SSD Ritenour Dispatch
April 2022
REGISTER FOR KINDERGARTEN
Please note: We are only registering students whose parent or legal guardian can provide proof of residency in their name. Enrollment for students with unusual situations will not take place until July 2022. Unusual situations include families or students who are living with a resident in the district, in transition, foster care, or students with unique guardianship circumstances.
Registration may be done at the Ritenour Administrative Center, 2420 Woodson Road. Learn more.
9th Grade Registration Information 2022-23
Incoming 9th-graders click here to learn more about how to register for high school classes.
The Family Resource Hub
For more information visit the The Family Resource Hub.
The Family Resource Hub Satellite Food Pantry is located at North Tech High School which supports families with access to non-perishable food items and household supplies.
THE SUMMER RESOURCE PACKET IS HERE!
Get tips and tricks to make this your child’s best summer yet by checking out the PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet. You can also access the most recent Summer Resource Fair on YouTube.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Test
Residential Households in the U.S. can order one set of 4 FREE at-home tests from usps.com. To order the free tests visit covidtests.gov.
RESOURCES FOR RITENOUR FAMILIES
The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with stress will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations.
Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include:
- Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones
- Changes in sleep or eating patterns
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Worsening of chronic health problems
- Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs
There are many things you can do to support your child during this time, as they may be influenced by inaccurate or false information.
- Take time to talk with your child or teen about the COVID-19 outbreak. Answer questions and share facts about COVID-19 in a way that your child or teen can understand.
- Reassure your child or teen that they are safe. Let them know it is ok if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn how to cope from you.
- Limit your family’s exposure to news coverage of the event, including social media. Children may misinterpret what they hear and can be frightened about something they do not understand.
- Try to keep up with regular routines and with schools closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
- Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Also, consider connecting with your friends and family members virtually.
Show Me Hope BJC Counseling Program
- Show Me Hope Resources:
Stressed by COVID-19? Access these resources for your emotional health: https://dmh.mo.gov/disaster-services/covid-19-information - DHSS COVID-19 24 hour hotline: 877-435-8411
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Phone 800/985-5990. Text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
- Social Justice: https://dmh.mo.gov/disaster-services/coping-with-community-unrest
- MO Show Me Hope Crisis Counseling Program:
https://www.moshowmehope.org/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Missouri-Show-Me-Hope-Crisis-Counseling-Program-110293060677590/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MOShowMeHope
- DMH CARES, Tuesdays @ 3:30 PM, Register HERE: https://bit.ly/31NvBL8
See a comprehensive list of social-emotional and additional crisis resources here.
Cyber Literacy
View this presentation to learn strategies for navigating the world of Internet safety with your student.
NetSmartz - NetSmartz is an online safety education program. It provides age-appropriate videos and activities to help teach children be safer online with the goal of helping children to become more aware of potential online risks and empowering them to help prevent victimization by making safer choices on- and offline.
Lunch and Learn Series
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 each agency and make connections with those who may benefit from their programs and services throughout the SSD community.
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4
SSD Parent Advisory Council
The SSD Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is comprised of families advising and collaborating to improve the education, confidence and social outcomes of each student served by SSD. The PAC consists of five parents or guardians – one member and four alternates – from each of the 22 St. Louis County school districts and from each of the five SSD special education schools. The parents or guardians of students receiving special education services in that district or school elect SSD PAC members.
Get Involved with the SSD PAC:
Network and communicate with other parents of children who receive special education services
Become as informed as possible about special education services
Improve communication between your local school district and SSD
Create a positive understanding and awareness of students with disabilities
Establish a network of advocacy for local, state and national disability issues
Complete this online form to learn more about getting involved with the SSD Parent Advisory Council.
Meeting Dates
The SSD Parent Advisory Council has scheduled the following meetings for the 2021-2022 school year. All meetings are held virtually via Zoom, from 7-9 PM. Additional information about meetings, including agendas, can be found on the PAC's website.
- April 13, 2022
- May 11, 2022 (this meeting will be held virtually and in-person)
Please contact the Superintendent's Office at 314.989.8419 or 314.989.8281 by noon on the Wednesday before the meeting and an American Sign Language interpreter will be provided.
For more information about the SSD PAC or who represents your district, e-mail pac@ssdmo.org.
SSD PAC New/Renewal of Membership Election
Hello, SSD PAC members and potential members! We are approaching that time of year when we prepare to hold elections and renew membership.
The election of new/renewal of SSD PAC members shall take place no later than May 31st. We will hold the election at the April 13th General Meeting.
Elections are rotated each year. The following districts will hold elections in even numbered years: Affton, Bayless, Brentwood, Clayton, Ferguson-Florissant, Hancock Place, Ladue, Mehlville, Normandy, Rockwood, University City and Valley Park.
Please reach out to us at pac@ssdmo.org with any questions.
Love and Light,
Dr. Camesha Carter, SSD PAC President
Upcoming PEDA Workshops
All workshops offered by SSD's Parent Education and Diversity Awareness program (PEDA) are provided free of charge and are open to all parents, families, and community members.
All of our currently scheduled workshops will be held virtually. Unable to attend the live workshop? Register for the event to receive a link to the recording a few days after the workshop! Click here to learn more about how to register and access the sessions.
Understanding the Autism Spectrum Disorders: Two Part Class with Dr. John Bruno Autism Effective Practice Specialist
April 14th and 21st 6-8pm
Identify and understand the characteristics of Autism Spectrum Disorders and learn effective, practical strategies that will support your child in being more successful at home and school.
The second session will focus more on strategies, with time for discussion and questions.
Click the following link to register for this event: https://SSDPEDA.as.me/understandingautism
Congratulations to our Spring 21-22 Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) graduates!!!
PEDA would love your feedback!
Upcoming Dates
April 7
Early Release Day K-12
April 15
NO SCHOOL PreK-12 Professional Development
Special School District of St. Louis County
Angi Fouste, SSD Director of Special Education
Email: aafouste@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDStLCo
Ritenour School District
Leslie Mueller, Special Education Coordinator - Kratz, Marvin & Wyland
Emya Williams, Special Education Coordinator - Iveland, Marion & Buder
Gloria Perry, Special Education Coordinator - Hoech & Ritenour Middle
Nathan Dwyer, Special Education Coordinator - Ritenour High
Website: https://www.ritenour.k12.mo.us/
Location: 2420 Woodson Road, Overland, MO, USA
Phone: 314-493-6010