Riverview Gardens / SSD
Newsletter for Families, January 2024
Riverview Gardens School District Information
From the Desk of Veronica Morrow-Reel
President, Special Administrative Board
Embrace Change
Greetings Ramily,
As I awaited the arrival of the New Year, I listened to “Everything Must Change” by music legend Quincy Jones. It is one of my favorite jazz songs. It is a beautiful and truthful masterpiece.
Rather than making this a lengthy letter expounding on the changes that will take place this year, I would like to acknowledge that embracing change can be difficult. However, we all make changes every day, both knowingly and unknowingly.
If we keep an open mind to potential change, I envision it will bring new and wonderful things and people for us to embrace. There is excitement in giving new things and new people a chance to make change.
Rather than fighting against it, it is my sincere hope that you will join me in embracing change for 2024. This includes all the amazing things and people we will encounter. Please give change a chance.
Sincerely,
Veronica Morrow-Reel, President
Special Administrative Board
SSD Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
Letter from the PAC President:
Greetings PAC Family! It can be overwhelming figuring out school, insurance, future planning, not to mention what to make for dinner, all while parenting our beautiful kids who require extra attention. We're here to help you navigate the confusing waters of the disability world with our PAC meeting presentations. We want to help you now so your child’s future is bright.
Check out our upcoming meeting topics below. Note: Our PAC meetings are always held on the second Wednesday of the month, 7-9 PM, August through May (except March):
● Jan. 10, 2024: Our January meeting will be a presentation from The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis - their staff will share lots of information about activities and summer camps before registrations become full.
● Feb. 14, 2024: Our zoom topic will be guardianship alternatives. This is a VIP topic to educate yourself about before it's thrown at you in high school.
● May 8, 2024: Mark your calendars for our in-person celebration at SSD Central office! We are working to make it a one-stop shopping experience that will hook you up with integral resources for your child all in one place.
Come join your PAC family and get that help you haven’t had time to ask for.
Peaceful holidays to all,
Rebecca Flieg
President, SSD Parents Advisory Council
Special School District Information
2023-2024 Family Special Education Survey
Every family with a child with a disability should have received an email with the survey. You will be asked to complete a survey for EACH child in your family who receives special education services in Riverview Gardens.
The deadline for completion of the survey is March 31, 2024.
SEF's John Cary College Scholarship
Applications are being accepted through January 26, 2024
Each year, the Special Education Foundation grants five $5,000 college scholarships to selected students entering post-secondary education. Recipients embody the qualities admired by John Cary, including resilience, courage, and determination. The scholarship committee assesses candidates based on academic achievements, leadership skills, community volunteerism, and accomplishments in athletics and/or the arts, seeking evidence of their potential for future success. Students planning to attend a four-year college or university can submit an application accompanied by their school transcript, through the SEF website. The student's SSD teacher must also nominate the student to be considered. Learn more about the John Cary Scholarship and how to apply. https://sef-stl.org/programs/scholarships/
Nominate a Staff Member for a Salutes Award!
Applications for several awards which honor the contributions of SSD staff and community members are awaiting nominations, which are due Jan. 5, 2024. 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:
Special Ambassador Awards (for community members or organizations)
Distinguished Leader Awards (for administrators in SSD and partner districts)
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. Please nominate someone you know who works for SSD and help us provide the recognition they deserve for their meaningful work in SSD!
Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
Exciting news! The FACE second-semester calendar of events is now available. Packed with enriching activities, it aims to strengthen family/school partnerships. You can access the calendar here. Mark your calendars and join us—your participation is key to fostering a positive and engaging school community.
Lunch and Learn
Join FACE for a virtual Lunch and Learn on January 24th at 11:30 as we hear from Mizzou PAWS (Preparing Adults for Work and Society) program. The PAWS program is a post-secondary option for students with intellectual disabilities located on the Mizzou campus in Columbia, Missouri.
Virtual Open House
Are you new to Special School District, or do you just want to learn more about our amazing organization? Join FACE for a Virtual Open House on February 1st at 9:30am. Families can receive an introduction to the services and resources available through SSD. Join the zoom meeting here.
FACE YouTube
Would you like to learn more about how to support our student’s learning this Winter? Take a look at the FACE YouTube page and watch any of our pre-recorded webinars. Topics include toilet training, executive functioning, behavior supports, and Special Education Process. Check it out and email us at face@ssdmo.org to suggest other important topics.
American Sign Language
American Sign Language classes were a huge success this Fall. If you did not get a chance to attend, registration for second semester classes will open up in mid December. Keep an eye out on the FACE website for more information. Classes will be held each Thursday for six weeks starting February 8th. Classes fill up fast so register early.
Community Action Agency of St. Louis (CAASTL)
The holidays can be a stressful time financially for many families. The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will be at the HUB at North Tech High School on January 5th from 10-2pm to help families. CAASTLC can provide the following programs and services to families:
● Case management
● Utility assistance
● Rental assistance
● Financial education
● Weatherization
● Program development and educational activities.
Family Resource Hub Food Pantry
Family Resource Hub Food Pantry is stocked with food and supplies and open for families who are in need. Contact FACE or your school social worker to find out more.
SEF Critical Needs Program:
The Special Education Foundation (SEF) offers Critical Needs services - a solution to provide immediate funding to those students served by the Special School District (SSD) where the family is either unable to financially meet the need, has exhausted community resources, or is at risk for a student medical emergency that may result in the loss of independence or academic failure. Applications (accepted year-round) are to be completed by a social worker, teacher or administrator through the SEF website, submitted to Adrienne Eaglin at aeaglin@ssdmo.org or mailed to the Special School District Learning Center at 900 Hornet Drive, Hazelwood, MO 63042.
Online SSD Resources to Help Families
Visit SSDMO.org for links to resources that will direct you to information that will be helpful throughout the year - bookmark the webpage to make it easy to find. The links below apply to all students county-wide who receive services from SSD.
Kid to Camp Program
Camp programs help to maintain educational momentum for students during extended academic breaks throughout the year. The Special Education Foundation's (SEF) Kid-to-Camp program can help bridge the learning gap for students served by SSD during the upcoming winter break. Camperships are awarded based on financial need and student benefits. For a list of camp resources and to apply to SEF's Kid-to-Camp program, visit https://sef-stl.org/programs/kid-to-camp/
Special School District of St. Louis County
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Riverview Gardens School District
Website: http://www.rgsd.k12.mo.us/
Location: 1370 Northumberland Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-869-2505