Headlines & Features

  •  Trey White and an SSD student pose together in front of learning stands Trey built.

    Boy Scout Builds Learning Stands for SSD Students

    September 22, 2023 - Over the summer, Trey White, senior at Affton High School, built 20 learning stands for SSD students with the help of family and a few close friends. Trey is a member of Boy Scouts for America and for his service project to become an Eagle Scout, he wanted to do something that positively impacted SSD. 

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  •  SLBJ Presents Maclin with Diversity & Inclusion Award

    SLBJ Presents Maclin with Diversity & Inclusion Award

    Sept. 21, 2023 - On Tuesday, Sept. 14, the St. Louis Business Journal presented Dr. Michael Maclin with its Champions for Diversity and Inclusion Award. He was one of 14 individuals to receive the 2023 award at a luncheon held at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel.  “I’m truly humbled to be honored by the St. Louis Business Journal with this recognition,” says Maclin, SSD’s executive director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. “I’m proud to represent all the individuals who have worked and have a passion for K-12 education. The award ceremony was great because it wasn’t just a diverse group of champions who were being recognized, but champions of diversity. These awards demonstrate that anyone can be a champion of diversity.” Read more...

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  •  Claire Quindry and her mom enjoy a pre-game meal of pizza at Unified Night Lights.

    Annual Sporting Event Unites School Community

    September 21, 2023 - Kirkwood High School was met with loud cheers, friendly smiles, and a lot of pride as over 100 students, families, and staff gathered for the seventh annual Unified Night Lights. The philosophy behind the event is that sports can help provide a path to friendships and understanding.

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  •  Raniya Baker reads a book while therapy dog Sophie sits in her lap.

    Therapy Dog Improves Learning and Behavior 

    September 13, 2023 - “When she sees me, she smiles and gives me a lot of kisses, and it tickles.” For Kierice Irbing, sixth-grader at Ackerman School, that’s a greeting from a four-legged friend named Sophie that never gets old. Sophie is a therapy dog who has been coming to Ackerman since she was only eight months old. Her owner is Amy Keith, reading specialist.

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  •  Amir Sanders goes fishing at the pond.

    Students Explore the Outdoors while Fishing

    September 11, 2023 - It’s a tradition that’s continued for nearly a decade. Every year in September, students and staff at Ackerman make the journey to a nearby park to socialize, play games, and of course, go fishing. 

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  •  Now Hiring Special Education Certified Retirees

    SSD Now Hiring Retirees

    Aug. 30, 2023 - SSD is pleased to announce the extension of Missouri legislation SB999, which allows retirees to return to teaching while enjoying insurance and health benefits, a full salary, and retirement income. SSD invites veteran experts back to our classrooms to help us serve students in our critical needs districts. Those who retired on or before June 30, 2023, are eligible.

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  •  Social worker Dana Evans shows off her new Valley Park hat.

    St. Louis Community Member Hand Knits Hats for SSD Staff

    September 1, 2023 - Dana Evans, SSD social worker in the Valley Park School District, had no idea that her compliment to a fellow colleague would lead to a very generous act of kindness. It all started when she noticed Julie Schroeder, Valley Park partner district director, wearing a cozy and comfy accessory.

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  •  Student Survey - Feedback Wanted!

    SSD Student Surveys Administered Sept. 8 - Oct. 9, 2023

    Aug. 31, 2023 - SSD values the academic and personal well-being of our students and prioritizes making data-informed decisions to support their success. In collaboration with Panorama Education, SSD students in grades 3-12 are invited to share their voices through two surveys, a climate survey and a social-emotional learning (SEL) survey.

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  •  Author Bettye Blaize presents to JDC teachers.

    JDC Students Meet with Book Authors

    August 31, 2023 - Moving forward with hope, setting goals, and creating opportunities past incarceration are just a few of the themes students in St. Louis County Courts Schools discussed during a visit from book authors Terrence G. White and Bettye L. Blaize.

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  •  Senior Alexis Hale pushes another student who is using a powered chair.

