Dear MRH Families,

As we enter November, the school year is in full swing, and the first semester is quickly approaching its end. This time of year presents us with an opportunity —it’s a chance to reflect on all we’ve accomplished, celebrate our students’ growth, and look forward to the exciting events that await us in the coming months.

Celebrating Our Students’ Progress

Our students have been hard at work, engaging in lessons, projects, and activities that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. We’re incredibly proud of how much they’ve grown, both academically and personally. Whether in the classroom, on the field, or in our arts programs, their dedication and enthusiasm make MRH a wonderful place to learn.

Stay Informed and Engaged

To keep you updated on all the exciting learning opportunities this month, please review the links and details in newsletter with additional information on programs, resources, and upcoming events. We encourage you to read through it for details on ways to support your child’s learning, celebrate those that have impacted your students' journey and more.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to making MRH a thriving, inclusive, and positive place for our students. Here’s to a strong finish to the semester and a bright start to the new year ahead.

In Partnership,

Emily

Emily Kresyman Ed. S

Maplewood Richmond Heights Director of Special Education

created with the support of AI technology

November 19: Community Conversations: Student Mental Health Needs

November 21: Board of Education monthly business meeting

November 27: No school for students and teachers

November 28 and 29: District Closed- Thanksgiving Break

Our next topic: Supporting and Addressing Student Mental Health Needs. We'll explore how the District supports students’ emotional well-being through counseling services, social-emotional learning (SEL), and mental health initiatives, with tips for parents to reduce anxiety at home. Our special guest will be MRH Student Services Director Vince Estrada.

Special School District of St. Louis County is fortunate to partner with regional organizations and individuals who provide scholarship opportunities for our students. Over the years, many thousands of dollars have been donated to help SSD students take the next step in their education journey.

Graduating seniors should consider applying for these scholarships that are exclusively available to students who receive SSD services and/or attend one of the District’s technical high schools. Each scholarship has specific requirements, and applications must be completed online. Scholarship application links are typically posted in mid-October.

All scholarship winners for the current school year will be honored by the District at an event in Spring 2025.

Application links for all confirmed scholarships are posted below - others may be added to this list at a later date. Please check this webpage again in November.

Special School District has a long history of celebrating outstanding teachers, paraprofessionals, community members, support/operations staff, and administrators who stand out for their tremendous work in helping our students succeed.

If you know any SSD employees or community members who deserve recognition, please consider nominating them! We have awards for classroom teachers, paraprofessionals (teacher assistants/aides, therapy professionals, etc.), operations staff members, community partners, and administrators. If you're not sure which category to select for your nominee, please call us and we'll be glad to help! Call the SSD Communications Department at 314.989.8102.

Teacher nominations/student applications can be submitted for the 2025 John Cary Scholarship through January 24. Click here for details.

Do you know someone who has made a significant impact in the lives of students with disabilities? We want to hear about them! Submit your nomination for the 2nd Annual Starfish Award by December 20.

Student applications/teacher nominations can be submitted for next year’s Fred Saigh Leadership Academy class through February 21. Up to 20 students will be selected to participate in a year-long leadership development program that offers hands-on experiences and community engagement beyond the classroom. Click here for details.

All of the workshops offered by FACE are provided free of charge and are open to all parents, families and community members.

After registering, participants will be provided with information about the platform that will be used for the workshop.

Click on the image for more information.

If you are unable to attend the live workshop, please still register so that we can send you the link to the recording a day or two after the workshop.

The workshops will be set up as webinars, so you will be able to see the panelists but not other attendees. Your confirmation and reminder email will contain information about how to submit questions to the panelists in advance, or you can use the chat and Q&A features during the workshop. If you have any questions, please let us know.

● Monthly School Board Meetings (live and archived on YouTube) ● Family and Community Resource Center (FCRC) ● Parent Advisory Council (PAC) meetings ● Family Education Workshops ● Family Leadership Institute (FLI) ● Lunch and Learn with SSD ● Family Academy ● Virtual Open Houses ● Family Resource Hub ● Family Cafes ● Hub Huddles

Please visit the website to review the resources. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens- and-Young-Adults/Youth-and-Young-Adult-Resources

The MRH Parent Advisory Council offers an opportunity to connect with other parents of students with disabilities and to learn about topics of interest. Please contact MRH parent (s) below if you are interested in more information.

Please join the SSD Parents Advisory Council (PAC) for a virtual meeting on November 19, 7:00-9:00 PM. The topic is "Parent Leadership Institute.”

• Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 299-482-1147

Passcode: 440337

Please visit the PAC website for more information about meeting agendas and dates/topics of upcoming PAC meetings.

• FACE staff are available to support families seeking information for their student.
• IDD Gateway Resource Guide is an interactive resource guide that links individuals to resources and information needed to support students with disabilities.
• St. Louis County Family Navigation Services provides families with information on system navigation, resources to meet their needs, and advocacy training.
  • Contact FACE for direct contact information.
• Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis provides an opportunity to have fun, be active, socialize, and enhance the quality of life of those with developmental disabilities.