SSD Ladue Schools
March 2022
Black History Month
Each February, National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America — our faults, our struggles, our progress, and our aspirations. Shining a light on Black history today is as important to understanding ourselves and growing stronger as a Nation as it has ever been. That is why it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today(Citation).
The importance of this celebration was evident as I visited each K-5 building and observed the projects completed by our students. Below is an African American History Quilt completed by our students.
Staff Spotlight: Courtney Conway - Old Bonhomme Elementary
Hello! My name is Courtney Conway. I have been a special education teacher at Old Bonhomme Elementary for the past 10 years! As an undergraduate, I studied both special education and elementary education at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Recently, I graduated from Maryville University with a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership.
I love being a part of the field of education and working with students! When I am not teaching, I enjoy gardening, taking our three dogs for walks, drawing and being with my family! Over the summer, my family and I welcomed our newest addition, Declan Conway! Now, we are a family of four with our son, James (4).
South Technical High School
South Technical High School will be hosting an event on Saturday, March 12, 2022 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM.
Event Information:
Families and students in grades 6 through 12, as well as recent graduates, are invited to join us to experience a variety of careers through interactive exhibits and discussion with industry professionals.
Come learn more about these exciting and fulfilling job opportunities, many of which require training instead of a traditional, 4-year degree. Spanning regional employers seeking new talent, our exhibitors will include representatives from key career pathways including:
Advanced Manufacturing
Construction
Culinary & Hospitality
Healthcare
Information Technology
Public Safety
Transportation & Logistics
* Due to rapidly changing conditions and ordinances related to the spread of Covid-19, this event may be postponed. Please check the event website and the Facebook event post for updates.
South Tech High School
12721 West Watson Road
Sunset Hills, MO 63127
Additionally, below are some information links and videos:
For a complete list of essential skills please review the Course Overview Guide
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Opportunity
If you are interested in becoming a Youth Mental Health First Aider. please complete one of the forms below begin registering for the event. After submitting the information on this form, you will receive an email inviting you to complete the user registration for the course on Saturday, March 19th at 9 AM at the Ferguson Community Center. (Please note: There is limited seating available for this training. You will be notified by email when you are enrolled.)
For Families, go to this Google link to register: https://forms.gle/28CzBcceYgadDhJk6
Kelly Education
Family and Community Engagement Information to Include:
Mental Health First Aid Training for SSD Families - Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, and others to help adolescents experiencing mental health and/or addictions challenge or crisis. It is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.
Nationally this course is valued at $170; due to a grant from Missouri's Department of Mental Health and a collaboration with the Ferguson Community Center, you have the opportunity to attend at no cost.
Saturday, March 19th from 9 – 1:30 PM at Ferguson Community Center. 1050 Smith Ave, Ferguson, MO 63135
Space is limited. To register click here. Registration will close on Monday, March 7th or when all seats are filled.
Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) Information
Virtual Workshop: Meeting your child's needs using Charting the LifeCourse Tools in the IEP process
When: Tue, March 15, 6:30pm – 8:00pm
Description: Your child’s school Individual Education Plan (IEP) can be intimidating and overwhelming at times. Find out how to utilize LifeCourse Tools to help prepare and communicate effectively with your child’s IEP team to determine the most successful goals and interventions to help your child reach their potential.
To register for this workshop, click here: https://SSDPEDA.as.me/CTLCwithSTLARC
THE SUMMER RESOURCE PACKET IS HERE!
Get tips and tricks to making this your child’s best summer yet.
To access The Summer Resource Packet, click here: PEDA 2022 Summer Resource Packet
To access the YouTube Video of our recent Summer Resource Fair, click here: https://youtu.be/VVeYDiL8ykM
PEDA would love your feedback!
Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
Lunch & Learn with SSD
Special School District’s Family and Community Outreach, Social Work, Communications, and Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) 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 their agency and make connections with those in our SSD community who may benefit from their programs and services.
Organizations represented in the Lunch & Learn series include:
- St. Louis ARC – April 6
- St. Louis County Library – May 4