SSD Ritenour Dispatch
July 2022
The first day of school is Aug. 22, 2022
Back-to-School Important Dates
SSD New Teacher Orientation is July 25-27.
Kindergarten camp will be August 1-5.
Ritenour New Teacher Orientation is August 8-12.
Transition day for kindergarten, 6th and 9th grade students is August 18.
Meet the Teacher Night is August 31 for kindergarten students.
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.
A warm welcome to the new staff joining Ritenour for the 2022 - 2023 school year!
Leah Albers, teacher, Marion Elementary
Eliot Bamford, teacher, Ritenour High
Peter Blow, teacher, Ritenour High
Katye Bowen, teacher, Kratz Elementary
Julie Cermak, teacher, Buder Elementary
Danielle Childs, speech pathologist, Iveland Elementary
Joan Clarke, teacher, Hoech Middle
Ella Dotson, teacher, Iveland Elementary
Kylie French-Wilson, paraprofessional, Wyland Elementary
Mariah Garcia Villazana, paraprofessional, Iveland Elementary
Julie Harris, teacher, Iveland Elementary
Courtney Hayes, teacher, Hoech Middle
Tearia Hudson, paraprofessional, Ritenour High
Yuliia Kharkovchuck, paraprofessional, Ritenour Middle
Caroline Koening, speech pathologist, Ritenour High
Mark McMullen, teacher, Ritenour High
Reginal McNeil, paraprofessional, Ritenour High
Travis Nissenbaum, teacher, Ritenour High
Aurora Nunley, speech pathologist, Ritenour High
Brandon O'dell, teacher, Hoech Middle
Kelly Selby, teacher, Ritenour Middle
Alanna Stisi, nurse, Kratz Elementary
Taylor Thomas, paraprofessional, Marion Elementary
Samantha Wilson, teacher, Ritenour High
Aaron Wynn, teacher, Ritenour High
Ritenour Summer School Program and ESY Update
ARE YOU STILL THINKING ABOUT WHAT TO DO THIS SUMMER?
The PEDA Summer Resource Packet can help!
PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet
Other helpful resources:
St. Louis Recreation Council www.recreationcouncil.org
Blueprint for Summer https://blueprint4.com/stl/
St. Louis County Parks Activity Guide https://bit.ly/3LHpRsp
Early Childhood Summer Resource Guide https://adobe.ly/3vSuol1
COMING SOON!
Applications will be available soon for the Fall 2022 semester SSD Family Leadership Institute FLI (Formerly Parent Leadership Institute PLI).
The Institute which has over 275 graduates to date, was created for families in 2007 to offer information, training, and resources. Participants gain the knowledge and skills to effectively collaborate with other families, school personnel and develop leadership for SSD and their home districts.
Participants will:
- Build understanding of future planning and problem-solving, utilizing Charting the LifeCourse tools;
- Learn to effectively participate in their child’s education and improve the educational climate for all children;
- Learn how to positively interact and collaborate with other families and school personnel; and
- Discover new resources and network with other families.
FLI Graduates have:
- Served on School boards
- Been elected as Parent Advisory Council (PAC) President(s)
- Actively participated in SSD and/or local school district PACs
- And further increased their leadership training in policy development and mentorship.
Contact us at ssdpeda@ssdmo.org or call 314.989.8460 if you have any questions or concerns.
Some Quotes from graduates.
- Thank you so much for everything! I feel very lucky to have found this opportunity.
- It was helpful to learn how Charting LifeCourse Tools could play a part in every step of the way.
- The topics and presenters made the program engaging and informative.
- Learned a lot about planning for my child’s future and the IEP process.
- I'm really glad I signed up for this program. I had no idea what to expect and learned so, so much about the available tools and all the SSD processes we will be experiencing during his life.
- The deep dive on the IEP history/process was incredibly helpful to give a framework on my ability to participate since my family is very new to the IEP process.
- The IEP information was incredibly helpful. It was a bit like pulling back the curtain on something that was previously a complete mystery.