    Buddy Room Activities Bring Northview Community Together

    August 23, 2023 - Rekindling old and making new friendships was the outcome at Northview as students mixed and mingled during the first buddy room activity of the school year. Buddy room activities take place once a month and are designed to bring students together from all departments (social-emotional behavior, deaf or hard of hearing, autism, etc.). 

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  •  Board Brief

    Board Brief - Aug. 22, 2023

    Aug. 23, 2023 - The Board Brief is a review of actions taken by the SSD Board of Education during the Aug. 22, 2023 meeting. 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.

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  •  Summer 2023 Construction Updates

    Summer 2023 Construction Updates

    Aug. 18, 2023 - Updates have been made to SSD schools and buildings during the hot summer months and just in time for the 2023-24 school year. Learn more about changes made throughout the District.

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  •  Two students with backpacks sit side by side.

    Helping Students Navigate Back-to-School Anxiety: Tips for Families

    Aug. 16, 2023 - The start of a new school year can bring both excitement and apprehension for students, especially after the challenges posed by the previous year. It's not uncommon for students to experience back-to-school anxiety as they face new classrooms, teachers, and classmates. As a family member, your support and guidance play a crucial role in helping your student manage these feelings and start the year positively. 

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  •  Superintendent Insider

    Welcome to the 2023-2024 School Year!

    August 16, 2023 - On behalf of the SSD Board of Education and District staff, I am excited to welcome you to the 2023-24 school year. I hope that you and your family are returning from summer break refreshed, re-energized, and refocused. As we prepare to embark on a new school year, we are excited to welcome both familiar faces and new members to our school community. New and returning students can look forward to a supportive and welcoming environment that fosters growth and a strong sense of belonging.

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  •  Bus Drivers and monitors gather in the gym for the staff transportation presentation.

    Back to School In-Service Prepares Bus Drivers and Monitors for New School Year

    August 9, 2023 - 220 other transportation staff, geared up for the 2023-24 school year during SSD’s Transportation Department’s Back-to-School Kick-Off at South Tech High School. 

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  • Dr. Matthew Traughber Announced as Director of Evaluation and Research

    Dr. Matthew Traughber Announced as Director of Evaluation and Research

    August 8, 2023 - During June 12, 2023 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Matthew Traughber was approved as the director of evaluation and research. Dr. Traughber previously held the position of evaluation and research associate with Special School District.

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  •  Karla Reichert Announced as Director of Evaluation and Strategic Initiatives

    Karla Reichert Announced as Director of Evaluation and Strategic Initiatives

    August 8, 2023 - During June 12, 2023 Board of Education meeting, Karla Reichert was approved as the director of evaluation and strategic initiatives. She has been employed with Special School District since 2018 as an evaluation and research associate.

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  •  Dr. Katy Chambers Director of Equity Operations

    Dr. Katy Chambers Joins SSD as Director of Equity - Operations

    August 4, 2023 - During the July 25, 2023, Board of Education meeting, Dr. Katy Chambers was approved as the director of equity - operations. Chambers has been serving as the executive director of human resources in the Brentwood School District (BSD) since July 2021. She will begin transitioning to Special School District in the coming weeks. 

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  •  Michael Wilhite Announced as Assistant Director of Health Services

    Michael Wilhite Announced as Assistant Director of Health Services

    Aug. 3, 2023 - During the July 23, Board of Education meeting, Michael Wilhite was approved as the assistant director of health services. Wilhite started with SSD on Aug. 1, 2023. The assistant director of health services is a new role and is responsible for the effective management of time and nursing talents across the organization.

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  •  Get to Know Board Director Mrs. Carmen Stayton

    Get to Know Board Director Mrs. Carmen Stayton

    Aug. 2, 2023 - In June, SSD welcomed Mrs. Carmen Stayton as the Subdistrict 1 Board of Education Director, representing Hazelwood, Jennings, and Maplewood-Richmond Heights school districts. Stayton is a former educator and nonprofit leader, spending some of her educational career within SSD schools.

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