SSD Ritenour Dispatch
April 2024
2024 Make A Difference Award recipient
In photo (left to right): Brian Chance, special education teacher and Nathan Dwyer, special education coordinator
The Make A Difference Award annually recognizes a staff member who goes above and beyond in meeting the needs of the whole child. Chance has been an SSD teacher at Ritenour High School since 2022, after spending two years at Marvin Elementary. Since he began the Rebound program, which focuses on students with individual education plans (IEPs) to help them in a credit recovery program so they can earn all their needed credits to graduate. His tireless work and the many hours he devotes to his students at school, in the evenings and on weekends has led to a significant increase in the graduation rate of Ritenour students with IEPs.
“Brian has worked tirelessly to support students with disabilities to achieve their goals of graduating high school, said Angi Fouste, SSD Special Education director in Ritenour. “In his first year of running this new program, the graduation rate for students with IEPs rose from 62% in 2021 to 79% in 2022. Brian builds relationships with students which makes their success possible.”
Nathan Dwyer, SSD’s coordinator at RHS, said Chance’s positive attitude and work ethic are models for others at RHS.
“Mr. Chance has a true passion for his work that is contagious to others in the building,” said Dwyer. “His willingness to invest extra time and effort in understanding each student's unique needs sets him apart as a truly exceptional educator. His dedication does not go unnoticed and makes a significant difference in the lives of our students, both academically and personally.”
One of Chance’s nominators shared, “He takes the time to get to know each student personally, understands their unique strengths and challenges, and tailors plans accordingly.”
To view the full list of other top district employees click here.
Employee Appreciation Raffle
As a thank you and in recognition of their good work, staff have been given raffle tickets throughout the year for a prize drawing. There was a drawing before break and drew three winners, Brian Chance, Brittany Dean and Susan Church. They each received a $25 gift certificate. The staff also have the option to save their tickets and once they have 5, they can redeem them for free lunch. There will be another drawing towards the end of the year.
Congratulations to the three winners!
Brittany Dean, special education teacher and Kyle Johnson, special education coordinator
Brian Chance, special education teacher and Nathan Dwyer, special education coordinator
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.
Miriam Summer Camp 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
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.
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
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.
SEF Classroom Innovation Grant
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.
22nd Annual Dan McLaughlin Charity Golf Tournament and Auction
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!
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/
Upcoming Workshops
Family Cafe
Come to the April Family Cafe!
April 11, 6-8 PM - Join FACE at North Technical High School (1700 Derhake Road, Florissant, 63033) for the Family Cafe. These events 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!
10 Steps to Self Advocacy
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!
FACE Workshop: Autism Overview
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 Workshop: Toilet Training
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.
Lunch & Learn
FACE is hosting a Lunch and Learn with the St. Louis Arc's NEXT program on Wednesday, April 24th, at 11:30 AM. St. Louis Arc's Next transition program provides focused, impactful supports for young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities as they prepare for their future. Next provides various programs which support individuals navigate what is next in their lives. The support offered in Next is centered on what is needed by the individual. Through skill building, goal development, and social activities, young adults are able to identify and work toward their goals. From an extra nudge in the right direction to classes that teach living skills, we will help you identify what's Next. Lunch and Learns are held virtually through YouTube Live. To access the video, please visit the SSD YouTube channel.
Virtual Open House
Are you new to Special School District, or do you just want to learn more about our amazing organization? Join FACE for a Virtual Open House on Thursday, April 18th, at 6 PM. Families can receive an introduction to the services and resources available through SSD. Join the Zoom meeting here.
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.
Letter from the PAC President
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
SSD Parent Advisory Council Meeting
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.
April's Meeting - Apr. 10, 2024 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Meeting ID: 955 4237 2430
Passcode: 795650
All meetings are held virtually via Zoom.
For more information or to join the meeting virtually, please visit the PAC website.
PAC general council meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.
The Family Resource Hub
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, April 5th, from 10 AM-2 PM to provide information and access to many of their programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Water Assistance Program (LIWAP).
Family Resource Hub is open most Tuesdays and Fridays of the month (closed for Spring Break). The Hub offers a satellite food pantry to aide families with immediate food needs. FACE staff will also support families with questions about community resources and provide internet access to aid the completion of applications for various services. Please contact FACE to set an appointment.
Online SSD Resources to Help You 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 SSD students districtwide.
Partner District Communication Sequence
Public Notices
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.
Procedural Safeguards Notice
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.
Free Flu Shots Through BJC
Upcoming Dates
April 2
Professional Development
NO SCHOOL PreK-12
April 18
Early Release Day (K-12)
Family Cafe
Events are held at the North Tech High School Library
1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033
April 11 6:00pm - 8:00pm
FACE Workshops
April 2nd 6:00pm - 7:00pm
10 Steps to Effective Advocacy
Register for this virtual event
April 5th 6:00pm - 7:00pm
FACE Workshop: Autism Overview
Register for this virtual event
April 10th 6:30pm - 7:30pm
FACE Workshop: Toilet Training
Register for this virtual event
May 7th 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
Hub Huddle
Events are held at the Family Resource Hub
at North Tech High School
1700 Derhake Road Florissant, MO 63033
April 5 10:00am - 2:00pm
April 5 Noon - 1:00pm
Hub Huddle: Higher Education Consortium (HEC)
May 3 10:00am - 2:00pm
Lunch & Learn
SSD Family Leadership Institute
FLI is typically held during three in-person sessions at SSD's Central Office. Dinner will be provided for attendees.
April 17 5:30pm - 8:00pm
April 24 5:30pm - 8:00pm
May 1 5:30pm - 8:00pm
Additional Resources
Special School District of St. Louis County
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
Ritenour School District
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