Mission: The Instructional Coaches meet stakeholders’ needs using best practices by calibrating and providing equitable support.

The students in Essential Skills class visited the Fire Department on March 1. The firemen gave the students a tour of the firehouse and the fire trucks. They were able to try on some of the gear the firefighters use. The purpose of the trip was to teach students about fire safety and inform them about the day-to-day responsibilities of a professional fireman. On March 29, the students will volunteer their time at a local food pantry.

Special Olympics Tournament Dates and Sites

• Special Olympics Basketball Tournaments

• Special Olympics Unified Bocce Tournaments

• Special Olympics Corn Hole Tournament

• Special Olympics Softball Tournament

• Special Olympics Track and Field Meets

On March 6, 2024, students at Hixson Middle School along with their best buddies participated in the BOCCEE Tournament that was held at Italia-American Bocce Club. Students had a great time and won medals.

The Webster Groves School district is gearing up in preparation for the Special School District (SSD) Special Olympics Track and Field Events May 2nd at Kirkwood High School. This is the first year we are not sponsoring the event due to the renovation of Moss Field. However, we hope to see our families out to support our students for this event at Kirkwood High School.

Additionally, Mr. Clifford Downey and Coach Aaron Hummert are planning a Unified Sports Day on the afternoon of April 19th at Hixson Middle School. The games have begun….stay tuned for more pictures to come!

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.

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

Crystal Elze, Webster Groves Instructional Facilitator and Madeline Craig, assistant principal at Webster Groves High School have planned co-teaching professional development for teachers who will work together this year in a co-taught setting.

The teachers will meet together April 9th.

Just a few of the topics covered will include: Specifically Designed Instruction, Collaboration, Co-Managing, and HI-Yield Instructional Strategies.

The WGPAC is scheduled to meet four times for the 23/24 school year. There will be a topic and/or guest speaker and time to get to know one another.

Feel free to bring in your own meal or snack.

Meetings will be on the following dates at Global Brew in Rock Hill

on Tuesday evenings from 7 - 8 PM.

April 9

Please mark your calendars and plan to join!

Questions? Contact JJ.Gossrau@gmail.com

*The Webster Groves Parent Advisory Council was formed by families who expect that children with disabilities and/or unique learning needs are educated effectively, afforded the dignity of belonging, and valued throughout all Webster Groves School District learning opportunities and experiences.

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

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.

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.

April 2, 6 PM - Join FACE for a live webinar: 10 Steps to Self Advocacy. This workshop provides an easy-to-use format that will guide families in using strategies to build positive interactions and collaborative teams. Register today!

Does your student have a new Autism diagnosis or are you interested in learning more about Autism and how to best support student learning in the home environment? Join FACE on April 5th at 6pm as one of SSD’s own Autism Effective Practice Specialists gives practical advice and information. To learn more and to register for this event click here.

FACE along with SSD’s Behavior Analysts are hosting a workshop about toilet training on April 10th at 6:30. You can learn strategies to break down toilet training skills and gather resources to help your student’s success. To learn more and to register for this event, click here.

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.

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

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.

Each year, the Special School District posts annual public notices as required by Board of Education policy and state law. These notices primarily serve to inform parents and students of their rights. Full SSD Board of Education policies and regulations can be found on the District website.

All of SSD's public notices can be found on the District website at www.ssdmo.org/publicnotices.

Did you know that the SSD has copies of the Procedural Safeguards and Parent Bill of Rights available in multiple languages on our website? The Procedural Safeguards help keep families informed about their rights and protections under IDEA.

Visit the Procedural Safeguards section of the District website to review.

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.

Join FACE on April 11th 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!

Are you looking for unique and accessible activities to participate in this winter? Look no further than the latest FACE newsletter! In it you will find not only information on what FACE has to offer, but also ideas to enhance your student’s learning and great community events and offerings.

You can sign up to have future newsletters sent to your inbox by visiting the FACE website today!

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

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.

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

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 Annual Flu Shots.

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/

Webster Groves School District Return to School Plan

SSD Superintendent Updates

ECSE Department Newsletter

Academic & Related Services Toolkit for Educators

Your Voice Counts!

Distance Learning Resources for Families

PEDA Parent/Family workshop

Webster Groves Newsletter Feedback