New SSD/Clayton Dispatch

January 2024

Dear Families,

May is another busy month ahead with assessments, end of year activities, 5th to 6th promotion, 8th to 9th promotion, and our seniors graduating!

Students in grades 3-8 will be completing the MAP test. Students in grades 2-12 who receive math and/or reading support will also be completing Spring Screening assessments in the areas of reading and math. We will be sending families the results after the Spring Screening window has closed.

Below are some tips for supporting your child during this time.

Ensure your child gets a good night's rest so they are prepared for the day.
Ensure your child has a healthy breakfast.
Ensure your child benefits from some outdoor physical activity after school. Testing can be stressful and play gives students an opportunity to release that stress.
Affirm your child's ability to do their best by reminding them that they have been working hard all year and this is just a time for them to show what they know. Join us in communicating a positive belief in all of our students.

Thank you for your continued support!

Thanks,

Melissa Logan

Director of Special Education; Clayton

melissalogan@claytonschools.net

mjlogan@ssdmo.org

Upcoming Events

School District of Clayton Calendar

May 27 Memorial Day (No school for students or staff)

May 30 Last Day of School for Students

May 31 Teacher Work Day

Community Opportunities

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Saint 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!

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St. Louis County Parks and Recreation

Did you know that St. Louis County Parks and Recreation offers over 400 programs and events each year? From hiking and biking trails to ice rinks, pools and camps, they have something for everyone. Head over to their website and see what they have to offer your family.

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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.

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Miriam Summer Camp Taking Registrations

Registration is open for the 2024 Miriam School and Learning Center's academic and therapeutic summer camps! Individualized instruction, research-based interventions, and certified/licensed professionals will ensure your child builds confidence and skills in reading, writing, speech, or social/emotional development

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Learn More about SEF's Kid-to-Camp Program

SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program provides financial assistance to families of children served by Special School District so they can attend camps. Funds are awarded based on financial need and student benefit. Learn more about SEF's camp options, including day and overnight camps for winter, spring, and summer breaks. Applications are accepted year-round. Apply early - some camps have limited open spots.

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BCI 2024 Inclusion Summer Manufacturing Camp

BCI will host a special Summer Manufacturing Camp for high school freshmen and sophomores with disabilities. The four-week camp includes hands-on projects, field trips to local manufacturers, and the construction of a capstone project. The experience is a great introduction to teamwork, communication, and fulfilling personal responsibilities. Camp is funded through a generous grant from Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs®, the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. The camp’s purpose is to support individuals in discovering their interest in manufacturing and to encourage the pursuit of a manufacturing career. For more information, contact Matt Jannings at 636-875-5264 or register on the event website. Limited space is available!

The best parks in St. Louis

Are you looking to take a stroll or play with the kids? Work up a sweat on a hike or while playing a sport? Appreciate art or history? Just enjoy nature? There's a park for that, as highlighted in this expansive guide of more than 50 metro area parks.

Family and Community Engagement

The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will be available at the SSD Family Resource Hub (located inside North Tech High School) on Friday, May 3rd, from 10am-2pm to provide information and access to many of their programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Water Assistance Program (LIWAP).

Family Resource Hub is open most Tuesdays and Fridays of the month. The Hub offers a satellite food pantry to aide families with immediate food needs. FACE staff will also support families with questions about community resources and provide internet access to aid the completion of applications for various services. Please contact FACE to set an appointment.

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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/

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Summer Guide

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:

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.

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

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Starfish Awards

Join the Special Education Foundation's first annual Starfish Awards as we recognize those who have made a significant impact in the lives of students and families supported by the Special School District. Celebrate an evening of excitement at CITYPARK Stadium, home of the St. Louis CITY SC. Together we'll honor special individuals who have made a significant impact through their seemingly small, yet profoundly meaningful actions. Visit www.starfishawards.org to register and see the award recipients.

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22nd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction

Join SEF for Golf and Giving this October! The 22nd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction is back and better than ever! Set to return at the prestigious Norwood Hills Country Club on October 14th, 2024, this event promises a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and the joy of giving back—all in support of the Special Education Foundation's mission to support students with disabilities in St. Louis County. Sponsorship and golf registration are now open as well as opportunities to volunteer. Come be a part of this great cause!

Clayton PAC.ED: Parent Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities

PAC.ED advocates for awareness, understanding, equity and inclusion of and for all students with disabilities in the School District of Clayton. PAC.ED is a volunteer organization made up of families, Clayton, and Special School District (SSD) staff and administrators, as well as community members. Check our webpages to keep up to date on current PAC.ED events, as well as family resources.

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with Clayton PAC.ED please contact please email us at paced@claytonschools.net.

If you would like to make a donation to Clayton PAC.ED so that we can continue to bring programing, support, and events like this to District families Click HERE. Thank you!

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The Family Navigation & Community Resources

The Family Navigation & Community Resources Presentation and Q&A Session. If you missed it, no worries! Click HERE to access the event video, presentation, and other resource documents. Family Navigation is a FREE “Concierge” type service to assist families and individuals with disabilities to “navigate the system”. Whether you live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or surrounding counties, they can assist you!

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Building Representatives

The School District of Clayton, families, and the community have enjoyed a strong and active PAC.ED for the past 13+ years. Please consider being a part of that legacy by representing your school for the 2024/2025 School Year!

Transition Orientation & Planning for the 2024/2025 school year is underway! For more information on being a Building Representative, Clayton PAC.ED and its mission, click HERE. If you are interested or have any questions, please email us at paced@claytonschools.net

Megan Lenihan, Clayton PACED, President 2024/2025

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Toolbox Essentials

"Toolbox Essentials" is a curated list of essential resources for families. Click HERE.

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SSD Parent Advisory Council (SSD PAC)

Greetings, PAC Families, Summer is around the corner!

· Visit the St. Louis Recreation Council website and check out spring break and summer activities.

· Now is the time to sign up for summer camps. Check out our SSD PAC YouTube channel and watch the January meeting recording that was all about camps and funding.

· While you’re there, check out our recent Valentine’s Day meeting on Alternatives to Guardianship.

Mark your calendars for May 8 - our end of year party at SSD Central Office!

Best,

Rebecca Flieg

President, SSD Parents Advisory Council

Let's Talk!

Let’s Talk is an open invitation from Special School District (SSD) to tell us what’s on your mind.Let’s Talk is an easy way to submit feedback at your convenience directly to the SSD staff member who can help.