SSD Webster Groves Schools
January 2023 Community Engagement Newsletter
Best Buddies is in Full Effect!
It is Hot Chocolate Season!
Hixson Middle School in the Webster Groves School district started a Best Buddies Program in 2019. The Best Buddies program is a nationwide program. The program has four pillars upon which it is founded: creating opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Hixson Middle school focuses on one-to-one friendships. The sponsors for the 2022-2023 school year are Mackenzie Hennekes (SSD Teacher), Tim McGinnis (General Education Teacher) and Gina Garbo (SSD Social Worker). Next semester Katie Maguire (Speech-Language Pathologist) will join the team. There are currently 35 students in the program.
The Best Buddies program just completed their December Cocoa Cart Fundraiser. They raised a total of $500, which will go towards purchasing accessible seating in the school’s garden area. The Best Buddies President, Olivia Claybon will conduct some research and work with Mr. Eric Hayes, our Sustainability teacher to determine what accessibility items we should purchase. This is to ensure that students of all abilities can access the garden area.
In November, the students had a great time engaging in fun games and prepping for their Annual Special Olympics Bowling Practice. One upcoming activity will include Special Olympics Bocce Ball and Special Olympics Track and Field in the spring. The Best Buddies will attend with their SSD friends and support them during the tournament. Way to go Best Buddies!
If you would like your student to participate, please contact Gina Garbo at gmgarbo@ssdmo.org.
Bowling with Buddies
On December 8th, Best Buddies at Edgar Road enjoyed another activity together. They went bowling at Crestwood Bowling Alley after school and parents picked them up after the activity. Over 40 students participated. Earlier this year, Best Buddies decorated rocks and created a rock garden in front of school. Best Buddies International is an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals for friendship, integrated Employment, leadership development and inclusive living. Edgar Road is one of three Best Buddies programs in Webster Groves. The Best Buddies program at Edgar Road is sponsored by Carrie Koehn and Carrie Sachtleben.
Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Information
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP
Join FACE for a workshop all about assistive technology. In this virtual session, participants will be introduced to Assistive Technology, by SSD Assistive Technology Specialist Kim White. Learn how to request an AT consultation and participate in demonstrations of universal tools available to all SSD students. Examples will be provided for low- and high-tech AT options that can be implemented in the home and school environments.Click here to register: Assistive Technology Workshop Registration
Lunch and Learn Series 2022 - 2023
Lunch and Learn Series 2022 - 2023: Special School District’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department is excited to offer a virtual Lunch & Learn series for SSD families and stakeholders. The series, which will involve community organizations sharing information about their work, will continue during the 2022-23 school year and take place from 11:30 AM - Noon.
Representatives from three community organizations and three SSD departments will participate in order to increase awareness about their agencies or programs and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.
Features in the 2022-23 Lunch & Learn Series are:
Productive Living Board (PLB), Resources for Families - Jan. 25, 2023
SSD Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) department - Feb. 22, 2023
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - April 26, 2023
SSD Family and Community Engagement (FACE), Summer Engagement Activities - May 24, 2023
Communications
Special Education Foundation Information
SEF Accepting Applications for Kid to Camp Program: The Special Education Foundation is now accepting applications to assist children with disabilities served by SSD to attend one or more camps this summer. Each year, the SEF provides tuition assistance to enable students served by SSD to attend summer camps. Sometimes children with disabilities cannot join their peers in a summer camp experience due to financial constraints or other hardships. SEF steps in to help young people and their families take advantage of these experiences that can sometimes be life-changing. Parents and caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a safe and healthy place. Apply here.
Student Leadership Opportunities: Please check out these unique and FREE leadership opportunities for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 - 21.
Affordable Connectivity Program
Affordable Connectivity Program: The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families or households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877.384.2575.