SSD in Affton Monthly Dispatch
February 2024
A Note From Your SSD in Affton Administration Team
We hope this message finds you well. As we continue into 2nd semester, we want to assure you that our special education programs are in full swing. Your child's progress is of utmost importance to us, and we are committed to keeping you informed.
You can expect to receive comprehensive progress data reports at least every quarter, providing valuable insights into your child's achievements and areas of growth. We understand that each child's journey is unique, and some families may prefer more frequent updates.
If you ever feel the need for additional progress updates or have specific questions about your child's development, we encourage you to reach out to their dedicated case managers or related service providers. We are here to collaborate with you and address any concerns you may have.
Your input is invaluable to us, and we want to ensure that our support aligns with your child's needs. Please do not hesitate to let us know how else we can assist you and make this academic year a successful and fulfilling experience for your child.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child's education.
SSD Staff Appreciation Form
Do you have a teacher or staff member who has gone above & beyond for you or your child - supporting them, encouraging them to do their best or being a listening ear when they need someone? Take a minute to write a note of thanks by sharing your appreciation with them. You may fill out this form as many times as you would like for different school personnel.
SSD in Affton PAC Meetings
PAC Meetings will be held on September 21st at 6:30, November 16th at 6:30, February 15th at 6:30, and April 25th at 6:30. More details to come!
The Affton PAC was formed by families who expect that children with disabilities and/or unique learning needs are educated effectively, afforded the dignity of belonging, and valued throughout all Affton School District. We hope that as we continue to grow, our membership will be representative of the full diversity of our student body and their families. Angela Hanks is the current leader of this group. She would love to have a partner in this important work. Please let us know if you would be interested. “Like” the Affton/SSD Family Group Facebook page or contact us for more information.
Special Education Resource Fair for Lindbergh and Affton Districts Coming Soon!
Join us on Saturday March 2nd from 1:00 - 3:30 for our first Special Education Resource Fair. We would sincerely appreciate your RSVP to ensure that we have enough people to support. Please do so here by 2/15/24.
The event will be held at Concord Elementary School and includes resources from around St. Louis and St. Louis County.
Based on family responses from our fall survey, the fair will include presentations on the topics of:
Positive Discipline Supported by Home Practices
Student Mental Health and Social Emotional Supports
Understanding & Supporting My Child's Reading Disability
Planning With My Child for A Great Future
Some of our community guests will have booths to share community information with families. A few of these organizations include:
ARC
Starkloff Disability Institute
Youth in Need
UMSL Succeed
St. Louis Community College
FACE - SSD
IRC - SSD
Variety St. Louis
Family Academy
FACE is set to host Family Academy on Saturday, February 24th, from 9 AM to 12 PM at Neuwoehner High School, 12112 Clayton Rd, St. Louis MO 63131. Families can connect with various community providers and vendors and partake in self-directed learning opportunities. Round up the kids and head to Family Academy for a morning of fun and empowerment. You don't want to miss this academy if you’re looking for Summer Recreation opportunities. The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis and many of our local camp vendors will be onsite to discuss funding and recreation options. Visit the FACE webpage for more details and to secure your spot.
The Family Resource Hub for SSD
Family Resource Hub Food Pantry is stocked with food and supplies and open for families who are in need. Contact FACE or your school social worker to find out more.
The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will also be available at the SSD Family Resource Hub (located inside North Tech High School) on Friday, February 2nd, from 10am-2pm to provide information and access to many of their programs, including the Low-Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP) and Water Assistance Program (LIWAP)
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and 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.
Webinar
FACE will be hosting Part 2 of our 2 part webinar, Behavior Strategies in the Home and Community on February 7th at 6 PM. Join us as we expand on previous lessons which discussed crisis procedures in the home and reinforcing alternative behaviors, a review of acceptance and commitment therapy strategies, and a focus on present moment and diffusion techniques. Register here today! You can access part 1 on the SSD YouTube channel.
Health and Wellness
Just Get Out There!
SEF and Student Leader Opportunities
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.
