SSD Lindbergh Schools
May 2024 Community Engagement Newsletter
WE WANT TO GIVE YOU THE CHANCE EVERY MONTH to give a shout out to any SSD staff who is making a difference in your child's life. Think about a teacher, paraprofessional or SSD administrator who is doing something wonderful, tell us their name and any compliment you'd like to share.
Click here to SHOUT THEM OUT!
By Faith Rose, Ed.S.
INTRODUCTION
Caroline Haffner is a special education essential skills teacher at Dressel Elementary School. She has been with the Special School District for 8 years. She has consistently worked with the same population of students, but Caroline notes that every year is very different. Prior to that, Caroline attended school and worked at a local restaurant.
EDUCATION
Caroline graduated from Fontbonne University with a dual degree in Special Education Mild/Moderate K-12, and General Education 1 - 6.
FAMILY
She has been married to her husband, Josh for 5 years. They have 2 beautiful children, Juliet (3) and Joseph (1) and 2 fur babies, Winnie and Honey. They recently moved from Webster Groves into their forever home in Ballwin. Their favorite part of the house is the backyard; it backs up to the neighborhood pool 🙂
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.
Self-Care Isn't Selfish
Join NAMI St. Louis in this virtual interactive presentation where we will discuss facts and statistics around stress and anxiety, how to take care of ourselves in a holistic manner, debunk self-care myths, and learn about comment self-care practices, including mindfulness, gratitude, and more.
Register for this virtual event. Unable to attend but still interested in the information? Register and a recorded version will be emailed to you within a week after the event.
Contact
Email: face@ssdmo.org
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.
SPECIAL OLYMPICS TOURNAMENTS DATES and SITES 2023-2024
Special Olympics Update: Here is a list of scheduled dates for upcoming spring events. Please see the attached links below to see which schools are scheduled to attend which events. We encourage you to come out and support your athletes and staff😊
For a summary of events HERE is our Tournament Calendar for the 2023-2024 school year.
😎Summer Camps😎
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.
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:
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.
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/
⛺Miriam Summer Camp⛺
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
⛺Kid-to-Camp⛺
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.
🥳 SSD Parents Advisory Council (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 Education Foundation - Classroom Grants👩🏻🏫
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.
⛳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 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, May 3rd, 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).
Special School District of St. Louis County - Director Dr. Joy Doyle
Email: jmdoyle@ssdmo.org
Website: ssdmo.org
Phone: 314-989-8463