SSD/Valley Park Monthly Dispatch
August 2022
Staff Spotlight
I would like to introduce our new SSD Valley Park Team Members! We are excited to have them join us ~
VP ES:
- Melissa Bechaud (Teacher)
- Joanna Farache (SLP)
- Denise Raggette (Para)
- Rebekah Sarantakis (Student Support Nurse)
VP MS and HS:
- Shana Doerr (SLP)
District:
- Dani Rock (School Psychologist)
To access key school information for all think BACK TO SCHOOL, please go to the following sites:
Valley Park Elementary School: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Domain/8
Valley Park Middle School: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Domain/9
Valley Park High School: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Domain/10
Valley Park Early Childhood Center: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/domain/364
Wellness Corner - Back-to-School Transition
Below are 2 sites that I came across with tips and ideas to help families and students prepare for those back-to-school transitions and routines ~
https://www.familyeducation.com/school-learning/back-school
https://www.edutopia.org/article/back-to-school-resources-parents
Social-Emotional Learning Resources
SSD has compiled a list of book and web resources for families surrounding social-emotional learning and trauma-informed practices. Families can play a dual role in raising self-aware, respectful students who know how to manage their emotions, make responsible decisions, and resolve conflicts non-violently.
View the resources on the District website: https://buff.ly/34SmPBm
Family & Community Engagement (FACE) Program Launched
Special School District has launched the new Family and Community Engagement program (FACE), effective July 1, 2022. The program was created by merging Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) and Family Engagement divisions.
The mission of FACE is to partner with students, families, and staff to support students throughout the District. These supports will include specialized academic, social, and emotional needs to promote self-determination, equitable opportunities, and authentic inclusion.
Families will still have access to the great resources formerly provided through PEDA and Family Engagement, like the Family Leadership Institute (formerly known as the Parent Leadership Institute), the Resource Hub at North Technical High School, Lunch & Learn virtual series, workshops, and more.
Family & Community Engagement (FACE)
Are you still thinking about what to do this summer?
The PEDA Summer Resource Packet can help!
PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet
Other helpful resources:
St. Louis Recreation Council www.recreationcouncil.org
Blueprint for Summer https://blueprint4.com/stl/
St. Louis County Parks Activity Guide https://bit.ly/3LHpRsp
Early Childhood Summer Resource Guide https://adobe.ly/3vSuol1
To access the YouTube Video of our recent Summer Resource Fair, click here: https://youtu.be/VVeYDiL8ykM
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
Family and Community Outreach
The mission of SSD's Family & Community Outreach division is to partner with families for each student’s academic, social, and emotional success so that students may attain an enviable life. Please see below for key resources:
- The Family Resource Hub – 1 min. video highlighting the features and an attached flyer. Family Resource Hub Virtual Grand Opening
- Recreation Council Flyer – Summer Program Guides available on 1.21.22 The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Summer Program Guide Announcement (flyer attached too)
- Youth Mental Health Training for Staff –Kickup registration link: https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/SKSWHzR83mUrJ7gpEPUpeh
- Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
- Assistance for families who may have challenges accessing the FREE Covid Tests FREE At-Home COVID Test (flyer attached too)
SSD Parent Leadership Institute (PLI)
The highly successful SSD Parent Leadership Institute that has had more than 280 participants since 2007 is once again being offered under a new name of Family Leadership Institute (FLI).
The Institute will be Wednesday evenings from 5:30-8:30pm at SSD Central Office: October 12, 19, 26 and November 2.
If you are a parent or family member who makes the educational decisions for a child with a disability, investing the time to attend these four Wednesday evening sessions will provide:
- VISION: for the future of your child.
- KNOWLEDGE: to help effectively participate in your child's education.
- LEADERSHIP SKILLS: to improve the educational climate for all children.
- ACCESS: to new resources, friends, and experts to help you on your journey.
Apply today https://SSDPEDA.as.me/FALL2022FLI
VP Upcoming Events
Message to Families - from Valley Park
One Community. One Campus. Limitless Learning.
The Valley Park School District is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment of belonging where personalized learning experiences prepare our students holistically for limitless opportunities, empowering them to make the world a better place.
Please keep up to date with Dr. Dilg's communications in regards to our Return to Learn Plan:
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
Julie Schroeder
- Director
- jmschroeder@ssdmo.org
Dana Evans
- School Social Worker
- devans@ssdmo.org
Dani Rock
- School Psychologist
- dcrock@ssdmo.org
Website: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/1
Location: One Main St, Valley Park, MO 63088
Phone: (636) 923-3500