Stronger Than Ever
Classes begin Aug. 23.
A new school year ... a new beginning. Welcome back.
Pattonville School District 11097 St. Charles Rock Road St. Ann, MO 63074-1509
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1 St. Ann, MO
ECRWSS
WELCOME TO THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR! Board of Education
Dr. Brian Gray, President Mary Kay Campbell, Vice President Mindy Ridings, Secretary Ruth Petrov, Treasurer Andrea Glenn, Director Jeanne Schottmueller, Director Brandon Wilkes, Director Dr. Tim Pecoraro, Superintendent
Our Mission
That ALL will learn.
An award-winning district
Pattonville is an award-winning public school district in St. Louis County, Missouri. The district is fully accredited by the state and is recognized for academic success on the regional, state and national level.
For more information
Visit Pattonville’s website at www.psdr3.org.
This newsletter is published each summer for residents of the
Pattonville School District. The publication is produced by the Pattonville Office of School-Community Relations, 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074, (314) 213-8025, mschoonover@psdr3.org.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS
Pattonville: Stronger than ever I
t’s hard to believe the 2021-2022 school year is upon us. Although our experience operating schools during a pandemic was stressful and at times uncertain, I truly believe that we are stronger as a community and school district because of it. The beginning of a new school year is wonderful. Everyone gets a fresh start on making lifelong memories. Although last year caused us to delay some of our work related to our strategic plan, we’re still as committed as ever in supporting our students in reaching their maximum potential. We’re continuing our work related to personalized learning. Our goal around personalized learning is simple: how do we best meet the unique learning needs of our students? Our definition is grounded in the belief that we have one rigorous Pattonville standard, but recognize that not all students will Dr. Tim Pecoraro reach that standard at the same time. Just like in life, all of our students don’t need the same experiSuperintendent ences at the same time. This approach allows us to use more customization when we design learning Follow on Twitter: paths for our students. @PattonvilleSupt Every five years or so, we go through a facilities master planning process. We started this process last spring and have continued through the summer. This is a time where we examine our school buildings to identify needs related to physical improvements and analyze our current learning spaces to ensure they are meeting student needs for today and in the future. I look forward to sharing updates about this work as we go through the school year. Although we still have some unknowns about what the 2021-2022 school year will look like, after last year, we know we can succeed under any circumstances. There is a simple quote by Plato that I think about each time a new school year begins, “the beginning is the most important part of the work.” I look forward to sharing another “beginning” with our Pattonville community in the weeks ahead.
ENROLLING YOUR CHILD enrolled in the Pattonville School District during the 2021-2022 school year.
Who does this apply to?
New student enrollment includes students moving into the district for the first time or moving back to the district after a period of time; incoming kindergarten students not registered last spring (including those previously enrolled in Pattonville’s preschool programs); and students transferring from private, parochial or homeschool for the first time.
How do I register?
New student registration is by appointment only. Parents/guardians of students in kindergarten through 12th grade must first complete their child(ren)’s online registration at bit.ly/RegisterNowforPattonville. Once this step is completed and parents/guardians have also uploaded the required enrollment documents to the online portal, a student services representative will review the documents and contact the family to complete the enrollment process. Students entering preschool can find enrollment information online at ec.psdr3.org or by contacting Michelle Doering at (314) 213-8105.
What documents are required to enroll my child?
RETURNING STUDENTS
Parents/guardians of students who attended a school in Pattonville last year and still currently live in the district or are newly enrolled prior to July 1 will re-enroll online by logging into their Parent Portal account with the username and password they have created. Families were sent an email on July 2 notifying them that online registration is open. The email provides step-by-step instructions for completing the registration process. Families must complete this process in order for their child to receive a middle or high school schedule or be added to a class list at the elementary level. Parents/guardians needing to complete an affidavit of residency or custodial waiver will need to do so before re-registering their child. Parents/guardians are encouraged to take a few moments to complete their child’s online registration to ensure their child is ready for the first day of school. The deadline to complete online registration is Aug. 9 for middle and high schools and Aug. 13 for elementary schools and Remington Traditional School.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Go online to www.psdr3.org/enrollment or contact the student services department at (314) 213-8004 or enrollmenthelp@psdr3.org.
