New SSD/Clayton Dispatch
January 2024
Dear Families,
Please remember to parent teacher conference week is March 12-15. Please check in with your schools on signing up for conferences. If you have any questions please reach out to your child's case manager.
Save the Date - 2024 Summer Programs
Elementary Summer Academy (ESA) is June 5 - June 28 from 8:30 am - 12 pm and serves students entering grades 1-5. Participation is by teacher recommendation. ESA will be held at Glenridge this summer.
Wydown Summer Academy (WSA) is June 5 - June 28 from 8:15 - 11:30 am and is open to all students entering grades 6-8. Students can choose between JumpStart Math or Wydown Leadership Academy. WSA will be held at Clayton High School. Contact Erika Harris at erickaharris@claytonschools.net to learn more.
Clayton Summer Academy (CSA) is June 3 - June 28 from 8:15 am - 11:30 pm and is open to students entering grades 9-12. Registration for CSA classes will take place concurrently with the CHS registration process for the 2024-2025 school year. Please contact your child’s grade level counselor or our CSA Director Paul Hoelscher for additional information.
Summer Great Start for Students Entering 9th Grade
We offer a 2 week “Great Start” program for students entering 9th grade who would benefit from a more structured orientation to the high school experience. I highly recommend this program if your student is feeling nervous about navigating the high school experience. The program helps familiarize students with the physical space, the resources available, and the academic routines needed to have a successful freshman year. Reach out to Mark Snyder (current 8th grade counselor) or Chandra Brown (CHS counselor receiving the current 8th graders) with any questions.
ESY
ESY permission slips are being mailed out for students that qualify for ESY services. Please return to your child's case manager.
Elementary ESY will be at Glenridge Elementary June 5-June 28 8:30am-12:00pm
Middle School ESY will be at Clayton High School June 5-June 28 8:30am-11:30am
High School ESY will be at Clayton High School June 3--June 28 8:30am-11:30am
Thank you for your continued support!
Thanks,
Melissa Logan
Director of Special Education; Clayton
melissalogan@claytonschools.net
Upcoming Events
School District of Clayton Calendar
March 8 No School for Students (Teacher work day)
March 12-15 Parent Teacher Conferences
March 15 Early Release
March 18-22 Spring Break
March 29 No School for Students or Teachers
Community Opportunities
Saint 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!
Destination Fun Grand Opening
We are SO excited to announce the grand opening of our brand new playground in Brentwood Park! You're invited to join us April 6th at 10:00am for the celebration of the completion of our playground. This 32 acre park will feature a splash pad, sound play area, ADA accessible playground equipment, rock walls, ziplines, and so much more! Be sure to mark your calendars! This is an event you won't want to miss.
You may also like the following events from Brentwood Parks And Recreation:
- March 2nd 10:00 am, Dr. Seuss Celebration in Brentwood
- March 9th 10:00 am, Lucky Leprechaun in Brentwood
Explore St. Louis
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.
Family and Community Engagement
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.
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:
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:
March 2 – North Tech High School
- March 9 – South Tech High School
Family Cafe
Join FACE on March 14th at North Technical High School, 1700 Derhake Rd, Florissant, MO 63033 from 6-8 pm for Family Cafe. Family Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors: Resilience, Relationships, Knowledge, Support, and Communication. Register today!
Family Leadership Institute (FLI)
FUTURE LEADERS WANTED! Would you like to become more involved in the special education process? Family Leadership Institute offers participants a comprehensive set of opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge in various areas related to education, family engagement, and collaboration. Sign up today for the Family Leadership Institute (FLI). FLI will be held April 17th, 24th and May 1st from 5:30-8pm. Click here to find out more and to register.
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/
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.
Special Education Foundation
The need for financial assistance is growing at an alarming rate for those with audiology needs. Since hearing aids, hearing molds, audiological equipment, and/or repairs are not always covered by insurance or tax dollars, we need your help more than ever before!
