Dear MRH Families,

We hope this note finds you well. As we navigate through the spring semester, we invite you to stay connected and engaged with our school community. Your involvement is key to creating a vibrant and supportive educational environment. Join us in fostering connections and creating memorable experiences for your family.

We value open communication and are here to support your child's educational journey. We hope to see you all during our upcoming parent/teacher conferences. Please review the details coming from building administrators in their weekly communication.

Thank you for being an integral part of our MRH school communities!

In Partnership,

Emily

Emily Kresyman Ed. S

Maplewood Richmond Heights Director of Special Education

FEB 5th-8th- Parent/Teacher Conferences - building admin have shared specific details for each level

FEB 12th- SSD Parent Advisory Council Meeting- 6:30-7:30pm Middle School Research & Design Center

FEB 15th- Board of Education Meeting 7pm Research and Design Center

FEB 17th- Summer Programs Fair 10-1pm @ MRH- Elementary

FEB 19th- No School - District is closed

FEB 22nd- BOE Community Round Tables- see included flyer for details

FEB 27th- Early Dismissal

Today Black History Month continues the discussion of Black people and their contributions through activities such as museum exhibits and film screenings, and by encouraging the study of achievements by African Americans year-round.

(Learn more at National Geographic.)

Title: "Navigating Your Child's Education Journey: A Brief Overview of the IEP Process with Charting the LifeCourse Framework"

Description: FACE staff will share information about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, and how the, Charting the LifeCourse Framework can be utilized to empower families in to navigate the planning process.

Key Learning Points:

• Explore the principles and benefits of the Charting the LifeCourse Framework.

• Gain a better understanding of the key components of the IEP process.

• Explore ways to actively plan for your child’s IEP and involve them in the planning process..

• Understand how this approach enhances the IEP process by placing emphasis on your child's strengths, preferences, and long-term goals.

Greetings PAC Family! It can be overwhelming figuring out school, insurance, future planning, not to mention what to make for dinner, all while parenting our beautiful kids who require extra attention. We're here to help you navigate the confusing waters of the disability world with our PAC meeting presentations. We want to help you now so your child’s future is bright.

Check out our upcoming meeting topics below. Note: Our PAC meetings are always held on the second Wednesday of the month, 7-9 PM, August through May (except March):

• Jan. 10, 2024: Our January meeting will be a presentation from The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis - their staff will share lots of information about activities and summer camps before registrations become full.

• Feb. 14, 2024: Our zoom topic will be guardianship alternatives. This is a VIP topic to educate yourself about before it's thrown at you in high school.

• May 8, 2024: Mark your calendars for our in-person celebration at SSD Central office! We are working to make it a one-stop shopping experience that will hook you up with integral resources for your child all in one place.

Come join your PAC family and get that help you haven’t had time to ask for.

Peaceful holidays to all,

Rebecca Flieg

President, SSD Parents Advisory Council

Dear families,

Happy New Year from the SSD PAC! We have three things to share:

Our February 14th zoom meeting is on a very important & highly requested topic-‘Alternatives to Guardianship’. Work towards the goal of least restrictive adult life can be started in kindergarten, with IEP goals focusing on self-determination, using Charting the Life Course, and other self-determination measures we will touch during the meeting. We want to personally invite you to attend. The link to the zoom can be found here: Special School District Parent Advisory Council (google.com) and here is a direct link:

February 14, 2024 7pm

Join Zoom Meeting

https://ssdmo-org.zoom.us/j/2994821147?pwd=bmhPOE9UZlRzcmpBS0FyVkFEQVlKQT09 (https://ssdmo-org.zoom.us/j/2994821147?pwd=bmhPOE9UZlRzcmpBS0FyVkFEQVlKQT09)

Meeting ID: 299 482 1147

Passcode: 440337

While we have your attention, please Save the Date for May 10th. You’re invited to an End of Year Party at SSD’s Central Office, in Town & Country. SSD Board of Education Members, your District's Board of Education members who serve on Governing Council, your District Parent Groups, SSD FACE (Family and Community Engagement) and the best resource vendors will all be there wanting to connect with & meet as many families as they can. More details to come.

Lastly, please take a minute to vote in our 3-question survey. It’s anonymous! We want to give families a strong introduction to the Special Education/SSD system- but need your help. What do you always tell new parents? What resources do you share with newly diagnosed families? Please vote. Link to survey: https://ssdmo.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3EJPa1clNZPQEgC.

Best,

Rebecca Flieg

SSD PAC President

Special School District Parent Advisory Council (google.com)

SSD will be partnering with Affton, Pattonville, and Rockwood school districts again this year to host the St. Louis County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases. Last year’s events were very successful and helped middle and high-school students throughout the St. Louis region learn about the many careers available to them that require specialized training. Visit the Showcase webpage for more information! The District will host three Saturday events, each held from 10 AM – 1 PM:

● Feb. 24 – Eureka High School

● March 2 – North Tech High School

● March 9 – South Tech High School

The Special Education Foundation is offering 10 sponsorships (valued at $500) for Junior year students to attend the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State and American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Boys State. The programs will be held the week of June 22 – June 29, 2024 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. The program includes a college campus experience of staying in the dorms overnight at the university for a week as a citizen of a mythical state that all the citizens will govern at the city, county and state level. Students must send a sponsorship solicitation email/letter and letter of reference from the student’s SSD teacher to Tim Eby, SEF Executive Director at tim@sef-stl.org by March 1, 2024. Read here for more information, or contact Jackie Ruhm Dunn jackiedunnstl@gmail.com or 314.640.1154 for questions.

The Special Education Foundation is accepting applications for next year's Fred Saigh Leadership Academy class. Started in 2004, this program provides high school students with unique community-focused opportunities to broaden their horizons.

Each year, up to 20 students displaying leadership potential are chosen to participate in a training program that introduces and develops their leadership skills, engaging them in community issues. Students dedicate one day per month to visit key sites and meet leaders in the metropolitan area, exposing them to vital institutions that address community needs. Applications are accepted now through February 20, 2024. Learn more about the program and how to apply

Receiving a flu shot helps keep you and your community healthy! Free flu vaccinations are being provided through Barnes-Jewish Hospital. For more information or to schedule an appointment click HERE.

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.

The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will also be available at the SSD Family Resource Hub (located inside North Tech High School) on Friday, February 2nd, 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).

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 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/

FACE is set to host Family Academy on Saturday, February 24th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Neuwoehner High School, 12112 Clayton Rd, St. Louis MO 63131. Families can connect with various community providers and vendors and partake in self-directed learning opportunities. Round up the kids and head to Family Academy for a morning of fun and empowerment. You don't want to miss this academy if you’re looking for Summer Recreation opportunities. The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis and many of our local camp vendors will be onsite to discuss funding and recreation options. Visit the FACE webpage for more details and to secure your spot!

The MRH Parent Advisory Council offers an opportunity to connect with other parents of students with disabilities and to learn about topics of interest. Please contact MRH parent Mrs. Kim Gifford if you are interested in participating.

• SSD Superintendent Updates
• SSD Parent Advisory Council
• SSD Partner District - Maplewood-Richmond Heights
• Academic and Related Services Toolkit