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
Aug. 18 - Back-to-School Open House, 5 to 6 p.m.
Bridgeway Elementary School
Aug. 6 - Jump-Start to Kindergarten, 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 - Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6 p.m. Sept. 10 - Back-to-School Jam, 6 to 8 p.m.
Drummond Elementary School
To be announced
Parkwood Elementary School
Aug. 10 - Jump-Start to Kindergarten, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 - Meet the Teacher/supply drop off, 5 to 6 p.m. Sept. 10 - PTA Back-to-School Bash
Rose Acres Elementary School
Aug. 18 - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6 p.m. (attend from 5 to 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 to 6 p.m. for teacher presentation) Aug. 19 - Meet the Teacher (grades 1 through 5), 5 to 6 p.m. (attend from 5 to 5:30 p.m. or 5:30 to 6 p.m. for teacher presentation)
Willow Brook Elementary School
NEW STUDENTS If you are new to Pattonville ... Welcome! The following are directions for students who were not
Madeleine Rose, Class of 2033, poses for a photo during kindergarten registration in 2020.
PLEASE NOTE: Back-to school events are subject to change based on most recent COVID-19 pandemic guidance from the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.
Anyone enrolling a new student must provide documents that prove they reside in Pattonville, as well as other documentation required by law. Information needed to enroll is shown below. Detailed checklists for homeowners, renters and families residing with a district resident can be found online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment. • Photo ID of parent/legal guardian - A driver’s license or any other state ID is acceptable as well as a passport. The biological, foster or adoptive parent may enroll the student. Guardians must have the proper guardianship forms signed and a copy of court authorization. Custody documentation is required in the case of divorce or emergency placement. NOTE: Power of attorney and hand-written letters are not acceptable as guardianship documents. • The child’s birth certificate - Kindergartners must be 5 years old on or before July 31. Firstgraders must be 6 years old on or before July 31. • Immunization records are required by state law - Children cannot enroll after the first day of school without immunization records. Requirements can be found online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment. • Proof that you live in the Pattonville School District - If you own or rent your home, please provide the following: 1. One of the following: 2020 paid real estate tax bill; a signed lease agreement or rental agreement that has been signed by all parties and includes the landlord’s contact information and lease start and end dates; current mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days; or property deed. 2. Two of the following utility bills dated within the last 30 days: gas, electric, water/trash/sewer or internet/cable. The bill must show the parent/legal guardian’s name enrolling the student and the service address. If you live with someone else in Pattonville, you must complete an affidavit of residency. For more details and a checklist, go online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment.
What else do I need to know?
Parents will be asked to set up a Parent Portal account at the end of their registration appointment. The login information will be provided during the appointment. This account will give parents access to their student’s grades and schedule. This account will also be used the following school year for online registration.
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Aug. 4 - Kindergarten Parent Night, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 6 - Kindergarten Jump-Start, 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 - Meet the Teacher, 5 to 5:45 p.m. Aug. 19 - PTO Family Picnic, 5:45 to 8 p.m. Sept. 2 - Curriculum Night, 6 to 8 p.m.
Remington Traditional School
Aug. 12 - Device pickup for grades 6 through 8, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 - K-5 supply drop off, 5 to 6 p.m.
Holman Middle School
Aug. 10 - iPad pickup for 7th and 8th grades, 3 to 7 p.m. Aug. 11 - 6th Grade Jump-Start, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 11 - iPad pickup for 6th grade, 12:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 11 - iPad pickup for all grades, 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 2 - Open House, 6 p.m.
Pattonville Heights Middle School
Aug. 9 - 6th Grade Transition Day, 2 to 4 p.m. (6th graders pick up iPads during this time) - Heights open from 4 to 6 p.m. if parents want to tour the building with their 6th graders. Aug. 10 - 8th grade schedule and iPad pickup, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 11 - 7th grade schedule and iPad pickup, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 - Open House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Pattonville High School
Aug. 9 - First day of fall sports practices Aug. 9 - Senior and junior registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 - Sophomore registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 11 - Freshman registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 - Late registration, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 - New students to the district laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 18 - Freshman and new student transition event, 7:23 to 11:45 a.m. Sept. 2 - POSITIVE School Meet and Greet, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Sept. 2 - High school Open House, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
School Notes
When it snows...
