SSD Ritenour Dispatch

ESY will be held Monday through Thursday from 8:15am to 11:45am, starting on June 3rd and ending on July 3rd at Buder Elementary.

All district buildings will be closed on June 19th.

Buder Elementary address:

10350 Baltimore Ave.

St. Ann, MO 63074

Phone: 314-493-6300

Ritenour High School (RHS) has been awarded the prestigious designation of a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, recognizing its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where students with disabilities can learn, grow, and thrive together.

RHS is only one of 12 schools in Missouri with this designation. The Unified Champion Schools program promotes social inclusion through structured activities that aim to bring systemic change to school climates. The program provides a comprehensive approach to creating a welcoming environment for all students.

Ben Johnson, Unified Champion Schools Manager for the St. Louis area with Special Olympics Missouri, presented RHS with a banner on April 30, 2024, and told school leaders and staff that they are a role model for others to follow.

"To be a Unified Champion School is impressive, said Johnson. “Ritenour High School is one of only 12 schools across Missouri recognized as true leaders in this program. I am beyond impressed and very honored to work with you. Thank you for your outstanding leadership."

Ritenour's achievement results from a collaborative effort among students, faculty, and Special Olympics Missouri. RHS-Special School District (SSD) Coordinator Nathan Dwyer, RHS administrators Dr. Matt Schuler and Orianna Moccio, RHS Counselor Linze Berry, and SSD teachers developed the school's vision and plan for inclusion.

The vision of an inclusive school then took shape with the support of SSD teachers Alyssa Yakimov, Jenna Rodriguez, Abby Wallace, and Peter Blow. RHS’ art teacher, Paul Kennedy, and physical education teachers, John Howard and Matt Elder, tailored their lessons for their unified classes where both special education and general education students thrive.

Yakimov said the hard work to fully implement the unified program at RHS has made a huge difference for her students as well as for her as a special education teacher.

“Unified classes provide our SSD students with the opportunity to participate in general education classes that are tailored to their level of education while at the same time, helping them build connections with students and staff throughout the building,” Yakimov said. “These classes are a great opportunity for our general education students to get involved and make a difference.”

Yakimov added, “This experience has made me feel more connected to the school community because it provides me the opportunity to engage and interact with a wider range of students and staff.”

Kailyn Ware’s Leadership students work side-by-side in various school settings, supporting their peers during Husky time, physical education and art classes and in extra-curricular activities.

One key aspect of Ritenour's success is its focus on inclusive youth leadership. A core group of student leaders, including those with and without disabilities, plan events together. This year, the group made homecoming a more inclusive event by having students from special education programs present the structure and goal of becoming a Unified Champion School and the opportunities for student participation. They also planned a successful unified student bowling event that fostered a culture of inclusion.

The new activities were in addition to the school’s annual Special Olympics Track & Field event, coordinated by Denise Schindler, an RHS family and consumer science teacher. The event involves more than 350 RHS students organizing and running events and activity booths for more than 250 Special Olympic athletes from Ritenour and other schools in St. Louis County.

Elizabeth Weissler, an RHS senior in Student Leadership, said the opportunities to plan and engage in unified activities such as a friendship dance, a Cardinals game and Special Olympics have been meaningful to her.

“These opportunities have helped me bond with the students and create friendships,” said Weissler. “I have learned more about how to be a friend to the SSD students, and it has been fun getting to know them!”

Dwyer was thrilled by the level of interest and collaboration among the students and staff.

“The response by the students and staff at Ritenour High School exceeded our initial expectations, said Dwyer. “The successful implementation of the program is a testament to the Ritenour School District's commitment to fostering a community of acceptance and inclusion for all students.”

Check out these exciting St. Louis summer activities!

Saint Louis County Library Check out events and classes at your local St. Louis County Library branch. Individuals who do not have a library card can sign up for one by presenting a photo ID and proof of current address. To learn more, please call 314-994-3300.

Marcus Theaters Marcus Theaters offer the Kids Dream Summer Film Series where they offer $3 family films every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

Michael's Arts & Crafts Kids' program classes at Michael's are available in person and online for no cost.

