SSD/Parkway Newsletter
July 2022
Dear Parkway Families,
I hope that everyone has been enjoying these first weeks of summer. It’s amazing how quickly these weeks fly by. The Special Education Administrative team is hard at work interviewing teacher candidates and paraprofessional candidates to be ready for the year to begin. We look forward to being able to introduce to you the staff that will be supporting your students in the coming year. Now is the time to encourage any contacts that would be a good fit for Paraprofessional positions to apply now. Please share this link with any potential candidates and reach out to the Special Education Coordinator for your student’s school to share their name. We would be happy to speak with all interested candidates. Thank you for all of your help in recruiting candidates. We appreciate everyone’s help in finding the right staff to fill our vacancies!
We wanted to give you a sneak peek at what is to come in the next two months. Our teaching staff returns to their buildings for staff workdays on August 15th. Special Education Administrators will be working to provide staff with their updated caseloads so that staff can begin reaching out to introduce themselves and share their contact info with you. In the meantime, each Parkway School will have information coming out directly from them about any back-to-school information families should be aware of which could include topics such as Orientations, schedules being viewable on Infinite Campus, any possible opportunities for Meet the Teacher events.
This month continues our plan of sharing ideas or resources that might be of interest over the summer months if you are looking for connection activities. Hope that your family can enjoy engaging in some of the suggestions shared by our Parkway team members.
As always, a heartfelt thank you for all that you do to partner with us on behalf of your students. We appreciate your support of our staff and school communities.
In collaboration,
Dr. Amy Blumenfeld
Director of Special Education
314-989-8435 / ablumenfeld@ssdmo.org
314-415-5297 / ablumenfeld2@parkwayschools.net
KELLY SERVICES
SSD has recently partnered with Kelly Education Services for our substitute provider across St. Louis County. Kelly Education Services is actively looking to build their substitute base. Please see the below flyer for information about the process for receiving a substitute certification.
PEDA
PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet
Other helpful resources:
St. Louis Recreation Council www.recreationcouncil.org
Blueprint for Summer https://blueprint4.com/stl/
St. Louis County Parks Activity Guide https://bit.ly/3LHpRsp
Early Childhood Summer Resource Guide https://adobe.ly/3vSuol1
The highly successful SSD Parent Leadership Institute that has had more than 280 participants since 2007 is once again being offered under a new name of Family Leadership Institute (FLI).
The Institute will be Wednesday evenings from 5:30-8:30pm at SSD Central Office: October 12, 19, 26 and November 2.
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 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.
Apply today https://SSDPEDA.as.me/FALL2022FLI
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)
Summer Activities Corner:
This month, we’d like to share a few resources to help start off your summer well. Below you will find the following items.
1. Three SLP Themed Calendar sets with activities
2. NAMI resources for supporting family members and taking care of yourself, as well as resources and supports for kids, teens, and young adults. Start Here STL has a list of resources specific to the Saint Louis area. Behavioral Health Response STL provides 24-hour access to mental health services and counseling
3. Fine Motor Summer Ideas (2 pages)
4. SEL article for ideas to try at home: https://blog.reallygoodstuff.com/bring-social-emotional-learning-into-your-home/; Great website with information for parents who what to include SEL at home: https://www.thepathway2success.com/parent-support-for-social-emotional-learning/
5. Volunteer Opportunities:
1. Missouri Rabbit Society: For kids to volunteer they need an adult with them to supervise between ages 10-14. Missouri Rabbit Society https://www.morabbit.org/volunteer
2. The Humane Society of Missouri: Shelter Buddies Reading Program: https://www.hsmo.org/shelterbuddies/
Outer Space SLP Activities
Fine Motor Summer Ideas
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. Topics for PACCD meetings vary by month and all parents and guardians are welcome and encouraged to join. Please email contactpaccd@gmail.com to get more information about PACCD and/or to look for ways to get involved!
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
July 12: SSD Board of Education Business Meeting 5:45
Aug 9: SSD Board of Education Work Study Session 5:45
Aug 10: Parkway Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
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