SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
January 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.
Ms. Elisa Clair, Someone to Shout About
Ms. Elisa Clair is a School Psychologist with a heart of gold. Her passion for education is obvious as she supports and encourages both students and staff. When asked to share a bit about herself and why she choose a profession in the field of education, here’s what she had to say:
"I have been with SSD for 20 years. Fourteen as a school psychologist in Jennings, the remainder as a self-contained elementary school teacher in Parkway. Before moving to St. Louis, I taught in New York City and Chicago. Working with children with disabilities runs in the family. My father is a developmental pediatrician. I remember going with him to the hospital and playing with disabled patients who required long-term hospitalization. I started volunteering in a special education classroom when I was 12 and I have never gone a year without working with our students. Working for SSD is challenging, but every day I think about the amazing children and families I serve and it makes it all worthwhile.
Thanks Ms. Clair for sharing your time and talents with the students, staff and families of the Jennings community. You are appreciated!
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.
Round 1: Extended School Year & Summer Program Application
Applications for summer 2022 Extended School Year (ESY) and summer program positions are now open, and will be open through 4:30 p.m. on January 16th, 2022. All applications must be submitted electronically by the time and date listed above to be considered for employment. No paper or faxed applications will be accepted. After the first round closes and positions are hired, we will open a 2nd round for applications from March 1st, 2022 – March 20th, 2022 to fill remaining vacant positions.
To access the application:
Visit the SSD Portal at http://portal.ssdmo.org
Click on the “Applications” link at the bottom of the screen.
Click on the button titled “Finreporting and EForms”
Click on the link for “ESY and Summer Programs Application”
Once you have completed the application, check the electronic signature at the end of the application and hit the “Save” button at the Top or bottom of the application.
Once you hit the SAVE button at the Top or bottom of the application the page will say “Confirmation Page” You may print this for your records
For questions regarding Partner Districts contact, Tami Yates at tlyates@ssdmo.org For questions regarding SSD Schools, Kelly Grigsby at kgrisby@ssdmo.org ** Please note, many districts are still in the process of planning summer programs. Information will be shared as soon as available.
SSD Student Scholarship Deadline Approaching!
Many opportunities for scholarships and awards are now open for SSD students! SSD scholarship applications for graduating high school seniors are active and due Dec. 17, 2021. Students applying for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, or The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship must receive at least one service from SSD and plan to go to a college, university, or postsecondary program. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation. 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, 2022.
For more information, please contact Deana Parsons, SSD internal communications coordinator, at dmparsons@ssdmo.org or 314.989.8102.
SWEP 2022 Services
Paraquad’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) offers an opportunity for high school students with disabilities to earn a paycheck and try out new jobs. Job coaching and skill instruction is provided to the participant. This program begins on June 1 and ends on August 1. It is open to residents of St. Louis County. Click here to find the participant application for SWEP 2022.
Please note: Applications are due by February 7. Any applications received after that date – even those from previous SWEP participants – will go on a waiting list. Due to the volume of applications typically received, no exceptions will be made to that policy. The guidelines and qualifications are listed on the application.
Parent Leadership Institute
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 you to 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.
The Institute will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on February 16, March 2, 9, and 16, at the SSD Central Office, 12110 Clayton Road, 63131. The institute is offered at no cost and dinner is provided. Learn more about this opportunity or download the application at: Parent Leadership Institute
Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA)
Join us Tuesday, January 18th at 6:00 PM to learn about summer recreation programs available to school-age children with developmental disabilities and funding options to assist in paying for those programs. The workshop, hosted in collaboration with the Recreation Council of Great St. Louis, will be on zoom.
Presenter: Susan Fleming, Executive Director of the Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis. The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis is a not-for-profit organization which serves as a "clearinghouse" for information on leisure, recreation, and socialization opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities who reside in the Greater St. Louis Area. The Council works to ensure that individuals with disabilities are aware of and have access to activities and programs of their "choice."
To register or request the more information about summer programs please contact, the SSD Parent Education and Diversity Awareness program at 314.989.8460 or email ssdpeda@ssdmo.org
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
Family & Community Engagement
Mental Health First Aid Training for SSD Families - Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, and others to help adolescents experiencing mental health and/or addictions challenge or crisis. It is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. 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.
Nationally this course is valued at $170; due to a grant from Missouri's Department of Mental Health and a collaboration with the Ferguson Community Center, you have the opportunity to attend at no cost. Saturday, March 19th from 9 – 1:30 PM at Ferguson Community Center. 1050 Smith Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135. Space is limited. To register click here. Registration will close on Monday, March 7th or when all seats are filled.
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.
OPEN HOUSE January 18- January 21, 2022 from 9 – 4 PM
You’re welcome to visit during these times or to set an appointment to meet us there.
Please call 314-989-8311 or email FamilyEngagement@ssdmo.org
You Are Invited: SSD Sponsored Lunch & Learn
Special School District’s Family and Community Outreach, Social Work, Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) and Communications departments have teamed up to offer a virtual Lunch & Learn series for SSD families and stakeholders. The series, which will involve community organizations sharing information about their work, will take place on the first Wednesday of each month during the 2021-22 school year, from 11:30 AM - Noon.
Representatives from nine community organizations will participate in order to increase awareness about their agency and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- Behavioral Health Response – Dec. 1
- Easterseals Midwest – Jan. 5
- The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis – Feb. 2
- Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK) – March 2
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4
We hope to see you there!
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: tjnalls@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
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