SSD/Parkway Newsletter
August 2022
Dear Parkway Families,
It’s hard to believe that we are already preparing for our last few days of summer before the start of the 2022-2023 school year! I hope that the past weeks of summer brought rest, relaxation, and opportunities to make memories with loved ones. We are currently busy preparing for the upcoming year and squeezing in a few last days of vacation time before our halls are once again filled with the sounds of hundreds of students. Please watch for messages from your student’s school building as they send important updates about the start of the school year.
In the past few weeks, we’ve made some wonderful recommendations of staff to join our teams in the schools but are still looking to fill the rest of our vacancies. As I share each month, we couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for encouraging your contacts to apply for our Paraprofessional positions. Please share this link with any potential candidates and reach out to the Special Education Coordinator for your student’s school to share their name. We would be happy to speak with all interested candidates.
This school year, we are welcoming Ms. Lauren Rayfield to our Special Education Administrative Team. Below I am sharing a message from Lauren to all of you. There have been a few slight tweaks to our building assignments for the Special Education Administrative Team. Listed below are each of their schools so that you know who your administrative point of contact will be for the 2022-2023 school year.
As the year begins, the Special Education Administrators will send a welcome message out along with the communication you receive from your student’s case manager. This communication could come via email or hard copy paper letter in your student’s bag. Each Case Manager will communicate with families within the first week of student attendance. We all look forward to supporting the wonderful students and families within the Parkway School District!
As always, a heartfelt thank you for all that you do to partner with us on behalf of your students. We appreciate your support of our staff and school communities.
In collaboration,
Dr. Amy Blumenfeld
Director of Special Education
314-989-8435 / ablumenfeld@ssdmo.org
314-415-5297 / ablumenfeld2@parkwayschools.net
Special Education Administrator Assignments
Abbie McCabe – Craig, Green Trails, Shenandoah Valley, Elementary Virtual Campus
Amy Manczuk – Claymont, Henry, McKelvey Intermediate, McKelvey Primary
Ann Matoushek – Carman Trails, Mason Ridge, Wren Hollow
Emily Soto – Hanna, Highcroft Ridge, Ross
Jamie Kopp – Bellerive, Pierremont, River Bend
Katie Campbell – Barretts, Oak Brook, Sorrento Springs
Kelli Watson – Southwest Middle, West Middle
Kristin Lesinski – South High, South Middle
Lauren Rayfield – Northeast Middle, North High
Teale London – Central High, Central Middle
Val Kamhi – West High, Fern Ridge, ADC
Wendy Jensen - DHH Programs
Welcome Lauren Rayfield!
HI!
My name is Lauren Rayfield and I am the new Special Education Administrator for Northeast Middle and North High. Prior to that, I was a Special Education Administrator in Rockwood for 17 years and taught special education in Kirkwood for 6 years. My daughter Josilyn is a sophomore and my son Kelton is a 7th grader. I am a huge sports fanatic (GO Cardinals and Notre Dame!). My hobbies include reading, travel, fashion, exercise, and working in my yard.
KELLY SERVICES
SSD has recently partnered with Kelly Education Services for our substitute provider across St. Louis County. Kelly Education Services is actively looking to build their substitute base. Please see the below flyer for information about the process for receiving a substitute certification.
PEDA
Update! Update! SSD’s PEDA and Family Engagement Departments have merged. Please see what our new FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Department has to offer!
Visit the FACE site here!
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
1. The Family Resource Hub –
a. Family Resource Hub Virtual Grand Opening Video
c. Introducing The Family Resource Hub
d. The Family Resource Hub Sattelite Food Pantry
2. Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
Networking is an essential component of parent advocacy. PACCD meetings provide parents the chance to ask questions and share information that benefits both students and families. Topics for PACCD meetings vary by month and all parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to join. Please email contactpaccd@gmail.com to get more information about PACCD and/or to look for ways to get involved!
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
Aug 9: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45
Aug 10: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
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