SSD Lindbergh Schools
December 2021 Community Engagement Newsletter
So Much To Be Thankful For
Home-School Connections: Tips & Tools
Dear families,
Throughout the year we will provide tips and tools for our families in order to connect our learning and apply strategies, concepts and little educational tricks to life at home. This time of year brings a break in our routines which can be especially difficult for children with special needs. While many families are excited and looking forward to all the celebrations and time off school, we are aware that many of our students may experience some difficulties with the change in their routine, which can sometimes cause undesirable behaviors. Here are a few ideas to combat the obstacles and anxiety that can result from a change in daily routine:
Create visual schedules to help your child prepare for what is coming and mentally prepare for the day, week, or month ahead.
Create a calendar during the winter break to help your child anticipate any parties or family gatherings that you and your family plan to attend. One idea is to use a dry erase calendar where your child can fill in the week’s activities with words or pictures, no matter the age, all children can participate.
Have conversations with your child about who will attend the gathering, what to expect at the event, anticipate and answer any questions to alleviate any concerns they may have.
Count down the number of days when school is about to start back up again. This gives your child an awareness that there will be a change in the schedule soon.
It's understandable and expected that the family routine changes during the holidays. Bedtimes are later and there's often no set schedule. Try to start getting back into your daily school routine a few days before school actually starts, especially the regular bedtime, so that the adjustment in January is a little easier.
Parent Education: Supported Decision Making Workshop
Parent Education has a workshop scheduled for December 9th at 6:30 PM. The workshop, hosted in collaboration with the St. Louis ARC, will be on zoom. Please see the information below.
WORKSHOP: Supported Decision Marking (In Collaboration with St. Louis ARC)
Dec. 9, 2021
Starts at 6:30 PM
Description
When an individual with a disability becomes 18, they are legally an adult. This workshop is designed to help families understand the options they have to help their loved one make good decisions and build a circle of support. Using tools from Missouri Supported Decision Making Consortium and Charting the LifeCourse, Debra and Sharon will coach your family how to access each of the six life domains (health, employment, safety, etc.) and create a plan that uses a variety of resources to build self-determination skills. This workshop is ideal for primary caregivers, their family member with a disability, and siblings or other key people who support planning and problem solving in their lives. Small groups will use Zoom breakout rooms to start creating their own supported decision-making plans with templates from the Missouri Supported Decision Making Consortium.
Presenters: Sharon Spurlock, Director of Family Support, St. Louis Arc and Debra Fiasco, Administrator, Parent Education and Diversity Awareness, Special School District
Register for the Event through Zoom
PEDA is also taking applications for the Parent Leadership Institute. PLI will occur over 4 evenings in February and March. You can learn more and download the application here:
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.
Family Feedback: Next Steps
Communication & Supporting Students At Home
* Soon each family will receive a Google Survey from your case manager to find out your preferred method and frequency of communication, beyond the annual IEP meeting and quarterly progress reports
* Coordinators, teachers & related service providers are designing a quarterly bulletin to reinforce relationships with families
* Diana Weber, our SSD instructional coach, has added a monthly feature in the SSD-Lindbergh newsletter to support learning and behavior at home
* The Lindbergh Communication Department is collaborating with me to design a website component that will SHOW you and TELL you who the SSD team members are in each building
Sharing Data, Increasing Achievement & Valuing Voice
* We're supporting our IEP chairs with learning around inclusive meeting dynamics where all team members feel their input is valued
* Coordinators are designing processes to improve the transition between buildings for students with IEPs, so that families begin to feel connected even BEFORE their student attends school there
* We're developing a system for more frequent IEP goal data sharing so that students and families can see progress at intervals more often than at quarter
Community Partnership
We know that events can help us celebrate and provide a sense of belonging. So we're
beginning to plan a Winter Resource Fair to connect families to organizations that provide community support. If you know of any business or organization you'd like included in the Fair, or areas you're hoping we will include for support, just contact me: jmdoyle@ssdmo.org
We're also brainstorming what a Together Again - back to school celebration might look like, a celebration that will get our students excited about a new school year, and let our families know that we're teaming with them for a new year of achievement.
