Brentwood Special School District

August 2023

Dear Families,

Welcome to the 23-24 School Year!

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well. I am excited to welcome each of you back into our buildings. Our staff will return to Brentwood on, Monday, August 14. During that week they will be preparing learning spaces to welcome students on Monday, August 21. During this week, teachers will also be in meetings and trainings. You should expect a welcome-back communication from them prior to the first day of school.

We are pleased to welcome Mr. Ethyn Boorom to our BHS team as a Special Education Teacher. He was part of our BMS team last year as a paraprofessional.

I am also excited about the All Brentwood BBQ on Thursday, August 16 from 4:30-6:00.

As always, if you have any questions don't hesitate to reach out to me and I will do my best to answer them for you.

Travena Hostetler; Ed D

Director of Special Education; Brentwood

thostetler@brentwoodmoschools.org

trhostetler@ssdmo.org

314-989-8479

Wellness Corner

Take the pressure and anxiety out of back-to-school season with these helpful ideas from an educator.

Whether your child is just beginning kindergarten or starting a new grade as a returning student, there’s lots to be done to prepare for the year ahead, including checking in about their fears, anxieties, and concerns.

As summer winds down, it’s natural for kids to experience nervousness — after all, your child is entering a structured group setting after months away. Some children will accept the change with joy, while others may need a bit more hand-holding to acclimate.

“Back-to-school will always be accompanied by a certain amount of nervous excitement or anxiety, but as a parent you can minimize fear of the unknown by being positive about school,” O’Connor says. The below tips from O’Connor can help your family make a smooth transition into the school year ahead and give your child new perspective on the joys of the classroom.

1. Visit the school or classroom before the first day.

2. Read books about starting school.
3. Talk to your child about their feelings about school, friends, teachers, and new activities.

4. Set intentions with your child for the school year ahead.

5. Practice, practice, practice your reading during the summer.
6. Include a note with your child's snack or lunch.

7. Go school shopping.

8. Encourage your child to pursue a passion project this year.

You can check out the full article here:

https://www.scholastic.com/parents/school-success/school-life/back-to-school/8-tips-to-prepare-first-days-school.html

Did you know...?

Kelly Education Substitute Services is hiring

Kelly Education is the provider who places substitutes for special education teachers and paras. If you or someone you know if interested in subbing within Special School District, please reach out to Kelly Services. Please use this link to connect with Kelly Services

https://bit.ly/SESubInterestForm.

You can shout out a staff member

Do you have a teacher or staff member who has gone above and beyond for you or your child supporting them, encouraging them to do their best or being a listening ear when they need someone? Please 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.

Special School District Brentwood Staff Shout Out Form

Connect with the SSD Board of Education

The SSD Board of Education strives for transparency, accountability, and accessibility. We welcome family, staff, and community members to share comments, concerns, and ideas with SSD Board of Education members. To find the Board member representing your subdistrict, visit the Board of Education page on the SSD website.