Kirkwood Special School District
August 2023 Edition
Welcome to the 23-24 School Year
I am so excited to welcome you back to the 2023-2024 school year. I am looking forward to having students back in buildings and classrooms. A new school year is always filled with so many new possibilities!
This summer, I was able to spend some quality time with my husband and daughter, and our new rescue puppy, Hazel! We spent time at the Lake of the Ozarks where we soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed the water. I also spent time reflecting on the past year and all of the wonderful things that took place. It was a pleasure getting to know so many students and parents.
Our Kirkwood SSD Coordinators are ready to support students, staff and parents. We will welcome the SSD staff back on August 14th. As a parent whose child receives SSD services, you can expect contact from your child's SSD case manager no later than Thursday, August 17th.
As always, I am available for anything you might need in the months ahead. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need support. Enjoy the rest of your summer.
My Best,
Dr. Taneal Davis
Special Education Director
Robinson Elementary SSD Admin
Special Education Coordinators
Mrs. Colleen Card
Dr. Emily Meuth
Special Education Coordinator
North Kirkwood Middle SchoolKeysor Elementary
Westchester Elementary
Mrs. Amy Wassman
Special Education Coordinator
Nipher Middle School
North Glendale Elementary
Tillman Elementary
Back to School Communication
Welcome New Staff
We are excited to be welcoming several new staff!
Kerri Andrascek: Paraprofessional, Westchester Elementary
Kelly Brown: Teacher, North Kirkwood Middle SchoolBrooke Huffman: SLP, Robinson Elementary
Kristen Jobgen: Teacher, Robinson Elementary
Wesley Ragland: Paraprofessional, North Kirkwood Middle School
Ali Ruehl: Teacher, North Glendale Elementary
Chris Saulter: Teacher, Tillman Elementary
Cali Shrum: RBT, Tillman Elementary
Rachel Schubert: Paraprofessional, Robinson Elementary
Charles Walker: Teacher, Westchester Elementary
Tia Wilson: Social Worker, Keysor and Westchester Elementary
KSD SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
Wellness Corner
Whether your child is just beginning kindergarten or starting a new grade as a returning student, there’s lots to be done to prepare for the year ahead, including checking in about their fears, anxieties, and concerns.
As summer winds down, it’s natural for kids to experience nervousness — after all, your child is entering a structured group setting after months away. Some children will accept the change with joy, while others may need a bit more hand-holding to acclimate.
“Back-to-school will always be accompanied by a certain amount of nervous excitement or anxiety, but as a parent you can minimize fear of the unknown by being positive about school,” O’Connor says. The below tips from O’Connor can help your family make a smooth transition into the school year ahead and give your child new perspective on the joys of the classroom.
1. Visit the school or classroom before the first day.
2. Read books about starting school.
3. Talk to your child about their feelings about school, friends, teachers, and new activities.
4. Set intentions with your child for the school year ahead.
5. Practice, practice, practice your reading during the summer.
6. Include a note with your child's snack or lunch.
7. Go school shopping.
8. Encourage your child to pursue a passion project this year.
You can check out the full article here:
Helpful Links
Upcoming Events
SSD Board of Education Meetings:
August 8, 2023 Board Work Study Session 5:45 PM
August 22, 2023 Board of Education Meeting 7:00 PM
Please visit the SSD Board of Education for more information.
Kirkwood School District Board of Education Meetings:
August 7, 2023 Board Work Session 6:30 PM
August 28, 2023 Board Meeting 6:30 PM
Please visit the Kirkwood Board of Education for more information.
August 9: SSD PAC Meeting 7-9pm
August 22: First Day of School
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
Taneal Davis
- Director of Special Education-Robinson
- tmdavis@ssdmo.org
- taneal.davis@kirkwoodschools.org
Colleen Card
- Special Education Coordinator-KHS
- COcard@ssdmo.org
- colleen.card@kirkwoodschools.org
Emily Meuth
- Special Education Coordinator-Keysor, Westchester, NKMS
- ELMeuth@ssdmo.org
- emily.meuth@kirkwoodschools.org
Amy Wassman
- Special Education Coordinator-North Glendale, Tillman, Nipher
- akwassman@ssdmo.org
- Amy.wassman@kirkwoodschools.org