SSD/Parkway Newsletter
February 2022
Dear Parkway Families,
As I sit down to write this month’s newsletter, I am smiling thinking of recent interactions with students and staff in our classrooms and hallways. Over the past month since we returned from Winter Break, we have found ourselves once again amid a wave of increased Covid cases. This has impacted our staffing at times, and given many of us the opportunity and need to be in the classrooms on a more frequent basis to help out. I will always say that there is no better role than that of the individuals that get to sit down at the table and work side by side with students. Having the chance to sit down with students and find out what they’ve been working on in class or what they need help with has segued into conversations about their teachers, paras, SLPs, OTs, Social Workers, etc. Hearing the students talk about what they like about the staff that works with them brought a smile to my face each time I was in a classroom. There is an amazing team of educators in Parkway working tirelessly to help students. This year, eight Special Educators in Parkway were recognized by the Parkway School District for their role within the buildings they serve. We are so proud of each of these individuals and celebrate this wonderful recognition.
Ann Arosteguy – Teacher of the Year – Ross Elementary
Julie Buschmann – Teacher of the Year – Pierremont Elementary
Jaimee Chapman – Teacher of the Year – Virtual Campus
Jennifer Holzschuh – Teacher of the Year – South High
Daryl Lewis – Staff Member of the Year – West Middle School
Joseph Maiden – Teacher of the Year – Mason Ridge Elementary
Rena Noonan – Staff Member of the Year – Carman Trails Elementary
Emily Wuelling – Teacher of the Year – West Middle School
As shared in the prior months, we are still looking to grow our Parkway team and are actively recruiting paraprofessionals. If you know of a candidate that would make a great fit for our district, please be sure to direct them our way. I’m including the link again to share for the Paraprofessional position posted on the SSD Website. Please share the name of the potential employee you are recommending with the Special Education Coordinator assigned to your student’s school so that we can continue to have the opportunity to fill Parkway with outstanding staff that care for and challenge all of our students to reach their greatest potential.
In collaboration,
Dr. Amy Blumenfeld
Director of Special Education
314-989-8435 / ablumenfeld@ssdmo.org
314-415-5297 / ablumenfeld2@parkwayschools.net
LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES
Join us for SSD's 2022 Lunch and Learn Series.
All sessions will take place from 11:30 - 12:00 pm and can be accessed by using the unique link provided below or by subscribing to the SSD YouTube channel.
Wednesday, March 2nd Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK)
Wednesday, April 6th St. Louis ARC
Wednesday, May 4th St. Louis County Library
These resources have been identified within our community and our sharing of them via the Lunch and Learn series is not an endorsement of services by SSD.
PEDA
Parent Leadership Institute will be held via ZOOM
If you have always wanted to participate but life made it too hard to get away from home, NOW IS THE TIME TO ENROLL!!!
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 6:00 pm-8:00 p.m. on February 16, March 2, 9, and 16, via zoom.
Learn more about this opportunity or download the application at: Parent Leadership Institute
Virtual Workshop: Meeting your child's needs using Charting the LifeCourse Tools in the IEP process
When: Tue, March 15, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Description: Your child’s school Individual Education Plan (IEP) can be intimidating and overwhelming at times. Find out how to utilize LifeCourse Tools to help prepare and communicate effectively with your child’s IEP team to determine the most successful goals and interventions to help your child reach their potential.
To register for this workshop, click here: https://SSDPEDA.as.me/CTLCwithSTLARC
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
SSD PAC
New/Renewal of Membership Self-Nomination Forms information: Hello, SSD PAC members and potential members! We are approaching that time of year when we prepare to hold elections and renew membership. Nomination is through self-nomination. The self-nomination form is available to all parents of students receiving services through SSD.
Per the SSD PAC Bylaws, potential members must consent to make their names and contact information available to the public. Notices requesting self-nomination forms shall be received by parents no later than January 10th. Completed nomination forms must be returned to the Executive Committee no later than February 15th. The election of new/renewal of SSD PAC members shall take place no later than May 31st. We will hold the election at the April 13th General Meeting.
Elections are rotated each year. The following districts will hold elections in even numbered years: Affton, Bayless, Brentwood, Clayton, Ferguson-Florissant, Hancock Place, Ladue, Mehlville, Normandy, Rockwood, University City and Valley Park.
Please complete and submit the self-nomination form linked above ASAP. Please note that even if you recently submitted a self-nomination form and were elected as a member of the SSD PAC, but are in a district that has an election in even numbered years, you will need to submit another self-nomination form. Please reach out to us at pac@ssdmo.org with any questions.
Love and Light,
Dr. Camesha Carter, SSD PAC President
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
The family engagement department would like to offer some timely resources for families to check out.
1. The Family Resource Hub –
a. Family Resource Hub Virtual Grand Opening Video
c. Introducing The Family Resource Hub
d. The Family Resource Hub Satellite Food Pantry
2. Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
4. The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis Summer Program Guide Announcement (Summer Program Guides Available on 1.21.22)
PACCD
Networking is an essential component of parent advocacy. PACCD meetings provide parents the chance to ask questions and share information that benefits both students and families. If you have not had a chance to join a PACCD meeting yet this year, it’s not too late to join! Topics vary by month and all parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to join. We look forward to seeing you at our February 15th meeting! Please email contactpaccd@gmail.com to register for the upcoming meeting.
Best,
Laura Hoff
PACCD President
Let’s Talk is an easy way to submit feedback at your convenience directly to the SSD staff member who can help.
UPCOMING DATES
February 8: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45 pm
February 16: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
February 22: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45 pm
March 7: SSD Governing Council Meeting 7 pm
March 8: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
March 9: Parkway Board of Education Meeting
April 12: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45
April 13: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 6:30
April 26: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: ablumenfeld@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8435
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Parkway School District
Website: https://www.parkwayschools.net/
Location: 455 North Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, MO, USA
Phone: 314-415-8100