SSD/Valley Park Monthly Dispatch
December 2023
Staff Spotlight
SSD Celebrated Substitute Educator Day on November 17! We are so fortunate to have consistent and effective subs coming into Valley Park.
From SSD:
Substitute educators are a critical link in the education of students. By providing continuity in the delivery of curriculum and keeping students engaged with learning, they help ensure our students do not fall behind in their goals. Our substitute educators are near and dear to us for their professionalism and their responsiveness to our calls when we truly need them!
Wellness Corner
Master Guide to Winter Fun in and around St. Louis:
- Local Winter Fun
- Winter Articles and Reviews
- Big list of local places to take kids, teens, and families in winter:
John Cary Student Scholarship
The Special Education Foundation's John Cary Scholarship was established to honor the former SSD superintendent for his dedication to excellence and advocacy for students with disabilities. Each year, SEF grants scholarships to students entering post-secondary education, choosing recipients who embody John Cary's valued traits: resiliency, courage, and determination. Student applications and teacher nominations are accepted through January 26, 2024. Learn more and apply through this link.
Scholarship Opportunities for SSD Seniors
High school seniors who receive at least one SSD service or attend an SSD technical school should take a look at these scholarship opportunities if they plan to enroll in a college, university or postsecondary program! Applications for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, and The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship are due Dec. 13, 2023. Additionally, the Special Education Foundation (SEF) sponsors the John Cary Scholarship. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation - don’t wait to begin! Visit ssdmo.org/scholarships for more information.
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:
● Key to the Classroom Awards (for classroom teachers)
● Building Block Awards (for paraprofessionals)
● Lasting Impression Awards (for support/operations staff)
● 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!FACE (Family and Community Engagement)
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.
Community Action Agency of St. Louis (CAASTL)
● Case management
● Utility assistance
● Rental assistance
● Financial education
● Weatherization
● Program development and educational activities.
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/
American Sign Language classes
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.
FACE webinar
FACE is hosting a webinar highlighting the Missouri Poison Center on December 5th from 6-7pm. In this webinar, attendees will learn how to contact the Missouri Poison Center, what to do if they suspect their student has gotten into something, and poison first aid. Register for this informative event here.
Special Education Foundation
Grants Available for Innovative Classroom Projects
Educators working with children who have disabilities possess invaluable expertise in effective teaching methods. Frequently, there is a lack of funding from government-regulated taxes to support innovative educational initiatives, leading teachers to either personally finance materials or abandon expensive projects. The Special Education Foundation (SEF), has been bridging this financial gap by providing Classroom Innovation Grants to selected teachers each year since 2002. Classroom Innovation Grant applications for the 2024-2025 school year are being accepted now through December 15, 2023. Those selected will be notified in early 2024.
Bridge the Academic Break with Winter Camp
Camp programs within the community can play an important role in sustaining the positive impacts on students with disabilities, extending beyond the social and educational aspects of the classroom. Participation in these camps offers occasions for social interaction, increased independence, and have the potential to boost confidence during breaks in the school year.
SEF’s Kid-to-Camp program provides financial assistance to families of children served by the Special School District so they can attend camp during these breaks in the school year. Campership funds are awarded based on financial need and student benefit.
Help Keep Kids Warm this Winter
The cold temperatures this week have brought with it the reminder that winter is coming to the St. Louis region and how important it is for every student to have a suitable coat, hat, and gloves for the coming months.
Most of us are lucky not to have to choose between heat, food, or a warm winter coat. Sadly, there are many in our region that face that decision, and often, the winter coat comes last.
For a child with a disability, there are additional challenges when it comes to outerwear.
For example, a child in a wheelchair struggles with most outerwear as the bulkiness of the coat may interfere with the positioning equipment on the wheelchair, especially for children with complex positioning devices, such as laterals, harnesses, head supports, and other upper body supports.
For children with sensory issues, winter coats bring an extra burden. A child with autism may be overly sensitive to scratchy seams and tags, or they may react to clothes or waistbands that are too tight.
