SSD.Normandy Communication
Family and Staff Newsletter October 2022
Greetings Families & Staff~
As we've walked the halls and popped into classrooms, we are impressed with the work being done by our scholars and staff. Staff and students are not only engaged in learning but each other. It is evident that all have embraced our culture, climate norms, and academic learning expectations.
At the end of this month are parent-teacher conferences. Ask your children about their goals. Where do they want to see themselves by the end of this semester or year? How can we better support them in reaching their goals? I encourage you to connect with our excellent staff should you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you soon!
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
Has someone made a positive impact on you or your student? Let them know!
Social Worker Resource Corner
We want to take a minute to share some exciting news with all of you. The SSD Social Workers at NSC created a website where information and resources can be found. It is meant to be helpful to school staff, families, and anyone else that might need to access information. We tried very hard to tailor the information to our community and not St. Louis in general.
The link to the website homepage is included HERE (sites.google.com/ssdmo.org/ssdsocialworkatnormandysc). You can read about and access community resources available in our area, get to know your SSD Social Workers and help parents learn more about their rights when it comes to students who receive special education services on the Parent Information tab.
Marisha Griffin-Essex, mlgriffin-essex@ssdmo.org
Jennifer Keutzer, jlkeutzer@ssdmo.org
Grace Rice, grice@ssdmo.org
Kylie Smith, knsmith@ssdmo.org
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
FACE Supports Family Engagement Across the District
The mission of FACE is to partner with students, families, and staff to support students throughout the District. These supports will include specialized academic, social, and emotional needs to promote self-determination, equitable opportunities, and authentic inclusion.
To learn more and keep up to date on the great events hosted by FACE during the 2022-23 school year, visit http://www.ssdmo.org/face.
Face Family Workshop and Community Collaborations: https://www.ssdmo.org/Page/495
SSD Family Leadership Institute-Fall 2022
SSD’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) program is seeking applicants interested in participating in the Fall 2022 SSD Family Leadership Institute.
Family 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 student's education and improve the educational climate for all children.
- Learn how to positively interact and collaborate with other families and school personnel.
- Discover new resources and network with other families.
This program, which is offered at no cost to participants, is designed for family members who are the educational decision-makers for a student with a disability.The four sessions will be held in-person on Wednesdays from 5:30-8:30 PM on Oct. 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 2. Dinner will be provided for attendees.
Apply Online!
Interested in joining this year's Family Leadership Institute?
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 2022-2023 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.
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
October 2022
Oct. 4: FACE Workshop:Introduction to Charting the LifeCourse Framework 3 Part Series 11:30am
Oct.11: FACE Workshop: Introduction to Charting the LifeCourse Framework 3 Part Series 11:30am
Oct. 11: Board of Education Work Study 5:45pm
Oct. 11: Board of Education Executive Meeting 7pm
Oct. 12: Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Meeting 7pm
Oct. 14: FACE Workshop: Hub Huddle-CAASTLC 9am
Oct. 18: FACE Workshop: Introduction to Charting the LifeCourse Framework 3 Part Series 11:30 am
Oct. 26: FACE Lunch & Learn 11:30am
Oct. 27: FACE Family Cafe 6pm
Oct. 28: Board of Education Policy Subcommittee Meeting 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 Upcoming Events
October 2022
Oct. 11: JEGB Meeting 6pm
Oct. 12: Superintendent Search Focus Group: NSC Staff 5pm (Normandy High School)
Oct. 13: Superintendent Search Focus Group: NSC Staff 5:30 pm (Lucas Crossing School)
Oct. 14: No School Professional Development Day for Teachers
Oct. 15: Homecoming Day
Oct. 17: 2nd Quarter Begins
Oct. 27: Parent Teacher Conferences
Oct. 28: No School Parent Teacher Conferences
Oct. 31: No School Fall Break
Nov. 1: No School Fall Break
Normandy Schools Collaborative
Website: https://www.normandysc.org/
Location: 3855 Lucas and Hunt Road, Normandy, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-0400