SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
February 2022
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement:
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement: Through implementing inclusive practices, rigorous instruction, and the principles of community engagement, Special School District Staff in partnership with Jennings School District will provide high quality, specialized programming and supports designed for all students to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.
We Need You!!!!!
Individuals interested in becoming a substitute teacher can register now for DESE’s 20-hour online substitute teacher training conducted by Frontline Education. Click here for more details and to access the training program.
Reminders:
The cost for the training program is $180.
After completing the training, you will submit your completed application and background check information.
The option is still available to get a substitute teacher certificate if you have 60 college credit hours (you would not have to take this training too).
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Shout Outs!!!!
- Ms. Caroline Owings would like to shout out Ms. Jennifer McKissic, Ms. Loletta Wren, Ms. Synetra Butler, Ms. Adrianne Jones, and Ms. Dixon for doing such a great job implementing ABA. "Ms. Loletta Wren is a ROCK Star at ensuring that materials are organized, data is collected, and service logs are always updated on Google Drive in a timely manner. Her diligence is sincerely appreciated!"
The SSD Admin Team salutes the following staff for having "PERFECT ATTENDANCE" for first semester (August-January): Ms. Patricia Taylor, Ms. Lorrine Word-Goodloe & Ms. Deneice Merrill - check out their photos below.
Ms. Kelly McDonough acknowledged Mrs. Bernice Burel's dedication to the students and families of Jennings. This led to Ms. Burel being nominated for the SSD Paraprofessional of the Month for December. "Ms. Burel is an excellent paraprofessional, and we are ecstatic that her hard work and dedication was acknowledged."
"Give Ms. Lorrine Word-Goodloe a high five!" Her classroom project "Headphones for Kid!" was recently funded by "Donors Choose."
Ms. Patricia Taylor, SSD Teacher (Northview Elementary)
Ms. Lorrine Word-Goodloe, SSD Teacher (Jennings Junior High)
Ms. Deneice Merrill, SSD Teacher (Woodland Elementary)
Round 1: Extended School Year & Summer Program Application
Applications for summer 2022 Extended School Year (ESY) and summer program positions closed on January 16th, 2022 and will reopen (for 2nd round) applications from March 1st, 2022 – March 20th, 2022 to fill remaining vacant positions.
To access the application:
Visit the SSD Portal at http://portal.ssdmo.org
Click on the “Applications” link at the bottom of the screen.
Click on the button titled “Finreporting and EForms”
Click on the link for “ESY and Summer Programs Application”
Once you have completed the application, check the electronic signature at the end of the application and hit the “Save” button at the Top or bottom of the application.
Once you hit the SAVE button at the Top or bottom of the application the page will say “Confirmation Page” You may print this for your records
For questions regarding Partner Districts contact, Tami Yates at tlyates@ssdmo.org
For questions regarding SSD Schools, Kelly Grigsby at kgrisby@ssdmo.org
** Please note, many districts are still in the process of planning summer programs. Information will be shared as soon as available.
SWEP 2022 Services
Paraquad’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) offers an opportunity for high school students with disabilities to earn a paycheck and try out new jobs. Job coaching and skill instruction is provided to the participant. This program begins on June 1 and ends on August 1. It is open to residents of St. Louis County. Click here to find the participant application for SWEP 2022.
Please note: Applications are due by February 7. Any applications received after that date – even those from previous SWEP participants – will go on a waiting list. Due to the volume of applications typically received, no exceptions will be made to that policy. The guidelines and qualifications are listed on the application.
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 Updates
I hope that you are well. I recognize that this year has been like no other and that you are all short on time. So, I am writing a brief message to share a few supports/opportunities from our department. Please feel free to share these documents and links with those that may benefit from these services. As always, let us know if there are any additional supports needed.
The Family Resource Hub –
Variety Club – Free Camp Opportunities – Enrollment ends on 2.7.2022
Recreation Council Flyer – Summer Program Guides available on 1.21.22
Youth Mental Health Training for Staff –Kickup registration link: https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/SKSWHzR83mUrJ7gpEPUpeh
Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
Assistance for families who may have challenges accessing the FREE Covid Tests
Thanks for sharing! Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. - Adrienne Eaglin
Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (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
Family & Community Engagement
Mental Health First Aid Training for SSD Families - Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, and others to help adolescents experiencing mental health and/or addictions challenge or crisis. It is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Nationally this course is valued at $170; due to a grant from Missouri's Department of Mental Health and a collaboration with the Ferguson Community Center, you have the opportunity to attend at no cost. Saturday, March 19th from 9 – 1:30 PM at Ferguson Community Center. 1050 Smith Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135. Space is limited. To register click here. Registration will close on Monday, March 7th or when all seats are filled.
The Family Resource Hub located at North Tech High School is a space dedicated to families and our community stakeholders. The resource hub offers families computer and internet access, a satellite food pantry, and support navigating community resources. The space is also dedicated to supporting families by hosting learning labs, community events, and a safe and supportive environment to learn with and from one another.
Please call 314-989-8311 or email FamilyEngagement@ssdmo.org for more information.
You Are Invited: SSD Sponsored Lunch & Learn
Special School District’s Family and Community Outreach, Social Work, Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) and Communications departments have teamed up to offer a virtual Lunch & Learn series for SSD families and stakeholders. The series, which will involve community organizations sharing information about their work, will take place on the first Wednesday of each month during the 2021-22 school year, from 11:30 AM - Noon.
Representatives from nine community organizations will participate in order to increase awareness about their agency and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis – Feb. 2
- Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK) – March 2
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4
We hope to see you there!
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: tjnalls@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Jennings School District
Website: https://www.jenningsk12.org/
Location: 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-653-8000