SSD/Hancock Place Parent Newsletter

Aug. 16, 2023 - The start of a new school year can bring both excitement and apprehension for students, especially after the challenges posed by the previous year. It's not uncommon for students to experience back-to-school anxiety as they face new classrooms, teachers, and classmates. As a family member, your support and guidance play a crucial role in helping your student manage these feelings and start the year positively.

Behaviors that may suggest your student is experiencing extra anxiety around the return to school include:

• Tantrums or mood changes
• Significant changes in sleeping patterns or appetite
• Increased physical complaints, such as nondescript headaches and stomachaches
• Avoiding school-related activities or complete refusal to attend school

Here are some strategies to assist your student in dealing with back-to-school anxiety:

• Open Communication: Encourage them to express their thoughts and concerns about the upcoming school year. Create a safe space for them to share their worries and listen attentively. By acknowledging their feelings, you show that their emotions are valid and that you're there to support them.
• Establish Routines: Predictability can help alleviate anxiety. Work together to establish a consistent daily routine including study time, physical activity, and relaxation. A structured routine can provide a sense of stability and control, reducing anxiety levels.
• Focus on the Positive: Help your student shift their focus from potentially negative to positive aspects of the new school year. Talk about the exciting opportunities, new friendships, and interesting subjects they'll encounter.
• Manage Expectations: Address any concerns they may have about academics, friendships, or new responsibilities. By providing accurate information, you can help alleviate their worries and foster a sense of preparedness.
• Organize and Prepare Together: Involve your student in back-to-school preparations. Help them organize their school supplies, backpack, and any necessary paperwork. By involving them, you empower them and give them a sense of control over the situation.

Remember, each student's experience is unique, so it's important to tailor your approach to their specific needs. By providing a supportive and understanding environment, families can help them build resilience and confidence in facing back-to-school anxiety.

Resources for additional support:

• American Psychological Association - "Back to School Anxiety Can be a Stressful Time”
• Johns Hopkins University - “5 Tips to Ease Back-to-School Anxiety”
• Child Mind Institute - "Helping Kids Who Struggle with Back-to-School Anxiety"
• National Association of School Psychologists - "Back to School Transitions"

By utilizing these resources and implementing the suggested strategies, you can give your student the tools they need to manage their back-to-school anxiety and embark on a successful academic journey.

We are very excited for this school year and all the wonderful things planned for our learning community. This school year, the entire district will focus on evidence-based instruction and assessment. At Hancock Place, Evidence-Based Instruction and Assessment means that we are using sound standards-based grading practices embedded in a philosophy which cultivates a growth mindset using high-leverage research-based teaching & learning practices. The purpose of Evidence-Based Instruction & Assessment in the Hancock Place School District is to raise student achievement by clearly and accurately measuring progress toward learning expectations (standards), allowing us to support all students when they struggle and challenge all students to excel. Evidence of student learning gathered throughout the teaching and learning cycle informs the next step for both teachers and students. In this way, assessment is an integral part of the learning process, and not simply a final step.

As a member of the SSD community, we will continue to provide specialized instruction that equips and empowers students of all learning abilities to excel to their greatest potential. This is realized through an inclusive, collaborative approach, supported by our comprehensive resources and deep expertise - all of which is centered on each student’s unique needs.

As we get closer to the start of a wonderful fun filled school year, I'm including a bit of information and links that may be of benefit for the start of the school year.

As always, should questions or concerns arise, please don't hesitate to let one of us know. In addition, if any SSD staff member has made a positive impact on you or your student, let us know by submitting a Cause for Applause!

Online SSD Resources to Help Families All Year: 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

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.

SSD Family and Community Engagement (FACE) program is seeking applicants interested in participating in the Fall 2023 SSD Family Leadership Institute.

Family Leadership Institute participants can:

• Build an understanding of future planning and problem-solving utilizing the Charting the LifeCourse tools.

• Learn to effectively participate in their student's education and improve the educational climate for all children.

• Learn how to positively interact and collaborate with other families and school personnel.

• Discover new resources and network with other families.

This program, offered at no cost to participants, is designed for family members who are the educational decision-makers for a student with a disability.

The three sessions will be held in-person on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:00 PM on September 20, 27, and October 4. Dinner will be provided for attendees.

Location: Special School District Central office Room 60-61, 12110 Clayton Road, Town and Country, Missouri 63131. (Enter at lower level circle drive)

Are you interested in joining this year's Family Leadership Institute?

Apply online! Paper applications are available by request. For more information, call 314.989.8460 or email face@ssdmo.org.

Would you like to learn more about how you can support your student through the IEP process? Join FACE virtually on September 5th at 6pm for a webinar that will link the use of Charting the LifeCourse tools with preparing for your student’s IEP. Click here to register

Join FACE for the first Family Cafe of the 2023/24 school year. On Sep 14, 2023 at North Technical High School. FACE will join with families to provide a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. Family Cafes are centered on the Strengthening Families Protective Factors: Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication. Register today!

