December 14, 2023 - To create a sense of belonging within the Valley Park School District, Shana Doerr, speech-language pathologist, and Danielle Fox, special education teacher, developed a new event for middle and high school students - Festival of Friends. It’s one event in a series dedicated to celebrating students who make others feel included.

Click here to read more: Festival of Friends

OR you can also check out on both the VP and SSD Facebook page!

• Here's a blog post from National Geographic that explains what a season is, and describes seasons in different parts of the world. It's a resource for 6th - 12th.
• From Education World, a great list of winter-themed resources, across all subjects and ages (and it's not too overwhelming!)
• Here's a really cool list of science experiments for winter. No cold and snow where you are? No worries. A freezer will suffice :)

Exploring Hibernation!

Six Hibernation Lesson Plans for This Winter:

The winter season is upon us, and despite the craze of the holiday season, everyone will start moving a little slower, especially some animals. For most mammals, including squirrels, bats, and bears, winter means one thing: hibernation. Teaching hibernation in the classroom can be easy for educators with the right resources:

Six Hibernation Lesson Plans for This Winter | Education World

The Special Education Foundation's John Cary Scholarship was established to honor the former SSD superintendent for his dedication to excellence and advocacy for students with disabilities. Each year, SEF grants scholarships to students entering post-secondary education, choosing recipients who embody John Cary's valued traits: resiliency, courage, and determination. Student applications and teacher nominations are accepted through January 26, 2024. Learn more and apply through this link.

Would you like to learn more about how to support our student’s learning this Winter? Take a look at the FACE YouTube page and watch any of our pre-recorded webinars. Topics include toilet training, executive functioning, behavior supports, and Special Education Process. Check it out and email us at face@ssdmo.org to suggest other important topics.

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!

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.

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 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.

Sponsored by the Special Education Foundation, the Fred Saigh Leadership Academy broadens student horizons beyond the classroom through new and unique community-related opportunities. The curriculum develops leadership skills and involves the students' issues that face the community. Students return to their respective schools equipped to campaign for school offices, manage school projects, and assume leadership positions.

Students who want to be considered for the academy must complete an application that is supported by a nomination from a teacher. All materials must be received by Feb. 20, 2024, for consideration for the Fall 2024 class.

Camp programs within the community can play an important role in sustaining the positive impacts on students with disabilities, extending beyond the social and educational aspects of the classroom. Participation in these camps offers occasions for social interaction, increased independence, and have the potential to boost confidence during breaks in the school year.

SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program provides financial assistance to families of children served by the Special School District so they can attend camp during these breaks in the school year. Campership funds are awarded based on financial need and student benefit.

The cold temperatures this week have brought with it the reminder that winter is coming to the St. Louis region and how important it is for every student to have a suitable coat, hat, and gloves for the coming months.

Most of us are lucky not to have to choose between heat, food, or a warm winter coat. Sadly, there are many in our region that face that decision, and often, the winter coat comes last.

For a child with a disability, there are additional challenges when it comes to outerwear.

For example, a child in a wheelchair struggles with most outerwear as the bulkiness of the coat may interfere with the positioning equipment on the wheelchair, especially for children with complex positioning devices, such as laterals, harnesses, head supports, and other upper body supports.

For children with sensory issues, winter coats bring an extra burden. A child with autism may be overly sensitive to scratchy seams and tags, or they may react to clothes or waistbands that are too tight.

Right now, the Special Education Foundation is partnering with the Special School District of St. Louis County on the Critical Needs Coat Drive, where we’re raising money to buy coats for students this winter. Please donate online today to help put a coat on a kid who needs it. Especially with these harsh temperatures we’re facing right now!You can also mail your contribution to SEF at 11933 Westline Industrial Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63146.

Thank you for your generous support.

The UMSL Succeed Program is designed to encourage and facilitate students to gain independence through academics, vocational experiences, and college residential/student life. Students must meet the criteria, which include:

Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability.

Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue post-secondary education to expand career & life opportunities.

Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.

See the entire list of requirements and learn more about the program!

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.

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!

Valley Park School District welcomes parents and other community members into our schools for special events, meetings, tours, and other occasions. However, keeping our students and staff safe while at school is something we take very seriously. To increase security at all our school buildings, we have started using the Hall Pass Visitor Management System to track visitors. The system is simple and easy to use. The only thing you need is a government-issued ID. For more information, click here.

Valley Park Families! As you plan for this school year - here is the calendar. Click in to https://www.vpschools.org/events to see all the important dates for your hawk! As always, dates are subject to change. #VPPride

Valley Park Elementary School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vpes

Valley Park Middle School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vpms

Valley Park High School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vphs

Valley Park Early Childhood Center: https://www.vpschools.org/o/ecc

Special School District

SSD Partner District - Valley Park

SSD Superintendent Blog

Valley Park School District

Special School District of St. Louis County

12110 Clayton Road

Town & Country, MO 63131

Phone: 314‐989‐8100

Julie Schroeder

• Director
• jmschroeder@ssdmo.org

Dana Evans

• School Social Worker
• devans@ssdmo.org

Jenna Donze

• School Psychologist
• jrdonze@ssdmo.org

Website: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/1
Location: One Main St, Valley Park, MO 63088
Phone: (636) 923-3500

Families - we want to hear from you! If you have a celebration, concern, or idea for our SSD team - please add it to this survey. I will do my best to consider all feedback ~

SSD Valley Park Feedback