SSD/Maplewood Richmond Heights
April 2022
Dear MRH Families,
Although we are now in the fourth and final quarter of the school year, there is still a lot of learning that will take place. The special education staff continue to work diligently to use instructional time wisely in order to maximize each child's learning and growth. If you are looking for ways to support your child's learning, please reach out to your child's special education Case Manager so they can share learning activities you can do at home. We look forward to continuing to partner with you.
Respectfully,
Ben Gleason
Lead Special Education Coordinator
Upcoming
April 5- Early Release day
April 15- No School
April 18- No School
May 3- Early Release day
Teacher Receives Top Honor
Congratulations to Amy Bryant, a Special School District teacher serving MRH High School, on being selected a 2022 Key to the Classroom Award winner by SSD!
Amy was selected by an SSD District committee of administrators who reviewed her nomination, which was submitted by an MRH parent. Amy will be featured along with other honorees on the SSD website and social media channels, and will be recognized at the 2022 SSD Salutes celebration on May 12. This special evening is dedicated to SSD staff and community members who have demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to the District and its mission.
Amy, we are privileged and proud to have you serving the students of the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District!
Parent Education and Diversity Awareness
Join us for our upcoming workshop:
Understanding the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Two Part Class with Dr. John Bruno Autism Effective Practice Specialist
April 14th and 21st 6-8pm
Identify and understand the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders and learn effective, practical strategies that will support your child in being more successful at home and school.
The second session will focus more on strategies, with time for discussion and questions.
Click the following link to register for this event: https://SSDPEDA.as.me/understandingautism
Congratulations to our Spring 21-22 Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) graduates!!!
If you are interested in participating in a future PLI email us at ssdpeda@ssdmo.org
THE SUMMER RESOURCE PACKET IS HERE!
Get tips and tricks to making this your child’s best summer yet.
To access The Summer Resource Packet, click here: PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet
To access the YouTube Video of our recent Summer Resource Fair, click here: https://youtu.be/VVeYDiL8ykM
The Family Resource Hub –
Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
Assistance for families who may have challenges accessing the FREE Covid Tests
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
Virtual Lunch and Learn
Representatives from community organizations will participate 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:
· St. Louis ARC – April 6
· St. Louis County Library – May 4
Each event is held virtually through YouTube Live and will remain on our channel for future viewing.Health and Wellness
During stressful times, it is extremely important for us to take care of ourselves. Deep breathing can be a wonderful method to enhance our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The added bonus is that deep breathing can be performed practically anywhere at any time without the need for any special materials or equipment. If you’d like to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your sleep, and improve your cognitive focus, you may want to practice these three simple breathing techniques:
Belly Breathing:
While sitting, with one hand on the chest and the other on the belly, take a deep breath in through the nose, ensuring the diaphragm (not the chest) inflates with enough air to create a stretch in the lungs. Exhale slowly through pursed lips. Initially repeat 3 times. You can work up to 6-10 deep, slow breaths per minute for 2-3 minutes.
Box Breathing:
This exercise involves breathing in through the nose for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of four, breathing out slowly for a count of four, and then holding for another count of four, essentially making a “square” or “box” with the breath.
4-7-8 Breathing:
This technique involves breathing in through the nose for a count of four, holding the breath for a count of seven, and exhaling through the lips for a count of eight.
While we often take breathing for granted, it’s important to take the time to appreciate every inhale and exhale we take. Slowing our breath is a way to slow down the world around us and improve our physical health as well as our mental health. So, breathe deep…the power to change your life is already inside you!
MRH Parent Advisory Council
The MRH Parent Advisory Council offers an opportunity to connect with other parents of students with disabilities and to learn about topics of interest. Please contact MRH parent Mrs. Kim Gifford if you are interested in participating.
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: bagleason@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
Maplewood-Richmond Heights School District
Website: https://www.mrhschools.net/
Location: 2650 South Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-644-4400