Right now, the Special Education Foundation is partnering with the Special School District of St. Louis County on the Critical Needs Coat Drive, where we’re raising money to buy coats for students this winter. Please donate online today to help put a coat on a kid who needs it. Especially with these harsh temperatures we’re facing right now!You can also mail your contribution to SEF at 11933 Westline Industrial Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63146.
Thank you for your generous support.
Learn More about UMSL's Succeed Program
The UMSL Succeed Program is designed to encourage and facilitate students to gain independence through academics, vocational experiences, and college residential/student life. Students must meet the criteria, which include:
Have a documented intellectual or developmental disability.
Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue post-secondary education to expand career & life opportunities.
Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
See the entire list of requirements and learn more about the program!
Public Notices
Public Notices
Each year, the Special School District posts annual public notices as required by Board of Education policy and state law. These notices primarily serve to inform parents and students of their rights. Full SSD Board of Education policies and regulations can be found on the District website. All of SSD's public notices can be found on the District website at www.ssdmo.org/publicnotices.
Procedural Safeguards Notice
Did you know that the SSD has copies of the Procedural Safeguards and Parent Bill of Rights available in multiple languages on our website? The Procedural Safeguards help keep families informed about their rights and protections under IDEA. Visit the Procedural Safeguards section of the District website to review.
FACE NEWSLETTER
Are you looking for unique and accessible activities to participate in this winter? Look no further than the latest FACE newsletter! In it you will find not only information on what FACE has to offer, but also ideas to enhance your student’s learning and great community events and offerings. You can sign up to have future newsletters sent to your inbox by visiting the FACE website today!
Hazel HEART Mental Health Services
As part of continuing efforts to provide services that support student wellness, Valley Park School District is partnering with Hazel Health to offer free mental health teletherapy visits for all students.
With Hazel HEART, students can meet with a licensed therapist from school or at home, bridging the gap until local therapists become available or helping with less acute issues. The referrals can come from school personnel or directly from a parent or guardian. Like all Hazel telehealth services, parental consent is required.
This service is available to all Valley Park School District students and it is provided at no cost to VPSD families. Please note, Hazel works with insurance plans, and collects insurance information as part of the consent process. Hazel works with all students at no cost to families, regardless of insurance status, including families that do not have insurance. When insurance is billed, the district will cover any out-of-pocket costs. We encourage families to check with their insurance plans to determine if there are any annual caps on the number of allowed therapy sessions, as Hazel visits might count against any limits.
Hazel HEART mental health services include:
Short-term therapy visits: Therapy sessions can help students cope with everyday issues such as anxiety, bullying, withdrawal, grief, peer and family relationships, depression, not enjoying things they used to enjoy or simply not feeling like themselves.
Care coordination: Family resource managers from Hazel work closely with families to coordinate their child’s care. If your child needs additional services outside of what Hazel can offer, Hazel will help families connect with great local providers.
Therapists who care: Hazel therapists know how to connect with children and teens. Their multilingual team practices culturally competent care for all students.
This expanded partnership is designed to increase access to quality health care for all students, working in partnership with community providers to quickly address the social-emotional needs of students who may be struggling.
Learn more here.
Valley Park Visitor Management System
Valley Park School District welcomes parents and other community members into our schools for special events, meetings, tours, and other occasions. However, keeping our students and staff safe while at school is something we take very seriously. To increase security at all our school buildings, we have started using the Hall Pass Visitor Management System to track visitors. The system is simple and easy to use. The only thing you need is a government-issued ID. For more information, click here.
VP Upcoming Events
To access key school information, please go to the following sites:
Valley Park Elementary School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vpes
Valley Park Middle School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vpms
Valley Park High School: https://www.vpschools.org/o/vphs
Valley Park Early Childhood Center: https://www.vpschools.org/o/ecc
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
Julie Schroeder
- Director
- jmschroeder@ssdmo.org
Dana Evans
- School Social Worker
- devans@ssdmo.org
Jenna Donze
- School Psychologist
- jrdonze@ssdmo.org
Website: https://www.vp.k12.mo.us/Page/1
Location: One Main St, Valley Park, MO 63088
Phone: (636) 923-3500
SSD Valley Park Feedback
Families - we want to hear from you! If you have a celebration, concern, or idea for our SSD team - please add it to this survey. I will do my best to consider all feedback ~