SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
March, 2024
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement:
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement: Through implementing inclusive practices, rigorous instruction, and the principles of community engagement, Special School District Staff in partnership with Jennings School District will provide high quality, specialized programming and supports designed for all students to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.
From the Desk of Shinita Jones: Jennings Partner District Director
Happy March,
I want to take a moment to remind everyone how proud I am of all the hard work educational stakeholders are putting into ensuring the success of students! Your dedication and commitment to teaching and learning have not gone unnoticed.
As we approach spring, I encourage everyone to stay focused, stay motivated, and continue to strive for excellence in everything you do. Remember that students' education is the key to unlocking endless opportunities and achieving their dreams.
I believe in each one of you, and I know that collaboratively we have the potential to achieve great things. Keep pushing yourself, keep challenging students, and never give up!
Together, we can accomplish anything. Keep up the fantastic work and remember that the sky is the limit.
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” - Malcolm X.
Best Regards,
Shinita Jones, Ed.S.
STL County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases
Save the Dates: STL County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases
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:
March 2 – North Tech High School
March 9 – South Tech High School
St. Louis County Library
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!
Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis
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:
Explore St. Louis
Spring 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.
FACE Department
Join FACE on March 14th at North Technical High School, 1700 Derhake Rd, Florissant, MO 63033 from 6-8 pm for Family Cafe. Family Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors: Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication. Register today!
Family Leadership Institute
FUTURE LEADERS WANTED! Would you like to become more involved in the special education process? Family Leadership Institute offers participants a comprehensive set of opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas related to education, family engagement, and collaboration. Sign up today for the Family Leadership Institute (FLI). FLI will be held April 17th, 24th and May 1st from 5:30-8pm. Click here to find out more and to register.
FACE Second-Semester Calendar of Events
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.
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/
Special Education Foundation
The need for financial assistance is growing at an alarming rate for those with audiology needs. Since hearing aids, hearing molds, audiological equipment, and/or repairs are not always covered by insurance or tax dollars, we need your help more than ever before!
Funds will be used to purchase hearing aids, earmolds, repairs, and all things audiological. On behalf of the students and parents we serve, know that your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping SEF provide more children with the gift of sound. Donations accepted through April 5, 2024 https://sef-stl.org/fundraising/arbeiter-donation.html
SSD/JSD Administration Team
Shinita Jones, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Special Education
Email: smjones@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314.989.8133
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Area of Supervision: Jennings School District
Stacy Sturdivant, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Early Childhood Special Education(ECSE)
Office Phone: (314) 989-8411
Email: smsturdivant@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision: ECSE Special School District
Dr. Kathleen Vierod: SSD Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Office Phone: (314) 989-8213
Email: kkvierod@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision: ECSE Jennings School District
Dr. Ashley Brewer: SSD Special Education Coordinator
Office Phone: (314) 989-7873
Email: acbrewer@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision:
- Fairview Primary and Intermediate School
- Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary School
- Northview Elementary School
- Woodland Elementary School
Shavona Peters: SSD Special Education Coordinator
Office Phone: (314) 989-8524
Email: slpeters@ssdmo.org
Area of Supervision:
- Jennings Education Training School (JETS)
- Rose Mary Johnson Jennings Junior High & College Prep Academy
- Jennings Senior High & College Prep Academy
Jennings School District
Website: https://www.jenningsk12.org/
Location: 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-653-8000