The Rockwood Reader

Ashleigh Biermann, a senior and student in our Applied Skills program at LHS, has received a prestigious "Glory of Missouri" Award for the Class of 2024. Her virtue is "equality" for her inclusiveness and advocacy for all individuals. She will travel to Jefferson City with 13 of her peers on February 26, 2024 to receive her award. The awards will be presented by local legislators/representatives from Wildwood and Eureka on the floor of the Missouri State Capitol.

The prestigious Rockwood Outstanding Service in Education (ROSE) Award is bestowed upon individuals who show excellence of character, performance, leadership and service to the Rockwood School District. The ROSE Award is the pinnacle of the Rockwood School District's recognition and award program. Winners will be announced soon.

Congratulations to Rita Roussin, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Marquette High School. She is a 2024 Special Ambassador award winner! The Special Ambassador Award honors community members who demonstrate extraordinary commitment to SSD, its mission, and its students. This year’s recipients support students in a multitude of ways in the classroom as well as the community. They are dedicated to ensuring our students excel to their greatest potential. We are immensely grateful for their generous support.

"Rita Roussin, a Family and Consumer Science Teacher at Rockwood Marquette High School, plays a significant role in advocating, promoting, and creating inclusive environments and supporting individuals of all abilities. For the past several years, she has taught the school’s Life After High School Mentor class, which pairs typically developing students with their peers who have intellectual and/or developmental disabilities and receive services through SSD. This course not only creates an opportunity for mutual learning and growth, but also fosters a culture of empathy, understanding, and respect among students. Her work has had a profound and multifaceted impact, significantly enhancing the educational experience and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for students, educators, and the community as a whole." - Emily Stockwell, Teacher/Rockwood School District

Congratulations to Sarah Studie, special education teacher at Westridge Elementary School. Sarah is a Key to the Classroom award winner! The Key to the Classroom award celebrates the profound effect these teachers have had on the lives of their students and colleagues, as noted in their nominations submitted by SSD families, colleagues, and community members. Each nomination was carefully considered by a judging panel of SSD administrators.

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

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. The 2024 Summer Guide can now be viewed and printed.

Plus, check out these resources:

• Tips on Finding a Leisure Program Right for You

• Online Summer Program Listing

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.

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!

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.

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.

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/

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!

Monday, March 18th through Friday, March 22nd

No School - Spring Holiday

Friday, March 29th

Special School District

March 4th @ 7:00 PM

March 12th @ 5:45 PM

More info here

Rockwood School District

March 7th @ 7:00 PM

April 4th @ 7:00 PM

More info here

• SSD Superintendent Updates
• SSD Parent Advisory Council
• Parent Education & Diversity Awareness Program
• SSD Guidance/Resources for In-Person and Distance Learning
• SSD Partner District - Rockwood
• Academic and Related Services Toolkit

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

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