Families, Special School District, and Lindbergh - together we're making this the BEST place for all students to engage, grow, and achieve.
Preparing for the End of a Semester
For many students the end of each semester can bring increased stress and anxiety. In addition to wrapping up large projects, high school students also have to study for final exams. Teachers and families can help students cope with the stress: encourage your student to continue exercising, eat well and get adequate sleep (no all-nighters). IEP case managers, parents and students should also take this time to review testing accommodations within the IEP. Ask students whether or not the accommodations are useful for test taking, and help them plan for how they will use these during final exams.
Starting in 9th grade, students take several informal transition assessments to prepare for post-secondary transition. The Learning Styles Inventory is one of the most popular and informative transition assessments of the bunch. When it comes to helping students identify their strengths and preferences, understanding learning style is of utmost importance and can support studying and test-taking too.
Learning Styles Inventories
If students have forgotten or want to identify their learning styles, follow the links below for inventories appropriate to grade level.
Study Tips Based on Learning Style
Auditory Learners
Auditory learners process and remember information best when they hear it and repeat it. Use this knowledge to customize your high school study skills with teacher-tested auditory learning styles strategies.
Read aloud and repeat.
Highlight key concepts as you read. Then read the highlighted material aloud.
To memorize facts, repeat the information aloud several times.
Record and review. To boost retention, record lectures (get permission first). Then review the material at home. If there are written notes, read them into a recorder and play them back. You can also read, record, and listen to textbook chapters.
Discuss. Explain new concepts to a family member or study partner.
When you have required reading, retell the main points of the selection in your own words.
Practice word association.
Use rhymes and acronyms to help recall facts. Here are two examples: In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue; Roy G. Biv (the colors of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet).
Use CDs. Ask your librarian if a required book is available on CD. To increase comprehension of a book on CD, follow along with the text as you listen.
Ask for help. Ask friends or family to quiz you orally as you prepare for tests.
Visual Learners
To study most efficiently, focus on the strengths of a visual learning style.
Use color. Buy a rainbow of pens and highlighters.
When you take notes, use different colors for different concepts.
Write key concepts three times in three different colors. Highlight important passages and points in standout shades.
Look at the pictures first. Before you read a passage from a textbook, look at the illustrations to get an idea of the topic.
When you read the chapter, review the graphics to help you remember key concepts. Picture what you read.
As you read, get a clear idea of what’s going on by picturing the action in your mind.
Use flashcards to help memorize facts. For example, for a history class, write a date on one side of a card and key events that took place on that date on the reverse.
Get it in writing. Remember to take notes on what the teacher writes on the board or displays using presentation software.
Ask the teacher to supply written assignments whenever possible.
Kinesthetic Learners
Kinesthetic learners process information and solve problems most efficiently when they turn learning into a hands-on activity. Try some of these kinesthetic learning strategies.
Get a grip on it. If you can, choose projects that let you use your hands. If you are studying the solar system, for instance, build a model of it.
Get more from reading. When you read, follow along with your fingers or a bookmark to boost comprehension.
Use bright colors to underline, circle, and highlight concepts.
Rewrite relevant facts or key concepts in your own words.
Act out a passage from a book you are assigned or put on a skit to demonstrate what you are studying.
Take a break.
To focus better and avoid boredom, study for a short time (no longer than thirty minutes), and then take a physical activity break.
Explore. Take field trips. Look for exhibits or programs that relate to topics you are learning about in class. For instance, if you are studying ancient Egypt, go to a museum that has ancient Egyptian artifacts.
When it comes to studying for final exams, encouraging students to identify and use their learning styles to guide their studying can help them find joy in the studying process. Not only that, but students often feel more confident and really "show what they know" when they find study strategies that work for them.
