SSD Ritenour Dispatch | Smore Newsletters

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POWERSCHOOL TO REPLACE TYLER SIS IN THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

The Ritenour Board of Education on Dec. 14 approved PowerSchool Student Information System to replace Ritenour’s current Tyler SIS, which is sunsetting and will no longer be available in September 2025.

A selection committee, which heard proposals from two leading school information companies, included Dr. Fred Harlan, director of information systems, and Julie Hahn, assistant superintendent for data, intervention and student support, as well as Ritenour staff who work with core data and registration, office professionals, counselors, administrators, teachers and the district’s lead nurse.

The committee selected PowerSchool due to its ease of use by educators and its features for scheduling, attendance tracking and a multi-tiered system of support, said Dr. Harlan.

Hahn also noted that the committee was impressed with how PowerSchool is parent-friendly, offers information in 18 languages, simplifies registration for new families and is compatible with Ritenour’s Human Resources data systems.

Staff training will begin in January, with the plan to fully switch to PowerSchool this upcoming summer for next school year.

Nominate a Staff Member for a Salutes Award!

Applications for several awards which honor the contributions of SSD staff and community members are awaiting nominations, which are due Jan. 5, 2024. These awards are collectively known as Salutes awards because they are given at the District’s annual Salutes event in the spring. They include the following:

● Key to the Classroom Awards (for classroom teachers)

● Building Block Awards (for paraprofessionals)

● Lasting Impression Awards (for support/operations staff)

● Special Ambassador Awards (for community members or organizations)

● Distinguished Leader Awards (for administrators in SSD and partner districts)

Please refer to the Salutes webpage for details about each award. Some awards permit nomination by SSD staff only, while others accept nominations from people who are not employed by SSD. Please nominate someone you know who works for SSD and help us provide the recognition they deserve for their meaningful work in SSD!

SEF's John Cary College Scholarship Applications are being accepted through January 26, 2024

Each year, the Special Education Foundation grants five $5,000 college scholarships to selected students entering post-secondary education. Recipients embody the qualities admired by John Cary, including resilience, courage, and determination. The scholarship committee assesses candidates based on academic achievements, leadership skills, community volunteerism, and accomplishments in athletics and/or the arts, seeking evidence of their potential for future success. Students planning to attend a four-year college or university can submit an application accompanied by their school transcript, through the SEF website. The student's SSD teacher must also nominate the student to be considered. Learn more about the John Cary Scholarship and how to apply. https://sef-stl.org/programs/scholarships/

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/

American Sign Language (ASL) Series

American Sign Language classes were a huge success this Fall. If you did not get a chance to attend, registration for second semester classes will open up in mid December. Keep an eye out on the FACE website for more information. Classes will be held each Thursday for six weeks starting February 8th. Classes fill up fast so register early.

SEF Critical Needs Program: The Special Education Foundation (SEF) offers Critical Needs services - a solution to provide immediate funding to those students served by the Special School District (SSD) where the family is either unable to financially meet the need, has exhausted community resources, or is at risk for a student medical emergency that may result in the loss of independence or academic failure. Applications (accepted year-round) are to be completed by a social worker, teacher or administrator through the SEF website, submitted to Adrienne Eaglin at aeaglin@ssdmo.org or mailed to the Special School District Learning Center at 900 Hornet Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042.

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):

Jan. 10, 2024: Our January meeting will be a presentation from The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis - their staff will share lots of information about activities and summer camps before registrations become full.
Feb. 14, 2024: Our zoom topic will be guardianship alternatives. This is a VIP topic to educate yourself about before it's thrown at you in high school.
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.

January's Meeting - Jan. 10, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm

SSD PAC Zoom Link

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

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.

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.

The Family Resource Hub Satellite Food Pantry

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 Districts

Partner District Communication Sequence

IEPs - Frequently Asked Questions

Bullying Resources

Student & Related Services

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.

Upcoming Dates

January 1 - 2

Winter Break (NO SCHOOL PreK-12)

All District Offices and Schools Closed

January 3

Professional Development/Teacher Workday

(NO SCHOOL PreK-12)

January 4

Students Return to School

January 11 - 12

RHS Finals (Early Release - High School 9-12 ONLY)

January 12

End of 2nd Quarter

January 15

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (NO SCHOOL PreK-12)

All District Offices and Schools Closed

Ritenour District Event Calendar

Hub Huddle

Events are held at the Family Resource Hub

at North Tech High School

1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033

January 5 10:00am - 2:00pm

Hub Huddle: CAASTLC

February 2 10:00am - 2:00pm

Hub Huddle: CAASTLC

March 1 10:00am - 2:00pm

Hub Huddle: CAASTLC

March 1 Noon - 2:00pm

Hub Huddle: Department of Vocational Rehabilitation

April 5 10:00am - 2:00pm

Hub Huddle: CAASTLC

April 5 Noon - 1:00pm

Hub Huddle: Higher Education Consortium (HEC)

May 3 10:00am - 2:00pm

Hub Huddle: CAASTLC

American Sign Language Series

American Sign Language classes were a huge success this Fall. If you did not get a chance to attend, registration for second semester classes will open up in mid December. Keep an eye out on the FACE website for more information. Classes will be held each Thursday for six weeks starting February 8th. Classes fill up fast so register early.

Ritenour School District

Kyle Johnson, Special Education Coordinator - Kratz, Marvin & Wyland

Emya Williams, Special Education Coordinator - Iveland, Marion & Buder

Stephanie Genenbacher, Special Education Coordinator - Hoech & Ritenour Middle

Nathan Dwyer, Special Education Coordinator - Ritenour High

Website: https://www.ritenour.k12.mo.us/
Location: 2420 Woodson Road, Overland, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-6010

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