Spring 2026: Building on Success

Building on Success Page Six: BHS Senior signs to play new NCAA sport

Spring 2026/Vol. 9

Issue 3

Page Eight: Proposition I

Woody Babb, President Sarah Reece, Vice President Jeff Preisack ’83, Member Shannon Kohler, Member

Board of Education

Michelle Padgett, Member Laura Van Zale ’83, Member Stephanie McCreary, Member

District Administration

Amy Ruzicka Superintendent of Schools (314) 256-8601

VICC Transportation (314) 721-8657

Dr. Chel’Lee Whitten Assistant Superintendent (314) 256-8658 Anna Barton Director of Instructional Effectiveness (314) 256-8601 ext. 8088 Preston Sterett, ‘05 Director of Business & Finance (314) 256-8687 Zach Morris Employee Relations Specialist (314) 256-8108 Stephen Terrill Marketing and Communications Coordinator (314) 256-8115

Kelly Stahlhuth District Activities Director (314) 256-8664 Barbara Shetley District Registrar (314) 256-8100 Kari Wolford ‘03 Transportation Supervisor (314) 256-8601 Fadil Hamidovic Director of Technology (314) 256-8611 Dr. Monika Hasanbasic ELD Director (314) 256-8600 ext. 2304

Bayless Schools

Early Childhood Center (314) 256-8630

Christina Ly ’99, Principal Amra Hadzic, Administrative Assistant

Sanela Jugovic, Administrative Assistant Cantrece Novak, Administrative Assistant School Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:36 p.m.

Office Hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

School Hours: 8:05 a.m. - 3:25 p.m.

Office Hours: 7:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.

High School (314)256-8660

Elementary (314) 256-8620

Aaron Kohler, Principal Dr. Amanda Middendorf, Assistant Principal Amber Callahan, Assistant Principal Mirsada Becarevic, Administrative Assistant Kimberly Moreau, Administrative Assistant Christine Kohl, Administrative Assistant School Hours: 8:15 a.m. - 3:21 p.m.

Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Junior High (314) 256-8690

Daniel Bieser, Principal Dr. Andrew Mertens, Assistant Principal

Eric Lawrence, Principal Dr. Alyssa Stock, Assistant Principal Mike Will, Dean of Students, Athletic Director Lauren Champion ’07, Administrative Assistant Jacqueline Deveraux, Administrative Assistant Melissa Godat, Registrar School Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:36 p.m.

Office Hours: 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Alumni Association (314) 256-8660 ext. 8617

Sally Wear ’58 Alumni Association President

Magazine is distributed to alumni, parents, friends and neighbors. Its mission is to maintain ties among the district, its alumni and all of our friends and neighbors.

In this Issue: Medical Detectives discovering new paths

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Learning English at BES

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BHS senior accepts scholarship in new NCAA Sport

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A day in the life of an Itty Bitty Broncho

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Proposition I: Investing 8-9 in our future Bayless through the years

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Seniors signing to compete collegiately

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Broadway Bronchos take to the stage

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JAG Students prepare dressers for local furni- 12 ture bank The Best of Bayless

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Basketball photos

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Summer Journey, Band members perform with All-State Ensemble

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St. Louis County Healthy Living Calendar Winners

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Bayless is published multiple times a year to inform the public about what is occurring at the Bayless Schools — including student achievements, happenings in the classroom, involvement in the community and more. Please submit any questions, comments or letters to Stephen Terrill, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, 9296 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO, 63123, 314-256-8115 or at: sterrill@bayless.k12.mo.us Bayless School District does not discriminate in its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, socioeconomic status, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic protected by law. Inquiries related to District programs may be directed to Employee Relations Specialist and Title IX Coordinator Zach Morris at 314-2568108, 9296 Gravois Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. The Bayless School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

From the Board of Education President Dear Bayless Community,

Building on Success. I can’t think of a better theme for the future of Bayless. We have certainly come a long way in recent years. Besides the academic growth of our students and opportunities we’ve been able to offer them, the physical campus has improved tremendously. In the three and a half decades I have been involved in the Bayless community as a parent, teacher, coach and board member, we have added classrooms and an elWoody reads to a second grade class during evator addition between the high school and its gym, connected Read Across America Week. the two elementary buildings with a fantastic library and modern cafeteria, and almost doubled the size of the junior high.