In-person classes may be canceled due to inclement weather or other emergencies. Pattonville may hold a virtual learning day on inclement weather days. In this case, students will experience a combination of independent work with virtual support via Zoom from their classroom teachers. Students should log into Canvas or Seesaw to view instructions from their teachers and to find out when their teachers are available for support. Any decision to close schools due to weather will be announced using Pattonville’s automated messaging system (email, texts and/or phone calls). Announcements will also be made on local television stations, the district website and Pattonville’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts. When possible, announcements regarding inclement weather days will be made before 10 p.m. the day before or at approximately 5:30 a.m. the day inclement weather is expected. Pattonville may use a delayed start on inclement weather days. Under a delayed start, all Pattonville schools start two hours later than normal (i.e., elementary schools start at 10:55 a.m. instead of 8:55 a.m.) and would end at the normal dismissal time. NOTE: If you are a parent/guardian and did not receive a phone call on a day when school is closed due to weather, please contact your child’s school office to ensure the district has the correct contact information on file for your family.
Other emergencies
Pattonville will use a number of ways to provide important information to Pattonville families about other emergencies or major school events. Depending on the situation, Pattonville may use email, an automated telephone calling system, text messages, district website, U.S. mail, social media or the local media to keep families informed of important information. For this reason, it’s important that all parents provide their school office with their most current phone numbers (home, work and/or cell phone). In addition, if parents wish to be notified via email of important information or updates, they should provide their email addresses to the school when enrolling (or re-enrolling). Pattonville will use the contact information it has on file in its student information system when communicating with parents.
Transportation
Pattonville provides free bus service for all elementary students. Bus service is also provided for middle and high school students living more than a mile from school or on streets designated hazardous for walking by the board of education. For more information, call the transportation department at (314) 213-8125.
Services for community
Community Education: Pattonville offers
daytime and evening classes and tours for adults and children in the community. Brochures with class offerings, times and fees are available online at www.psdr3. org or at the Pattonville Learning Center. Call the community education office at (314) 213-8094 for more information.
Library Access: The Pattonville High School
library is open to all Pattonville residents. Drop by any time between 2:20 and 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays during the school year when school is in session. Follow the signs to the entrance on the rear west side of the school. For more information, call the library at (314) 213-8129. 55+ Club: The 55+ Club enables Pattonville’s senior residents to enjoy free access to school-sponsored events, including athletic events, plays and musicals. Pattonville hosts two dinner theaters for members to enjoy a meal and the high school play or musical. Members are kept up-to-date with a free newsletter subscription. For more information, contact Kelly Gordon at (314) 213-8025 or kgordon@psdr3.org.
School hours
Pattonville Early Childhood Center • Full Day: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. • Half Day: 8:15 to 11:15 a.m. • Half Day: 12:15 to 3:15 p.m. Elementary schools • 8:55 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. Remington Traditional School • 8:05 a.m. to 2:55 p.m. Middle schools • 8:10 a.m. to 3:03 p.m. Pattonville High School • 7:23 a.m. to 2:18 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue to reimburse schools for free meals for all students regardless of family income during the 2021-2022 school year. Meal prices are: Lunch Student Free Adult $3.95 Breakfast Student Free Adult $2.63 Pattonville encourages all families to fill out the free/reduced lunch forms, as there may be additional benefits for families. In addition, some funding and programs available to school districts are based on the percentage of families who fill out the free/reduced lunch applications. Applications are available in all school offices and on the district website. Completed applications can be emailed to the food service department at psdcafe@psdr3.org or dropped off at the Pattonville Learning Center, care of food services. For more information, call your school or the food service office at (314) 213-8054.
Legal notices
Pattonville’s public notices comply with requirements from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the U.S. Department of Education and are aligned with the policies of the Pattonville Board of Education. View these documents on the district website at www. psdr3.org. Click on the “Legal Notices” link on the left side of the page to view: Annual Notification Regarding Student Records (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA); Parents Right To Know; Notice of Non-Discrimination; Special Education Services; Rights of Homeless Students; Programs for the Disadvantaged; Asbestos Notice; Procedure for Public Complaints/ Section 504 Grievance Procedure; Immunization Requirements; and Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program.
