Happy March,

Can you believe we are thinking about Spring Break already. My family is busy making plans to have activities packed into every single day. I'm certain I will feel like I worked overtime that week. What are your family plans? Ideas and activities to keep the children busy and engaged over the break? If you need a starting point, feel free to find some grand ideas in this month's newsletter.

I also want to take this time to remind everyone that we still need your input! Let your voice be heard in the special education survey. Below is all the information you need to complete the survey.

What you can do to help with the survey:

Complete the survey by March 31, 2024, using one of the methods below. 1. Computer – Go to http://spec.education/

The District Access Code to complete the survey is: ZQTZXD

2. Paper survey – A paper copy of the survey will be sent home this Friday to families that have a student(s) with an IEP. Please complete the paper survey and mail it to the address listed on the front of the provided envelope. Please contact us if you need an additional copy of the survey.

3. Paper survey – You may also print a copy of the survey by going to https://apps.chp.missouri.edu/specialed/Files/Specific/en_2024_096103_HANCOCK_PLACE.pdf

Once at the website, you may print a paper copy of the survey. Once completed, the survey must be mailed to the address listed on the front of the survey.

Who can help if you have questions or require assistance with the parent survey?

· Contact your district special education administrator

· SSD teachers are available to assist with the parent survey

· SSD Family Resource Center can also provide support

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or need support.

Sincerely,

Donna Ellis

Hancock Place Director

314-989-8375

drellis@ssdmo.org

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!

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

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!

The Special Education Foundation is offering 10 sponsorships (valued at $500) for Junior year students to attend the 2024 American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Girls State and American Legion Auxiliary Missouri Boys State. The programs will be held the week of June 22 – June 29, 2024 at Lindenwood University in St. Charles, MO. The program includes a college campus experience of staying in the dorms overnight at the university for a week as a citizen of a mythical state that all the citizens will govern at the city, county and state level. Students must send a sponsorship solicitation email/letter and letter of reference from the student’s SSD teacher to Tim Eby, SEF Executive Director at tim@sef-stl.org by March 1, 2024. Read here for more information, or contact Jackie Ruhm Dunn jackiedunnstl@gmail.com or 314.640.1154 for questions.

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

Kelly Education is the provider who places substitutes for special education teachers and paras. If you or someone you know if interested in subbing within Special School District, please reach out to Kelly Services. Please use this link to connect with Kelly Services

https://bit.ly/SESubInterestForm.

Do you have a teacher or staff member who has gone above and beyond for you or your child supporting them, encouraging them to do their best or being a listening ear when they need someone? Please take a minute to write a note of thanks by sharing your appreciation with them. You may fill out this form as many times as you would like for different school personnel.

Special School District Hancock Shout Out Form

The SSD Board of Education strives for transparency, accountability, and accessibility. We welcome family, staff, and community members to share comments, concerns, and ideas with SSD Board of Education members. To find the Board member representing your subdistrict, visit the Board of Education page on the SSD website.

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.

Three candidates have filed for two open positions on the Special School District Board of Education in the spring election. The open positions are for three-year terms and represent the following subdistricts:

• Subdistrict 5 – Brentwood, Kirkwood, Lindbergh, Valley Park, and Webster Groves school districts

• Subdistrict 6 – Ladue, Normandy, Ritenour, and University City school districts

In March, the Board candidates will be interviewed by the SSD Governing Council, which selects new members of the Board of Education. The Governing Council is comprised of one Board of Education member from each of the 22 school districts in St. Louis County. Learn more about SSD's current Board of Education members, policies, and meetings on the District website.

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.

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

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.

March 11 End of 3rd Quarter

March 18-22 Spring Break - District Closed

March 29 - No School

April 10 - Early Release

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 School District

SSD Distance Learning Resources

SSD Partner District-Hancock

SSD Superintendent Blog

Hancock Return To School Plans

Hancock School District

Special School District of St. Louis County

12110 Clayton Road

Town & Country, MO 63131

Phone: 314‐989‐8100

Donna Ellis

• Director of Special Education; Hancock
• drellis@ssdmo.org
  

Katie Humphrey

• School Social Worker
• KHumphrey@ssdmo.org
  

Ashley Freeman

• School Psychologist
• anfreeman@ssdmo.org