On April 13, 2023, the Ritenour School District Board of Education approved new boundaries for all elementary and middle schools to help create a balance in enrollment based on the capacity of each school. It’s the first time that Ritenour has made significant changes to its elementary school boundaries in more than three decades. Learn more and view the new boundary map here.

Students from Buder, Iveland and Kratz elementary schools will now attend Hoech Middle School.

Students from Marion, Marvin and Wyland elementary schools will attend Ritenour Middle School.

Congratulations to Sean!

This is Sean's second year with SSD. He spends much of his day floating between rooms to help with students in crisis or who need additional support. Sean describes his role at Ritenour High as the "utility man," someone who can move throughout the school and help where needed. Sean's unique role allows him to build close connections with the students. In fact, for Sean, the relationships with the students is what it's all about. "It's the best thing about this position," Sean said. "You have to earn the trust of the students to make an effective team."

Sean, a national champion basketball player and experienced coach, sees similarities to the message he delivers to the students at Ritenour and on the basketball court: Hard work and being a good teammate are essential to success. "If you help others," Sean says, "the help will be returned to you." From his time in basketball, Sean understands what it means to be a part of an effective team and brought that attitude and experience to Ritenour. "We respect each others strengths and weaknesses," he reported. "When someone needs help, we help each other out. We do what we need to do to meet our goals." He also emphasized the intentionality of inclusion as a key reason for Ritenour's success. "Ritenour makes it a point to include our students. Our kids are included more and more in general education each day." He credits both the Ritenour principal Dr. Jana Haywood and his SSD Coordinator Nathan Dwyer with setting this important direction for the school.

When asked to provide advise for new paraprofessionals starting their position, Sean emphasized the importance of getting the job done. "Do whatever is best for the kids and the whole team will be successful."

When not helping students at Ritenour, Sean coaches basketball at Vianney High. He is a big sports fan and is always willing to participate in friendly (or serious) competition. He also respects and learns from the leadership styles of sports legends John Wooden, Buzz Williams, and Tony LaRussa.

Thank you to Sean for his impressive and meaningful work with our students!

Please check out these unique and FREE leadership opportunities for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 - 21.

• Missouri Youth Leadership Forum

• Virtual Leadership Summit

Last call for applicants to the Family Leadership Institute (FLI)! FLI is a great opportunity for educational decision makers to:

• Build an understanding of future planning and problem-solving using Charting the LifeCourse tools.

• Learn to effectively participate in their student's education and improve the educational climate for all children.

• Learn how to positively interact and collaborate with other families and school personnel.

• Discover new resources and network with other families.

This program, which is offered at no cost to participants, is designed for family members who are the education decision-makers for a student with a disability.

The three sessions will be held in-person on Wednesdays, from 5:30-8 PM on April 19, 26, and May 3, 2023. Dinner will be provided for attendees.

Click here to apply today!

PEERS® (Program for the Education and Enrichment of Relational Skills) is a 12-16 week social skills program for children, teens or young adults with autism. In this program, individuals are engaged in learning real-life skills for connecting with others, as well as building and maintaining friendships. Parents/Caregivers will also participate in the program and will be taught how to support and assist their child/young adult in making and keeping friends by coaching and providing feedback during weekly homework assignments.

This program is offered to three age groups:

• Children’s Friendship Training: 3rd-5th graders

• PEERS: Middle and high school aged students

• PEERS for Young Adults: Individuals ages 18+ who are no longer in high school

New sessions will begin in May and August 2023.

A pre-program assessment to determine eligibility is required. Funding options include DDRB, DMH and Private Pay.

For more information and to see if you qualify, please contact our Admissions

Department at 314-394-7100 or via email info@esmw.org.

The goal of the RSD-SSD PAC is to collaborate with parents/guardians, Ritenour School District Administration, and SSD Administration to improve the overall results of our kids. We seek parent input on matters concerning special education services.

We meet monthly to develop our abilities to:

• Share information and support with other parents navigating the special education process

• Learn about advocating effectively for our children

• Improve communication and promote collaboration between Ritenour Schools and Special School District

• Promote a positive, inclusive understanding of students with disabilities

The RSD PAC meeting will be on Monday, May 22nd from 6:00pm - 8:00pm at the Ritenour Administrative Center. Future meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of each month.

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training is available for families in SSD. The course is located at Maryland Heights Community Center on July 22, 2023 from 9 - 3:30 PM. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. To join us please register at https://forms.gle/CRFvDJH76XbSyFQg7. Seats are limited. Register to become a mental health first aider today.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application.

You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575.