SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates

SSD Warriors' Mission Statement: Through implementing inclusive practices, rigorous instruction, and the principles of community engagement, Special School District Staff in partnership with Jennings School District will provide high quality, specialized programming and supports designed for all students to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.

Happy May JSD Warriors,

The month of May is a busy time in education, it marks the end of the school year. Therefore, May is a time of transition and reflection in education, as students and educators look back on the year and prepare for the 2024-2025 academic school year. I appreciate the collaboration and dedication that educators demonstrated throughout the school year to ensure that students were successful academically, socially, and emotionally.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”
― Maya Angelou

Best Regards,

Shinita Jones, Ed.S.

SSD Retiree

Mrs. Deneice Merrill

Special Education Teacher:

• Woodland Elementary

SSD Awards

Ms. Barbara Harsley/Key to the Classroom Award Winner

Special Education Teacher:

• Jennings High School

Ms. Whitni Perry/Lasting Impression Award Winner

School Psychologist:

• Jennings Educational Training School (JETS)
• Jennings High School,
• Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary
• Northview Elementary School
• St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center

Dr. Leslie Washington/Black Girls Golden Ticket Award

Central Office Administrator:

• Federal Programs
• Parent and Community Concerns
• Summer Learning
• Student Support Services

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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).

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 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.

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.

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/

Shinita Jones, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Special Education

Email: smjones@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314.989.8133
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo

Area of Supervision: Jennings School District

Stacy Sturdivant, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Early Childhood Special Education(ECSE)

Office Phone: (314) 989-8411

Email: smsturdivant@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision: ECSE Special School District

Dr. Kathleen Vierod: SSD Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator

Office Phone: (314) 989-8213

Email: kkvierod@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision: ECSE Jennings School District

Dr. Ashley Brewer: SSD Special Education Coordinator

Office Phone: (314) 989-7873

Email: acbrewer@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision:

• Fairview Primary and Intermediate School
• Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary School
• Northview Elementary School
• Woodland Elementary School

Shavona Peters: SSD Special Education Coordinator

Office Phone: (314) 989-8524

Email: slpeters@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision:

• Jennings Education Training School (JETS)
• Rose Mary Johnson Jennings Junior High & College Prep Academy
• Jennings Senior High & College Prep Academy

Website: https://www.jenningsk12.org/
Location: 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-653-8000