SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates

SSD Warriors' Mission Statement: Through implementing inclusive practices, rigorous instruction, and the principles of community engagement, Special School District Staff in partnership with Jennings School District will provide high quality, specialized programming and supports designed for all students to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.

Happy December!

The first semester of the 2023-2024 academic school year is quickly coming to an end! Congratulations to our students, staff, and families on an excellent first semester of teaching and learning! I encourage everyone to ensure that you are actively practicing selfcare, and that we all continue to strive for excellence in the Jennings School District. "Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it."

Marian Wright Edelman

Best Regards,

Shinita Jones, Ed.S.

The SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised of families advising and collaborating to improve the education, confidence and social outcomes of each student served by SSD. The PAC consists of five parents or guardians – one member and four alternates – from each of the 22 St. Louis County school districts and from each of the five SSD special education schools. The parents or guardians of students receiving special education services in that district or school elect SSD PAC members.

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.

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.

High school seniors who receive at least one SSD service or attend an SSD technical school should take a look at these scholarship opportunities if they plan to enroll in a college, university or postsecondary program! Applications for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, and The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship are due Dec. 13, 2023. Additionally, the Special Education Foundation (SEF) sponsors the John Cary Scholarship. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation - don’t wait to begin! Visit ssdmo.org/scholarships for more information.

Applications for several awards which honor the contributions of SSD staff and community members are awaiting nominations, which are due Jan. 5, 2024. These awards are collectively known as Salutes awards because they are given at the District’s annual Salutes event in the spring. They include the following:

• Key to the Classroom Awards (for classroom teachers)

• Building Block Awards (for paraprofessionals)

• Lasting Impression Awards (for support/operations staff)

• Special Ambassador Awards (for community members or organizations)

• Distinguished Leader Awards (for administrators in SSD and partner districts)

Please refer to the Salutes webpage for details about each award. Some awards permit nomination by SSD staff only, while others accept nominations from people who are not employed by SSD. Please nominate someone you know who works for SSD and help us provide the recognition they deserve for their meaningful work in SSD!

FACE is hosting a webinar highlighting the Missouri Poison Center on December 5th from 6-7pm. In this webinar, attendees will learn how to contact the Missouri Poison Center, what to do if they suspect their student has gotten into something, and poison first aid. Register for this informative event here.

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.

The holidays can be a stressful time financially for many families. The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will be at the HUB at North Tech High School on January 5th from 10-2pm to help families. CAASTLC can provide the following programs and services to families:

● Case management

● Utility assistance

● Rental assistance

● Financial education

● Weatherization

● Program development and educational activities.

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!

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.

Educators working with children who have disabilities possess invaluable expertise in effective teaching methods. Frequently, there is a lack of funding from government-regulated taxes to support innovative educational initiatives, leading teachers to either personally finance materials or abandon expensive projects. The Special Education Foundation (SEF), has been bridging this financial gap by providing Classroom Innovation Grants to selected teachers each year since 2002. Classroom Innovation Grant applications for the 2024-2025 school year are being accepted now through December 15, 2023. Those selected will be notified in early 2024.

Camp programs within the community can play an important role in sustaining the positive impacts on students with disabilities, extending beyond the social and educational aspects of the classroom. Participation in these camps offers occasions for social interaction, increased independence, and have the potential to boost confidence during breaks in the school year.

SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program provides financial assistance to families of children served by the Special School District so they can attend camp during these breaks in the school year. Campership funds are awarded based on financial need and student benefit.

The cold temperatures this week have brought with it the reminder that winter is coming to the St. Louis region and how important it is for every student to have a suitable coat, hat, and gloves for the coming months.

Most of us are lucky not to have to choose between heat, food, or a warm winter coat. Sadly, there are many in our region that face that decision, and often, the winter coat comes last.

For a child with a disability, there are additional challenges when it comes to outerwear.

For example, a child in a wheelchair struggles with most outerwear as the bulkiness of the coat may interfere with the positioning equipment on the wheelchair, especially for children with complex positioning devices, such as laterals, harnesses, head supports, and other upper body supports.

For children with sensory issues, winter coats bring an extra burden. A child with autism may be overly sensitive to scratchy seams and tags, or they may react to clothes or waistbands that are too tight.

Right now, the Special Education Foundation is partnering with the Special School District of St. Louis County on the Critical Needs Coat Drive, where we’re raising money to buy coats for students this winter. Please donate online today to help put a coat on a kid who needs it. Especially with these harsh temperatures we’re facing right now!You can also mail your contribution to SEF at 11933 Westline Industrial Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63146.

Thank you for your generous support.

The Special Education Foundation's John Cary Scholarship was established to honor the former SSD superintendent for his dedication to excellence and advocacy for students with disabilities. Each year, SEF grants scholarships to students entering post-secondary education, choosing recipients who embody John Cary's valued traits: resiliency, courage, and determination. Student applications and teacher nominations are accepted through January 26, 2024. Learn more and apply through this link.

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!

Shinita Jones, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Special Education

Email: smjones@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314.989.8133
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo

Area of Supervision: Jennings School District

Stacy Sturdivant, Ed.S.: SSD Director of Early Childhood Special Education(ECSE)

Office Phone: (314) 989-8411

Email: smsturdivant@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision: ECSE Special School District

Dr. Kathleen Vierod: SSD Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator

Office Phone: (314) 989-8213

Email: kkvierod@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision: ECSE Jennings School District

Dr. Ashley Brewer: SSD Special Education Coordinator

Office Phone: (314) 989-7873

Email: acbrewer@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision:

• Fairview Primary and Intermediate School
• Kenneth C. Hanrahan Elementary School
• Northview Elementary School
• Woodland Elementary School

Shavona Peters: SSD Special Education Coordinator

Office Phone: (314) 989-8524

Email: slpeters@ssdmo.org

Area of Supervision:

• Jennings Education Training School (JETS)
• Rose Mary Johnson Jennings Junior High & College Prep Academy
• Jennings Senior High & College Prep Academy

Website: https://www.jenningsk12.org/
Location: 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-653-8000