Adaptive & Assistive Equipment
The Special Education Foundation (SEF) is able to provide specialized equipment to students with disabilities up to age 21. The aim of the SEF is to enhance the education or the independence of students or to improve their quality of life. Through grants, the Foundation is able to help provide requests for specialized equipment, based on financial need, which includes:
● augmentative communication devices
● adaptive equipment
● hearing aids
● eyeglasses
Applications are accepted year-round and are initiated by the student’s teacher. Learn more about SEF’s Adaptive and Assistive Equipment program and how to apply.
You’re Invited to Complete the SSD Family-School Relationships Survey
Special School District is committed to creating safe and welcoming learning environments so that our students can shape successful futures. To assist us in these efforts, each year we ask parents to share their thoughts and feedback about the safety, communication, and learning supports that exist in our schools. Please take a few moments to complete the anonymous survey:
Family Survey - for families with students in SSD Schools or receiving services in Partner Districts
Family Survey - for families of registered tech school students
The survey will be open from Jan. 8 – 26, 2024. Your valuable feedback is greatly appreciated!
Special Education Foundation
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
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.
Learn More about UMSL's Succeed Program
The UMSL Succeed Program is designed to encourage and facilitate students to gain independence through academics, vocational experiences, and college residential/student life. Students must meet the criteria, which include:
Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability.
Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue post-secondary education to expand career & life opportunities.
Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
See the entire list of requirements and learn more about the program!
American Sign Language
American Sign Language classes were a huge success this Fall. If you did not get a chance to attend, registration for second semester classes will open up in mid December. Keep an eye out on the FACE website for more information. Classes will be held each Thursday for six weeks starting February 8th. Classes fill up fast so register early.
Would you like to learn more about how to support our student’s learning this Winter? Take a look at the FACE YouTube page and watch any of our pre-recorded webinars. Topics include toilet training, executive functioning, behavior supports, and Special Education Process. Check it out and email us at face@ssdmo.org to suggest other important topics.
Face to Face
Are you looking for unique and accessible activities to participate in this winter? Look no further than the latest FACE newsletter! In it you will find not only information on what FACE has to offer, but also ideas to enhance your student’s learning and great community events and offerings. You can sign up to have future newsletters sent to your inbox by visiting the FACE website today!
Save the Dates: STL County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases
SSD will be partnering with Affton, Pattonville, and Rockwood school districts again this year to host the St. Louis County Apprenticeship & Career Pathways Showcases. Last year’s events were very successful and helped middle and high-school students throughout the St. Louis region learn about the many careers available to them that require specialized training. Visit the Showcase webpage for more information! The District will host three Saturday events, each held from 10 AM – 1 PM:
Feb. 24 – Eureka High School
March 2 – North Tech High School
March 9 – South Tech High School
Family Cafe
Are you craving more meaningful connections with members of the SSD community? Do you like learning from others in a safe, inclusive environment? If so, join us on February 8th from 6-8 PM at North Tech for the first Family Cafe of the Spring Semester. Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers with a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on strengthening families' protective factors: Resilience, relationships, knowledge, support, and communication. Click here for more information and to register.
Behavior Strategies in the Home and Community Learning Event
FACE will be hosting Part 2 of our 2 part webinar, Behavior Strategies in the Home and Community on February 7th at 6 PM. Join us as we expand on previous lessons which discussed crisis procedures in the home and reinforcing alternative behaviors, a review of acceptance and commitment therapy strategies, and a focus on present moment and diffusion techniques. Register here today! You can access part 1 on the SSD YouTube channel.
Be a part of our Community!
Are you craving more meaningful connections with members of the SSD community? Do you like learning from others in a safe, inclusive environment? If so, join us on February 8th from 6-8 PM at North Tech for the first Family Cafe of the Spring Semester. Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers with a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on strengthening families' protective factors: Resilience, relationships, knowledge, support, and communication. Click here for more information and to register.
FACE 2nd Semester Calendar of Events is Here!
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.
Follow us 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/
Leadership Academy Registration
The Special Education Foundation is accepting applications for next year's Fred Saigh Leadership Academy class. Started in 2004, this program provides high school students with unique community-focused opportunities to broaden their horizons.
