Board Brief - June 28, 2022

June 29, 2022 - The Board Brief is a review of actions taken by the SSD Board of Education. It is one more way SSD is working to be transparent and improve communication, helping keep our community informed. Agenda items are linked, where applicable, to the meeting items on BoardDocs. Official meeting minutes will be posted on BoardDocs.

SDNEA Awards 2022 Scholarships, Mini-Grants

June 27, 2022 - Special District National Education Association (SDNEA) presented its annual round of scholarships to students and mini-grants to teachers in June 2022. Funding these projects has been part of the organization’s mission for many years and demonstrates its support of extraordinary teaching and learning among SSD’s population. 

SSD Hosts Inaugural Principal Institute

June 22, 2022 - On Tuesday, June 21, SSD hosted its inaugural Principal Institute. Administrative staff from all 22 partner districts were in attendance for a day of professional learning focused on special educatio

200 Students Participating in STEM Summer Journey

June, 14, 2022 - SSD summer programming is in full swing. This year, over 200 students are enrolled in Summer Journey, a program that provides enrichment and STEM activities for its participants. Students at Ackerman, Litzsinger, Neuwoehner, Northview, and Southview will engage in nature, literacy, cooking, recreation activities, and build drones and rockets. 

SSD Celebrates Juneteenth

June 19, 2022 - Today, June 19, SSD celebrates Juneteenth as a day of recognition, restoration, and celebration of African American freedom and achievement. SSD stands in solidarity with all students, staff, and community members who have experienced hardships, mistreatment, or harassment due to the color of their skin. The District honors and recognizes the contributions that people of color have made and continue to make, toward the betterment of our nation.

Ackerman Students Discuss Juneteenth in Summer Podcast

June 16, 2022 - Students at Ackerman School have launched a summer podcast series. The goal is for students to practice articulating their thoughts about topics that they find meaningful. The first episode was held in June and focused on Juneteenth. 

Tonnette Harris Announced as Assistant Director of Equity - Human Resources

June 15, 2022 - During June 14, 2022 Board of Education meeting, Tonnette Harris was approved as the new Assistant Director of Equity - Human Resources. The position is new and will go into effect on July 1, 2022. 

Dr. Darryl Diggs Announced as Assistant Director of Equity - Teaching and Learning

June 15, 2022 - During May 24, 2022 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Darryl Diggs was approved as the new Assistant Director of Equity - Teaching and Learning. The position is new and will go into effect on July 1, 2022. 

Dr. Tami Yates Named Executive Director of Partner Districts

June 15, 2022 - At the June 14 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Tami Yates was named Executive Director of Partner Districts, effective July 1, 2022. Yates previously served the District in the role of Assistant Director of Partner Districts.

SSD Celebrates Pride Month

June 1, 2022 - Special School District is committed to creating a safe, caring, and respectful environment for all students, families, and staff. During the month of June, SSD celebrates and recognizes Pride Month and the impact and valuable contributions of the LGBTQ+ community across America. 

VSP Students Spread Kindness Throughout St. Louis County

May 31, 2022 - Acts of kindness; that was the theme this year for VAT-19 Vocational Skills Program (VSP) students. VSP Instructor Joy Voss has been teaching her students how something as simple as a smile can go a long way and bring joy to her student's lives and others.

SSD Teacher Receives Gold Star Grant

May 27, 2022 - Jean Goldstein, SSD teacher in Hazelwood’s Brown Elementary, is the recipient of the 2022 Gold Star Grant in the Individual category. Goldstein has demonstrated a deep commitment and passion for teaching and mentoring students, and was awarded a $5,000 grant in addition to a $2,500 donation by Emerson and its Excellence in Teaching Awards Program. 

Northview Hosts Annual Talent Show

May 26, 2022 - Northview High School ended the 2021-22 school year on a high note with its annual Talent Show. Hundreds of students, staff, family, and friends packed the gym on May 25 to watch 13 acts, including singing, dancing, and musical instrument performances. 

Shinita Jones Named Jennings Partner District Director

May 26, 2022 - During the May 24, 2022 Board of Education meeting, Shinita Jones was approved as the new Jennings School District Partner District Director. Jones has been part of the District since July 2020, as an area coordinator for the Hazelwood School District. Dr. Tonya Nalls will be retiring at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

Dr. Michael Maclin Named New Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility

May 25, 2022 - During the May 24, 2022 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Michael Maclin was named the new Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility. Maclin has served the District in the Director of Equity role since July 2020.