Greetings!
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.
Future Leaders Wanted!
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.
FACE
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.
SSD on Instagram
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/
The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County
The holidays can be a stressful time financially for many families. The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will be at the HUB at North Tech High School on January 5th from 10-2pm to help families. CAASTLC can provide the following programs and services to families:
● Case management
● Utility assistance
● Rental assistance
● Financial education
● Weatherization
● Program development and educational activities.
FACE TO FACE
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!
Gift of Sound
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
10 Steps to Self Advocacy
10 Steps to Self Advocacy.
April 2, 6 PM - Join FACE for a live webinar: 10 Steps to Self Advocacy. This workshop provides an easy-to-use format that will guide families in using strategies to build positive interactions and collaborative teams. Register today!
SSD's own Autism Effective Practice Specialists
Does your student have a new Autism diagnosis or are you interested in learning more about Autism and how to best support student learning in the home environment? Join FACE on April 5th at 6 pm as one of SSD’s own Autism Effective Practice Specialists gives practical advice and information. To learn more and to register for this event click here.
SSD's Behavior Analysts
FACE along with SSD’s Behavior Analysts are hosting a workshop about toilet training on April 10th at 6:30. You can learn strategies to break down toilet training skills and gather resources to help your student’s success. To learn more and to register for this event, click here.
April Family Café' !
Come to the April Family Café!
April 11, 6-8 PM - Join FACE at North Technical High School (1700 Derhake Road, Florissant, 63033) for the Family Café. These events are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers with 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!
Lunch & Learn
FACE is hosting a Lunch and Learn with the St. Louis Arc's NEXT program on Wednesday, April 24th, at 11:30 AM. St. Louis Arc's Next transition program provides focused, impactful support 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 can 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. Lunch and Learns are held virtually through YouTube Live. To access the video, please visit the SSD YouTube channel.
Virtual Open House
Are you new to Special School District, or do you just want to learn more about our amazing organization? Join FACE for a Virtual Open House on Thursday, April 18th, at 6 PM. Families can receive an introduction to the services and resources available through SSD. Join the Zoom meeting here.
Family Resource HUB
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, April 5th, from 10 AM-2 PM 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 (closed for Spring Break). 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.
Miriam Summer Camp
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
SEF"s Kid-to-Camp
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 Parent Advisory Council
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
The Special Education Foundation
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.
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!
The School District of University City Upcoming Events
April 2024
April 2: No School for Students - Election Day
April 9: Kindergarten Open House at all elementary schools
April 10: All District Strings Concert
April 18: Board of Education Regular Meeting
April 19: District Arts Night at University City High School
April 20: One U City Trivia Night Fundraiser, Location TBD
April 24: University City High School Band and Orchestra Concert
April 27: University City High School Prom
IMPORTANT CONTACTS
SSD ADMINISTRATOR CONTACTS
Wendy Gilliam, Ed.S.
Special Educator Director.
314-989-8461/314-290-4038
Meghan Boyer, Ed.S.
Special Education Coordinator
314-290-4150 Pershing Elementary School
Briana Martin, Ed.S.
Special Education Coordinator
314-290-4280 Brittany Woods
314-290-4100 U. City High School
314-989-7026
Special School District of St. Louis County
314-989-8100 SSDMO.org