SSD Lindbergh Schools
June 2022 Community Engagement Newsletter
Why Did I Become a Special Educator?
By Special Education Coordinator Faith Rose
I get asked this question quite often. I have many answers to the question but there is one which sticks out above all of the rest. The number one reason I became a special educator is because I fiercely believe in the underdog. I believe every child has the ability to grow and succeed.
When I was young and read Aesop’s fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare”, I was rooting for the Tortoise the whole time. I just knew if he stayed constant, kept going, and didn’t let the Hare distract him, he had a chance. When I watch sports matches, I get an excited feeling when the team which is losing by an insurmountable amount of points, starts to edge their way back and then against all odds, wins the game. Again, I just knew if they put their head down, focused, and didn’t let the other team get in their heads, they would have a shot.
The Blues 2019 season was about as much excitement as I could take. They were almost out of it. They were having a losing season and then came back to win the first and only Stanley Cup in the history of the Blues franchise. They were focused, they had a common goal, the coach believed in them and gave them autonomy, they stuck together by not shaving or getting haircuts as a team, they rallied together with every play of “Gloria” by Laura Branigan, and they had a city full of believers and supporters. Most importantly, they had Laila. She was another underdog, and she had beat cancer. They took her success and challenged themselves to be successful too. I mean if Laila could beat cancer, then certainly our team could beat the Bruins.
When I meet my students and they feel defeated by their losses, I help them focus on how they can have successes. When they feel like there is no way they can complete an assignment or reach a goal, I cheer them on and walk the path with them every step of the way. I am able to share the strategies of underdogs everywhere. I remind them to keep their heads down, focus, don’t get distracted or discouraged, and above all keep their eye on the prize (or goal, in this case). Yes, they may have to work a little harder, they may not believe in themselves, they may have doubters all around them, and they may want to focus on their disability. However, I get to be there to remind them of their abilities and help them to work through the self-doubt into a positive self-efficacy. I get to watch their eyes light up and the excitement inside of them when they succeed. It is truly life changing.
I can assure you, I am not the only special educator feeling this way. As a group, special educators come to work every day for the kids. They advocate for their students, they try to make sure every kid has what they need to succeed, they are the biggest cheerleader all day long, and they help students to take every obstacle and turn it into an opportunity. They cry with their students when things don’t go as planned and they celebrate with them when it all goes right. We, the special educators, don’t do our jobs for the money we make. Instead, we do our jobs and love our students for the difference we make in their lives. The students may get confidence, growth and success, and what they give to us is far more precious than a paycheck.
Book Recommendations for Reluctant Readers
Learning never has to stop! Students should be encouraged to continue reading over the summer months.
1.“Read What You Want”
Make sure that students know they can read whatever they want. No matter how challenging or silly the book may seem. The goal is to encourage a lifelong love of reading! Teachers pick a curated list of books for students to read during the school year. These books cover all of the basis in terms of curriculum standards, but they might not align with your student's interest. In other words, these are books students “have” to read. During the summer months, they should be encouraged to read books that they “want to read”.
2.Be the Bridge
Students who struggle with reading might be interested in a particular series or book, but dismiss it because it may be too challenging. Provide your students with books on tape or read out loud to them. This is a great way to encourage them to continue reading and spend additional time with them over the summer. Another option is to take turns reading paragraphs or pages with your student. This can be a really low-pressure way for students to practice decoding and fluency over the summer. If you choose to take reading turns with your student, please do not encourage them to guess words. Read any word they cannot: decode for them.
3. Parent Curated List
Although it is important for students to read what they want to read over the summer, going into a library, comic book store, or bookstore can be overwhelming. Help your student out by providing them with a list of books or series that align with their interests or personalities. An amazing resource is the New York Times best-seller list. The list is updated often and allows readers to narrow down search options based on genre, age group, and month. In addition, please see below for a list of picture books and middle-aged books curated by Nathan Turner.
Picture Books
Middle Ages
Preventing A Summer Slide
The "summer slide" refers to the learning loss that occurs for most students during the summer months away from school. According to Dr. Mark Lundstrom, author of Stop the Summer Reading Slide, "The amount of time a child spends reading is directly connected to preventing summer learning loss and promoting long-term success." Students need parent engagement as well as educational experiences that promote continued learning and inquiry in order to help prevent this learning loss. Here are a few activities that parents may find useful when programming for their child during the summer months according to Waterford.org: https://www.waterford.org/resources/at-home-activities-to-help-fight-the-summer-slide/
- Visit the local library. Libraries often have summer reading programs and incentives for students to read multiple books.
- Listen to a story or read a book together. Books are available to families through programs like Project Gutenberg or Audible Stories.
- Make Time to Write Every Day- Journaling can be a useful way for kids to practice writing when they’re not in school.
- Start a summer book club with your student to keep them learning outside of school.
- Plan a Nature Scavenger Hunt or Other Outdoor Activities
- Take a Local (or Virtual) Field Trip
- Cook and Bake With Your Child. Allow them to be creative and plan a menu for family dinner. Cooking offers hands-on learning as children measure ingredients, follow instructions, and talk about nutrition.
- Plant a garden. The benefits of gardening for children include both mental and physical stimulation.
Family Needs Supported by SSD
Visit the Family Resource Hub
The Family Resource Hub, located at North Tech High School, assists families with identifying and navigating community resources and technology. The Hub also offers a satellite food pantry that is available to our school communities. Summer hours are by appointment only. To schedule a visit, please call 314.989.8311, or email familyengagement@ssdmo.org.
Things to do for the month of June!
Jungle Boogie Presented by Mid America Chevy Dealers
Where: St. Louis Zoo
When: 4-7 p.m.
06/03/2022, 06/10/2022, 06/24/2022 (More dates may be available)
Disney's The Lion King
Where: The Fabulous Fox Theater
When: 7:30 p.m.
06/02/2022, 06/03/2022, 06/04/2022 (More dates may be available)
All Around the Barn Tour
Where: Suson Park
When: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
06/03/2022, 07/08/2022, 07/22/2022 (More dates may be available)
CIRCUS FLORA PRESENTS “THE QUEST FOR THE INNKEEPER’S CASK”
Where: Circus Flora Big Top (Behind Powell Hall in Grand Center)
When: 06/09/2022, 06/10/2022, 06/11/2022 (More dates may be available and times are on the website)
Mini Ninja Challenge
Where: Carousel at Faust Park
When: 9 a.m.
06/11/2022
Summer Camp: Be a Buddy at the St. Louis Challenger Baseball Games
Where: Youth Volunteer Corps St. Louis
When: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
06/04/2022, 06/11/2022, 06/18/2022
Regal Summer Movie Express-St. Louis Area
Where: Regal Theater at Gravois Bluffs
When: Times on the website
06/07/2022, 06/08/2022, 06/14/2022
Are you still thinking about what to do this summer?
The PEDA Summer Resource Packet can help!
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
Family Leadership Institute
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
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: jmdoyle@ssdmo.org
Website: ssdmo.org
Phone: 314-989-8463