SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
January, 2023
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
Happy New Year SSD Warrior Family!
We look forward to welcoming our Warrior students back to the second semester of the 2022-2023 school year! I hope everyone enjoyed their Winter Break, and are ready to resume teaching and learning. All educational stakeholders have done an amazing job with supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. In addition, I appreciate your hard work and dedication to the students and families in the Jennings School District. Our SSD staff ended the first semester with our December staff meeting and holiday celebration, and it brought great cheer and joy to all!
Best Regards,
Shinita Jones, Ed.S.
SSD Warrior District Milestones!
The SSD Warrior team would like to congratulate our colleagues on their milestone years of service with Special School District of St. Louis County!
Administration:
- Ms. Shavona Peters: Special Education Coordinator, 15 years of service
School Staff:
- Ms. Butler, Synetra: Special Education Teacher, 15 years of service
- Ms. Campbell-Williams, Andrea: Speech-Language Pathologist, 20 years of service
Ms. Foster, Harkyah: Teacher Assistant, 5 years of service
Ms. Jones, Adrianne: Teacher Assistant, 5 years of service
Ms. McKissic, Jennifer: Special Education Teacher, 20 years of service
Mr. Sanders, Ira: Teacher Assistant, 15 years of service
Ms. Taylor, Patricia: Special Education Teacher, 15 years of service
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.
SSD Communications
Please review the scholarship opportunities for SSD students and the SSD Salutes Awards which honor SSD staff and community members.
Scholarship Opportunities for SSD High School Seniors
Several scholarships are available for students who receive SSD services! High school seniors who plan to enroll in a college, university or postsecondary program after graduation this spring should review the following opportunities.
Applications for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, and The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship must receive at least one service from SSD and plan to enroll in a college, university, or postsecondary program. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation. Applications are due Dec. 16, 2022. Visit ssdmo.org/scholarships for more information.
The Special Education Foundation (SEF) sponsors the John Cary Scholarships for high school seniors, as well. Applications are due Jan. 24, 2023.
Nominations for Salutes Awards Open Until Jan. 6
Applications for several awards which honor the contributions of SSD staff and community members are awaiting nominations, due Jan. 6, 2023. These awards are collectively known as Salutes awards because they are given at the District’s annual Salutes event in the spring. They include the following:
Please refer to the Salutes webpage for details about each award. Some awards permit nomination by SSD staff only, while others accept nominations from people who are not employed by SSD (e.g., students, parents, partner district staff, and other community members). Consider submitting a nomination and help us provide the recognition they deserve for their meaningful work in SSD!
SEF Accepting Applications for Kid to Camp Program
The Special Education Foundation is now accepting applications to assist children with disabilities served by SSD to attend one or more camps this summer. Each year, the SEF provides tuition assistance to enable students served by SSD to attend summer camps. Sometimes children with disabilities cannot join their peers in a summer camp experience due to financial constraints or other hardships. SEF steps in to help young people and their families take advantage of these experiences that can sometimes be life-changing. Parents and caregivers can have peace of mind knowing that their child is in a safe and healthy place. Apply here.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Please check out these unique and FREE leadership opportunities for high school students with disabilities, ages 16 - 21.
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