SSD Webster Groves Schools
June/July 2023 Community Engagement Newsletter
SPECIAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION KID-TO-CAMP
Camp experience brings life-changing benefits to a student with a disability. Outcomes from attending camp include easier adjustment to new environments, a greater sense of personal satisfaction, and personal habits that lead to a healthy lifestyle.
The Special Education Foundation’s (SEF) Kid-to-Camp program helps provide funding for students served by the Special School District (SSD), those who may be impacted financially, preventing them from being able to attend camp. Camperships are awarded based on financial needs and child benefits. Applications are accepted year-round including summer, winter, and spring breaks. SEF is here to help eliminate that financial burden where possible.
Learn more about SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program and camp options for students with disabilities.
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.
PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC) FAMILY ENGAGEMENT NIGHT PHOTOS!
The SSD/WGSD administrative team hosted a Family Engagement Night on May 4th from 5:30-7 pm at Hudson Elementary to share resources, provide support, and to engage!
Special School District of St. Louis County, the largest specialized education provider in the state, 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 centered on each student’s unique needs.
The Webster Groves District Parent Advisory Council (PAC) was formed by families who expect that children with disabilities and/or unique learning needs are educated effectively, afforded the dignity of belonging, and valued throughout all Webster Groves School District learning opportunities and experiences. WGPAC representatives remain in support of parents first. WGPAC communicates regularly and directly with Special School District (SSD) and Webster Groves administrators about the needs and interests of students with IEPs and 504 plans.
WHAT A "BUBBLY" END TO A GREAT SCHOOL YEAR!
A parent donated an afternoon of fun for her child’s classroom with the St.Louis Children’s Foam and Bubbles Party bus at Given’s Elementary School.
The students had an AMAZING time!
Order your event at www.stlchildrensparty.com or call (636)373-4359.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Please check out these unique and FREE leadership opportunities for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 - 21.
Community Partner Highlight
PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a 12-16 week social skills program for children, teens or young adults with autism. In this program, individuals are engaged in learning real-life skills for connecting with others, as well as building and maintaining friendships. Parents/Caregivers will also participate in the program and will be taught how to support and assist their child/young adult in making and keeping friends by coaching and providing feedback during weekly homework assignments.
This program is offered to three age groups:
Children’s Friendship Training: 3rd-5th graders
PEERS: Middle and high school aged students
PEERS for Young Adults: Individuals ages 18+ who are no longer in high school
New sessions will begin in May and August 2023.
A pre-program assessment to determine eligibility is required. Funding options include DDRB, DMH and Private Pay.
For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact our Admissions
Department at 314-394-7100 or via email info@esmw.org.
Brain Injury Association of Missouri Educational Scholarships
SPOTLIGHT ON BULLYING
Bullying is an unacceptable part of our children’s lives. Do your children know how to recognize the signs of bullying? Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers resources to help. Click here to learn how you can become a partner in your child’s learning.
The Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC), located at the Learning Center in Hazelwood, has several books that help to increase awareness and prevent bullying for students of all different ages and abilities. Here is a list of just a few:
Contact FACE today (face@ssdmo.org, 314-989-8460) to have one of these books or many others sent home in your student’s backpack!
The Family Resource Hub
The Family Resource Hub is where families and educators develop effective partnerships to improve student outcomes.
For more information visit the The Family Resource Hub.
The Family Resource Hub Satellite Food Pantry is located at North Tech High School which supports families with access to non-perishable food items and household supplies.
Affordable Connectivity Program
Affordable Connectivity Program: The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families or households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877.384.2575.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Test
Residential Households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 FREE at-home tests from usps.com. To order the free tests visit covidtests.gov.