SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
March 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.
Shout Outs!!!!
- Congratulations to Christal Hall of Northview Elementary for earning the Rosemary Zander Award! As a winner, Christal will be featured in a short video that will be posted on SSD social media.
- A huge "THANK YOU" to Ms. Erin Gimar for nominating Christal for this honor. Your time, support and encouragement of our young scholars is appreciated.
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.
Round 2: Extended School Year & Summer Program Application
Applications for summer 2022 Extended School Year (ESY) and summer program positions reopen (for 2nd round applications) on March 1st, 2022 and will remain open through March 20th, 2022.
To access the application:
Visit the SSD Portal at http://portal.ssdmo.org
Click on the “Applications” link at the bottom of the screen.
Click on the button titled “Finreporting and EForms”
Click on the link for “ESY and Summer Programs Application”
Once you have completed the application, check the electronic signature at the end of the application and hit the “Save” button at the Top or bottom of the application.
Once you hit the SAVE button at the Top or bottom of the application the page will say “Confirmation Page” You may print this for your records
For questions regarding Partner Districts contact, Tami Yates at tlyates@ssdmo.org
For questions regarding SSD Schools, Kelly Grigsby at kgrisby@ssdmo.org
** Please note, many districts are still in the process of planning summer programs. Information will be shared as soon as available.
Calendar Details:
March 18 - Conferences
March 21-25 - Spring Break
THE SUMMER RESOURCE PACKET IS HERE!
Get tips and tricks to making this your child’s best summer yet.
To access The Summer Resource Packet, click here: PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet
To access the YouTube Video of our recent Summer Resource Fair, click here: https://youtu.be/VVeYDiL8ykM
Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA)
Parent Leadership Institute will be held via ZOOM. If you have always wanted to participate but life made it too hard to get away from home, NOW IS THE TIME TO ENROLL!!!
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 you to 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.
The Institute will be held on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm-8:00 p.m. on February 16, March 2, 9, and 16, via zoom. Learn more about this opportunity or download the application at: Parent Leadership Institute
Virtual Workshop: Meeting your child’s needs using Charting the LifeCourse Tools in the IEP process
When: Tue, March 15, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Description: Your child’s school Individual Education Plan (IEP) can be intimidating and overwhelming at times. Find out how to utilize LifeCourse Tools to help prepare and communicate effectively with your child’s IEP team to determine the most successful goals and interventions to help your child reach their potential.
To register for this workshop, click here: https://SSDPEDA.as.me/CTLCwithSTLARC
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
Family & Community Engagement
Mental Health First Aid Training for SSD Families - Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, and others to help adolescents experiencing mental health and/or addictions challenge or crisis. It is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Nationally this course is valued at $170; due to a grant from Missouri's Department of Mental Health and a collaboration with the Ferguson Community Center, you have the opportunity to attend at no cost. Saturday, March 19th from 9 – 1:30 PM at Ferguson Community Center. 1050 Smith Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135. Space is limited. To register click here. Registration will close on Monday, March 7th or when all seats are filled.
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.
Please call 314-989-8311 or email FamilyEngagement@ssdmo.org for more information.
Additional Resources from The Family Resource Hub:
Youth Mental Health Training for Staff –Kickup registration link: https://pulse.kickup.co/events/browse/SKSWHzR83mUrJ7gpEPUpeh
Youth Mental Health Training for Families – Google link: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
Assistance for families who may have challenges accessing the FREE Covid Tests
You Are Invited: SSD Sponsored Lunch & Learn
Special School District’s Family and Community Outreach, Social Work, Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) and Communications departments have teamed up to offer a virtual Lunch & Learn series for SSD families and stakeholders. The series, which will involve community organizations sharing information about their work, will take place on the first Wednesday of each month during the 2021-22 school year, from 11:30 AM - Noon.
Representatives from nine community organizations will participate in order to increase awareness about their agency and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK) – March 2
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4
We hope to see you there!
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: tjnalls@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
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