Bayless/SSD Newsletter
June 2022
Summer Safety
Summer is here! Let's hope we all spend more time outside enjoying the sunshine, taking a swim or just enjoying nature. As you do, please be careful, safe and keep reading!
A Letter from Dr. Elizabeth Keenan, Superintendent of Special School District
Dear SSD Community,
Our country has suffered another tragic school shooting. Yesterday, multiple students and staff were killed at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. As we are forced to grapple with the many young lives lost, no words can describe the sadness we feel for the families and the entire community affected by this terrible act of violence.
Events like this senseless school shooting can often lead to anxiety and fear felt within our own school community. I want to assure you that we are vigilant and proactive when it comes to the safety of our students and staff and have clear plans and procedures to deal with emergency situations. Our comprehensive crisis plan is reviewed and updated annually. We have measures in place to ensure the security of our students and staff, including limited building access and buzz-in security systems, external and internal security cameras, regular safety drills, and partnerships with our local law enforcement and fire departments. While no amount of planning can guarantee that a tragedy such as this will not occur, we are doing everything we can to keep students and staff safe while at school.
In addition to keeping our buildings physically safe, we need to do everything we can to support the emotional health of our students and staff. We have our counselors and administrators ready to respond to students and staff as needed. As we learn more details about this tragic incident, it may also be important for you to spend time talking with your children and helping them cope with this news. Here are some valuable resources to help children deal with trauma:
· Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Educators
· Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting
· Helping Your Children Manage Distress
· Talking To Children About Shootings in the News
· Strategies for Talking to Children About School Shootings
Each of us can play an important role in ensuring SSD schools continue to be safe places to learn and work. Every student and staff member has the opportunity to say something if they see something. Tell a trusted adult. This can often be one of the most effective tools we have to keep each other safe.
I appreciate the help and guidance you provide to your children as we all attempt to process this tragedy. Please join me in keeping the students, families, staff, and Uvalde community in your thoughts during this time.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Keenan, Ph.D.
SuperintendentPEDA Updates
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
Upcoming Events
June 6--Extended School Year starts
June 30--Extended School Year ends
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
Maureen Nelson, Director of Special Education
Stephanie Wansing, Social Worker
Lindsay Amen, School Psychologist
Jason Driedger, School Psychologist
Email: monelson@ssdmo.org
Website: baylessk12.org
Location: 4530 Weber Rd, Affton, MO 63123, USA
Phone: (314) 256-8690.3009