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SCHOOL CALENDAR 2021-2022 JULY
30 - New support staff orientation
AUGUST
9-11 - New teacher orientation 12-13 - Staff orientation/development days 16-20 - Staff orientation/development days 23 - First day of school
SEPTEMBER
6 - No school for Labor Day holiday
OCTOBER
1-2 - Pattonville homecoming 6 - Middle school parent-teacher conferences; school dismisses at 11:15 a.m. 6 - High school parent-teacher conferences 7 - Middle school parent-teacher conferences; school dismisses at 11:15 a.m. 7 - High school parent-teacher conferences; early dismissal “C” day at 1:19 p.m. 8 - No school for middle and high schools following parent-teacher conferences 22 - No school for early childhood for report day 22 - Remington dismisses at 11:15 a.m., elementary schools at noon for report day 27 - Early childhood, elementary and Remington parent-teacher conferences, 4 to 7:30 p.m. 28 - Early childhood, elementary and Remington parent-teacher conferences; early childhood and Remington dismiss at 11:15 a.m., elementary schools at noon 29 - No school for early childhood, elementary and Remington following conferences
NOVEMBER
24 - No school 25-26 - No school for Thanksgiving holiday
MARCH
11 - Remington dismisses at 11:15 a.m., elementary schools at noon for report day 16 - Early childhood, elementary and Remington parent-teacher conferences, 4 to 7:30 p.m. 16 - Middle school parent-teacher conferences; school dismisses at 11:15 a.m. 16 - High school parent-teacher conferences 17 - Early childhood, elementary and Remington parent-teacher conferences; early childhood and Remington dismiss at 11:15 a.m., elementary schools at noon 17- Middle school parent-teacher conferences; school dismisses at 11:15 a.m. 17 - High school parent-teacher conferences; early dismissal “C” day at 1:19 p.m 18 - No school following conferences (all grade levels) 21-25 - No school for spring break
APRIL
14 - No school for staff development day 15 - No school for spring holiday
MAY
2 - District Appreciation Night 20 - High school final exams; school dismisses early at 10:30 a.m. 23-24 - High school final exams; school dismisses early at 10:30 a.m. 24 - Last day for students (unless snow make-up days need to be added to end of school year); high school dismisses at 10:30 a.m. and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. 25 - No school for report day for staff 25-27 - Possible make-up days 26 - Graduation, 7 p.m., Family Arena 30 - No school for Memorial Day holiday 31 - Possible make-up day
JUNE
DECEMBER
20 - High school final exams 21-22 - High school final exams; school dismisses at 10:30 a.m. 23-31 - No school for winter break
JANUARY
1-2 - No school for winter break 3 - No school for staff collaboration/report day 4 - School resumes 14 - No school for staff development day 17 - No school for Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday
FEBRUARY
21 - No school for Presidents Day holiday 25 - No school for early childhood for report day
1-2 - Possible make-up days
End of the Year/Summer School Note
May 25 through 27, May 31 and June 1 and 2 are designated as possible make-up days in the 20212022 school year should the district need to cancel school for inclement weather or other emergencies. A make-up day will be used each time a regularly scheduled student attendance day is canceled due to inclement weather or other emergency. High school finals, the last day of student attendance and report day will be adjusted accordingly for each make-up day used at the end of the school year. All school calendars are subject to change to be in compliance with state law, including the required number of emergency days and the agreed upon number of contracted days for staff. Summer school dates are dependent on the number of emergency days used during the regular school year and are subject to change.
CONNECT WITH PATTONVILLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA Keep up with Pattonville news by following the school district on social media. You can also find great stories on Pattonville’s website at www.psdr3.org.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PSDR3 Instagram: @PattonvilleSD Twitter: @PattonvilleSD YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PattonvilleR3
A TOP-TIER SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACTS
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN U.S.
