SSD Ritenour Dispatch
October 2021
PEDA workshops for October
WORKSHOP: Planning for the Future - Augmentative Communication Funding
Oct. 14, 2021
Starts at 12:30 PM
Description
Augmentative Communication facilitators from Special School District will discuss ways that families and students can pursue funding for augmentative communication devices. An additional discussion will include what the process is for families to purchase dedicated communication systems for their student when considering transition and post-secondary outcomes.
WORKSHOP: Why is my Child Misbehaving? (This is a workshop for families who have early childhood aged children)
Oct. 20, 2021
Starts at 12:30 PM
Description
This training will focus on early childhood specific positive parenting strategies to manage challenging behavior. Parents will leave with hands-on strategies that can be implemented in the home setting.
Along with workshops, PEDA also has a Family and Community Resource Center at the Hazelwood Learning Center that has books and resources available for check out. Families and community members are welcome to visit the center and/or contact PEDA with inquiries. In the Spring of 2022, PEDA will be hosting another Parent Leadership Institute and will begin taking applications soon. Please contact us at 314.989.8460 or ssdpeda@ssdmo.org if you have any questions and visit our website at www.ssdmo.org/PEDA
SSD Parent Leadership Institute - Fall 2021
The Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) Program invites families and community members to visit our Family and Community Resource Center at the Learning Center in Hazelwood. The program is excited to offer a diverse collection of materials, including many new books that are ready to be shared.
PEDA will be hosting the Parent Leadership Institute (PLI) this Fall. This program, which is offered at no cost to participants, is designed for parents and family members who are the educational decision makers for a child with a disability. The three sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Sept. 22, Sept. 29, and Oct. 6, 2021, at SSD Central Office, 12110 Clayton Road, 63131. To learn more about this program and/or apply to be part of it, please visit this link: Parent Leadership Institute | Fall 2021.
PEDA is also happy to announce that there will be a second Parent Leadership Institute in the Spring of 2022. We will be announcing dates in the very near future. Please check in with us if you have any questions!
We are in the process of planning our Fall workshops and will be sending out dates and topics very soon. As always, PEDA Is here for you if you need assistance navigating special education, community resources, and so much more – don’t hesitate to reach out!
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:
- The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTL) – Oct. 6
- Operation Food Search – Nov. 3
- Behavioral Health Response – Dec. 1
- Easterseals Midwest – Jan. 5
- The Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis – Feb. 2
- Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK) – March 2
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4
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.
Upcoming Dates
October 5
Evening Conferences PreK-8
October 6
Lunch and Learn Series at 11:30am
Evening Conferences 9-12
October 7
Evening Conferences PreK-12
October 8
No School Morning Conferences PreK-12
October 13
Parent Advisory Council Meeting at 7:00pm
October 14
Early Release Day PreK-12
October 27
End of First Quarter
November 3
Lunch and Learn Series at 11:30am
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