- I am so thankful for this workshop and for the information, and materials you’ve shared w/ me. Thanks for facilitating the training so well. It’s great to have a safe space to talk openly with experts and other parents about education, IEPs, 504, Inclusion, challenges, etc. The choice of speaker, topics, resources and lending library was all great.
- Amazing group of people. Chance for honest conversations. Helps me be a better advocate & team member.
- Amazing experience – tons of knowledge shared. Lots of great connections with families. Better understanding of IEP process. I feel empowered to do more – create positive change. Opened my eyes to some realities approaching with transition to adulthood.
- We received a lot of great information in this class! I has made me change the way I look at the whole process, and how I approach things with my daughter. I am so grateful that I was given this opportunity!
- I am no longer feeling so alone & confused. Feel I can be a better advocate.
- Attending this institute was an awesome opportunity I turned out to be much more than I expected. It gave me a better understanding about the transition process & how I can best support my child through transition. It generated a lot of ideas for my child’s last IEP. I feel so much more equipped to navigate SSD=land, as well as help others navigate it too.
- Amazing. Blessing. You’ve enabled me to think more positively and concretely about my son’s future. I have always said “there’s no outline for me to follow” – but you’ve given me the framework I desired, support & connections!
PEDA would love your feedback!
Family Leadership Institute
The highly successful SSD Parent Leadership Institute that has had more than 280 participants since 2007 is once again being offered under a new name of Family Leadership Institute (FLI).
The Institute will be Wednesday evenings from 5:30-8:30pm at SSD Central Office: October 12, 19, 26 and November 2.
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 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.
Apply today https://SSDPEDA.as.me/FALL2022FLI
Pre-Employment Program at Mercy
Parents, Teachers, and Administrators,
We would like to explain a program offered as a partnership between Mercy Hospital and the Eastern Region Alliance that could be beneficial to your graduating students. This program would specifically benefit your students who are considering competitive employment. This program is called the Supported Volunteer: Pre-Employment program. This program has gone through a restructure in the past few years, and we would like to provide some updates for potential referrals.
There are two potential paths that an individual may take when entering the program.
The first path is designed for people who have an immediate focus on employment. These individuals are likely involved with VR and have either been placed into Job Development or have ended discovery and Exploration and need to build additional skills before searching for competitive work. We also accept Individuals who are already employed and would either like to learn more about working in a hospital or would like to gain additional skills to advance in their current careers.
The second path is focused less on obtaining employment quickly and is designed for individuals who have a long-term goal of employment. These individuals are given less intensive training and are given the opportunity to volunteer in a supportive manner. This allows them to work on both their hard and soft skills in a professional environment, while receiving the support needed to succeed. The tasks that these individuals work on are generally less than competitive and more focused on the social skill development.
In addition to the skill building and the work, participants in the program become part of the Mercy team. This includes building professional relationships with those they work with, and others in the community. If they choose, our participants can take part in inclusive bowling nights, sand volleyball parties, going to the cinema, and other recreational events.
The qualifications for this program are as follows:
1. Age 18-65
2. Have a diagnosed developmental disability prior to the age of 22.
3. Reside in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, and St. Charles County.
4. Provide proof of Covid and Flu vaccination
5. Able to adhere to all standards set by the Mercy Healthcare System.
If any of your students would like more information about the program, we would love to hear from you! Our contact information is listed below.
Cole Sibley
Supervisor of Pre-Employment Services
314-251-4844
Angela Liotta
Pre-Employment Specialist
314-251-4614
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.
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.
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.
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.
Upcoming Dates
July 25 - 27
SSD New Teacher Orientation
August 1 - 5
Kindergarten Camp
August 8 - 12
New Teacher Orientation
August 15 - 18
Professional Development/Teacher Workdays & Transition Day
August 18
Transition Day for Kindergarten, 6th and 9th Grade Students
August 19
Teachers - Non-contract day
August 22
First Day of School
August 31
Meet the Teacher Night for Kindergarten Students
September 5
Labor Day (NO SCHOOL PreK-12)
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
Kyle Johnson, Special Education Coordinator - Kratz, Marvin & Wyland
Emya Williams, Special Education Coordinator - Iveland, Marion & Buder
Stephanie Genenbacher, 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