SSD Staff Appreciation Form
Do you have a teacher or staff member who has gone above & beyond for you or your child - supporting them, encouraging them to do their best or being a listening ear when they need someone? Take a minute to write a note of thanks by sharing your appreciation with them. You may fill out this form as many times as you would like for different school personnel.
SSD in Affton PAC Meetings
PAC Meetings will be held on September 21st at 6:30, November 16th at 6:30, February 15th at 6:30, and April 25th at 6:30. More details to come!
The Affton PAC was formed by families who expect that children with disabilities and/or unique learning needs are educated effectively, afforded the dignity of belonging, and valued throughout all Affton School District. We hope that as we continue to grow, our membership will be representative of the full diversity of our student body and their families. Angela Hanks is the current leader of this group. She would love to have a partner in this important work. Please let us know if you would be interested. “Like” the Affton/SSD Family Group Facebook page or contact us for more information.
The Family Resource Hub for SSD
The Community Action Agency of St. Louis (CAASTL) will be available at the Family Resource Hub, located inside North County Technical High School on October 6th and November 3rd from 10-2pm. CAASTLC can provide the following programs and services to families:
Case management
Utility assistance
Rental assistance
Financial education
Weatherization
Program development and educational activities.
Contact FACE with any questions.
Health and Wellness
Nurturing Mental Wellness: Mindfulness Strategies for Inner Balance
In the fast-paced world we live in, it's easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of daily life. Amidst the hustle and bustle, prioritizing mental wellness is crucial for maintaining a balanced and fulfilling life. Mindfulness, a practice rooted in ancient wisdom, offers powerful tools to navigate the complexities of modern existence. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of mindfulness and provide practical strategies to incorporate it into your routine.
Understanding Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. It involves paying focused attention to your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. By cultivating awareness of the present, you can reduce stress, enhance clarity, and foster a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Wellness:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Mindfulness techniques help to calm the mind, reducing the impact of stressors and alleviating anxiety.
Improved Focus and Concentration: Regular mindfulness practice enhances cognitive function, allowing for greater concentration and productivity in daily tasks.
Enhanced Emotional Regulation: By observing emotions without attachment or judgment, mindfulness empowers individuals to respond to situations with greater emotional intelligence.
Increased Self-Acceptance: Mindfulness encourages self-compassion, allowing you to embrace your thoughts and feelings with kindness and understanding.
Greater Resilience: It fosters resilience by teaching you to adapt to challenging situations rather than becoming overwhelmed by them.
Practical Mindfulness Strategies
Breath Awareness: Find a quiet space and focus on your breath. Observe the inhale and exhale without trying to alter it. This simple exercise can be done anywhere and provides an immediate sense of calm.
Body Scan Meditation: Lie down or sit comfortably and mentally scan your body from head to toe. Notice any areas of tension or discomfort and allow them to release.
Mindful Eating: Slow down and savor each bite of your meal. Pay attention to the flavors, textures, and sensations in your mouth. This practice enhances gratitude and improves digestion.
Gratitude Journaling: Take a few minutes each day to jot down things you're grateful for. This practice cultivates a positive outlook and shifts focus towards the abundance in your life.
Walking Meditation: Take a leisurely walk and focus on each step. Feel the ground beneath your feet, the movement of your body, and the sensation of the air against your skin.
Technology Detox: Set aside designated times to disconnect from screens. Use this time for mindful activities like reading, walking, or spending quality time with loved ones.
mindfulness is a powerful way to navigate life's challenges with ease and resilience. By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your routine, you can cultivate a deep sense of inner balance and lead a more fulfilling life. Remember, mindfulness is not a destination, but a journey – one that invites you to embrace each moment as it is.
SEF and Student Leader Opportunities
SEF Accepting Applications for Kid to Camp Program: The Special Education Foundation is now accepting applications to assist children with disabilities served by SSD to attend one or more camps this summer. Each year, the SEF provides tuition assistance to enable students served by SSD to attend summer camps. Sometimes children with disabilities cannot join their peers in a summer camp experience due to financial constraints or other hardships. SEF steps in to help young people and their families take advantage of these experiences that can sometimes be life-changing. Parents and caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a safe and healthy place. Apply here.
Adaptive & Assistive Equipment
The Special Education Foundation (SEF) is able to provide specialized equipment to students with disabilities up to age 21. The aim of the SEF is to enhance the education or the independence of students or to improve their quality of life. Through grants, the Foundation is able to help provide requests for specialized equipment, based on financial need, which includes:
● augmentative communication devices
● adaptive equipment
● hearing aids
● eyeglasses
Applications are accepted year-round and are initiated by the student’s teacher. Learn more about SEF’s Adaptive and Assistive Equipment program and how to apply.
Lunch and Learn
FACE is excited to host Pathways to Independence for a Lunch and Learn on October 25th from 11:30-12. Pathways to Independence is a local non-profit supporting teens through navigating their transition years, with a focus on friendship and social skills. Pathways is geared toward more independent teens, often with a Level 1 Autism diagnosis, a learning disability, or other developmental disability. Through a monthly calendar, participants have their choice of a variety of social activities and social skills classes. To access the video, please visit the SSD YouTube channel.
Family Cafe
Do you have a strong desire to make connections with other families in your community? Join FACE on October 5th from 6-8pm for a Family Cafe. Family Cafes are hosted by families for families. Conversations are centered around the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors: Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication. To learn more or to register, click here.
Behavioral Strategies in the Home and Community Series: Are you often frustrated or at a loss trying to manage your student’s behavior? Join SSD’s Applied Behavior Analysts on October 9th from 6-7pm to learn basic behavior strategies on how to prevent and react to behaviors when in and out in the community. In this webinar, attendees will review reinforcement strategies, basic functions of behavior, determining what your student prefers, how to apply these things across settings, and where resources are for you in the community. Click here to register and learn more.
Family Academy
Family Academy: EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT! FACE is hosting its second annual Family Academy on Saturday, November 4th from 9-12 at North Tech High School, 1700 Derhake Rd., Florissant MO 63033. Families will have the opportunity to meet with a wide variety of community providers and vendors as well as participate in self-directed learning opportunities. So gather up the kids and head to North Tech for a morning filled with fun and empowerment. Visit the FACE webpage for more information and to register!
Unity Day
Unity Day is coming to Special School District. All across the
nation, Unity Day is being celebrated on October 18th. Students should wear and share orange to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion to send a visible message that no child should ever experience bullying. FACE will be holding a “Unity Day: Express Yourself” contest. Students are encouraged to submit entries based on the theme: “Kindness, Acceptance and Inclusion.” All forms of artistic expression will be accepted. Check the FACE website for more details on how to enter, and for additional October events and opportunities to support Unity Day.
Survey
Special Education Foundation
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.
Affton School District
Email: kmmeers@ssdmo.org
Website: http://afftonschools.net/
Location: 8701 MacKenzie Rd, Affton, MO 63123, USA
Phone: 314-633-5912