St. Louis Gateway Arch The nation’s tallest monument at 630 feet, the Gateway Arch has beckoned visitors for more than 40 years with its iconic, awe-inspiring shape. The vision of renowned architect Eero Saarinen, the Gateway Arch commemorates Thomas Jefferson and St. Louis’ role in the westward expansion of the United States. A visit to St. Louis isn’t complete without standing at its base and playing professional photographer, and the view from the outside is only half of the experience.

Saint Louis Science Center Visit the Saint Louis Science Center. Explore 700+ exhibits, the OMNIMAX® Theater, planetarium, special traveling exhibitions and more. Group rates available. Open daily. No general admission charge. OMINIMAX, planetarium, special traveling exhibitions and classes have a cost associated with them.

St. Louis Cardinals Check the date you are interested in and look for the deals for that day. You can get tickets for as little as $6 each. You can take in coolers as long as they will fit under your seat and don’t contain glass. You can get a FREE picture taken in the family area as a memento.

Magic House General Admission is $14 per person. Check for possible free event dates.

St. Louis County Parks and Recreation Lots of area parks offer special events and programs. The website will list parks that have picnic areas, playgrounds, and water play features.
Make it a learning experience:

• Plan and pack a picnic.

• Write a grocery list, add prices at the grocery store, and follow a recipe.

• Go on a nature scavenger hunt!

Home Depot Workshops Keep kids engaged with projects and activities. Pick up your free Kids Workshop Kit on the first Saturday of each month between 9am - 12pm from your local store or order online – while supplies last.

St. Louis Art Museum The St. Louis Art Museum in Forest Park is always free to attend. They also offer Family Sundays from 1-4 p.m., where they offer 30 min. family tours through a gallery and a related art project.

Missouri Botanical Garden The Garden offers free admission on Wednesday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m for St. Louis City/County residents. Proof of residency is required. The Children’s Garden offers free admission on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. for St. Louis City/County residents. If you take advantage of the free admission to the Children’s Garden on Tuesday, you will have to pay admission to the Botanical Garden.

Laumeir Sculpture Park Laumeier Sculpture Park is a 105 acre open-air museum that integrates art, nature and human experience in a unique setting where you can hike, learn and experience a stunning collection of outdoor sculpture. FREE Open 8 a.m. till sunset. There is an indoor gallery and shop where you may purchase items.

St. Louis Museum of Transportation Museum of Transportation is one of the largest and best collections of transportation vehicles in the World. It has the most complete collection of American rail power anywhere, with automobiles, busses, streetcars, horse-drawn carriages, aircraft, and riverboats. Open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $15 for adults (13-64), $7 for children (3-12), $13 for seniors and active duty military (65+) and free for children under 2. The Creation Station is available for an additional $3 per person.

Forest Park Boathouse Rent a paddleboat for $25. The paddleboats hold 560 pounds (approximately 2 adults and 2-3 children).
Rental Pricing Details:

• Paddle Boats $25 for one hour, $40 for two hours

• Canoe: $20 for one hour, $35 for two hours

• Single Kayak: $15 for one hour, $30 for two hours

• Double Kayak: $20 for one hour, $35 for two hours

• Paddle Board: $15 for one hour, $30 for two hours

• Bike: $15 per hour

Lone Elk State Park Drive through Lone Elk Park and see lots of animals in the wild. FREE!

The Muny Go to the Muny for FREE SEATS for each show. Get there early, gates open at 7 p.m. You can sit in the last 9 rows. Visit the website for the show listings. There are wonderful spots to have a picnic before the show. Take a blanket and stretch out and enjoy the beautiful Forest Park.

Grant's Farm There are many exciting animal encounters possible at Grant's Farm, the 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, located just south of the city of St. Louis. The Farm is home to more than 900 animals representing more than 100 different species. Grant's Farm, operated by Anheuser-Busch, Inc., has been a St. Louis tradition for over five decades. More than 24 million guests have visited this popular family attraction during its history. Parking is $16 per vehicle.

St. Louis Zoo St. Louis Zoo is open 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. M – Th. and 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. F – S.
FREE admission to the Zoo.
FREE admission to the Children’s Zoo, Stingrays at Caribbean Cove and Conservation Carousel during the first hour the park is open. Look at the website for special offers, discounts, and things available to do in the Zoo.