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
Pattonville is recognized in Missouri and nationally for academic excellence
Our Schools
2900 Adie Road, St. Ann, MO 63074 Dr. Mary Krekeler, Director • (314) 213-8100
Out of more than 450 public school districts in Missouri, Pattonville is ranked No. 9 among the Best Public School Districts on Niche.com’s 2021 Best Districts in America list. Nationally, Niche ranks Pattonville in the Top 4% of districts (No. 451 out of 10,760). In Missouri, the district is also ranked No. 1 for Most Diverse School Districts; No. 2 for Best Places to Teach; and No. 9 for Districts with Best Teachers. Niche is an online service that ranks private and public schools and districts based on dozens of statistics and opinions from students, parents and staff. Pattonville earned an overall grade of A from Niche, with grades ranging from A- to A+ in the following categories: academics, college prep, clubs and activities, diversity, health and safety and teachers.
Bridgeway Elementary School
11635 Oakbury Court, Bridgeton, MO 63044 Dr. Bill Casner, Principal • (314) 213-8012
Drummond Elementary School
3721 St. Bridget Lane, St. Ann, MO 63074 Jason Van Beers, Principal • (314) 213-8419
BEST HIGH SCHOOLS LIST
Parkwood Elementary School
Pattonville High School is ranked among the top high schools in Missouri and the nation on U.S. News & World Report’s 2021 Best High Schools list. Pattonville ranked as No. 37 out of 603 high schools in Missouri, placing it in the Top 6% of high schools in the state. Nationally, the high school was ranked in the Top 19% of high schools. This is the eighth time Pattonville earned a spot on the U.S. News Best High Schools list in the last nine years. The U.S. News Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 24,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. Nearly 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.
3199 Parkwood Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Melissa Yount-Ott, Principal • (314) 213-8015
Remington Traditional School
102 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Dr. Don Furjes, Principal • (314) 213-8016
Rose Acres Elementary School
2905 Rose Acres Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Steve Vargo, Principal • (314) 213-8017
NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS
Willow Brook Elementary School
Rose Acres Elementary School was named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School (NBRS) by the U.S. Department of Education. Rose Acres was one of only seven schools in the state of Missouri to receive this honor. The program recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups. Rose Acres met the criteria for Exemplary High Performing Schools, which means it is among the state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Only 367 schools across the U.S. were recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020. Rose Acres is the first Pattonville school to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School since 1993. Previous honorees include Pattonville Heights Middle School in 1984, Holman Middle School in 1985 and Pattonville High School in 1993. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Gold Star School program uses the same criteria as the National Blue Ribbon Schools program.
11022 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146 Dr. Marla Wasserman, Principal • (314) 213-8018
Holman Middle School
11055 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074 Dr. Sarah Moran, Principal • (314) 213-8032
Pattonville Heights Middle School
195 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Dr. Scot Mosher, Principal • (314) 213-8033
Pattonville High School 2020
TOP WORKPLACES AWARD
The Pattonville School District was awarded a 2021 Top Workplace honor by the St. Louis PostDispatch. The district was ranked 11th among the top large employers in the St. Louis area (employers with 500 or more employees). This is the seventh year in a row Pattonville has earned Top Workplace recognition, and no other school district was ranked higher on the list than Pattonville. Only 151 businesses and organizations received recognition this year. The Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey measures 15 culture drivers. Scoring well on these drivers indicates a healthy organization, which means more engaged employees and better business results.
MISSOURI OUTSTANDING BOARD OF EDUCATION AWARD
2497 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Teisha Ashford, Principal • (314) 213-8051
OTHER CONTACTS
55+ Club Membership/Oasis Tutoring
Kelly Gordon, Coordinator • (314) 213-8025
After-Hours Emergency Number (314) 576-0156
Alumni Information
Kelly Gordon, Liaison • (314) 213-8025 (or alumni.psdr3.org)
Business Office
Nancy Henley, Director • (314) 213-8030
Communications
Mickey Schoonover, APR, Director • (314) 213-8025
The Pattonville Board of Education was named a 2018 Outstanding Board of Education for Climate, Culture and Organizational Efficacy by the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA). MSBA’s Outstanding Board of Education awards encourage effective board practices and recognize outstanding board performance in six categories. The Pattonville board won MSBA’s Outstanding Board of Education Award for Human and Organizational Capital in 2017; for Teaching, Learning and Assessment in 2016; and for Governance, Leadership and Accountability in 2013; and the MSBA Outstanding Board of Education Award in 2002, before boards were recognized in different categories. Pattonville’s board was also a finalist for the award in 2011 and 2008.