Funds will be used to purchase hearing aids, earmolds, repairs, and all things audiological. On behalf of the students and parents we serve, know that your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you for helping SEF provide more children with the gift of sound. Donations accepted through April 5, 2024 https://sef-stl.org/fundraising/arbeiter-donation.html
The Starfish Award
The Starfish Award is reserved for individuals who have brought about significant change through seemingly small yet deeply meaningful actions. Ideal candidates for this honor exhibit the following qualities:
Consistently demonstrates unwavering compassion and kindness.
Leaves a remarkable imprint on the lives of students and families within the Special School District and the 22 partner districts in St. Louis County.
Offers vital support during challenging circumstances.
Their actions generate a ripple effect of positivity, creating a nurturing environment for all.
While nominees need not be exclusively educators, they should be individuals within the SSD community and the partner districts who have positively influenced those they serve.
For more information about the Starfish Awards and sponsorship opportunities, please visit starfishawards.org or contact Jill Salinas at jill@sef-stl.org.
Clayton PAC.ED: Parent Advisory Council for the Education of Students with Disabilities
PAC.ED advocates for awareness, understanding, equity and inclusion of and for all students with disabilities in the School District of Clayton. PAC.ED is a volunteer organization made up of families, Clayton, and Special School District (SSD) staff and administrators, as well as community members. Check our webpages to keep up to date on current PAC.ED events, as well as family resources.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer to help with Clayton PAC.ED please contact please email us at paced@claytonschools.net.
If you would like to make a donation to Clayton PAC.ED so that we can continue to bring programing, support, and events like this to District families Click HERE. Thank you!
The Family Navigation & Community Resources
The Family Navigation & Community Resources Presentation and Q&A Session. If you missed it, no worries! Click HERE to access the event video, presentation, and other resource documents. Family Navigation is a FREE “Concierge” type service to assist families and individuals with disabilities to “navigate the system”. Whether you live in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, or surrounding counties, they can assist you!
Building Representatives
The School District of Clayton, families, and the community have enjoyed a strong and active PAC.ED for the past 13+ years. Please consider being a part of that legacy by representing your school for the 2024/2025 School Year!
Transition Orientation & Planning for the 2024/2025 school year is underway! For more information on being a Building Representative, Clayton PAC.ED and its mission, click HERE. If you are interested or have any questions, please email us at paced@claytonschools.net
Megan Lenihan, Clayton PACED, President 2024/2025
A Party for Everyone! A Celebration of Kindness & Inclusion! – was a fun and sensory friendly event for District families! Both parties were full! Click HERE to view the “Scrapbook” from the event. Clayton PAC.ED would like to thank Grace Wolf Books, Miracle Makers Foundation, and School District of Clayton Student Services for their support of this event. Special thanks to our volunteers the Clayton High School Best Buddies and the Washington University Bear Cubs Running Club Coaches!
SSD Parent Advisory Council (SSD PAC)
Please Save the Date for Wednesday, May 8th. 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)
Events
February 14th 2024 Meeting - Follow Up
Alternatives to Guardianship - Working 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 that we will discuss during the meeting.
The zoom recording is up on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/P-jcjvBF_fI?si=_fuNkEaCXBPKZynu&t=5198
For more presentations regarding disability topics such as Guardianship, Alternatives to Guardianship, Estate Planning (Special Needs Trusts), etc. Check out workshop videos from the St. Louis ARC Review Educational Workshops - St. Louis Arc (slarc.org)
April 10th 2024 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (via Zoom)
https://ssdmo-org.zoom.us/j/2994821147?pwd=bmhPOE9UZlRzcmpBS0FyVkFEQVlKQT09
Meeting ID: 299 482 1147
Passcode: 440337
Special School District of St. Louis County
Melissa Logan, Director of Special Education
Kate Pavlisin, Instructional Coach
Email: mjlogan@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Clayton School District
Website: https://www.claytonschools.net/
Location: 2 Mark Twain Circle, Clayton, MO, USA
Phone: 314-854-6000