SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
November, 2022
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement:
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement: Through implementing inclusive practices, rigorous instruction, and the principles of community engagement, Special School District Staff in partnership with Jennings School District will provide high quality, specialized programming and supports designed for all students to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.
We Need You!!!!!
Individuals interested in becoming a substitute teacher can register now for DESE’s 20-hour online substitute teacher training conducted by Frontline Education. Click here for more details and to access the training program.
Reminders:
The cost for the training program is $180.
After completing the training, you will submit your completed application and background check information.
The option is still available to get a substitute teacher certificate if you have 60 college credit hours (you would not have to take this training too).
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
From the Desk of Shinita Jones: Jennings Partner District Director
Greetings SSD Warrior Family,
The first academic quarter of the 2022-2023 school year has been completed, and our scholars are off to a great start of the school year! During the first quarter, the District's Leadership team has conducted and engaged in Comprehensive Instructional Rounds (Classroom Observations), in all seven schools in the Jennings School District. During the classroom walkthroughs the team has observed excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration among SSD & JSD teachers to ensure the academic, social, and emotional success of all students in the Jennings School District.
The SSD and Jennings administration team would like to thank Mr. Ryan Guffy for supporting Jennings School District with the implementation of MTSS. In addition, the SSD administration team is exciting about establishing the SSD PAC in Jennings School District! I am excited about the academic, social, and emotional outcomes for the students in Jennings during the 2022-2023 year.
Best Regards,
Shinita Jones, Ed.S.
Please Review the By the Numbers Jennings School District and SSD Data
SSD Warrior District Milestones!
The SSD Warrior team would like to congratulate our colleagues on their milestone years of service with Special School District of St. Louis County!
Administration:
- Ms. Shavona Peters: Special Education Coordinator, 15 years of service
School Staff:
- Ms. Butler, Synetra: Special Education Teacher, 15 years of service
- Ms. Campbell-Williams, Andrea: Speech-Language Pathologist, 20 years of service
Ms. Foster, Harkyah: Teacher Assistant, 5 years of service
Ms. Jones, Adrianne: Teacher Assistant, 5 years of service
Ms. McKissic, Jennifer: Special Education Teacher, 20 years of service
Mr. Sanders, Ira: Teacher Assistant, 15 years of service
Ms. Taylor, Patricia: Special Education Teacher, 15 years of service
Connect with the SSD Board of Education
Connect with the SSD Board of Education: The SSD Board of Education strives for transparency, accountability, and accessibility. We welcome family, staff, and community members to share comments, concerns, and ideas with SSD Board of Education members. To find the Board member representing your sub-district, visit the Board of Education page on the SSD website.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families or 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.
Family & Community Engagement
The Family Resource Hub located at North Tech High School is a space dedicated to families and our community stakeholders. The resource hub offers families computer and internet access, a satellite food pantry, and support navigating community resources. The space is also dedicated to supporting families by hosting learning labs, community events, and a safe and supportive environment to learn with and from one another.
CAASTL (Community Action Agency of St. Louis County): Please join FACE on at the Family Resource Hub, located Nov 11, 2022 in North Tech High School, from 9am to 4pm. CAASTL (Community Action Agency of St. Louis County) will be available on that date to provide additional support and access to resources that promote healthy families and a thriving community. Families can learn about case management, utility assistance, rental assistance, financial education, weatherization, and program development and education activities. A CAASTLC representative will be available to answer questions and assist with applications.
Higher Education Consortium (HEC): The Higher Education Consortium (HEC) will be at the Family Resource Hub, located in North Tech High School, from 11am to Noon on Nov 15, 2022 . The HEC can provide families with
information to increase their knowledge about education, career, and workforce planning or transitioning. High school students and anyone over the age of 19 are eligible to receive services from HEC.
Family Cafe: Family and Community Engagement (FACE) will be hosting a Family Cafe on November 17, 2022 from 6-8pm at the Family Resource Hub, located in North Tech High School. Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors:RESILIENCE, RELATIONSHIPS, KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT and COMMUNICATION. https://bit.ly/FamCafes
Family Academy: Join us for SSD’s very first Family Academy on November 5th from 9am to noon at Northview High School located on Derhake Rd in Florissant. Family Academy is an opportunity for SSD families to learn and utilize resources and strategies to improve student outcomes. The Family Academy will offer networking with community agencies and other families. There will be music, light refreshments, fun learning opportunities, and learning resources to support your student in the home. https://SSDFACE.as.me/FamAcad22
Important to note: November is Family Engagement Month please stay tuned to our district website and social media accounts for ways to engage families.
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
SSD Family Leadership Institute Applications Coming Soon!: Applications will be available soon for the Fall 2022 semester SSD Family Leadership Institute FLI (Formerly Parent Leadership Institute PLI).
The Institute which has over 275 graduates to date, was created for families in 2007 to offer information, training, and resources. Participants gain the knowledge and skills to effectively collaborate with other families, school personnel and develop leadership for SSD and their home districts.
Participants will:
Build understanding of future planning and problem-solving, utilizing Charting the LifeCourse tools;
Learn to effectively participate in their child’s education and improve the educational climate for all children;
Learn how to positively interact and collaborate with other families and school personnel; and
Discover new resources and network with other families.
FLI Graduates have:
Served on School boards
Been elected as Parent Advisory Council (PAC) President(s)
Actively participated in SSD and/or local school district PACs
And further increased their leadership training in policy development and mentorship.
SSD Communications
Scholarship and Awards Information: The following items provide newsletter information about scholarships (for families and staff), the Salutes awards (for families and staff), and for the Zander Awards (for staff only).
Please copy and paste into your newsletters to ensure we are reaching everyone who is eligible so they get an opportunity to apply or nominate in plenty of time before the deadlines.
If you have any questions, please contact Deana Parsons at dmparsons@ssdmo.org or 314.989.8102.
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.
Applications for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, and The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship must receive at least one service from SSD and plan to enroll in a college, university, or postsecondary program. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation. Applications are due Dec. 16, 2022. Visit ssdmo.org/scholarships for more information.
The Special Education Foundation (SEF) sponsors the John Cary Scholarships for high school seniors, as well. Applications are due Jan. 24, 2023.
SSD Staff Encouraged to Nominate Students for Zander Award
Since 1988, SSD has sponsored The Rosemary Zander Awards for students receiving at least one service from SSD and have demonstrated extraordinary progress and an excellent attitude. The award has long recognized the accomplishments of students receiving services or technical education courses from SSD.
Students have been honored for success in a variety of categories – academics, arts, athletics, communications, vocational training, employment, independent living skills, community service, and extracurricular activities. Recipients of the award must be nominated by an SSD staff member using the The Rosemary Zander Awards form by Dec. 16, 2022.
Nominations for Salutes Awards Open Until Jan. 6
Applications for several awards which honor the contributions of SSD staff and community members are awaiting nominations, due Jan. 6, 2023. These awards are collectively known as Salutes awards because they are given at the District’s annual Salutes event in the spring. They include the following:
Please refer to the Salutes webpage for details about each award. Some awards permit nomination by SSD staff only, while others accept nominations from people who are not employed by SSD (e.g., students, parents, partner district staff, and other community members). Consider submitting a nomination and help us provide the recognition they deserve for their meaningful work in SSD!
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: smjones@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314.989.8133
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Jennings School District
Website: https://www.jenningsk12.org/
Location: 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-653-8000