New SSD/Clayton Dispatch
January 2024
Dear Families,
Our SSD Measurement and Assessment team has been busy reviewing our Fall to Winter academic data on the aReading and aMath assessment. Also sharing MAP performance index from 2022 to 2023. Scores in blue show growth. In the majority of instances, there is an increase in MPI score from 2022 to 2023 for students receiving Special Education services.
From fall to winter, the percent of 2-8 students meeting reading and math growth targets increased compared to the prior academic year.
37% of students met reading growth targets (an increase from 23% in 22-23).
35% of students met math growth targets (an increase from 14% in 22-23).
This summer we are adding special education teachers to the ESA program to provide additional intervention/tutoring. A special education teacher will also be available for students taking classes through CSA and JumpStart Math. At the high school we are providing additional tutoring time for students attending ESY.
Save the Date - 2024 Summer Programs
Elementary Summer Academy (ESA) is June 5 - June 28 from 8:30 am - 12 pm and serves students entering grades 1-5. Participation is by teacher recommendation. ESA will be held at Glenridge this summer.
Wydown Summer Academy (WSA) is June 5 - June 28 from 8:15 - 11:30 am and is open to all students entering grades 6-8. Students can choose between JumpStart Math or Wydown Leadership Academy. WSA will be held at Clayton High School. Contact Erika Harris at erickaharris@claytonschools.net to learn more.
Clayton Summer Academy (CSA) is June 3 - June 28 from 8:15 am - 11:30 pm and is open to students entering grades 9-12. Registration for CSA classes will take place concurrently with the CHS registration process for the 2024-2025 school year. Please contact your child’s grade level counselor or our CSA Director Paul Hoelscher for additional information.
Summer Great Start for Students Entering 9th Grade
We offer a 2 week “Great Start” program for students entering 9th grade who would benefit from a more structured orientation to the high school experience. I highly recommend this program if your student is feeling nervous about navigating the high school experience. The program helps familiarize students with the physical space, the resources available, and the academic routines needed to have a successful freshman year. Reach out to Mark Snyder (current 8th grade counselor) or Chandra Brown (CHS counselor receiving the current 8th graders) with any questions.
ESY
ESY permission slips have been mailed out for students that qualify for ESY services. Please return to your child's case manager.
Elementary ESY will be at Glenridge Elementary June 5-June 28 8:30am-12:00pm
Middle School ESY will be at Clayton High School June 5-June 28 8:30am-11:30am
High School ESY will be at Clayton High School June 3--June 28 8:30am-11:30am
Thank you for your continued support!
Thanks,
Melissa Logan
Director of Special Education; Clayton
melissalogan@claytonschools.net
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!
Destination Fun Grand Opening
We are SO excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new playground in Brentwood Park! You're invited to join us April 6th at 10:00am for the celebration of the completion of our playground. This 32 acre park will feature a splash pad, sound play area, ADA accessible playground equipment, rock walls, ziplines, and so much more! Be sure to mark your calendars! This is an event you won't want to miss.
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.
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.
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, 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.
Autism
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 6pm 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.
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:
Toilet Training
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.
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!
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.
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/
Come to the April Family Cafe!
April 11, 6-8 PM - Join FACE at North Technical High School (1700 Derhake Road, Florissant, 63033) for the Family Cafe. These events are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers 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 and 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 supports 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 are able to 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.
Classroom Innovation Grant
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 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!
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
Toolbox Essentials
"Toolbox Essentials" is a curated list of essential resources for families. Click HERE.
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.
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
Special School District Parent Advisory Council (google.com)
Special School District of St. Louis County
Melissa Logan, Director of Special Education
Kate Pavlisin, Instructional Coach
Email: mjlogan@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Clayton School District
Website: https://www.claytonschools.net/
Location: 2 Mark Twain Circle, Clayton, MO, USA
Phone: 314-854-6000