SSD Webster Groves Schools
July 2022 Community Engagement Newsletter
EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR (ESY) PROGRAM
ABOUT ESY FOR SUMMER 2022
Extended School Year (ESY) services are offered during the summer for students who receive special education services and who the IEP team find eligible to receive ESY services. ESY is not the same as summer school, which school districts may or may not offer to district students.
Here is the information for ESY in Webster Groves:
Dates: June 6th - July 7th
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Monday - Thursday)
Location for grades 5-12: Webster Groves High School
Location for grades K-4: Bristol Elementary
Please note: Services (amount) and goals are determined by the IEP team. Please reach out to the special education coordinator with any questions.
Summer School Programs
Elementary and secondary summer school programs are in full swing. At the high school level, students are participating in summer school opportunities to earn credits. There is flexibility in programming as some students are on campus and some are engaging virtually. Our students that are enrolled in ESY at the high school have been maintaining progress on their goals while engaged in high interest activities. Lessons have been centered on a weekly theme. Students have explored oceans, learned about the history of our nation’s flag, and have expanded their cultural knowledge through learning about the Chinese Lantern Festival that takes place in Philadelphia. During each week’s theme, students have the opportunity to follow multiple step directions to make something. Students have made paper lanterns, built bird feeders, and have made special treats; like rice krispie treats. Reading, writing, and social skills have been reinforced through these activities. Students are super excited that they will celebrate the conclusion of ESY by making ice cream.
In elementary, over 400 students have been enrolled and participating in Webster Groves summer school exploratory program. The elementary ESY program is housed in the same location because there are students who participated in both programs. The students are actively engaged in maintaining progress on their goals through hands on activities and group activities. The ESY staff have worked incredibly hard to ensure that students participate in the exploratory program while also accessing their special education services during ESY time as applicable.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION
The 1st day of school for the 2022-2023 school year is Monday, August 22nd. All staff will return from summer break the second week of August and will be engaging in professional learning throughout the weeks leading to the first day of school. Jumpstart Conferences are scheduled for Monday, August 15th- Thursday, August 18th for students in Kindergarten-5th grade. This is a great opportunity to meet with your child’s classroom teacher and team members to discuss your child’s individual learning needs and your vision for their educational experience. Please look for communication from your child’s school with specific details regarding Jumpstart Conferences. In addition, Hixon is hosting an open house on Thursday, August 18th for 6th-8th grade students. If your child receives transportation from Special School District, you will receive information from SSD Transportation specific to pick up/drop off times the week of August 15th. In addition, your child’s case manager will be sending out a welcome letter before the first week of school.
Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) Information
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
Family Leadership Institute
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