Additionally, we have a soccer/football field, track, and baseball/softball ballpark that are among the best.

The success of a community is mirrored by the success of its school. You will not find a thriving community without a vibrant school. As our property values increase and families are attracted to our corner of South County, the Bayless team is not content to rest on our laurels. There are always areas for improvement, new challenges to overcome. In April, we will be asking our community to consider Proposition I as we look towards the future growth of Bayless and our students. The Board of Education and Bayless Administrative Team are mindful of our community’s economic situation and believe this no tax rate increase bond issue will serve both our students and patrons equally well.

One of my favorite quotes is from the soccer legend Pele: “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” I believe this is what Bayless has done in the past to get where we are now, and what we will do to continue Building on Success.

Woodrow Babb President, Bayless Board of Education

From the Superintendent Dear Bayless Community, At Bayless, we believe success is built intentionally, collectively, and with a clear vision for the future. Over the past several years, our students have reached new academic milestones, our staff has strengthened instruction and systems, and our campus has continued to evolve to better serve our community.

These accomplishments reflect thoughtful planning, responsible stewardship and the strong partnership between our schools and community. I am grateful for the leadership of our Board of Education and their commitment to guiding our district forward.

As you read President Babb’s message, you can see both pride in how far we have come and optimism for what lies ahead. Together, we remain committed to Building on Success — ensuring every Bayless student is prepared for the opportunities ahead.

In the coming weeks, our community will have the

opportunity to help shape the future of our schools through the April 7 election. I encourage every eligible voter to stay inAmy reads to a BES class. formed and make a plan to participate.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of Bayless students.

In partnership,

Amelia Ruzicka Superintendent of Schools

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Bayless Junior High

BJH student Azemina Salihovic reads during a group research presentation.

Syrus Sadler adjusts internal components on the model motor chair he constructed.

Real-world impact

Medical Detectives investigate genetics, healthcare Something Bayless students routinely have the opportunity to receive is real-world experience in careers they may be interested in.

Healthcare is one of the St. Louis metropolitan area’s largest fields, and in Logan Furey’s BJH Medical Detectives Course, they explore all sorts of medical mysteries. A recent unit zeroed in on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive genetic disease that causes muscle degeneration in young boys. Those with DMD often end up with limited mobility and use assistive devices to get around.

The Medical Detectives

Digital art of Dystrophin, made by Shuhana Mongar.

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started by learning about how the disease interacts with DNA and causes mutations and targets the chromosome that helps make Dystrophin, a key protein for muscle structure. The lack of Dystrophin causes muscles to degenerate, eventually affecting the muscles that surround the heart.

Their study continued with the documentary Darius Goes West, which focused on Darius Weems, a 15-year-old with DMD who traveled the country with friends to test wheelchair accessibility. Darius eventually passed away, but his efforts helped fund the first FDA-approved treatment for DMD. They also learned about gene therapy treatments for DMD, which are recent developments.

Like real-world detectives, the students were surprised by their findings.

After their initial survey of the disease through class time and the documentary, they began conducting real-world research. They measured how accessible Bayless Junior High was (the building passed with flying colors), sidewalks in their neighborhoods, and their own homes. They also used math formulas to calculate the slopes of ramps, which need

to be low enough to accommodate those in wheelchairs or other devices.

“I wasn’t aware of how places were made accessible by the Americans with Disabilities Act,” Azemina Salihovic said.

Another student, Syrus Sadler, constructed a model of a power chair that people with limited mobility due to conditions like DMD, diabetes, or a recent surgery might use. The model was constructed using LEGO robotics parts and has enough torque to push a chair around the classroom.

Their efforts culminated in multiple presentations about their research and work, as well as digital art projects featuring DNA and Dystrophin.

“This project was near and dear to me, as my family and I have had to work to help my father who lost a leg over the summer,” Mr. Furey said. “I’ve been building ramps, removing doors, and learning through experience all the ways in which life is harder for those with disabilities. My personal experiences have opened my eyes to so much, and I hope I have given my students an opportunity to be thoughtful.”

Issue 2020

Bayless Elementary School

Finding their voice Learning English when you grew up speaking a different language can be difficult.

But if you come to English Language Development class with BES first grader Ferid, you will leave with a smile on your face.

Ferid has less than 18 months’ worth of instruction, but he is learning the language well and has a smile on his face. He enjoys interacting with his classmates and makes good choices.

“His growth has been amazing,” ELD Teacher Rhonda Erickson said. “When you look for a student in the classroom who could be the role model, that’s him. He says hi to new students — asks them to come play, and is always doing the right thing.”

Ferid, his family and his teachers have managed to build on their collective success to help him succeed.

As is the normal entry process for students who need ELD services, his family met with the ELD teachers at the district’s newcomer welcome center and helped determine where he would best fit in the program. Since then, they have all been working hard. His classroom teacher, Cheyenne Dickemper, has seen him grow every day.

“He takes great pride in his work and embraces new challenges every day,” Dickemper said. “If you get the opportunity to work with Ferid, you will see that his joy of learning and good citizenship are truly inspiring and a positive influence everyone around him.”

Ferid, along with other students learning English, is in regular classes, but attends ELD classes multiple times a week. The classes are small in size and grouped by similar language abilities. The Lifestyle Magazine

teachers’ goal is targeted, smallgroup instruction. It creates a lower-pressure environment where students can practice their English as they grow.

“Small groups are really good for students,” Erickson said. “A lot of students will tell us, ‘I don’t speak English,’ which they tell us in English. So they do speak it, even if only a little bit.”

ELD curriculum focuses on four sections, or domains: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

Writing often comes last, as it combines the previous three into one. A common lesson uses a picture, which is a great way to build vocabulary. The students see a picture, talk about what they see, and their teachers work with them to try new words. While a giraffe may be big, there are many words in English that convey the same meaning.

“We’re constantly trying to build not only the foundational vocabulary, but the academic vocabulary,”

A lesson focused on adjectives in progress in Mrs. Erickson’s Class.

Erickson said.

The ELD team at BES, as well as in the other buildings, works hard.

They have to be organized to comply with federal regulations under Title III, which helps fund ELD classes. They communicate often with families in ways that are accessible to them, and consistently ways to support their students.

The work is extremely rewarding. This is especially true when working with students just starting out.

Ferid looks at a classmate as they discuss nouns.

It is not uncommon for students learning English to go through something called the silent period.

As they acquire the new, unfamiliar language, they don’t speak at school. This happens for a variety of reasons and can last months, but any student in Bayless ELD courses going through the silent period has a great moment coming — their first words spoken in English.

Sometimes only a whisper, these first words signal one of the most important steps in their journey.

“When they open up and say something for the first time, it’s pretty awesome,” Erickson said with a big smile. “It brings tears to my eyes.”

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Bayless High School

A Key Piece: Kelly Wilderness joins Maryville’s Stunt Team When Kelly Wilderness moved to Bayless as a freshman, she knew she wanted to join the cheerleading team. Even so, tryouts were terrifying. She still remembers getting the email saying she was accepted.

“That was the most excited I ever was,” Wilderness said.

“I was so nervous trying out for a varsity team. When I got the email I just remember jumping around screaming to my mom, it was hilarious. I’ll never forget it.”

Fast forward to now, she just received a scholarship to join Maryville University’s Stunt team as a base.

Stunt is a new NCAA sport that takes cheerleading’s most technical elements (stunts, pyramids and jumps) and transforms them into a head-to-head athletic competition. Unlike cheerleading, there is no crowd engagement — no cheering, no dancing — just athletic execution judged against another opponent. The first NCAA championships in Stunt will be in 2027.

To get to that point, she has been hard at work over the last four years, building on the success of the team and the opportunities provided to her. She has put in countless hours. Because of limited gym space, practices could be from 4-7 p.m., 6-9 p.m., or early in the morning. Combined with Friday night football games and basketball games, the cheer season runs 4-5 days a week from June through March.

Wilderness runs out onto the basketball court during an elementary cheer clinic performance.

Wilderness credits co-captain Sejla Topalovic as one of the many people who helped prepare her for the scholarship. “(Sejla) and I have the same birthday, actually,” Wilderness said. “Having her on the team was like having a built-in best friend. We’ve always worked well together. She’s excited and bubbly, and whenever I’m with her she brings out my calmer side, so we have a balance with each other. I couldn’t have led the team with anybody else.”

Originally, Wilderness did not plan to attend college for cheerleading. A connection made a few years ago ended up being the key to it all. In 2023, Saints coach Kara Karwiecki and four players did a one-day clinic to strengthen Bayless’ stunting skills. This January, Krawiecki needed a base, and gave Bayless Coach Jorden McKinney a call to see if anyone was available. Wilderness was a natural fit.

After putting together a highlight tape, applying for a scholarship and attending a Maryville practice, Kelly earned a scholarship and a spot on the team at Maryville. She is leaning towards a biology major, with hopes of going into physical therapy after she graduates.

“Learning that I still had the opportunity to continue cheerleading when that’s really what I wanted to do, I was beyond excited,” Wilderness said. “I did kind of psych myself out at first and (McKinney) had to talk me into it. It was hard, but I knew it was the right choice.”

Her coaches, McKinney and Erica Karsznia, know she has the skills to make it.

“As a captain, Kelly has been a pillar of the cheer program,” McKinney said. “She has set a high standard for motivation and unity, leading with heart. Her commitment elevated the entire program, and signing to the collegiate stunt team at Maryville University is a testament to the work ethic and leadership she brought to the team every single day.”

She still has a few months to savor her time in a community that welcomed her as a freshman.

“I love Bayless,” Wilderness said. “I’ve only been here for four years, and I couldn’t imagine myself going to any other school. I’ve built so many bonds with not just the staff, but the students, even the cafeteria workers — everybody. Bayless — they really mean it when they say we are together.”

Wilderness leads a cheer during a fall football game.

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Issue 2020

Bayless Early Childhood Center

Your day as an Itty Bitty Broncho What if you were suddenly a student at Bayless Early Childhood Center? What would your day look like as you build on your own success?

Arrival

After waking up and getting ready, you are dropped off near the ECC playground. It’s not time for outdoor play just yet — you have a few things to do beforehand.

Once you get to either the Blue, Orange, Green or Purple room, you do a couple of arrival routines, then receive your “jobs” for the day. There are at least twenty different jobs for an Itty Bitty Broncho to do. It could be soap squirter, sprinkler (plant waterer), table washer, calendar helper, line leader, door holder, book monitor, song selector, electrician (lightswitch operator) or something else that helps the classroom function.

Sometimes the ECC has visitors. This is Director of Buildings and Grounds Jeff McManus giving a carpentry presentation. but you are building fine motor skills, the ability to regulate your emotions and solve problems with your friends as you go.

The last part of your morning is Small Groups, which means you go with one of your teachers and around six of your classmates to work on a topic like counting, letter identification or problem solving.

Midday

Orange Room student Carleia Sproaps helps with a Wish You Well activity, which is used to wish any student or teacher who is out for the day well.

Morning

Now that you are settled in, you do a Brain Smart Start. These routines help improve attention and emotional regulation, and prepare your brain for learning. You sing a song, do a breathing exercise to calm down, do an I Love You ritual with a classmate, and commit to following school expectations.

It is now time for Large Group. With the rest of your classmates, you learn the topic of the day.

This might be phonics, math, science and reading, all tied into the theme of the unit your class has chosen.

You then break out into Learning Centers, which is play-based exploration. You may not realize it, Lifestyle Magazine

At 10:45, you have reached the best part of the day — outdoor play. You get to run around, play make believe and just enjoy time outside. If you ride a bike, you will use one of the bike helmets provided by a Bayless Academic Foundation grant.

After outdoor play, you eat lunch family style in the classroom. You’re probably a little tired after all of the learning, playing and eating you have done, so the next hour and a half of your day is rest time.

Afternoon

Awakened from your nap, you get to do more Learning Centers. This is also snack time!

As the day nears a close, you do another large group time, which is often focused on phonics and literacy, something you will use quite often as you get older.

The clock now shows 2:45, and you have to help your classmates pack up the classroom. Once that is done, you get another short outdoor play period.

All of a sudden, it is 3:15, and you are picked back up to go home, enjoy your evening and come back tomorrow morning for another day!

Your teachers are excited to see you tomorrow.

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BAYLESS

PROPOSITION I

INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE Proposition I is on the April 7 ballot. Prop I is focused on infrastructure, innovation, improvement and a continued committment to investing in making our schools and community stronger.

Protecting Safety and School Infrastructure

For over a decade, Bayless has revitalized its schools and campus with the help of our community. Important projects like the recent Junior High addition, Elementary addition, Bayless Field, Bayless Ballpark and a variety of safety improvements across campus have all shaped today’s Bayless. Those efforts helped address overcrowding and modernize several areas of the district. Today, Bayless is preparing for the next phase of that long-term plan.

CASE STUDY: ELEMENTARY HVAC

One area of focus is health, safety and security.

Some projects involve repairing roofs, plumbing systems, and other building components that protect the integrity of school facilities. Others

On April 7, 2026, voters will be asked to consider Proposition I, a $23 million bond issue designed to support infrastructure repairs, system upgrades and facility improvements across the district.

The proposal was recommended after study and discussion by the Bayless Community Facilities Advisory Committee and district administration, and was placed on the ballot by the Bayless Board of Education.

Proposition I focuses on protecting and maintaining the schools the community has helped build and improve over the years. Rather than increasing the district’s tax rate, the proposal is structured as a “no-tax-rate-increase bond issue.” This means Bayless plans to issue bonds within the district’s existing debt service tax rate.

Our careful planning has made it possible to address important needs while maintaining the current tax rate. Because the proposal involves issuing bonds, Missouri law requires Bayless to obtain voter approval before debt can be issued.

If approved, Proposition I would fund improvements in several key areas that directly affect students, staff, and the community.

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Above is an illustrated view of HVAC needs at Bayless Elementary School. This project will result in significant and lasting operating, maintenance and energy cost savings. HVAC upgrades are projected to account for almost half of the Proposition I budget.

Issue 2020

Proposition I

A 2018 concept rendering for the proposed Student and Community Activity and Learning Center next to Bayless Field.

would enhance campus safety and accessibility, helping ensure that school buildings remain secure and welcoming for students, staff and visitors.

These projects are not new programs. Instead, they focus on maintaining essential systems that allow schools to operate safely and reliably every day.

Modernizing Building Systems Another major focus is replacing aging mechanical systems. Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems are among the most important and expensive infrastructure components in any building. Several Bayless facilities, particularly at the elementary level, rely on systems that are reaching the end of their service life and need replacing.

As equipment ages, it becomes harder to find replacement parts and more costly to maintain.

Older systems can also limit comfort and energy efficiency. Proposition I would allow the district to replace these systems with modern equipment that improves indoor air quality, reduces energy use and allows better control of classroom temperatures.

Upgrading electrical and lighting systems is also part of this effort. These improvements help reduce long-term operating costs while creating comfortable and reliable learning environments.

Updating Classrooms and Learning Spaces Across the district, many classrooms were last updated over 20 years ago. Floors, ceilings, lighting, storage areas and classroom furnishings have served students well, but many are beginning to show their age.

Proposition I would allow Bayless to renovate these learning spaces in a thoughtful and consistent way rather than relying on piecemeal repairs.

Improvements would focus on functionality, comfort, and flexibility. These changes will directly improve the learning experience for our students.

Lifestyle Magazine

Modern furniture and storage solutions can make classrooms easier to use and maintain.

The goal is not cosmetic change alone. The goal is to ensure classrooms continue to support effective instruction for many years.

Supporting Student and Community Programs Proposition I includes plans for a new Student and Community Activity and Learning Center next to Bayless Field, built into the hillside behind the High School and Junior High. The facility is designed as a flexible, multi-use space that can support academics, athletics, the arts, wellness programs, and community events, while also creating a practical connection between the secondary campus and Bayless Field.

Over the years, Bayless has expanded extracurricular opportunities because student engagement matters. Participation in activities helps students build connections to school and develop important life skills. Today, however, gym space and open areas are in constant demand.

Teams often compete for the same practice floors, and programs like dance and cheer sometimes practice in cafeterias or hallways. The proposed center would provide dedicated space to better support these programs and the students who participate in them.

A Continuation of Long-Term Planning With the support of our community, Bayless has spent years building a track record of responsible facility management and smart use of resources.

Proposition I is designed to protect that progress and position the district for continued success.

The April 7, 2026, ballot gives residents the opportunity to decide whether this next step in the district’s future moves forward. For more information about Proposition I, please visit www. buildbayless.com.

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Bayless through the years

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2015

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2021

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2025

The Bayless Campus has improved and changed often over the decades. These satellite images from Google Earth show the progress and success of our community.

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1985

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Issue 2020

BHS Athletics

On To College

Along with Kelly Wilderness, several Bayless High School Seniors have signed to continue their studies and playing careers at the collegiate level.

Craig and his parents at his signing day in December.

Imad Mustafic will be attending University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis and playing soccer.

“Imad is a technically gifted player who led the team in scoring this season with 16 goals and 16 assists and was a significant contributor on varsity all four years including two years on the SCAA All-Conference Team,” Soccer Coach Dave Pozzo said. “He was part of an exceptional senior class who lead Bayless to its first district championship in seven years.”

Andrew and his family at his signing day in February.

Lifestyle Magazine

Henry Craig will be playing baseball for the St. Louis Community College Archers.

“Henry Craig is a strong example of a student-athlete,” Baseball Coach Elliott Sterett said. “In the classroom, Henry has excelled and maintained a high GPA. He’s been recognized as an Academic All-State Athlete twice.

On the playing field, Henry has been committed to developing his skills, which has resulted in him being selected as an all-conference and all-district team member multiple times.”

Imad and his family at his signing day in January.

Andrew Bolden will be attending Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri, and playing football. A two-way player, he was the quarterback and signal caller for the Bronchos’ offense.

“Andrew Bolden is a team player who was willing to play any position that would help us be more competitive,” Coach Jerry Woods said.

“He took over as the starting quarterback spot knowing that it is the most demanding position on the offense. His leadership definitely helped us compete on offense.”

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Good News

Broadway Bronchos take to the stage

Little Red Riding Hood makes the trek to her grandmother’s house.

Dorthoy and her friends discuss what to say to the Wizard of Oz.

Prepare yourself for a new batch of students to be on the stage at Bayless Theatre Company performances in the next few years.

The Broadway Bronchos, a new drama club at Bayless Elementary, recently wrapped its inaugural season. This club memorized lines, built sets, and performed Little Red Riding Hood and The Wizard of Oz in March to an audience of parents, teachers and classmates.

Guided by Fifth Grade Teachers Claudia Peth and Faith Engel, twenty-five students signed up for this club, and it was a Broadway hit.

“We are so proud of all our students who participated in the first year of Broadway Bronchos,” Peth said. “From choosing the shows to writing the scripts, designing sets, making props, and acting their hearts out, students created everything for their performances while learning all about what it takes to put on a stage production. Their collaborative efforts and dedication to this group are what made the performances so amazing. We hope they are as proud of themselves as we are!”

