SSD/Normandy Newsletter
August 2021
Welcome to the 2021-22 School Year!
Be sure to review the Normandy Schools Collaborative website for back to school information, including:
- School Calendars
- Online Student Enrollment & Registration
- Back to School
- Bus Services & School Hours
- Food Access & Resources
SSD Normandy Administrative Team
DeAndria Player, Director
I bring you greetings as your Director of Special Education for Normandy Schools Collaborative. It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2021-22 school year.
I am excited and honored for this opportunity to serve in the capacity to support our exceptional scholars. This year begins my 23rd year as an educator for students with special needs. I not only bring with my my expertise and experiences, I also bring my passion and desire to see every student succeed. Additionally, I bring a commitment to ensuring our special education staff are impactful and those who provide nurturing inclusive environments to our students.
I look forward to connecting with you and building strong relationships as educational partners.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you an use to change the world." ~Nelson Mandela
Barbara Champagne, Special Education Coordinator
Hello, Normandy families! Welcome to a new year. I have been an administrator for over 12 years serving in the roles of Area Coordinator with Special School District and Assistant Principal with St. Louis Public Schools. I have also served in the role of special education teacher for SSD and SLPS. I look forward to continuously collaborating with students, families, and staff.
Lynette Swift-Elliott, Special Education Coordinator
Welcome back, Normandy families! I bring to you 15 years of experience. I have worked in the capacities of a Special Education Lead Teacher and Elementary School Principal for St. Louis Public Schools. Prior to working in the field of education, I worked for the Department of Social Services as a Children's Service Worker Supervisor over Child Abuse and Neglect Social Workers for St. Louis County. I strongly believe that each child should receive a high-quality, challenging education designed to maximize their potential and which reflects and stretches his or her interests.
MaShyllia Minor, Instructional Coach
Greetings, Normandy families. I bring 20+ years of experience to Normandy Schools Collaborative. I have worked in the capacity of Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) for several years. I have spent years coaching and mentoring colleagues. I enjoy facilitating student learning and academic success through coaching adults.
Newsletters for 2021-22
Families, we love sharing information with you. Please update your email address today! You will receive monthly newsletters via email from us to keep you current with SSD and NCS news and information.
Additionally, your child's case manager will contact you via email and phone for introductions beginning the week of August 23 to share their contact information, school supplies list, and your preferred method of communication.
Upcoming Events
AMC Sensory Friendly Films
AMC is proud to partner with the Autism Society to offer unique movie showings where we turn the lights up, and turn the sound down, so you can get up, dance, walk, shout or sing! The Sensory Friendly Film program is available on the second and fourth Saturday (family-friendly) and Wednesday evenings (mature audiences) of every month. Please check your local theatre listings for specific showtimes, and don't forget to share your family fun with #AMCSensoryFriendly.
- August 2-20: Staff Professional Development Normandy Schools Collaborative
- August 10: Board of Education Meeting Normandy Schools Collaborative
- August 10: SSD Board of Education Meeting
- August 23: First Day for Early Learning Center Students; PD for Grades 1-12 Teachers
- August 24: First Day for Elemiddle Students; PD for NHS Teachers
- August 25: First Day for NHS Students
Parent Leadership Institute
SSD’s Parent Education and Diversity Awareness Program is seeking applicants interested in participating in the 2021 SSD Parent Leadership Institute.
Parent 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 child’s education and improve the educational climate for all children.
- Learn how to positively interact and collaborate with other parents and school personnel.
- Discover new resources and network with other parents.
This program, which is offered at no cost to participants, is designed for parents and family members who are the educational decision makers for a child with a disability.
SSD Workshops
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: dmplayer@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 121100 Clayton Road, Wildwood, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Normandy School Collaborative
Website: https://www.normandysc.org/
Location: 3855 Lucas and Hunt Road, Normandy, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-0400