New this year, SSD's FACE (Family and Community Engagement) will be offering an immersive environment for learning American Sign Language (ASL)! Learn to communicate with Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D/HoH) individuals with an introduction to fingerspelling and basic signs to use in the home, school, and community. There are only 20 spots available for this six part series that will be held weekly starting September 21st. Click here to register!

FACE’s Lunch and Learn Series is back with an exciting lineup of presenters. This month will highlight an SSD community partner, Easter Seals. Join us live on YouTube on September 27th at 11:30am to learn all about this amazing resource.

FACE’s Lunch and Learn Series is back with an exciting lineup of presenters. This month will highlight an SSD community partner, Easter Seals. Join us live on YouTube on September 27th at 11:30am to learn all about this amazing resource.

Do you want to learn more about SSD? FACE is offering a Virtual Open House on Tuesday, September 21st at 6pm for an introduction to the services and resources available through SSD. Join us here.

Charting the LifeCourse Nexus

The core belief of Charting the LifeCourse is that all people have the right to live, love, work, place, and pursue their own life aspirations.

• Charting the LifeCourse is:

  • About having different conversations.
  • A different way of thinking.
  • Encouraging high expectations.
  • Having life experiences to move the trajectory in the desired direction.
  • Integrating multiple types of support.

  Charting the LifeCourse IS NOT:

  • Only for professionals to use.
  • Just about the "tools."
  • A "program."
  • Designed for just one specific age group.
  • Solely for people with disabilities and their families.

  Integrated Supports Star

  The Integrated Support Star principle and tool can be used by anyone (individuals, families, or professionals) to guide their thinking about supports. It can be used for mapping current services and supports, problem-solving for a specific need, or planning the next steps. The star can help explore current needs, identify gaps, or plan how to access supports for the future.

  Download a personal copy of the Integrated Supports Star.

  View an example of the Integrated Supports Start to support summer engagement activities.

• 
  

• The National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers meaningful

resources to support youth, educators, families, and caregivers have

productive discussions about mental health with youth and young adults.

Please visit the website to review the resources. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Youth-and-Young-Adult-Resources

Has special education got you stressed out? The beginning of a new year and

unknowns can be extra scary with an IEP or 504. The system can be hard to

navigate even in the best districts. Those great documents, laws, & policies put

into place to help us are hard to understand. It can be a lonely journey. But you

are not alone! You have the SSD PAC.

The SSD PAC is open to every family with a child receiving SSD services. We have monthly zoom meetings. We are parents like you. We get it. You can just log on and watch. SSD and FACE share updates, great information, and presentations based on your needs. We advocate to inform policy with our parent voice. We share parent perspective to help our schools know how to best help our kids.

We’re having an in-person Family Gathering on Sept. 13, 6:30 PM, at the SSD Learning Center in Hazelwood. Please come; tap into this community that exists for you.

Your New SSD PAC President,

Rebecca Flieg

The SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised of families advising and collaborating to improve the education, confidence and social outcomes of each student served by SSD. The PAC consists of five parents or guardians – one member and four alternates – from each of the 22 St. Louis County school districts and from each of the five SSD special education schools. The parents or guardians of students receiving special education services in that district or school elect SSD PAC members.

The SSD Parent Advisory Council has scheduled the following meetings for the 2023 - 2024 school year. All meetings are held virtually via Zoom, from 7-9 PM. Additional information about meetings, including agendas, can be found on the PAC's website.

Get Involved with the SSD PAC

• Network and communicate with other parents of children who receive special education service.
• Become as informed as possible about special education services
• Improve communication between your local school district and SSD
• Create a positive understanding and awareness of students with disabilities
• Establish a network of advocacy for local, state and national disability issues

Complete this online form to learn more about getting involved with the SSD Parent Advisory Council.

All meetings will be held in person at Hancock Place High School Library from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of the month from September through May (except the month of January). You may attend the meetings in person or virtually. Virtual meeting link: https://ssdmo-org.zoom.us/j/95901272964?pwd=STB2QVVzam5oZXhNcXN1eXMwRjk4Zz09

SSD HPSD PAC meetings will meet from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the library at Hancock Place High School.

Meeting Dates:

September 26, 2023

November 28, 2023

January 23, 2024

March 26, 2024

May 28, 2024

Free Flu Shots Through BJC: 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, visit https://bit.ly/3oCxqYu

Special School District of St. Louis County

12110 Clayton Road

Town & Country, MO 63131

Phone: 314‐989‐8100

Dr. Donna Ellis

• Director of Special Education

Katie Humphrey

• School Social Worker

Susan Bartels

• School Psychologist

Ashley Freeman

• School Psychologist

Email: drellis@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, Wildwood, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo