Weekly Newsletter October 7-11, 2024

This week, we had a super exciting time with our theme of Superheroes! Our movement breaks included fun Superhero Yoga poses, where the children practiced strength and balance. During reading, we enjoyed Impulsive Ninja, Listening Ninja, and the playful Go Away, Big Green Monster. In Religion, we explored the story of Joshua and made a craft to go along with it, strengthening our fine motor skills. On Thursday, the kids got creative and made their monsters for our art project, and we celebrated Ethan’s birthday. It’s been a heroic week of learning and fun!

This week looked slightly different than usual because we went on a few field trips. Students enjoyed their trip to UMSL, where they asked excellent questions and visited the campus. On the Principia field trip, they challenged themselves on the ropes course; students worked well on teamwork and going outside their comfort zones. Students did a great job adapting to changes at school this week, with things like class changes and new students. They have also been very welcoming to new students and have made an effort to make them feel welcome at school.

Please remember to have students turn in their cell projects for Biology if needed. They are due this Wednesday.

We want to shout out to two great students this week. First, Michael Reinlein did a great job supporting and encouraging other students on the ropes course! He offered positive words and kindness to his peers and has been a good class leader. Next is Kathryn Anzilotti! Kathryn is always kind to other students and has been doing a great job pushing herself outside her comfort zone.

It was an excellent week for Groups 3 and 4. The students have been actively participating in collaborative activities, supporting each other, and stepping out of their comfort zones. Some highlights of the week included the rope course challenge field trip and discussing and viewing current events. We continued to read Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and in Math, we continued our lessons in IXL.

Also, we’d like to wish Kenny a Happy Birthday!

Field Trip to UMSL

Field Trip to Principia Ropes Course

FAMILY AUCTION CONTRIBUTIONS

OCTOBER-

Goal: Obtain three bottles of liquor & sign up for a committee (Please only purchase liquor on the Sign-Up Genius)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0548A8AF29A4FA7-51728638-2025

NOVEMBER-

Goal: Obtain $250 in Gift Cards (Preferably in $25-$50 increments)

DECEMBER-

Goal: Sell 25 Raffle Tickets ($10/Ticket) Prize $1000

Auction Website to Purchase Raffle Tickets

JANUARY-

Goal: Obtain 3 Ads/Sponsorships (See Donation Form)

FEBRUARY–

Goal:

Obtain items for 5 Silent Auction Baskets

($150 min/basket) AND 1 Extraordinary Item (>$250)

The link to Amazon Wish List will be available soon

MARCH–

Goal: Sell (2) $100 “Best of Live” Raffle Tickets

Auction Website to Purchase Raffle Tickets

APRIL-

Goal: Obtain a table of ten for the auction. All parents are asked to come and help set up the day before the auction and assist with tearing down the night of the auction.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kelly Winter at 636-368-6274/Kwinter @acadstl.org

Starkloff Disability Institute Dream Big Parent Roundtable:

Join us on October 23 via Zoom from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Parents of transition-age students (12-21), join us for an informative session on exploring

Postsecondary education options! We understand that deciding your student’s next educational step can feel overwhelming. In this session, we’ll provide valuable insights into the diverse range of postsecondary education opportunities available, helping you navigate this important decision-making process:

• The College Internship Program (CIP)
• The Office of Inclusive Post-Secondary Education (OIPE)
• Beckwith Residential Community (U of I )
• More

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0sdOqrrjotGNJ50A-yJg4IZuhI8JZR3shn#/registration

Upcoming Webinar Alternatives to Guardianship

October 24, 2024 10:00 a.m.

The webinar will explore alternative options to Guardianship.

Presenters:

• Matt Waggoner, Resource and Referral Statewide Director
• Stacy Bahn, Resource and Referral Coordinator

Target Audience:

• Support Coordinators
• TCM Agencies
• Other interested individuals

Registration

Link:https://stateofmo.webex.com/webappng/sites/stateofmo/meeting/register/165863aceca64f32b0f365008b44bf89?ticket=4832534b000000074730d3dad3cf89fad889bb3df960c1a73aede95a4baff247f7b7cb323c9cea0a×tamp=1728484672969&RGID=r8a19fb39902cf1d766cf758f17f7ea18

Families at Ease Conference (STL)

Thursday, November 7, 2024, at Westport Plaza’s Sheraton Westport Chalet with morning and afternoon sessions. Families and caretakers of special needs dependents will enjoy sessions presented by experts in the field, learn about existing resources and tools, and have the chance to connect with area organizations and like-minded families.

Topics include Public benefits eligibility, Employment training, Housing, Special needs trusts, and Transition to adulthood.

Our morning session is 9:15 am – 12:15 pm.

Our afternoon session is 1:45 pm – 4:45 pm.

Both sessions may enjoy a complimentary lunch

and vendor fair from 12:15 pm to 1:45 pm.

Vendors on-site include St. Louis Arc, Miriam School & Learning Center, Easterseals, Academy of St. Louis, Sandberg Phoenix, and more. The afternoon session is a repeat of the morning session. Register Here

https://www.familiesatease.org/events/2024-annual-conference