Bayless SSD Newsletter
January 2023
Dear Bayless Families,
The New Year is upon us! I hope that everyone had a relaxing, rejuvenating Winter Break and that we are all ready for an exciting start to 2023.
The break and new year give us the opportunity to pause and reflect. Sometimes, we need to readjust our goals and life styles in order to be more successful. Please see the Health and Wellness section below to frame to help frame your own goals for the new year.
I hope that we all continue to aim high and strive to achieve our goals.
Take care,
Maureen Nelson Ed. S.
Health and Wellness
Goals versus Resolutions
It’s that time of the year again when everyone wants a “fresh start” and make their New Year’s resolutions. But what is a resolution and how is different from a goal? While resolutions are statements of intention, goals are statements of commitment. While resolutions can be vague (“I want to lose weight”), goals are more specific (“I want to lose 10 lbs.”). By pairing our resolutions with goals, we can make them more achievable. Here are some strategies:
1. Clarify vague resolutions into specific goals—For example, “getting into shape” might mean a lot of different things. Be specific-“I will increase my strength”, “I will improve my cardiovascular fitness”, etc.
2. Broaden binary resolutions into thematic goals—Making a goal of “I will work out every day” can trap us into that frame of mind that if I don’t work out one day, our resolution is sunk. Instead, allow yourself some grace and focus on long-term progress.
3. Pair your goal with a simple, comprehensive plan—Make a plan that breaks your goal into smaller, more manageable milestones that work towards your desired outcome. For example, if your resolution was to run a marathon by the end of the year, you may start out with one mile, and gradually building up your mileage throughout the weeks and months until 26.2 miles is realistic and manageable.
4. Design a strategy around small, sustainable changes—Make a list of actions that will help you towards progression of your resolution. Pick one item from that list daily and focus on it. “Making just one small change in our daily repetitive routine is a crucial step to alleviate the resistance that comes with change”, according to Biztuition CEO Julie Christopher.
Change is hard. Research from University College in London shoed that it takes 66 days to completely break from an old habit. But, making a plan, taking things one step at a time, and preparing for all the “what ifs” will definitely put us on the right track for success
SEF Accepting Applications
SEF Accepting Applications for Kid to Camp Program: The Special Education Foundation is now accepting applications to assist children with disabilities served by SSD to attend one or more camps this summer. Each year, the SEF provides tuition assistance to enable students served by SSD to attend summer camps. Sometimes children with disabilities cannot join their peers in a summer camp experience due to financial constraints or other hardships. SEF steps in to help young people and their families take advantage of these experiences that can sometimes be life-changing. Parents and caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a safe and healthy place. Apply here.
Student Leadership Opportunities: Please check out these unique and FREE leadership opportunities for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 - 21.
Scholarship Opportunities for SSD High School Seniors
Several scholarships are available for students who receive SSD services! High school seniors who plan to enroll in a college, university or postsecondary program after graduation this spring should review the following opportunities.
The Special Education Foundation (SEF) sponsors the John Cary Scholarships for high school seniors, as well. Applications are due Jan. 24, 2023.
Upcoming Events
January 3rd and 4th--No School Professional Development
January 5th--Students Return!
January 16th-No School-Offices Closed
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
Selma Kostic, 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