Each year, up to 20 students displaying leadership potential are chosen to participate in a training program that introduces and develops their leadership skills, engaging them in community issues. Students dedicate one day per month to visit key sites and meet leaders in the metropolitan area, exposing them to vital institutions that address community needs. Applications are accepted now through February 20, 2024. Learn more about the program and how to apply
SSD PAC Elections 2024 - Affton Needs You!
SSD PAC Elections 2024
SSD's Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is now accepting New/Renewal of Membership Self-Nomination Forms. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the Executive Committee no later than Feb. 15, 2024.
Elections are rotated each year, with Affton School District, Bayless School District, Brentwood School District, School District of Clayton, Ferguson-Florissant School District, Hancock Place School District, Ladue School District, Mehlville School District, Normandy Schools Collaborative, Rockwood School District, School District of University City, and Valley Park School District holding elections this year. Learn more at https://sites.google.com/a/ssdmo.org/ssdpac/home
SSD PAC
Dear families,
Happy New Year from the SSD PAC! We have three things to share:
Our February 14th zoom meeting is on a very important & highly requested topic-‘Alternatives to Guardianship’. Work towards the goal of least restrictive adult life can be started in kindergarten, with IEP goals focusing on self-determination, using Charting the Life Course, and other self-determination measures we will touch during the meeting. We want to personally invite you to attend. The link to the zoom can be found here: Special School District Parent Advisory Council (google.com) and here is a direct link:
February 14, 2024 7pm
Join Zoom Meeting
https://ssdmo-org.zoom.us/j/2994821147?pwd=bmhPOE9UZlRzcmpBS0FyVkFEQVlKQT09 (https://ssdmo-org.zoom.us/j/2994821147?pwd=bmhPOE9UZlRzcmpBS0FyVkFEQVlKQT09)
Meeting ID: 299 482 1147
Passcode: 440337
While we have your attention, please Save the Date for May 10th. You’re invited to an End of Year Party at SSD’s Central Office, in Town & Country. SSD Board of Education Members, your District's Board of Education members who serve on Governing Council, your District Parent Groups, SSD FACE (Family and Community Engagement) and the best resource vendors will all be there wanting to connect with & meet as many families as they can. More details to come.
Lastly, please take a minute to vote in our 3-question survey. It’s anonymous! We want to give families a strong introduction to the Special Education/SSD system- but need your help. What do you always tell new parents? What resources do you share with newly diagnosed families? Please vote. Link to survey: https://ssdmo.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3EJPa1clNZPQEgC.
Best,
Rebecca Flieg
SSD PAC President
Special School District Parent Advisory Council (google.com)
Charting the Lifecourse
Would you like to learn more about how you can support your student through the IEP process? Join FACE virtually on September 5th at 6pm for a webinar that will link the use of Charting the LifeCourse tools with preparing for your student’s IEP. Click here to register.
Who Should I contact?
Ky Schlundt - Special Education Coordinator for Gotsch and Rogers - kschlundt@afftonschools.net
Tim Orr - School Psychologist for Mesnier - torr@afftonschools.net
Sonia Shelton - School Psychologist for Gotsch and Rogers and assists with EC -sshelton@afftonschools.net
Susan Bartels - School Psychologist for AHS - sbartels@afftonschools.net
Beckie Rainbolt - SSD Social Worker for Mesnier and AHS - brainbolt@afftonschools.net
Sarah Rugg - SSD Social Worker for Gotsch - srugg@afftonschools.net
Stephanie Borgman - SSD Social Worker for Rogers - sborgman@afftonschools.net
Pam Miller - SSD Social Worker for AHS - pmiller@afftonschools.net
What if I would like to get more frequent or less frequent data on goals? Please contact your child's case manager or service providers.
What if I would like information regarding a class assignment? Please contact the teacher for that assignment.
What if I have a concern? Please contact the students case manager. If you have already contacted the case manager and you have not received results, please contact Ky or Katy.
Affton School District
Email: kmmeers@ssdmo.org
Website: http://afftonschools.net/
Location: 8701 MacKenzie Rd, Affton, MO 63123, USA
Phone: 314-633-5912