New SSD/Clayton Dispatch
January 2024
Dear Families,
As we come to the close of another academic year, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've embarked upon together. This year has been filled with challenges, triumphs, and moments of growth for each and every one of us.
To our students: You have shown remarkable resilience, adaptability, and determination throughout this school year. Whether you're graduating and moving on to new adventures or returning for another year, I am immensely proud of your accomplishments. Your hard work, creativity, and passion have not gone unnoticed, and I have no doubt that you will continue to shine brightly in whatever path you choose to pursue.
To the parents and guardians: Thank you for your unwavering support and partnership in your child's education. Your involvement, encouragement, and collaboration have been instrumental in creating a nurturing learning environment where our students can thrive. Together, we have formed a strong community dedicated to the success and well-being of each and every student.
To our dedicated teachers and staff: Your dedication, expertise, and compassion have been the driving force behind our students' achievements. In the face of unprecedented challenges, you have gone above and beyond to ensure that our students receive the quality education they deserve. Your tireless efforts have not only enriched the minds of our students but have also touched their hearts in profound ways.
As we bid farewell to another school year, let us take with us the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories cherished. Though we may be parting ways for now, the bonds we've formed and the experiences we've shared will forever remain etched in our hearts. We want to wish Joyce Reinitz a wonderful retirement. We also hope Abby Fedyschyn enjoys time with her baby this next school year.
I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer break filled with laughter, love, and new adventures. May you return refreshed and ready to embark on another exciting chapter in the journey of learning and discovery.
Thank you once again for your contributions to our school community. Together, we have made this school year one to remember.
Thanks,
Melissa Logan
Director of Special Education; Clayton
melissalogan@claytonschools.net
Fastbridge aReading and aMath Growth
We saw an increase in reading growth for students in grades 2-8: 35% of students met or exceeded the target for fall to spring growth.
We saw an increase in math growth for students in grades 2-8: 31% of students met or exceeded the target for fall to spring growth.
Clayton SSD 9-12 reading growth: 71% of students met the growth target in reading.
Clayton SSD 9-12 math growth: 78% of students met the growth target in math.
Upcoming Events
Community Opportunities
Visit Accessible St. Louis
A destination resource for visitors and residents of Saint Louis with accessibility information.The Office on the Disabled has compiled this ongoing list of popular Saint Louis destinations as a resource for people with disabilities to make informed choices when visiting Saint Louis landmarks. Please note that the current information focuses on physical accessibility.The Office on the Disabled will attempt to find further information on these or other tourist locations if requested. To make this request, e-mail us directly or contact us at (314) 622-3686 (Telephone) or (314) 622-3693 (TTY).
STL Summer Adventure
Family Day in the Grand Center Arts District
Join us in Grand Center for this fun and FREE experience! Family Day takes place on June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to noon in the 3700 Block of Washington Boulevard. There’ll be art activities, music, family portraits, story time, sing-alongs, food and drink and more! Participants include The Sheldon, the Contemporary Art Museum, the Pulitzer, the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, the St. Louis Public Library, the Montessori Adolescent Program and Grand Center Inc. No registration necessary.
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.
BCI 2024 Inclusion Summer Manufacturing Camp
BCI will host a special Summer Manufacturing Camp for high school freshmen and sophomores with disabilities. The four-week camp includes hands-on projects, field trips to local manufacturers, and the construction of a capstone project. The experience is a great introduction to teamwork, communication, and fulfilling personal responsibilities. Camp is funded through a generous grant from Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs®, the charitable foundation of the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association. The camp’s purpose is to support individuals in discovering their interest in manufacturing and to encourage the pursuit of a manufacturing career. For more information, contact Matt Jannings at 636-875-5264 or register on the event website. Limited space is available!
The best parks in St. Louis
Are you looking to take a stroll or play with the kids? Work up a sweat on a hike or while playing a sport? Appreciate art or history? Just enjoy nature? There's a park for that, as highlighted in this expansive guide of more than 50 metro area parks.
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/
Summer Guide
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:
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
Starfish Awards
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.
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!
Clayton PAC.ED: Parent Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities
PAC.ED advocates for awareness, understanding, equity and inclusion of and for all students with disabilities in the School District of Clayton. PAC.ED is a volunteer organization made up of families, Clayton, and Special School District (SSD) staff and administrators, as well as community members. Check our webpages to keep up to date on current PAC.ED events, as well as family resources.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with Clayton PAC.ED please email us at paced@claytonschools.net.
If you would like to make a donation to Clayton PAC.ED so that we can continue to bring programing, support, and events like this to District families Click HERE. Thank you!
The Family Navigation & Community Resources
The Family Navigation & Community Resources Presentation and Q&A Session. If you missed it, no worries! Click HERE to access the event video, presentation, and other resource documents. Family Navigation is a FREE “Concierge” type service to assist families and individuals with disabilities to “navigate the system”. Whether you live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or surrounding counties, they can assist you!
Building Representatives
The School District of Clayton, families, and the community have enjoyed a strong and active PAC.ED for the past 13+ years. Please consider being a part of that legacy by representing your school for the 2024/2025 School Year!
Transition Orientation & Planning for the 2024/2025 school year is underway! For more information on being a Building Representative, Clayton PAC.ED and its mission, click HERE. If you are interested or have any questions, please email us at paced@claytonschools.net
Megan Lenihan, Clayton PACED, President 2024/2025
Toolbox Essentials
"Toolbox Essentials" is a curated list of essential resources for families. Click HERE.
SSD Parent Advisory Council (SSD PAC)
Greetings, PAC Families, Summer is around the corner!
· Visit the St. Louis Recreation Council website and check out 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.
Best,
Rebecca Flieg
President, SSD Parents Advisory Council
Special School District of St. Louis County
Melissa Logan, Director of Special Education
Kate Pavlisin, Instructional Coach
Email: mjlogan@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Clayton School District
Website: https://www.claytonschools.net/
Location: 2 Mark Twain Circle, Clayton, MO, USA
Phone: 314-854-6000