The Best Buddy Ball held May 10, 2024, in the courtyard of Webster Groves High School was once again a huge success! Webster Groves hosted a dance and the students at Kirkwood High School were invited to participate. Students look forward to this event all year and is often the most asked about activity. Webster Groves rolled out the red carpet to welcome all. The students were dressed to impress and had a blast showing off their dance moves to friends, family and teachers. Pictured are teachers Holly Tieman and Angela Backer, Hanna Lauer, Owen Gilliam and Rafe Daniels.

The seniors in our Essential Skills Class participated in a graduation ceremony on May 10. The participating seniors included: India Bland, Catherine Barnes, Rafe Daniels, Noeh Koester, Cameron Vincent, Jason Redmon, and Griffin Lynch-Featherly. Dr. Irvin, Principal of Webster Groves School District participated in the rehearsal to hand out the diplomats. There was a small reception after with cupcakes and lemonade. Parents were welcomed and the students had a great time celebrating their accomplishment! We look forward to hearing the success stories of our seniors as they embark on their new journey after high school.

The Special Olympics were held on May 2, 2024, at Kirkwood High School. Students from our Webster Groves elementary schools and high school participated in track and field events, having the opportunity to showcase their ability and have fun with friends and classmates. The opening ceremonies kicked off the games with Kaden Robinson (a senior at Webster Groves High School) giving a peppy speech to motivate the athletes. Dr. Simpson, Superintendent at Webster Groves School District dropped by to cheer Webster Groves athletes to victory. Students competed in events that included the long jump, longest ball and running. In between events, students had the opportunity to enjoy pizza for lunch or play noncompetitive games for prizes. Smiles and fist bumps dominated much of the day.

Join the Special Education Foundation's first annual Starfish Awards as we recognize those who have made a significant impact in the lives of students and families supported by the Special School District. Celebrate an evening of excitement at CITYPARK Stadium, home of the St. Louis CITY SC. Together we'll honor special individuals who have made a significant impact through their seemingly small, yet profoundly meaningful actions. Visit www.starfishawards.org to register and see the award recipients.

What are your plans for the Summer?

Are you looking for Summer Camps for your child?

Below are links to summer camps offered for students with disabilities and toddlers to teens.

Summer camps for students with disabilities

Summer camps for toddlers to teens

On The Way With ADA | Save Money, Ride More Metro Transit is excited to offer the On The Way With ADA program, which allows ADA paratransit riders to ride MetroLink and MetroBus for free!

Through the program, qualified ADA paratransit customers can receive a special On The Way With ADA Gateway Card preloaded to provide free rides on MetroLink and MetroBus.

Program Details

• To apply for your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card, visit the MetroStore at the corner of 8th & Pine Streets in downtown St. Louis or contact ADA Services at 314.982.1510 or ADAServices@metrostlouis.org.
• On The Way With ADA is only eligible for qualified ADA paratransit riders.
  • If you have a ADA Paratransit card, you are eligible for the On The Way With ADA program
  • To see if you are eligible, contact ADA Services at 314.982.1510 or ADAServices@metrostlouis.org.
• All On The Way With ADA Gateway Cards are assigned to a specific transit rider. The card can only be used by the assigned rider.
• The On The Way With ADA card is not eligible for discounts on Metro Call‑A‑Ride.

How to Use Your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card

Your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card is preloaded for free rides on MetroBus and MetroLink. If you have not received your On The Way With ADA Gateway Card, you may request a card or check on its status by contacting the ADA Services department at 314.982.1510 or ADAServices@metrostlouis.org.

Click on this link to read more on Metrolink's website.

Metrostlouis.

Extended School Year for Webster Groves starts June 3

ESY starts in Webster Groves on June 3 and runs through June 28.

There will be no school on June 19 in honor of Juneteenth.

The sites for ESY are Avery, Edgar Road, Hixson Middle School and Webster Groves High School. Elementary students are placed at Avery or Edgar Road based on programming. The hours of ESY are: Elementary 8:00 to 12:00, Hixson Middle 8:15 to 12:15 and Webster Groves High School 8:30 to 12:30. The ESY staff is looking forward to a summer of learning.

ESY will be held at the following schools:

Avery Elementary (K-5) from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Edgar Road (K-5) Resource Only (If attending the SEE Program)

Hixson Middle (6-8) 8:15 a.m.- 12:15 p.m.

Webster Groves High School (9-12) 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

The dates are 6/3/2024-6/28/2024 Monday-Thursday.

There will be no session on June 19th.

It is important to mention a couple of items in regards to ESY. First, not all children who qualify for ESY will qualify for the full program. If you child only qualifies for resource minutes, the summer school case manager will contact you regarding dates and times to bring your child in for services. Secondly, if your child is attending both the Webster Groves SEE program and qualifies for ESY services, your child’s case manager will work with your child’s summer school teacher and you to determine an optimal time to provide ESY services. Finally, if your child’s IEP team has found him or her eligible for transportation services, you should be receiving transportation information closer to the start of ESY.

We are looking forward to a great ESY program this summer. If you have any questions, you may be reach Stephanie Berry @ seberry@ssdmo.org or (314)989-8468 or Jennifer Macalady JLMacalady@ssdmo.org at (314)749-2091.

Sincerely,

Dr. Stephanie E. Berry

Dr. Jennifer Macalady

Bullying is an unacceptable part of our children’s lives. Do your children know how to recognize the signs of bullying? Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center offers resources to help. Click here to learn how you can become a partner in your child’s learning.

The Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC), located at the Learning Center in Hazelwood, has several books that help to increase awareness and prevent bullying for students of all different ages and abilities. Here is a list of just a few:

“Betty Stops the Bully: An Emotional Literacy Book” written by Lawrence E. Shapiro, Ph.D “Emily is Being Bullied. What Can She Do?” written by Helen Cowie, Harriet Tenebaum, and Ffion Jones “I Wish I Knew What to Do?!, Teens tell it like it is…on what to say to get BULLIES to leave you alone!” edited by Beth Carls and Amy Looper

Contact FACE today (face@ssdmo.org, 314-989-8460) to have one of these books or many others sent home in your student’s backpack!

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!

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:

• Tips on Finding a Leisure Program Right for You

• Online Summer Program Listing

• Program Search Tool

Summer 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.

Did you know that St. Louis County Parks and Recreation offers over 400 programs and events each year? From hiking and biking trails to ice rinks, pools and camps, they have something for everyone. Head over to their website and see what they have to offer your family.

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 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 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.

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 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!

Visit SSDMO.org for links to resources that will direct you to information that will be helpful throughout the year - bookmark the webpage to make it easy to find. The links below apply to all students county-wide who receive services from SSD.

• Partner Districts

• Partner District Communication Sequence

• IEPs - Frequently Asked Questions

• Bullying Resources

• Student & Related Services

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/

Your Voice Counts!

PEDA Parent/Family workshop

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