St. Louis Citygarden Water is one of the most expressive elements at Citygarden. Three fountains are interspersed throughout the park, combining with sculpture and lush plant life to create a unique visitor experience. The first fountain is 34 feet in diameter. The second fountain is the split basin, which is 190 feet long, 20 feet wide and 16 inches deep. A waterfall, approximately 40 feet wide, "breaks" the basin where the arc wall crosses the pool and the upper basin seeps and cascades from the upland café terrace down to the floodplain six feet below. The last fountain is the playful spray plaza, which punctuates Citygarden's middle tier. The spray plaza includes a paved field of 102 vertical jets that project water up to eight feet in height. The plaza invites children and adults alike to meander through its programmed patterns, and delight in the evening shows of light and water. FREE

Purina Farms The farm is open 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. daily every Wednesday - Sunday. Admission and parking are FREE. Text PFARMA to 313131 to sign up for text alerts about special events and offers.

St. Louis History Museum Open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tue. until 8 p.m. Memorial Day to Labor Day, daily 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Tue., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Phone: (314) 746-4599. FREE (Any special exhibits do have a fee involved, but the museum itself is free.)

City of Maryland Heights Aquaport Grab the family and make your way to Aquaport this summer! Enjoy the numerous pools and slides, snacks and cool treats at the concession stand, and plenty of parking and deck room to make your visit comfortable. With its convenient location and affordable pass prices, Aquaport is a great place for the entire family to cool off and enjoy the summer!
Maryland Heights Privilege Card Holder Daily Rate:

• Adult (ages 16-61): $10 Non-resident: $12

• Youth (ages 4-15) or Senior (ages 62+): $8 Non-resident: $10

• Ages 3 and under: FREE

• Add FlowRider Pass: Free

• Guest Pass: Patrons with a current Maryland Heights Privilege Card may bring two guests per day, per card holder at the resident daily rate.

Faust Park Home of Frederick Bates, Missouri’s second governor and Faust Historic Village, The St. Louis Carousel (314-615-8383) and the Butterfly House (636 -530-0076). The Butterfly House is $8 and free the first Tuesday of every month from 9-11a.m. for St. Louis City/County residents. Proof of residency is required. The Carousel is $2 per ride (free on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day). There is also a huge playground and picnic area that is always free.

Forest Park and Creve Coeur Park have paved walking and biking trails. Don’t forget your helmet if you are riding your bike. Creve Coeur also has FREE water play areas.

Forest Park Nature Playscape An exciting new Forest Park destination is now open to the public. Funded by donors to Forest Park Forever and completed in partnership with the City of St. Louis, the Anne O’C. Albrecht Nature Playscape is a 17-acre experiential play space with natural landscapes that include native and diverse species. Featuring nine distinct activity areas, the free destination includes sand play areas, willow tunnels, stump steppers, boulders and rocks, hand water pumps and much more.

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.

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
• Program Search Tool
  

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.

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!

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.

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 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.

Meetings will resume next school year. Please enjoy your summer!

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/

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.

June 3

First Day of ESY

June 19

Juneteenth All district offices will be closed

July 3

Last Day of ESY

July 4

Independence Day All district offices will be closed

Ritenour District Event Calendar

• SSD Superintendent Updates

• SSD Parent Advisory Council

• Family and Community Engagement

• Family Leadership Institute

• SSD Guidance/Resources for In-Person and Distance Learning

• SSD Partner District - Ritenour

• Academic and Related Services Toolkit

Angi Fouste, SSD Director of Special Education

Email: aafouste@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDStLCo

Kyle Johnson, Special Education Coordinator - Kratz, Marvin & Wyland

Emya Williams, Special Education Coordinator - Iveland, Marion & Buder

Stephanie Genenbacher, Special Education Coordinator - Hoech & Ritenour Middle

Nathan Dwyer, Special Education Coordinator - Ritenour High

Website: https://www.ritenour.k12.mo.us/
Location: 2420 Woodson Road, Overland, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-6010