SSD Warriors' Monthly Updates
December 2021
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement:
SSD Warriors' Mission Statement: Through implementing inclusive practices, rigorous instruction, and the principles of community engagement, Special School District Staff in partnership with Jennings School District will provide high quality, specialized programming and supports designed for all students to become productive, responsible, ethical, creative and compassionate members of society.
Tis The Season!
I've heard it said, "that which comes from the heart reaches the heart." I am a true believer that a critical part of community building is having a heart of compassion for one another. For this reason, I constantly look for opportunities to support and encourage staff, students, and all other members of the Warrior community.
As a staff, you have given me much to celebrate. I appreciate all of you who have donated new coats; completed scholarship applications, staff, student, and stakeholder nominations; and/or, submitted a pledge of support for the family that we adopted this holiday season. I'd also like to say thanks to everyone who wanted to give but are pressing through many challenges of their own this season. It's what's in your heart that counts.
As we approach winter break, December 20th-December 31st, remember to take care of yourself and take care of one-another.
Blessings!
SSD Board Information
SSD Board Information: Filing for SSD Board of Education Opens Dec. 7
Candidate filing for two open seats on the Special School District of St. Louis County Board of Education opens at 8 AM on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, and continues until 5 PM on Tuesday, Dec. 28, 2021. The terms of current Board members Ms. Katie Pottroff, Subdistrict 3 and Mr. Scott Moeller, Subdistrict 4 expire in March 2022.
The two open seats are for three-year terms beginning in March 2022 in the following subdistricts:
- Subdistrict 3 – Parkway School District
- Subdistrict 4 – Ferguson-Florissant, Pattonville, and Riverview Gardens school districts
Learn more about the filing process and eligibility requirements on the SSD website.
Shout Out: Demonstrating Perseverance
As most are aware, SSD just completed “December 1st Cycle.” While stress is a real thing for most of us during this time, more than 85% of the SSD Warrior Teacher Level Staff made it look like a piece of cake. Of that 85%, Ms. Sharon Austin won "the December 1st drawing." As the Warrior’s December 1st Champion for 2021, I asked her to share a bit about herself and what inspires her to persevere over professional and life challenges. Here’s what she had to say:
“I reached my twenty-year milestone this school year with Special School District (SSD). My career, however, as a Speech-Language Pathologist spans over thirty years. Throughout my career, I learned to encourage myself. I tell myself, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens, and I am more than a Conqueror. I also pray for a mind to work as people in the Book of Nehemiah prayed, which has fashioned my mantra for work; “Just Do It.”
"My inspiration comes from my students and my colleagues. When my students look back over their primary and secondary educational experience, I want them to remember the skills I taught them and their time in my therapy sessions. To provide memorable, meaningful therapy sessions, I follow and stick to an IEP submission plan. I end the school year with the November 1 count on my mental radar, I start reviewing due dates at the end of the school year for the upcoming November 1 count, and I complete my IEP calendar between May and June. My schedule allows me to simultaneously complete my IEPs on time and show up for my students with the spirit of excellence.”
Congratulations, Ms. Austin! Your SSD Warrior colleagues are proud of you. Represent!!!!
We Need You!!!!!
Individuals interested in becoming a substitute teacher can register now for DESE’s 20-hour online substitute teacher training conducted by Frontline Education. Click here for more details and to access the training program.
Reminders:
The cost for the training program is $180.
After completing the training, you will submit your completed application and background check information.
The option is still available to get a substitute teacher certificate if you have 60 college credit hours (you would not have to take this training too).
Thanks in advance for your consideration.
Round 1: Extended School Year & Summer Program Application
Applications for summer 2022 Extended School Year (ESY) and summer program positions are now open, and will be open through 4:30 p.m. on January 16th, 2022. All applications must be submitted electronically by the time and date listed above to be considered for employment. No paper or faxed applications will be accepted. After the first round closes and positions are hired, we will open a 2nd round for applications from March 1st, 2022 – March 20th, 2022 to fill remaining vacant positions.
To access the application:
Visit the SSD Portal at http://portal.ssdmo.org
Click on the “Applications” link at the bottom of the screen.
Click on the button titled “Finreporting and EForms”
Click on the link for “ESY and Summer Programs Application”
Once you have completed the application, check the electronic signature at the end of the application and hit the “Save” button at the Top or bottom of the application.
Once you hit the SAVE button at the Top or bottom of the application the page will say “Confirmation Page” You may print this for your records
For questions regarding Partner Districts contact, Tami Yates at tlyates@ssdmo.org For questions regarding SSD Schools, Kelly Grigsby at kgrisby@ssdmo.org ** Please note, many districts are still in the process of planning summer programs. Information will be shared as soon as available.
SSD Student Scholarship Deadline Approaching!
Many opportunities for scholarships and awards are now open for SSD students! SSD scholarship applications for graduating high school seniors are active and due Dec. 17, 2021. Students applying for The James E. Westbury/SSD Board of Education Scholarship, The Allison M. Haake Memorial Scholarship, or The Bonhomme Lions Club Scholarship must receive at least one service from SSD and plan to go to a college, university, or postsecondary program. All scholarships require a letter of recommendation. 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, 2022.
For more information, please contact Deana Parsons, SSD internal communications coordinator, at dmparsons@ssdmo.org or 314.989.8102.
SWEP 2022 Services
Paraquad’s Summer Work Experience Program (SWEP) offers an opportunity for high school students with disabilities to earn a paycheck and try out new jobs. Job coaching and skill instruction is provided to the participant. This program begins on June 1 and ends on August 1. It is open to residents of St. Louis County. Click here to find the participant application for SWEP 2022.
Please note: Applications are due by February 7. Any applications received after that date – even those from previous SWEP participants – will go on a waiting list. Due to the volume of applications typically received, no exceptions will be made to that policy. The guidelines and qualifications are listed on the application.
Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA)
PEDA a workshop scheduled for December 9th at 6:30 PM. The workshop, hosted in collaboration with the St. Louis ARC, will be on zoom. Please see the information below.
WORKSHOP: Supported Decision Making (In Collaboration with St. Louis ARC)
Date: December 9, 2021
Time: 6:30 PM
Description:
When an individual with a disability becomes 18, they are legally an adult. This workshop is designed to help families understand the options they have to help their loved one make good decisions and build a circle of support. Using tools from Missouri Supported Decision Making Consortium and Charting the LifeCourse, Debra and Sharon will coach your family on how to access each of the six life domains (health, employment, safety, etc.) and create a plan that uses a variety of resources to build self-determination skills. This workshop is ideal for primary caregivers, their family member(s) with a disability, and siblings or other key people who support planning and problem solving in their lives. Small groups will use Zoom breakout rooms to start creating their own supported decision-making plans with templates from the Missouri Supported Decision Making Consortium.
Presenters: Sharon Spurlock, Director of Family Support, St. Louis Arc and Debra Fiasco, Administrator, Parent Education and Diversity Awareness, Special School District
Register for the Event through Zoom
We are also taking applications for the Parent Leadership Institute. PLI will occur over 4 evenings in February and March. You can learn more and download the application here: Parent Leadership Institute
Finally, PEDA would love your feedback! Please complete are PEDA Communications survey here: PEDA Survey
You Are Invited: SSD Sponsored Lunch & Learn
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 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:
- 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
We hope to see you there!
Special School District of St. Louis County
Email: tjnalls@ssdmo.org
Website: www.ssdmo.org
Location: 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314.989.8100
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SSDStLCo
Twitter: @SSDDStLCo
Jennings School District
Website: https://www.jenningsk12.org/
Location: 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO, USA
Phone: 314-653-8000