SSD/Valley Park Monthly Dispatch
Summer 2024
Staff Spotlight - Jerry Durrwachter
Jerry is retiring this year (our only retiree for SSD!)! He sent the below email to our VP team and I loved that it captured so many of our educators. He will be missed! AND a BIG shout out to our staff that were new to VP this year: Jenna Donze, Nikki White, Jenn Coleman, Marie Ryan, and Stephanie Bandriff.
I hope you each have a great summer and we will see you in August!
So Long, It's Been Good to Know Yuh
by Woody Guthrie
We talked of the end of the world, and then
We'd sing a song an' then sing it again
We'd sit for an hour an' not say a word
And then these words would be heard
So long, it's been good to know yuh
So long, it's been good to know yuh
So long, it's been good to know yuh
This dusty old dust is a-gettin' my home
And I've got to be driftin' along
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/So_Long,_It%27s_Been_Good_to_Know_Yuh
That's my favorite verse & chorus of one of my favorite songs and it seemed incredibly appropriate to include it here. Having left a career in IT Project Management in 2018, I am now retiring for the 2nd and final time.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed my 13 lucky years as the singer/leader of Dr. Durrwachter & The Healers, working as a Paraprofessional Educator for the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) at Valley Park K-12 has been the most rewarding paying gig of my life. I will miss the work, all of you, and especially ALL OF THE KIDS for the rest of my life.
As I haven't been bored since I learned to drive, I don't anticipate ANY boredom in retirement.
Until We Meet Again,
Happy Trails To You & Yours!
Wellness ~ Summer Lunch Program
This summer, there will be free lunches for children under 18 being served in our community every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 11:30-12:30. Check out the below flyer for specific information or call 1-618-580-0770 for more information.
St. Louis County Parks and Recreation
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.
Explore STL!
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.
St. Louis County Library
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!
FACE (Family and Community Engagement)
Parents Advisory Counci (PAC)
PAC Message ~
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.
Best,
Rebecca Flieg
President, SSD Parents Advisory Council
Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis - 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:
Special Education Foundation
Classroom Innovation Grant
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.
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.
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
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!
Learn More about SEF's Kid-to-Camp Program
Learn More about SEF's Kid-to-Camp Program
Looking for camp resources this summer? The Special Education Foundation's Kid-to-Camp program supports children served by SSD to attend camp during school breaks. Camp experiences extend beyond the classroom, fostering social growth, friendship, and independence. Applications for financial assistance are accepted year-round, offering invaluable opportunities for students. Visit https://sef-stl.org/what-we-do/kid-to-camp.html for more details or assistance with the application process.
Previously Shared Information ~
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/
Public Notices
Public Notices
Each year, the Special School District posts annual public notices as required by Board of Education policy and state law. These notices primarily serve to inform parents and students of their rights. Full SSD Board of Education policies and regulations can be found on the District website. All of SSD's public notices can be found on the District website at www.ssdmo.org/publicnotices.
Procedural Safeguards Notice
Did you know that the SSD has copies of the Procedural Safeguards and Parent Bill of Rights available in multiple languages on our website? The Procedural Safeguards help keep families informed about their rights and protections under IDEA. Visit the Procedural Safeguards section of the District website to review.
Valley Park Visitor Management System
Valley Park School District welcomes parents and other community members into our schools for special events, meetings, tours, and other occasions. However, keeping our students and staff safe while at school is something we take very seriously. To increase security at all our school buildings, we have started using the Hall Pass Visitor Management System to track visitors. The system is simple and easy to use. The only thing you need is a government-issued ID. For more information, click here.
VP Upcoming Events
To access key school information, please go to the following sites:
Valley Park Elementary School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vpes
Valley Park Middle School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vpms
Valley Park High School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vphs
Valley Park Early Childhood Center: https://www.vpschools.org/o/ecc
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
Julie Schroeder
- Director
- jmschroeder@ssdmo.org
Dana Evans
- School Social Worker
- devans@ssdmo.org
Jenna Donze
- School Psychologist
- jrdonze@ssdmo.org
Website: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/1
Location: One Main St, Valley Park, MO 63088
Phone: (636) 923-3500