SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
October 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.
From the Desk of Shinita Jones: Jennings Partner District Director
Greetings SSD Warrior Family,
The 2022-2023 Academic School Year is off to an amazing start! During the first month of school the Leadership team has conducted and engaged in Comprehensive Instructional Rounds (Classroom Observations), in four of the seven schools in Jennings School District. During the classroom walkthroughs the team has observed excellent teaching, learning, and collaboration among SSD & JSD teachers to ensure the academic, social, and emotional success of all students in the Jennings School District.
I am excited that students in the Jennings School District participated in the 2022 Fall Special Olympics bowling activity on September 30, 2022.
The SSD and Jennings administration team would like to thank Mr. Ryan Guffy for supporting Jennings School District with the implementation of MTSS. In addition, the SSD administration team is exciting about establishing the SSD PAC in Jennings School District! I am excited about the academic, social, and emotional outcomes for the students in Jennings during the 2022-2023 year.
Best Regards,
Shinita Jones, Ed.S.
Please Review the By the Numbers Jennings School District and SSD Data
SSD/JSD Staff Recognitions
The SSD/JSD team would like to congratulate Dr. Karen Hamilton on her retirement as a Special Education Teacher at Northview Elementary School. We appreciate her dedication to the students in Jennings School District!
The SSD/JSD team congratulates:
- Ms. Kimberly Clinton on her promotion to a Special Education Teacher in the Jennings School District!
- Ms. Kenya Harris, Paraprofessional
- Claire Juodis, Special Education Teacher
Ms. Kaitlyn Kelly, School Psychologist
Ms. Lisa Tigue, Special Education Teacher
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families or households struggling to afford internet service. This new benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or directly with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) using an online or mail in application. You can learn more about the benefit, including eligibility and enrollment information, by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877.384.2575.
Family & Community Engagement
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.
FACE Family Workshops and Community Collaborations (Hub Huddles) are now posted on our site at https://www.ssdmo.org/Page/495.
FACE has a significant amount of school supplies that were donated. If anyone is interested you can contact Ms. Adrienne Eaglin at 314-989-8311 to schedule a pickup or shop at the Family Resource Hub at North Tech. High School.
Please review the attached new FACE department flier for distribution to families and staff.
Please call 314-989-8311 or email FamilyEngagement@ssdmo.org for more information.
Additional Resources from The Family Resource Hub:
1. Medicaid Assistance - https://share.peachjar.com/flyers/2262700/schools/200202
2. Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day - https://share.peachjar.com/flyers/2262691/schools/200202
3. The Family Resource Hub Satellite Food Pantry and Community Resources-https://share.peachjar.com/flyers/2202726/schools/200202
JOIN US: The highly successful SSD Parent Leadership Institute which 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 5:30-8:30 pm 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 and Community Engagement (FACE)
SSD Family Leadership Institute Applications Coming Soon!: Applications will be available soon for the Fall 2022 semester SSD Family Leadership Institute FLI (Formerly Parent Leadership Institute PLI).
The Institute which has over 275 graduates to date, was created for families in 2007 to offer information, training, and resources. Participants gain the knowledge and skills to effectively collaborate with other families, school personnel and develop leadership for SSD and their home districts.
Participants will:
Build understanding of future planning and problem-solving, utilizing 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 families and school personnel; and
Discover new resources and network with other families.
FLI Graduates have:
Served on School boards
Been elected as Parent Advisory Council (PAC) President(s)
Actively participated in SSD and/or local school district PACs
And further increased their leadership training in policy development and mentorship.
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: smjones@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131
Phone: 314.989.8133
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