SSD/Parkway Newsletter
April 2022
Dear Parkway Families,
In the previous months, I’ve taken a moment to celebrate staff that have recently received well-deserved recognition within their school communities. These staff members, along with the rest of the team work tirelessly to provide supports to help students reach their highest potential. Our why for being here is a shared why. It’s for the students. Each staff member is dedicated to being a part of the team to push students towards those moments of achievement and success. Recently, the Special School District acknowledged some amazing students from across St. Louis County, and our team of Special Educators couldn’t be prouder. I wanted to share the links to our Special School District webpage where you can read about each of these individuals, as their stories bring a smile to my face. I can’t help but celebrate a little extra the great group of Parkway students that were recognized within this group!
Rosemary Zander Award Recipients
Jia Billadeau
Shayne McLaughlin
James E Westbury Board of Education Scholarship Winner
Kenneth Crouch
Allison M Haake Scholarship Winner
Takia McMorris
Congratulations to these dedicated students!!
It’s amazing how fast this time period goes between Spring Break and the end of the school year. Please take a moment to pause and celebrate the successes your students have made so far this year as we work towards ending the year strong. There is much left to cover in the next 9 weeks and we look forward to the continued partnership.
As the year comes to a close, we do know that some of our valuable paraprofessionals will be moving on to other adventures whether it be retirement, other work experiences, or graduating and taking on their own classrooms as a lead teacher. Each year, we celebrate with our team and thank them for their years of service with us, while we start to look towards recruiting new staff. This year, that’s even more crucial. Parkway is still facing vacancies for paraprofessional positions that we have not been able to fill. We want to ensure we set our schools and teams up for success by identifying and recruiting talented individuals to join this community. Please continue to help us spread the word and recruit candidates. The Paraprofessional link for interested individuals to apply to SSD is still open and accepting applications on the SSD Website. Please share the name of the potential employee you are recommending with the Special Education Coordinator assigned to your student’s school so that we can continue to have the opportunity to fill Parkway with outstanding staff that care for and challenge all of our students to reach their greatest potential.
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
NEW SUBSTITUTE PROVIDER
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
Please note that workshop information is time sensitive
THE SUMMER RESOURCE PACKET IS HERE!
Get tips and tricks to making this your child’s best summer yet.
To access The Summer Resource Packet, click here: PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet
To access the YouTube Video of our recent Summer Resource Fair, click here: https://youtu.be/VVeYDiL8ykM
Join us for our upcoming workshop:
Understanding the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Two Part Class with Dr. John Bruno Autism Effective Practice Specialist
April 14th and 21st 6-8pm
Identify and understand the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders and learn effective, practical strategies that will support your child in being more successful at home and school.
The second session will focus more on strategies, with time for discussion and questions.
Click the following link to register for this event: https://SSDPEDA.as.me/understandingautism
Congratulations to our Spring 21-22 Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) graduates!!!
If you are interested in participating in a future PLI email us at ssdpeda@ssdmo.org
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
The family engagement department would like to offer some timely resources for families to check out.
1. The Family Resource Hub –
a. Family Resource Hub Virtual Grand Opening Video
c. Introducing The Family Resource Hub
d. The Family Resource Hub Satellite Food Pantry
2. Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
4. The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Summer Program Guide Announcement (Summer Program Guides Available on 1.21.22)
Let’s Talk is an easy way to submit feedback at your convenience directly to the SSD staff member who can help.
UPCOMING DATES
April 5: Parkway PACCD
April 12: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45
April 13: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 6:30
April 26: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
May 10: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45
May 18: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
May 24: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
June 14: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45
June 15: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
June 28: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
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