The winter season is a time for Gratitude! Many Southview classrooms decorated their bulletin boards with Gratitude themes and things they are grateful for this year.

Sunnyhill is a not-for-profit organization that provides residential support, recreation and educational opportunities for children and adults with developmental and other disabilities throughout the Greater St. Louis Area and surrounding counties.

Programs include:

Residential Support & Properties

Education

Training

Camps & On The Road Adventures

Sunnyhill also provides Family Resource Navigation Services, which help families find funding, community resources, and additional services for those with disabilities.

Check out more information at: https://www.sunnyhillinc.org/ or click on the Sunnyhill logo in the corner.

During the school year, the Special Olympics Missouri & Special School District offers a variety of athletic competitions. SSD Special Olympics is open to any student enrolled who receives services from Special School District. This semester Southview students competed in fishing, bowling, and a bags tournament.

If your student is between the ages of 16-20 they may be eligible for the Summer Work Experience Program, or SWEP. Through the program, students hold a summer job in their community and receive job-coaching support. They are paid an hourly wage for their work. SWEP is funded by the Productive Living Board of St. Louis County, and is open to county residents with a qualifying disability. It is conducted through a collaboration of six area agencies -MERS/Goodwill is the Lead Agency. Applications received on or by February 6th will be given first priority. To access the application please visit SWEP Application - PDF or contact face@ssdmo.org or speak with your case manager.

Click the FAQ icon for Family Frequently Asked Questions about SWEP

Last month Southview's students and staff participated in Purple Fridays to support awareness for Epilepsy in our community. Mrs. Canady & Mrs. Krusemark's high school students researched the disorder and found that Epilepsy affects more than 60,000 people in Missouri. Many of those with Epilepsy are school aged.

December 12th-16th, 2022

Monday: Grinch Day - Wear Green

Tuesday: T’was the Night before Winter Break -Wear Your PJs

Wednesday: Candy Cane Day -Wear Red & White

Thursday: Let it Snow - Wear Your Holiday or Favorite Sweater

Friday: Mele Kalikimaka Day - Wear Tropical Holiday Attire

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

Did you know that research tells us that students who are more self-determined are healthier, more independent, and are better able to recognize and resist abuse.

Supported Decision-Making is a method of developing decision-making skills by relying on a team of trusted individuals (“Supporters”) to assist the person in collecting information, processing information, and coming to an informed decision. Supported Decision-Making can be an alternative to guardianship in that it provides a trusted and formalized environment for people who are seeking assistance with decision-making while still promoting self-determination.

Watch this short video to learn more!

Supported Decision Making- Disability Rights Texas

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.