The Rockwood Reader
November 2023 | Issue 34
Current Events
Rockwood Celebrates National School Psychology Week
The week of Nov. 6-10, 2023, is National School Psychology Week, an opportunity for us to honor school psychologists for their significant contributions.
School psychologists deliver an array of services to improve both academic achievement and social-emotional well-being among our students. These services span both special and general education.
This year’s theme, “Let’s Grow Together,” highlights the value of individual and collective growth that is central to effective learning environments and intrinsic to the role of school psychologists in nurturing student well-being.
Brandi Buffington is one of 15 school psychologists in Rockwood. She serves the students, families, and staff of Stanton Elementary and Rockwood South Middle.
“My favorite part of my job is the relationships I get to make with students and staff,” said Buffington, who has helped Rockwood students learn and grow for 16 years. “I love being able to help students get the support they need to not only improve their academics but their confidence as well.”
Buffington shared a glimpse into what her average day looks like.
“My daily schedule is always different, but it usually includes testing, observations, meetings with students, staff, and parents and completing paperwork,” she said. “It can also vary depending on what building I’m in.”
Thank you to our 15 school psychologists for supporting student well-being and learning and collaborating with teachers, staff, and administrators!
Kid to Camp Program
Camp programs help to maintain educational momentum for students during extended academic breaks throughout the year. The Special Education Foundation's (SEF) Kid-to-Camp program can help bridge the learning gap for students served by SSD during the upcoming winter break. Camperships are awarded based on financial need and student benefits. For a list of camp resources and to apply to SEF's Kid-to-Camp program, visit https://sef-stl.org/programs/kid-to-camp/
Family and Community Engagement
Family Resource Hub
CAASTLC (Community Action Agency of St. Louis County) will be at the Family Resource Hub, located inside North Tech High School, on November 3rd, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. CAASTLC can provide many programs and services to families including:
Case management
Utility Assistance
Rental Assistance
Financial Education
Weatherization
Contact FACE with any questions.
Lunch & Learn
Family Cafe
HUB Huddles
FACE will host Vocational Rehabilitation for a HUB Huddle on Friday, November 17th. SSD's The Department of Vocational Rehabilitation to provide our community with additional support and access to resources that support employment after transition. A representative from VR will be available at the SSD Family Resource Hub (located inside North Tech High School) to provide information on many of their programs, including VR Youth Services, Pre-Employment Transition Services (pre-ETS), and share support for families.
Virtual Open House
Are you new to SSD or just want to learn more about the district? Join FACE for a Virtual Open House on Tuesday, November 21st at 9:30 am. Families can receive an introduction to the services and resources available through SSD. These virtual meetings invite all families into our learning community as equal partners throughout the learning process, symbolizing that FACE's door is always open! Click here to join the virtual meeting.
Information and Resources
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
Special School District Parent Advisory Council
Greetings Families!
Has special education got you stressed out? The beginning of a new year and unknowns can be extra scary with an IEP or 504. The system can be hard to navigate even in the best districts. Those great documents, laws, & policies put into place to help us are hard to understand. It can be a lonely journey. But you are not alone! You have the SSD PAC.
The SSD PAC is open to every family with a child receiving SSD services. We have monthly Zoom meetings. We are parents like you. We get it. You can just log on and watch. SSD and FACE share updates, great information, and presentations based on your needs. We advocate to inform policy with our parent voice. We share a parent perspective to help our schools know how to best help our kids.
Your New SSD PAC President,
Rebecca Flieg
Important Dates
No School - Conference Compensation Day
Friday, November 3rd
No School - Thanksgiving Holiday
Wednesday, November 22nd through Friday, November 24th
Upcoming Board of Education Meetings
Special School District of St. Louis County
314-989-8268
Mandy Lloyd, Administrative Assistant
636-733-2071
Website: https://www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @ssdstlco
Rockwood School District
Website: https://www.rsdmo.org
Location: 111 East North Street, Eureka, MO, USA
Phone: 636-733-2000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rockwood.School.District
Twitter: @rockwoodschools