ssd/parkway newsletter
MAY
SSD/ Parkway Newsletter for MAY
Dear Parkway Families,
As we start to wind down this year, we want to take a moment to thank each of you for your partnership. We are so proud of the hard work and progress of our students and we couldn’t do it without the support and participation from the families. To our students and families moving on to next chapters, whether that be in new districts or states, to new levels (elementary to secondary or post-secondary), we will be cheering you on and wishing you continued success. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey.
Each year we celebrate our student teachers finishing their placements and moving onto their first classrooms. Many years we also get to celebrate our paraprofessionals who have been working in the schools while finishing their degrees in education so that they can move into the role of teacher. We couldn’t be more excited for all of these individuals as they start a new leg of their journey in education. To that end, the district is always looking to be fully staffed. We encourage you to share the link to apply to become a Paraprofessional with SSD. It’s a rewarding position, and we could not do our jobs without the dedicated paraprofessionals supporting our amazing students. As we look to fill vacant positions for the 24-25 school year, we could use your help in advertising this opportunity!
Thank you, as always, for the gift of sharing your children with us.
In Collaboration,
Dr. Amy Blumenfeld
Administrative Introductions
Each month we will introduce and highlight part of our Parkway Special Education Administrative team. This month we’d like to introduce you to three members of our Parkway team. Dr. Katie Campbell serves three of our elementary schools, while Dr. Kelli Watson serves two of our Parkway middle schools. Mrs. Robyn Holmes serves the entirety of the Parkway School District as an ABA Special Education Administrator.
Dr. Katie Campbell: This is my 17th year as a special education administrator and 22nd year in education. I have worked in both elementary and secondary settings. I believe educators play a vital role in promoting inclusion and diversity within the education system and society as a whole. By creating inclusive learning environments, educators help break down barriers and create opportunities for all students to thrive. I enjoy collaborating with teams to ensure we empower students to reach their full potential and become confident, independent individuals.
Dr. Kelli Watson: I am Kelli Watson, the Special Education Administrator for West Middle and Southwest Middle. With 24 years in education, I have found my passion in being a Special Education Administrator in the Parkway School District. I have worked in various roles K-12, but Middle school holds a special place in my heart. I take pride in guiding students and families through their educational path. I am honored to be part of a district that values family, community, and collaboration.
Robyn Holmes: I’m Robyn Holmes, the ABA Coordinator covering all of Parkway, Early Childhood through High School. This year is my 20 year anniversary as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, my 17th year with SSD, and my 3rd year with Parkway. I live in Parkway and have a daughter attending a Parkway school, and am grateful for the chance to work in the district where we live and learn. I supervise the team of BCBAs and RBTs that provide ABA services through SSD, and am very excited to see the growth of our programs through adding the Registered Behavior Technician position over the last two years. I love the opportunity to partner with such great teams and families, and seeing all the growth our students are making.
Resources for Families
Visit the Saint 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 Saint 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 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.
Saint Louis County Parks & Recreation
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.
A Message from PAC President: Rebecca Flieg
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
Become A Leader
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 May 1st from 5:30-8pm. Click here to find out more and to register.
Upcoming Dates
May 14: SSD SSD BOE Work Study Meeting 5:45
May 15: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7:00
May 28: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
June 3: SSD Governing Council 7:00
June 11: SSD SSD BOE Work Study Meeting 5:45
June 12: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7:00
June 25: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
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).
Miriam Summer Camp Is 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
Learn More about SEF's Kid-to-Camp Program
Looking for camp resources this summer? The Special Education Foundation's Kid-to-Camp program supports children served by SSD to attend camp during school breaks. Camp experiences extend beyond the classroom, fostering social growth, friendship, and independence. Applications for financial assistance are accepted year-round, offering invaluable opportunities for students. Visit https://sef-stl.org/what-we-do/kid-to-camp.html for more details or assistance with the application process.
Timely Updates
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 District Communication Sequence
PACCD
Thank you to the PACCD Leadership Team for all of your work this year to bring families together to connect, learn, grow, and advocate. We appreciate all that you do!
Parkway PACCD Needs Assessment
Family And Community Engagement F.A.C.E.
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 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!
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.
Kelly Services
During the 21-22 school year, SSD partnered with Kelly Education Services for our substitute provider across St. Louis County. Kelly Education Services is actively looking to build their substitute base, and we in Parkway would appreciate any support in building up Kelly Services employee base. Please see the attached flyer for information about the process for receiving a substitute certification.
FOLLOW US 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/