SSD Family-School Relationships Survey

Jan. 13, 2023 - The strength of any school district lies in its relationships with families. In Special School District, District and building leaders, along with school staff are committed to fostering those relationships to create a school culture where students come first. To do that successfully, family input is necessary. Families are invited to complete the SSD Family-School Relationships Survey, which will be available from Jan. 17 through Feb. 10, 2023.

Superintendent Insider: Recruiting New Talent in 2023

Jan. 9, 2023 - In the latest installment of the Superintendent Insider, Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Keenan discusses how SSD is adapting to the post-pandemic expectations of prospective employees. Through modifications and additions to Office of Employee Success and Engagement (OESE), an emphasis on connecting the expectations of new staff to our work, and a flexible, people-centered recruitment model, SSD continues to be a pioneer in the public education space.

Winter Programs Bring Cheer Throughout the District

Dec. 21, 2022 - During the month of December, students at Ackerman, Litzsinger, and Southview Schools have performed live on stage; singing, dancing, acting, and playing instruments in their annual Winter Programs. 

Ackerman Students Purchase Holiday Gifts at Annual Shopping Event

Dec. 19, 2022 - With the help of teachers, students, administrators, and volunteers, Ackerman School’s gym was transformed into a holiday shopping center for its annual Holiday Shopping event. 

Winter Health Guidance

Dec. 14, 2022 - As the cold weather moves in and families celebrate the holidays, sickness is on the rise. Contagious respiratory viruses can spread easily and SSD schools are experiencing an increasingly high rate of illness in our student population.

Students and Staff Celebrate Thanksgiving

Nov. 21, 2022 - Ackerman School and Northview High School each held a Thanksgiving feast for students and staff. Students were served everything from fried chicken to green beans, mashed potatoes, turkey, ham, and desserts like pumpkin pie and fried apples. The annual event is a time for the school communities to express gratitude and spend time together. 

SSD Celebrates Family Engagement Month

November 1, 2022 - During the month of November, SSD will be celebrating our families! Family Engagement Month recognizes the vital role that school and families play throughout their student’s education journey and as their student’s first educator. Family Engagement Month is meant to celebrate the contributions of families and encourage increased participation within the school.

2023-24 Unified Calendar Update

October 12, 2022 - During last night’s meeting, SSD’s Board of Education reviewed updates to the 2023-24 calendar. The updates will align our SSD calendar with those of our partner districts. The Board will vote to approve the changes for the 2023-24 calendar at the next Board Business meeting on Nov. 1.

Springboard to Learning Visits SSD Schools

September 26, 2022 - For the past eight years, students from across the District have anticipated a special visit from Springboard to Learning.The organization helps develop children’s abilities to  create, collaborate, communicate, and think critically. 

Ackerman School Holds 12th Annual Fishing Field Trip

September 9, 2022 - Nearly 175 staff and students at Ackerman School made the journey to St. Ferdinand Park for the school's annual fishing field trip. Ackerman works closely with the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Nature’s Calling program to provide this opportunity to students.

Fall 2022 Construction Update

Sept. 6, 2022 - Significant upgrades have been made across the District to buildings, facilities, and recreational spaces for the 2022-23 school year. Several projects are in their final stages as construction, replacements, and repairs progress.

Upcoming Events with FACE

August 31, 2022 - Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is geared up for the first semester of 2022-23 with some great events for our SSD families. All events are free of charge and open to SSD families and community members.

School Meals for 2022-23

August 12, 2022 - Over the last two years, SSD and school districts across the country were able to provide free meals to students due to the USDA waivers associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, those waivers expired at the end of the 2021-22 school year. This means SSD will be returning to a paid meal service under USDA’s National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Meals will be charged according to a student’s free, reduced, or paid meal eligibility status during the 2022-23 school year.

2022-23 COVID-19 Safe Return to In-Person Learning Plan - Updated Masking and Mitigation Measures

July 27, 2022 - With the increased availability of personal protective equipment (PPE), access to vaccinations and boosters for all students and staff, the removal of St. Louis County’s mask mandate, and the recent court ruling regarding health mandates and quarantines in Missouri schools, we are updating our health and safety practices.

FACE Supports Family Engagement Across the District

July 1, 2022 - Special School District is excited to announce the creation of the Family and Community Engagement program (FACE). FACE, a merging of Parent Education and Diversity Awareness (PEDA) and Family Engagement divisions, will be effective as of July 1, 2022.