Bayless SSD Newsletter
November 2022
Dear Bayless Families,
The weather is changing and autumn is upon us! This is probably my favorite time of the year as we settle in for cooler weather and opportunities to show our gratitude and appreciation.
I would like to send a big thank you to our Instructional Coach, Ana Feit. Ana has worked tirelessly to support students and staff in the special education department. But, Ana is also working to ensure that all Bayless students are supported and their needs are met by attending Care Team meeting and providing instructional support to general education teachers when requested. Thank you Ana for ensuring all students are successful!
Take care,
Maureen Nelson Ed. S.
Health and Wellness
Tips and Strategies to Take Control of the Holiday Season
- Acknowledge your holiday expectations
Start by recognizing your own emotions related to the holidays. There is a large spectrum when it comes to emotions about the holidays. The holidays are not always “happy and exciting” for everyone. If this is you, that is okay. Acknowledge these true feelings and begin to decide what plans will best align with your hopes and preferences for managing your holiday.
- Be realistic
Planning can be a tricky task. Acceptance is a great tool to use when there are differences of opinions. Rituals, traditions, and guest lists may look different than years past or different than those around you. Accepting this can alleviate the distress associated with unrealistic expectations.
- Protect your time and budget
Plan ahead to determine what you CAN do and still have time for YOU. Remember that it is okay to say no to activities and events. Don’t stretch yourself financially. Consider a gift exchange or donating as a family to support a charity or volunteer for a local organization.
- Stick to healthy routines and habits
It can be easy to compromise your typical routines as a result of extra commitments. However, sticking to your healthy routines such as sleep, exercise and nutrition, can protect your mental and emotional health. Also, be mindful of your time spent on social media around the holidays. The image of holidays on social media can distort and impact our own expectations.
- Take a breather
Remember, it is okay to reach out for support if you are struggling with feelings related to the holidays, family or feeling isolated/lonely. You could access support through group
affiliations, social support or professional support.
Resources for additional support:
Connect with the SSD Board of Education
The SSD Board of Education strives for transparency, accountability, and accessibility. We welcome family, staff, and community members to share comments, concerns, and ideas with SSD Board of Education members. To find the Board member representing your subdistrict, visit the Board of Education page on the SSD website.
FACE
CAASTL (Community Action Agency of St. Louis County): Please join FACE on Nov 11, 2022 at the Family Resource Hub, located in North Tech High School, from 9am to 4pm. CAASTL will be available on that date to provide additional support and access to resources that promote healthy families and a thriving community. Families can learn about case management, utility assistance, rental assistance, financial education, weatherization, and program development and education activities. A CAASTLC representative will be available to answer questions and assist with applications.
Higher Education Consortium (HEC): The Higher Education Consortium (HEC) will be at the Family Resource Hub, located in North Tech High School, from 11am to Noon on Nov 15, 2022 . The HEC can provide families with information to increase their knowledge about education, career, and workforce planning or transitioning. High school students and anyone over the age of 19 are eligible to receive services from HEC.
Family Cafe: Family and Community Engagement (FACE) will be hosting a Family Cafe on November 17, 2022 from 6-8pm at the Family Resource Hub, located in North Tech High School. Cafes are hosted by families for families. They provide parents and caregivers a safe and welcoming space to connect and learn from each other. They are centered on the Strengthening Families Five Protective Factors: RESILIENCE, RELATIONSHIPS, KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT and COMMUNICATION. https://bit.ly/FamCafes
Family Academy: Join us for SSD’s very first Family Academy on November 5th from 9am to noon at Northview High School located on Derhake Rd in Florissant. Family Academy is an opportunity for SSD families to learn and utilize resources and strategies to improve student outcomes. The Family Academy will offer networking with community agencies and other families. There will be music, light refreshments, fun learning opportunities, and learning resources to support your student in the home. https://SSDFACE.as.me/FamAcad22
Scholarship Opportunities for SSD High School Seniors
Several scholarships are available for students who receive SSD services! High school seniors who plan to enroll in a college, university or postsecondary program after graduation this spring should review the following opportunities.
Applications for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, and The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship must receive at least one service from SSD and plan to enroll in a college, university, or postsecondary program. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation. Applications are due Dec. 16, 2022. Visit ssdmo.org/scholarships for more information.
The Special Education Foundation (SEF) sponsors the John Cary Scholarships for high school seniors, as well. Applications are due Jan. 24, 2023.
SSD Staff Encouraged to Nominate Students for Zander Award
Since 1988, SSD has sponsored The Rosemary Zander Awards for students receiving at least one service from SSD and have demonstrated extraordinary progress and an excellent attitude. The award has long recognized the accomplishments of students receiving services or technical education courses from SSD.
Students have been honored for success in a variety of categories – academics, arts, athletics, communications, vocational training, employment, independent living skills, community service, and extracurricular activities. Recipients of the award must be nominated by an SSD staff member using the The Rosemary Zander Awards form by Dec. 16, 2022.
Bayless PAC
Bayless parent, Maria Martinez, attended the SSD PAC meeting on October 12th and wanted to share some information regarding SSD’s offerings to parents and families.
Special Education Foundation (SEF) Tim Eby spoke about the foundation and shared this link. http://www.sef-stl.org Mr. Eby discussed the many ways that SEFG supports families with students with disabilities and shared an example when a student and their family were dealing with a bed bug situation and a student needed a surgery. The Foundation put them into a hotel for a few days before the surgery so the students bed bug bites could heal and could have the needed surgery.
SEF will
- Help with Critical Needs of students and families facing financial challenges.
- Write grants for Specialized Equipment (Hearing Aids, Glasses, adaptive devices to name a few)
- Offer a" Kid to Camp" Program for kids of all abilities.
- Offer Scholarships for college bound students (Teacher Recommendation)
- John Carry Scholarship
- Fred Saigh High School Leadership Academy
Maria will attend the next SSD PAC meeting and begin sharing insights at the Bayless BEST meetings as well.
Upcoming Events
November 7th--No School Offices Closed
November 8th--No School Professional Development
November 23rd-25th--No School Thanksgiving
Contact Us
Special School District of St. Louis County
12110 Clayton Road
Town & Country, MO 63131
Phone: 314‐989‐8100
Maureen Nelson, Director of Special Education
Stephanie Wansing, Social Worker
Selma Kostic, School Psychologist
Jason Driedger, School Psychologist
Email: monelson@ssdmo.org
Website: baylessk12.org
Location: 4530 Weber Rd, Affton, MO 63123, USA
Phone: (314) 256-8690.3009