Southview celebrated students who demonstrated good citizenship during the PBIS Paw Rally in January. Students are awarded PAWs for being respectful, responsible, cooperative, honest, and showing friendship to others. Congratulations to all students who have "paws-itive" attitudes and behavior!

Amye Watkins' class celebrated their first graduate, Christian Hummert, in January. Christian was among 4 students to graduate this January. Congratulations to Christian, Chris Dohle, Tony Trimble, and David Van on being first semester graduates!

#BlackHistoryMonth is a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and the central role they have played in U.S. history. Throughout the month of February, SSD will share the stories of prominent African Americans with disabilities and the success they have achieved. SSD strives to include diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in every facet of our District. We encourage you to take time with your student to discuss Black History Month and the value of DEIA in everyday life. Follow the posts throughout the month with #SSDBlackHistoryMonth.

A sensory and cooking lesson! Erin Paulus's classroom experienced a cross curricular lesson involving popcorn and hot chocolate. Students learned about where chocolate and corn comes from as well as how to prepare snacks using this items. During this lesson students also worked on communication skills discussing which foods they liked and disliked. Students also engaged in independent cooking skills & following directions in an interactive and fun way!

Special School District is proud to co-host the St. Louis County Apprenticeship and Career Pathways Showcase for the second year. Families and students in grades 6 through 12, as well as recent graduates, are invited to these FREE events to experience a variety of careers through interactive exhibits and discussions with industry professionals.

Events are planned for the following dates and locations:

• Saturday, Feb. 25, 10 AM to 1 PM, Eureka High School

• Saturday, March 4, 10 AM to 1 PM, North Tech High School

• Saturday, March 11, 10 AM to 1 PM, South Tech High School

Come learn more about these exciting and fulfilling job opportunities, many of which require training instead of a traditional, 4-year degree. Our exhibitors will include representatives from key career pathways, including:

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Construction
• Culinary & Hospitality
• Healthcare
• Information Technology
• Public Safety
• Transportation & Logistics

Southview School will be closed on February 17th, 2023 for Staff Professional Development and on February 20th, 2023 for Presidents Day.

Students will be celebrating Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day the week of February 27th - March 3rd. This week will be filled with reading, activities, and spirit days!

Monday: Fox in Socks - wear your craziest socks!

Tuesday: Rare Genetic Disorder Day Celebration - wear stripes!

Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday - wear your wackiest outfit!

Thursday: Cozy Up with A Good Book - wear your favorite pjs!

Friday: Cat in The Hat - wear your favorite hat!

Registration for 2023 summer programming is now open! All students who attend Southview are eligible to participate in summer programming. Again this year, we are partnering with Summer Journey to provide enrichment and STEM activities for students. In addition, online credit recovery options are available for high school students.

Summer programming will operate from June 5-29, 2023, Monday through Thursday, from noon - 2:30 PM. The deadline for registration is March 31, 2023.

Those interested in summer programming should register online.

Summer programming does not replace Extended School Year (ESY). Your student’s school will reach out with information to sign-up for ESY within the next few weeks.

If you have any questions about summer programming, please contact Executive Director of Schools and Programs Dr. Kelly Grigsby at kgrigsby@ssdmo.org.

Want to see your student in the next newsletter? Make sure you have a media release on file!

The SSD Board of Education strives for transparency, accountability, and accessibility. We welcome family, staff, and community members to share comments, concerns, and ideas with SSD Board of Education members. To find the Board member representing your subdistrict, visit the Board of Education page on the SSD website.