SSD/Normandy Monthly Communication
Staff and Family Newsletter April 2022
Greetings Families & Staff~
Spring is here!
I hope you all had an enjoyable spring break but, most importantly, restful. As we near the end of the school year, let's remain steadfast these last few weeks. As a reminder, on April 15th, schools will be closed. Classes will resume on April 18th. Lastly, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to anyone on my leadership team. Their contact information is listed below.
In partnership,
DeAndria Player, Director of Special Education dmplayer@ssdmo.org
Barbara Champagne, Special Education Coordinator bachampagne@ssdmo.org
Lynette Swift-Elliott, Special Education Coordinator lswift-elliott@ssdmo.org
Mashyllia Minor, Instructional Coach mgminor@ssdmo.org
Has someone made a positive impact on you or your student? Let them know!
Teaching & Learning
High-leverage instruction continues to be an area of focus for our district. Using data and feedback from instructional observations, focused professional learning has been provided to increase teachers’ implementation of these evidence-based approaches, specifically Explicit Instruction and Active Student Engagement, designed to increase the educational growth of our students.
The SSD Leadership Team conducted another round of observations in March to capture teacher growth and to develop actionable steps as we grow toward full implementation of high-leverage instructional practices.
To learn more about Teaching, Learning, & Accountability please visit https://www.ssdmo.org/Domain/292
~MaShyllia Minor, Instructional Coach
Employment Opportunities
Normandy Schools Collaborative Upcoming Events
April 8 Early Dismissal -All Schools
April 9 NSC Recruitment Fair: 10a-2p
April 12 JEGB Board Meeting 6:00pm
April 15 NO SCHOOL-April Break
April 22 Early Dismissal-All School
April 29 Early Dismissal-All Schools
Parent Leadership Institute
SSD’s Parent Education and Diversity Awareness Program is seeking applicants interested in participating in the SSD Parent Leadership Institute.
Parent Leadership Institute participants have the opportunity to:
- Build understanding of future planning and problem-solving utilizing the 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 parents and school personnel.
- Discover new resources and network with other parents.
This program, which is offered at no cost to participants, is designed for parents and family members who are the educational decision makers for a child with a disability.
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.
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
Parent Education & Diversity Awareness (PEDA)
Parent Education & Diversity Awareness (PEDA): PEDA has several workshops scheduled. The workshops can be found below and on PEDA's website.
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
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
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
Lunch & Learn Series
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:
· St. Louis ARC – April 6
· St. Louis County Library – May 4
Family and Community Engagement Spotlight
- The Family Resource Hub – 1 min. video highlighting the features. Family Resource Hub Virtual Grand Opening. The Family Resource Hub Sattelite Food Pantryr
- Recreation Council Flyer – Summer Program Guides The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Summer Program Guide Announcement
- Youth Mental Health Training for Staff –Kickup registration link: https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/SKSWHzR83mUrJ7gpEPUpeh
- Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
- Assistance for families who may have challenges accessing the FREE Covid Tests FREE At-Home COVID Test
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.
You’re welcome to set an appointment to visit.
Please call 314-989-8311 or email FamilyEngagement@ssdmo.org
Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
The SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised of families advising and collaborating to improve the education, confidence and social outcomes of each student served by SSD. The PAC consists of five parents or guardians – one member and four alternates – from each of the 22 St. Louis County school districts and from each of the five SSD special education schools. The parents or guardians of students receiving special education services in that district or school elect SSD PAC members.
The SSD Parent Advisory Council has scheduled the following meetings for the 2021-2022 school year. All meetings are held virtually via Zoom, from 7-9 PM. Additional information about meetings, including agendas, can be found on the PAC's website.
- April 13, 2022
- May 11, 2022 (this meeting will be held virtually and in-person)
Get Involved with the SSD PAC
- Network and communicate with other parents of children who receive special education service.
- Become as informed as possible about special education services
- Improve communication between your local school district and SSD
- Create a positive understanding and awareness of students with disabilities
- Establish a network of advocacy for local, state and national disability issues
Special School District Upcoming Events
April 4 Public Review Committee 6pm
April 6 Lunch & Learn w/ST. LOUIS ARC 11:30a-noon
April 6 Career & Technical Education (CTE) Curriculum Review Night 5p-7:30p
April 12 Board of Education Work Study 5pm
April 13 Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting 7:00pm
April 14 WORKSHOP: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder-Part 1
April 18 Public Review Committee Meeting 6:00pm
April 21 WORKSHOP: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder-Part 2
April 26 Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45p
April 29 Board of Education Policy Sub-Committee 1:30pm
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: dmplayer@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, Wildwood, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Normandy Schools Collaborative
Website: https://www.normandysc.org/
Location: 3855 Lucas and Hunt Road, Normandy, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-0400