Candidates Wanted: SSD Board of Education
SSD Board Information: Filing for SSD Board of Education Opens Dec. 7
Candidate filing for two open seats on the Special School District of St. Louis County Board of Education opens at 8 AM on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, and continues until 5 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. The terms of current Board members Ms. Katie Pottroff, Subdistrict 3 and Mr. Scott Moeller, Subdistrict 4 expire in March 2022.
The two open seats are for three-year terms beginning in March 2022 in the following subdistricts:
- Subdistrict 3 – Parkway School District
- Subdistrict 4 – Ferguson-Florissant, Pattonville, and Riverview Gardens school districts
Learn more about the filing process and eligibility requirements on the SSD website.
Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP)
Through the program, students hold a summer job in their community and receive job-coaching support. They are paid an hourly wage for their work. SWEP is funded by the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County and is open to county residents with a qualifying disability. It is conducted through a collaboration of six area agencies - MERS/Goodwill is the Lead Agency.
A few important things to remember about eligibility for the SWEP program:
· You must be a resident of St. Louis County.
· You must be between 16 and 20 years of age and planning to return to a school program in the Fall of 2022
· You cannot participate in SWEP while participating in the Extended School Year Program.
· Your teacher needs to submit a Teacher Input form before the program begins.
· You must be available for the entire 8 weeks of the program.
· You must have your own transportation to participate in the program.
· Not everyone who applies to the SWEP program will be able to participate this summer.
If your student is interested, please reach out to their case manager for the application OR download the application that is attached below ~
It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Holiday-Time
The holidays are meant to be a time for cheer and celebration. Typically, we gather to enjoy one another’s company and rejuvenate for a new year. When you have a child with a disability, it may take some planning to make events run smoothly. The holiday season can make it challenging for neurotypical adults and children to regulate their emotions, so imagine the struggles our students with disabilities have during this time. As a family member or a friend, there are ways to help everyone enjoy this magical time of year.
A first and most important strategy is to make a plan well before the event to ensure your child’s physical and psychological safety. Consider the location of the event and make sure there is a place for your child to go for a break. If it is going to be loud, perhaps you can take headphones to help ease anxiety. If your child has food allergies, check the menu and take food if necessary. When you arrive, be sure to go over the plan with your child and set up a quick exit if you need to leave quickly.
Social stories and visuals can also be your best friend. The internet and likely your child’s teachers have social stories on hand for almost any situation. Include pictures of family members, friends, the house decorated from a previous year, and possibly pictures of your child during a festivity. This is a great opportunity to go over rules and the plans you have made. In addition, you can make visuals to help your child know and understand the process of arriving, visiting, and leaving. A timer or watch can help your child visualize how much time is left for a particular activity. If all else fails, remember: keep it very simple.
It may not be possible for your family to travel to other places during the holidays. This can be an opportunity to create traditions in your own home. Turn the Christmas music on, make favorite foods and drinks, and enjoy an evening of board games or other preferred activities. Don’t forget the holiday shows and movies on the streaming channels. Pop some popcorn, cuddle up under blankets and enjoy a little Rudolph or Frosty the Snowman.
Whether you are going out to celebrate or staying in, there are ways to help make the holiday season less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone in the family. By preparing ahead, sharing your plan, providing materials or strategies for coping, and being patient, you can help not only your child but yourself as well. Remember easy, is better. Don’t stress over things you cannot control. Above all, share memorable time together.
Community Events
The St. Louis Zoo is offering a Sensory-Friendly Wild Lights Night on December 9th from 5:30-8:30. There will be specially-trained staff on hand and quiet areas for breaks. Contact the zoo for more information: https://www.stlzoo.org/
Historic St. Charles is offering sensory-friendly 90 minute tours which end with a picture with Santa and Christmas-themed cards. You can get more information here: https://www.discoverstcharles.com/
Variety is presenting a holiday song and dance event including children and teens of all abilities. The event is on December 16th at 7:30 and tickets are only $10 in advance. https://varietystl.org/holidayconcert2021
Lunch & Learn with SSD
Special School District’s Family and Community Outreach, Social Work, Communications, and Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) 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.
We hope to "virtually" see you there!
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- 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