JAG students giving back Students in the Jobs for America’s Graduates classes at BHS, which was featured in the fall edition of , recently painted and assembled chilLeland Cater works on a drawer. dren’s dressers in support of Home Sweet Home. Home Sweet Home operates a furniture bank dedicated to helping families turn houses into homes by providing essential furniture and household items at no cost. Children’s furniture is one of the most frequently requested items, making projects like this especially impactful. Through their work, students not only gained practical experience in teamwork and craftsmanship but also had the opportunity to give back to their community in a tangible way.

Ryien Johnson paints a pink dresser.

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Sharaud Grayer paints a dresser.

Issue 2020

The Best of Bayless

Between excellent students, outstanding staff and stellar teachers, Bayless has many people to celebrate.

Watch for The Best of Bayless on district and building social media accounts throughout the end of the year!

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Shining Brightly: Students and Staff A Great Basketball Season

Basketball season brought many smiles during the winter months. Thank you to everyone who came to The Barn!

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Issue 2020

Summer Journey and Good News

What is Summer Journey?

Students work in a cooking class during a past Summer Journey.

Sign up for Summer Journey by May 1 in Infinite Campus/ Parent Portal!

Summer Journey is a free summer program at Bayless Elementary and Junior High that offers a time for learning and fun. While the academic courses will be relaxed in format — no homework or tests for grades — Summer Journey will also offer courses for hands-on exploration and discovery. Lessons may include a rocket class, where students learn the basic principles of flight as they construct and fly real rockets, or a cooking course, where they learn basic cooking techniques.

New This Year: Through a partnership with Right At School, before and after care will be available for a fee.

Summer Journey runs from May 29 to June 30 this year.

The deadline to sign up is May 1!

Band members achieve highest state honor The band students at Bayless High School continue to build on their past success and reach new heights. In February, Bayless High School Juniors Dylan Vo and Nolan Carstens performed in the Missouri All-State Band — the highest honor an instrumentalist can achieve while still in high school.

To successfully audition for the band, they memorized 25 musical scales and prepared college-level etudes.

They were two of the 105 instrumentalists chosen out of the 1,440 students across Missouri who auditioned.

“Jeff (Martini) and I are incredibly proud of all the work Dylan and Nolan put into achieving one of the top honors available to high school band students in Missouri,” Band Director Stephen Elford said.

Leading up to the Missouri Music Educators Association annual conference, Dylan and Nolan rehearsed for over 15 hours before performing with other top instrumentalists in the state in a concert. The concert also featured the premiere of a piece of music never performed before.

These two are the second and third students in recent memory who were chaired members of the Missouri AllState Band. Jett Bono (Class of 2023) was the first. Senior Lauren Krahling was also an All-State Honorable Mention Band member this year.

Lifestyle Magazine

Nolan and Dylan pose with their instruments at the MMEA Conference.

Dylan and Nolan, along with Band Directors Jeff Martini and Stephen Elford, at the MMEA Conference.

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9296 Gravois Road Saint Louis, Missouri 63123 p. 314.256.8600 - f. 314.544.6315 Website:

baylessk12.org

Read the magazine digitally at: issuu.com/baylessschools

Where’s Joe Broncho?

Joe was hiding on one page in the last issue of

. In that issue, Joe was on page 13 in an aerial photo of

Bayless Junior High. Can you find Joe the ONE time he appears in this issue?

Three students from Bayless were winners in the St. Louis County Health Department’s annual Healthy Living Calendar art contest. Sophomore Mahsa Jalili’s drawing is on the cover, freshman Curnice Carter’s piece is in May and Junior High student Sarah Hodzic’s work represents July. This contest is open to all of the districts in St. Louis County, and Bayless students earned three of the 13 spots.

Sarah holds her artwork while standing next to Art Teacher Jen Cerame.

Curnice and Mahsa hold enlarged versions of their artwork with Art Teacher Patti Mudd.

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Issue 2020