SSD/Parkway Newsletter
September 2021
Dear Parkway Families,
The year is off to a strong start and it has been wonderful to see so many students back in the hallways. There’s nothing like the buzz of a school at the start of the year. While there will be an adjustment for all as they navigate new classrooms, new peers, new staff, we are confident that the year ahead will be one full of growth, positive challenges, and an opportunity to partner with you as their ultimate educational champion. I thank you, in advance, for the support that you will continue to offer to your student’s educational team as they work with your student(s) throughout their educational journey this school year.
As we move forward with our year, I want to direct your attention to a variety of opportunities that are listed below. Parental and Guardian involvement is paramount to student success. Both the Special School District and Parkway have a variety of ways for you to get involved from attending trainings offered through the Family & Community Resource Center and PEDA departments, to the Parent Leadership Institute, to the PACCD monthly meetings and sessions, there are opportunities to increase your knowledge, comfort, and involvement in this journey.
Finally, as we continue to gain momentum with our new school year, we are actively looking to add to our team of Special Educators. Do you know someone that would be a great addition? Please encourage them to apply for the Paraprofessional opening listed on the SSD Website. Please share the name of the potential employee you are recommending with the Special Education Coordinator assigned to your student’s school.
In collaboration,
Dr. Amy Blumenfeld
Director of Special Education
314-989-8435 / ablumenfeld@ssdmo.org
314-415-5297 / ablumenfeld2@parkwayschools.net
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
Special School District’s Family and Community Outreach, Social Work, Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) and Communications departments have teamed up 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 take place on the first Wednesday of each month during the 2021-22 school year, from 11:30 AM - Noon.
Representatives from nine community organizations will participate in order to increase awareness about their agency and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTL) – Oct. 6
- Operation Food Search – Nov. 3
- Behavioral Health Response – Dec. 1
- Easterseals Midwest – Jan. 5
- The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis – Feb. 2
- Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK) – March 2
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4
The Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) Program invites families and community members to visit our Family and Community Resource Center at the Learning Center in Hazelwood. The program is excited to offer a diverse collection of materials, including many new books that are ready to be shared.
PEDA will be hosting the Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) this Fall. This program, which is offered at no cost to participants, is designed for parents and family members who are educational decision makers for a child with a disability. The three sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on September 22, September 29, and October 6, 2021, at SSD Central Office, 12110 Clayton Road, 63131. To learn more about this program and/or to apply to be a part of it, please visit this link: Parent Leadership Institute | Fall 2021. PEDA is also happy to announce that there will be a second Parent Leadership Institute in the Spring of 2022. We will be announcing dates in the very near future. Please check in with us if you have any questions!
PACCD CORNER
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year! I welcome any Parkway parent whose child has an IEP to consider joining Parkway’s Parents Advisory Council for Children with Disabilities (PACCD).
PACCD is a volunteer parent organization committed to securing a quality education for students with special needs. We are a support group and our goal is to provide information and education to bridge the gap between home and school.
Navigating the murky waters of an IEP can be daunting and often, overwhelming. Join an organization of like-minded parents interested in making a difference. If you’d like to attend our September meeting, register here: https://bit.ly/3g7sKF3
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at contactpaccd@gmail.com. I look forward to meeting you!
Best,
Laura Hoff
PACCD President
Let’s Talk is an easy way to submit feedback at your convenience directly to the SSD staff member who can help.
UPCOMING DATES
September 14: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45 pm
September 15: Early Release K-12
September 28: Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45 pm
September 29: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7 pm (6:30 pm Tax Rate Hearing)
October 12: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45 pm
October 13: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
October 14: Early Release K-12
October 15 & 18: No Students
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: ablumenfeld@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8435
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Parkway School District
Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net/
Location: 455 North Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO, USA
Phone: 314-415-8100