Bayless SSD Newsletter

Happy Spring Bayless Families!

As we near the end of the semester, please be on the look out for summer opportunities for your child. It is very important to keep students active and engaged while they relax and rejuvenate over the summer!

If your student qualified for extended school year, please be sure to return the enrollment form to your case managers. Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

In collaboration,

Maureen Nelson Ed. S.

Director of Special Education--Bayless

256-8690 ext. 3009

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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

Research shows that certain foods are known to have a positive impact on our mood. While we may first gravitate towards foods that fulfill an immediate need, such as candy for a quick burst of energy or chips to satisfy a salty craving, these foods in the long term do not benefit our overall well being. Being mindful and present while eating, not just our food choices, can promote a positive mood and mindset. Check out the chart to see a range of foods that benefit our physical and mental health

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.

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

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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/

Special School District of St. Louis County

12110 Clayton Road

Town & Country, MO 63131

Phone: 314‐989‐8100

Maureen Nelson, Director of Special Education

4530 Weber Rd, Affton, MO 63123, USA
(314) 256-8690.3009

Sumer Mueller, Social Worker

Selma Kostic, School Psychologist

Jason Driedger, School Psychologist