SSD/Parkway Newsletter
August 2021
Dear Parkway Families,
It’s hard to believe that the summer is almost over, but as this newsletter is being created, the Parkway and Special Education Administrative teams are busy planning for the opening of the 2021-22 school year. We are excited to see so many familiar faces enter our halls on August 23, and look forward to the opportunity to support so many new students to the schools and district. The start of the school year is always filled with much anticipation and hope for what’s to come. Our team is working towards a successful school year filled with growth, learning, and happy memories and moments for each student that comes into our physical classrooms or our virtual classes.
As your year begins, I wanted to share with you a couple of expectations that you can have of us as your partners in your student’s education. We are committed to working alongside you. You can expect to hear information about the Back-to-School plans directly from the building your student attends. In addition to this communication, you will hear from your student’s Case Manager at the start of the school year. In an introductory message, they will share information about themselves, the best way to reach them, and how they will make contact with you to schedule IEP events, etc.
The Special Education Coordinator assigned to each school will share an introductory message at the start of the school year. These dedicated administrators are here to support the school teams and welcome the chance to get to know the students and families within the schools. We welcome two new administrators to our Special Education Coordinator team. A brief bio of our new administrators is below. However, we wanted to share with you here the school assignments for each one of the administrators for your reference.
- Katie Campbell: Barretts, Oak Brook, Sorrento Springs
- Wendy Jensen: DHH (Bellerive, West Middle, West High)
- Valerie Kamhi: Fern Ridge, West High, High School Virtual Academy
- Elizabeth Kenner: Early Childhood
- Jamie Kopp: Bellerive, River Bend
- Kristin Lesinski: South High, South Middle
- Teale London: North High, Northeast Middle
- Amy Manczuk: Claymont, Henry, McKelvey Intermediate, McKelvey Primary
- Ann Matoushek: Carman Trails, Mason Ridge, Wren Hollow
- Abbie McCabe: Craig, Green Trails, Pierremont, Shenandoah, Elementary Virtual Academy
- Holly Redman: Central High, Central Middle
- Jennifer Roper: Early Childhood
- Emily Soto: Hanna Woods, Highcroft Ridge, Ross
- Kelli Watson: Southwest Middle, West Middle, Middle School Virtual Academy
An additional layer of communication that you can expect throughout the school year are these brief newsletters to highlight district updates. If at any time you have questions that I can answer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me.
Thank you for trusting us with your children!
In collaboration,
Dr. Amy Blumenfeld
Director of Special Education
314-989-8435 / ablumenfeld@ssdmo.org
314-415-5297 / ablumenfeld2@parkwayschools.net
NEW ADMNISTRATIVE AND INSTRUCTIONAL COACH TEAM MEMBERS
This year, we welcome two new administrators and two instructional coaches to work with our Parkway family. Here is a brief message from each one of them:
Hello, I’m Teale London, the Special Education Coordinator for Parkway North High School and Parkway Northeast Middle School. I am beginning my 25th year in education and my 19th year in administration. My educational experience has spanned both primary and secondary grade levels through teaching and administration. I am a mother to a teenager and will be experiencing high school parenthood along with many of my parents this year. My daughter also receives services through an IEP so I can relate to the parent perspective of what it’s like to raise a child who learns differently than their peers. I am excited to join the Parkway community. It has so much to offer staff, students and the community and I cannot wait to bring my experience and learn from all of you. Together we will continue to build a community where students will reflect, learn, and grow to meet their full potential.
Hello! I’m Dr. Jamie Kopp, and am excited to serve as the new Special Education Coordinator at both Bellerive and River Bend Elementary Schools. I began working with Special School District in 2013 as a special educator at Parkway West High School and transferred to Litzsinger School (K-8) within SSD in fall 2017. Prior to teaching, I worked for St. Louis Arc, supporting adults with developmental disabilities. I hold a doctorate in educational Leadership from Maryville University, a master’s in severe/profound special education from Webster University, and a bachelors in mild/mod special education from Webster University.
Hello! I am Sarah Boyer, and I am very excited to be an Instructional Coach in Parkway this coming year. I am originally from San Antonio, TX, but moved to St. Louis over 10 years ago to teach. For the past 9 years, I have been a Special Education Teacher at Westridge Elementary in Rockwood. I am very excited to build new partnerships with everyone in Parkway and ready to provide instructional support to staff in the district wherever I can. I can't wait to get started on the new year and see what 2021-22 has in store for us.
Hello! I’m Kerrie Hanis, and I have been a Special Education teacher in Parkway since 1998 before becoming an Instructional Facilitator 6 years ago. I have enjoyed my role as an Instructional Facilitator as it allows me to do everything I can to help teachers be the most impactful educators to improve student learning. I am passionate about supporting the Parkway School District and all of the students and staff that are a part of our community.
SEEKING APPLICANTS
The Special School District is currently seeking applicants for the role of Paraprofessional. Paraprofessionals are integral to the success of our school teams, and the role is a rewarding one. If you know of individuals that are looking to make a difference in the lives of our students, please encourage them to apply here. This position comes with full benefits, but most importantly, the opportunity to work alongside amazing educators and students within the district. If you know of individuals that are interested in becoming a Paraprofessional with SSD in the Parkway School District, please share the link with them and reach out to the Special Education Coordinator for your student’s school to share the individual’s name.
Let’s Talk is an easy way to submit feedback at your convenience directly to the SSD staff member who can help.
UPCOMING DATES
Aug. 10 - SSD Board of Education Work Study Session, 6 PM
Aug. 11 - Parkway Board of Education, 7 PM
Aug. 23 - First Day of School!!!
***Additional information about school particulars (availability to see schedules, teacher assignments, etc.) will be sent directly from Parkway Schools leading up to the start of the school year.***
Aug. 24 - SSD Board of Education Business Meeting, 6 PM
Sept. 1 - Parkway Board of Education, 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