum, Oakville Elementary, Trautwein
Cheryl Lawson Bernard Middle School, Point, Rogers, Wohlwend
Charity Schluter Washington Middle School, Blades, Forder, Hagemann, At Home