SSD Pattonville Dispatch
March 2024
Building-level Teacher and Support Staff of the Year honorees announced
The 2023-2024 building-level Teacher of the Year (TOY) and Support Staff of the Year (SSOY) honorees were surprised by special presentations. These staff members were nominated by students, parents and co-workers and chosen as the honoree from their building by their fellow staff members. They are:
- Early Childhood – Kelsey Hibbits (TOY) and Lula Abreha (SSOY)
- Bridgeway – Mollie Ahlers (TOY) and Anaisabel Garofalo (SSOY)
- Drummond – Tanner Lynn (TOY) and Carole Marsden (SSOY)
- Parkwood – Audrey Masek (TOY) and Shani Thompson (SSOY)
- Rose Acres – Sarah Carter (TOY) and Rungsee Suvansri (SSOY)
- Willow Brook – Maria Farmer (TOY) and Barbara Boddy (SSOY)
- Remington – Lisa Kraemer (TOY) and Alejandra Wohldmann (SSOY)
- Holman – Edward Stevens (TOY) and Brenda Labbe (SSOY)
- Heights – Melissa Wetzel (TOY) and Brittany Edinger (SSOY)
- High School – Kathleen Gengler (TOY) and Maria Saunders (SSOY)
- District Services – Christy Kasprzyk (SSOY)
Pattonville staff members will have the chance to advance in the district-level process and all of these honorees will be recognized at District Appreciation Night on May 6. Click here to see a full list of nominees.
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:
March 2 – North Tech High School
- March 9 – South Tech High School
St. Louis County Library
Did you know that the St. Louis County Library offers more than just books? They offer a whole host of events at each of their locations throughout the County. Visit their events webpage today and discover what interests you!
Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis
Discover the what, why and how behind the incredible work we get to do every day for individuals with disabilities. Download our latest newsletters and area guides to learn more about the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis and ways you can get involved with programs or events.
IT’S ARRIVED. 2024 Summer Guide can now be viewed and printed. Plus, check out these resources:
Explore St. Louis
Spring break is just around the corner. Thankfully St. Louis offers many opportunities for families to get out and about together. Explore St. Louis has a robust directory of local museums and galleries. Get out and see what St. Louis has to offer.
Pattonville Parent Advisory Council Meeting
The Pattonville Parent Advisory Council will hold the monthly meeting Thursday, March 21, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. A local parent advisory committee provides parents an opportunity to learn more about the supports and resources available to parents of students with disabilities and collaborate with other local parents.
Join Zoom Meeting: ZOOM LINK
Family Cafe
Join FACE on March 14th at North Technical High School, 1700 Derhake Rd, Florissant, MO 63033 from 6-8 pm for Family Cafe. Family Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors: Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication. Register today!
The need for financial assistance is growing at an alarming rate for those with audiology needs. Since hearing aids, hearing molds, audiological equipment, and/or repairs are not always covered by insurance or tax dollars, we need your help more than ever before!
Funds will be used to purchase hearing aids, earmolds, repairs, and all things audiological. On behalf of the students and parents we serve, know that your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping SEF provide more children with the gift of sound. Donations accepted through April 5, 2024 https://sef-stl.org/fundraising/arbeiter-donation.html
FUTURE LEADERS WANTED!
Would you like to become more involved in the special education process? Family Leadership Institute offers participants a comprehensive set of opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas related to education, family engagement, and collaboration. Sign up today for the Family Leadership Institute (FLI). FLI will be held April 17th, 24th and May 1st from 5:30-8pm. Click here to find out more and to register.
Pattonville's Virtual Wellness Center
Pattonville School District values the emotional and mental wellbeing of every student, staff, and community member. This site serves as a resource of virtual toolkits, community supports and strategies to help with stress management, relaxation, mindfulness, exercise and so much more! Pattonville's Virtual Wellness Center
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/
Upcoming Workshops
Kid to Camp Program
Lunch & Learn
Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - St. Louis Arc's Next
St. Lous Arc's Next transition program provides focused, impactful supports for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they prepare for their future. Next provides various programs which support individuals navigate what is next in their lives. The support offered in Next is centered on what is needed by the individual. Through skill building, goal development, and social activities, young adults are able to identify and work toward their goals. From an extra nudge in the right direction to classes that teach living skills, we will help you identify what’s Next.
Family Cafe
Join FACE on March 14th at North Technical High School, 1700 Derhake Rd, Florissant, MO 63033 from 6-8 pm for Family Cafe. Family Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors: Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication. Register today!
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.
Letter from the PAC President
Greetings PAC Family!
It can be overwhelming figuring out school, insurance, future planning, not to mention what to make for dinner, all while parenting our beautiful kids who require extra attention. We're here to help you navigate the confusing waters of the disability world with our PAC meeting presentations. We want to help you now so your child’s future is bright.
Check out our upcoming meeting topics below. Note: Our PAC meetings are always held on the second Wednesday of the month, 7-9 PM, August through May (except March):
- May 8, 2024: Mark your calendars for our in-person celebration at SSD Central office! We are working to make it a one-stop shopping experience that will hook you up with integral resources for your child all in one place.
Come join your PAC family and get that help you haven’t had time to ask for.
Peaceful holidays to all,
Rebecca Flieg
President, SSD Parents Advisory Council
SSD Parent Advisory Council Meeting
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.
April's Meeting - Apr. 10, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meeting ID: 955 4237 2430
Passcode: 795650
All meetings are held virtually via Zoom.
For more information or to join the meeting virtually, please visit the PAC website.
PAC general council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.
The Family Resource Hub
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.
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.
Online SSD Resources to Help You All Year
Visit SSDMO.org for links to resources that will direct you to information that will be helpful throughout the year - bookmark the webpage to make it easy to find. The links below apply to all SSD students districtwide.
Partner District Communication Sequence
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
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.
Free Flu Shots Through BJC
Receiving a flu shot helps keep you and your community healthy! Free flu vaccinations are being provided through Barnes-Jewish Hospital. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit https://bit.ly/3oCxqYu
Upcoming Dates
March 8
Early dismissal for report day:
Early childhood and Remington dismiss at 11:15am
Elementary schools dismiss at noon
March 13
Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12)
Holman & Heights dismiss at 11:15am
March 14
Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12)
Early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15am
Elementary schools dismiss at noon
March 15
No school following conferences
March 18-22
No school for spring break
March 29
No school for spring holiday
Family Cafe
Events are held at the North Tech High School Library
1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033
March 14 6:00pm - 8:00pm
April 11 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Lunch & Learn
Hub Huddle
Events are held at the Family Resource Hub
at North Tech High School
1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033
March 1 10:00am - 2:00pm
March 1 Noon - 2:00pm
Hub Huddle: Department of Vocational Rehabilitation
April 5 10:00am - 2:00pm
April 5 Noon - 1:00pm
Hub Huddle: Higher Education Consortium (HEC)
May 3 10:00am - 2:00pm
FACE Workshops
April 2nd 6:00pm - 7:00pm
10 Steps to Effective Advocacy
Register for this virtual event
May 7th 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: DByrnes@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Pattonville School District
Dr. Tori Cain, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services
Deidre Smalls, Special Education Coordinator - Bridgeway, Drummond, Rose Acres
Carla Addoh, Special Education Coordinator - Remington, Parkwood, Willow Brook
Dee Byrnes, Special Education Coordinator - Holman Middle
Leigh Ann Richelman, Special Education Coordinator - Pattonville Heights & Pattonville HighWebsite: https://www.psdr3.org/
Location: 11097 St Charles Rock Rd, Saint Ann, MO, USA
Phone: 314-213-8500