SSD Webster Groves Schools
May 2024 Community Engagement Newsletter
Cliff Downey, SSD Resource Teacher and Special Olympics Coach, embarked on the journey to introduce Unified Sports at Hixson Middle School one year ago. With the support of his Special Education Coordinator, Dr. Stephanie Berry, and the middle school principal, Dr. Shenita Mayes, he worked tirelessly to make this vision a reality. Today, he witnessed the culmination of his efforts as Unified Sports Day unfolded.
Mr. Downey collaborated closely with several PE teachers, including Aaron Hummert and Jennifer Laue, as well as the entire PE department, to tackle the challenge of helping Hixson Middle School gain recognition as a Champion School. Over the past few years, Hixson initiated programs such as Bocce Ball and Best Buddies, and this year, they expanded their offerings to include Unified Bowling and Unified Sports Day. Great job Cliff Downey!
On April 3rd, fourth-grade students from Givens Elementary School in Webster Groves embarked on their inaugural "college experience" at Webster University. Thirty-seven students, accompanied by their teachers, engaged with avatars and crafted dragons at the School of Education, participated in a ballet session at the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts, conducted scientific experiments at the College of Science and Health, and enjoyed lunch alongside their newfound "college peers" at Marletto's cafeteria.
Additionally, Givens students received a demonstration of the School of Education's 3-D printers in the "Maker Space" at Webster University. They were guided through the process of loading a virtual model of a dragon, observing as the printer meticulously transformed the digital design into a tangible model. This facilitated an engaging discussion, showcasing various applications of 3-D printing, including the creation of homes and prosthetics. The students were extremely excited and had a great time.
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.
🏀Special Olympics - May 2nd, 2024🥎
On March 6, 2024, students at Hixson Middle School along with their best buddies participated in the BOCCEE Tournament that was held at Italia-American Bocce Club. Students had a great time and won medals.
The Webster Groves School district is gearing up in preparation for the Special School District (SSD) Special Olympics Track and Field Events May 2nd at Kirkwood High School. This is the first year we are not sponsoring the event due to the renovation of Moss Field. However, we hope to see our families out to support our students for this event at Kirkwood High School.
Additionally, Mr. Clifford Downey and Coach Aaron Hummert are planning a Unified Sports Day on the afternoon of April 19th at Hixson Middle School. The games have begun….stay tuned for more pictures to come!
😎Summer Camps😎
What are your plans for the Summer?
Are you looking for Summer Camps for your child?
Below are links to summer camps offered for students with disabilities and toddlers to teens.
On The Way With ADA | Save Money, Ride More Metro Transit is excited to offer the On The Way With ADA program, which allows ADA paratransit riders to ride MetroLink and MetroBus for free!
Through the program, qualified ADA paratransit customers can receive a special On The Way With ADA Gateway Card preloaded to provide free rides on MetroLink and MetroBus.
Program Details
- To apply for your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card, visit the MetroStore at the corner of 8th & Pine Streets in downtown St. Louis or contact ADA Services at 314.982.1510 or ADAServices@metrostlouis.org.
- On The Way With ADA is only eligible for qualified ADA paratransit riders.
- If you have a ADA Paratransit card, you are eligible for the On The Way With ADA program
- To see if you are eligible, contact ADA Services at 314.982.1510 or ADAServices@metrostlouis.org.
- All On The Way With ADA Gateway Cards are assigned to a specific transit rider. The card can only be used by the assigned rider.
- The On The Way With ADA card is not eligible for discounts on Metro Call‑A‑Ride.
How to Use Your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card
Your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card is preloaded for free rides on MetroBus and MetroLink. If you have not received your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card, you may request a card or check on its status by contacting the ADA Services department at 314.982.1510 or ADAServices@metrostlouis.org.
Click on this link to read more on Metrolink's website.
ESY will be held at the following schools:
Avery Elementary (K-5) from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Edgar Road (K-5) Resource Only (If attending the SEE Program)
Hixson Middle (6-8) 8:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.
Webster Groves High School (9-12) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The dates are 6/3/2024-6/28/2024 Monday-Thursday.
There will be no session on June 19th.
It is important to mention a couple of items in regards to ESY. First, not all children who qualify for ESY will qualify for the full program. If you child only qualifies for resource minutes, the summer school case manager will contact you regarding dates and times to bring your child in for services. Secondly, if your child is attending both the Webster Groves SEE program and qualifies for ESY services, your child’s case manager will work with your child’s summer school teacher and you to determine an optimal time to provide ESY services. Finally, if your child’s IEP team has found him or her eligible for transportation services, you should be receiving transportation information closer to the start of ESY.
We are looking forward to a great ESY program this summer. If you have any questions, you may be reach Stephanie Berry @ seberry@ssdmo.org or (314)989-8468 or Jennifer Macalady JLMacalady@ssdmo.org at (314)749-2091.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephanie E. Berry
Dr. Jennifer Macalady
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!
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:
Get Out and About - See What St. Louis has to Offer!
Summer 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.
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.
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).
🤹🏻♂️FUTURE LEADERS WANTED! - Family Leadership Institute (FLI) 📖
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.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish
Join NAMI St. Louis in this virtual interactive presentation where we will discuss facts and statistics around stress and anxiety, how to take care of ourselves in a holistic manner, debunk self-care myths, and learn about comment self-care practices, including mindfulness, gratitude, and more.
Register for this virtual event. Unable to attend but still interested in the information? Register and a recorded version will be emailed to you within a week after the event.
Contact
Email: face@ssdmo.org
⛺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
🔦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.
🎈SSD Parents Advisory Council (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.
There will be no March SSD PAC meeting. Please join us for our April 10 Zoom meeting, and mark your calendars for May 8 - our end of year party at SSD Central Office!
Best,
Rebecca Flieg
President, SSD Parents Advisory Council
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.
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.
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.
Are you looking for unique and accessible activities to participate in this winter? Look no further than the latest FACE newsletter! In it you will find not only information on what FACE has to offer, but also ideas to enhance your student’s learning and great community events and offerings.
You can sign up to have future newsletters sent to your inbox by visiting the FACE website today!
👨🏻🏫Special Education Foundation - Classroom Innovation Grant program👩🏻🏫
The Special Education Foundation helps support SSD teachers to implement their creative project ideas with our Classroom Innovation Grant program. We are excited to announce that we will be funding $65,000 for 89 teacher projects for the 2024-2025 school year. See the list of winners here.
⛳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!
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/