SSD/Parkway Newsletter

Each month we will introduce and highlight part of our Parkway Special Education Administrative team. This month we’d like to introduce you to two of our elementary administrators, Abbie McCabe & Amy Manczuk.

I’m Abbie McCabe, the Special Education Coordinator for Craig Elementary, Green Trails Elementary, and Shenandoah Valley Elementary. I have been serving students and families with the Special School District since 2008, and began my administrative journey in Parkway in 2017. I am grateful to work in districts and with teams that intentionally focus on the strong rather than the wrong and allow students to be themselves as they grow. What fills my bucket the most about my job is seeing students express themselves and watching the joy in educators and therapists when students meet milestones! Thank you for trusting us with your children and creating partnerships that allow our students to be the very best versions of themselves.

I'm Amy Manczuk (often mistakenly confused with Ann Matoushek 🤣). I am the Special Education Coordinator for Claymont, Henry, McKelvey Intermediate and McKelvey Primary Elementary Schools. This is my 25th year working for the Special School District and my eighth year as a Special Education Coordinator. I was a special education teacher for the Special School District prior to being a coordinator. I have loved working beside and learning from the amazing teachers and related service providers as well as the talented Parkway principals. I feel grateful for the opportunity to work with the students and their families every day.

We are so excited to announce that Sydney Modaff, Special Education Teacher at Sorrento Springs, was one of the 10 Special School District Keys to the Classroom finalists. Congrats, Sydney!

We love a great feel good story and this wonderful project between Bellerive and Highcroft was featured this month by SSD.

Save the Dates: STL County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases

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- North Tech High School

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

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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 Districts

• Partner District Communication Sequence

• IEPs - Frequently Asked Questions

• Bullying Resources

• Student & Related Services

Parkway PACCD Needs Assessment

Parkway PACCD Leadership Team Interest

March 4: SSD Governing Council 7:00

March 12: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45

March 27: League of Women Voters Board Candidate Forum for Parkway 7:00

April 9: SSD SSD BOE Work Study Meeting 5:45

April 11: Parkway Board of Education Meeting (Organization Meeting 6:30 PM)

April 23: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45

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

Let’s Talk is an open invitation from Special School District (SSD) to tell us what’s on your mind.

​Let’s Talk is an easy way to submit feedback at your convenience directly to the SSD staff member who can help.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• SSD Superintendent Updates
• SSD Parent Advisory Council
• Parent Education & Diversity Awareness Program
• SSD Guidance/Resources for In-Person and Distance Learning
• SSD Partner District - Parkway
• Academic and Related Services Toolkit