Community Education and Programs
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE REGION AWARD
Food Service
The Pattonville School District was chosen in 2018 to receive a What’s Right with the Region Award by FOCUS St. Louis. The district was among 20 individuals, organizations and initiatives honored for making a difference. The honorees were selected by a panel of community judges for their impact and service to the community. Pattonville was recognized in the category of “promoting stronger communities.”
Employment
Visit hrc.psdr3.org to view openings or apply.
Facilities
David Winslow, Director • (314) 213-8040
Finance
Ron Orr, CPA, Chief Financial Officer • (314) 213-8005 Audrey Westrich, Director • (314) 213-8054
Human Resources
Dr. Barry Nelson, Assistant Superintendent • (314) 213-8065
Pattonville Learning Center (314) 213-8500
Teaching and Learning
NATIONAL PLTW DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
Pattonville High School earned recognition as a national Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School in 2020-2021 and 2017-2018 for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW biomedical science, computer science and engineering courses. Pattonville was one of just 204 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor in 2021. The Pattonville School District offers PLTW classes in sixth through 12th grades.
FIND OUT MORE View more honors and accolades earned by Pattonville at bit.ly/PSDpointsofpride.
JoAnn Greenwell, Community Programs Supervisor • (314) 213-8095 Mary Reed, Community Education Coordinator • (314) 213-8094
Dr. Tina Plummer, Assistant Superintendent • (314) 213-8007
Technology Services
Greg Southard, Director • (314) 213-8050
Transportation
James Troxel, Director • (314) 213-8125
Student Services/Special Education/Residency Dr. Tori Cain, Director • (314) 213-8090
Superintendent
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Dr. Tim Pecoraro • (314) 213-8001
Board approves balanced budget for 2021-2022 school year P
attonville Board of Education on June 8 approved a balanced $100 million operating budget for the 2021-2022 school year. The budget for the upcoming school year was established based on several factors: • Small increase in existing property values - Pattonville’s revenues are based on the assessed value of property in the district, as set by the St. Louis County assessor’s office. Based on preliminary data from the county, property values in Pattonville are expected to increase 2.6% in 2021. However, per state law, district revenues can only increase percentage-wise by the percentage increase in value of the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), which grew by an estimated 1.4%. As a result, Pattonville’s tax rates will be set so that district revenue from existing property only grows 1.4%. • Reduced revenues due to state lawsuit - Local revenue sources account for 85% or $90.3 million of the district’s total revenue budget. Next year’s budget represents a revenue increase of 0.5% or $600,000 over this year. The increase in local property assessments is expected to generate approximately $1.25 million in additional revenue, but this amount will be impacted by a recent court decision. In March 2021, the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District ruled a method used by the Missouri State Auditor’s Office (SAO) to determine voter-approved tax increases was incorrect. Under the SAO’s long-standing interpretation of Missouri statute, taxing entities were entitled to the same amount of revenue approved on election day. This would result in a new tax rate being higher or lower than what was on the ballot, depending on whether assessed valuation increased or decreased. In Pattonville, voters approved a tax increase in November 2013, but property values decreased prior to setting the new tax rate for the first time in September 2014. The SAO determined the maximum rate levied by the district would be approximately 15 cents higher overall per $100 of assessed valuation. The recent court decision changes the long-standing SAO interpretation, and the district anticipates losing $2.3 million in revenue in 2021-2022, and $1.5 million in subsequent years. • Frozen state revenues - Total state revenue is estimated to be $9.8 million in 20212022, most coming from the Foundation Formula, the state’s formula for allocating education funds. Under this formula, Pattonville continues to be a hold-harmless district, receiving $4.9 million per year or approximately $828 per student. The hold-harmless designation means Pattonville received a higher level of funding under an older state formula than the current formula provides. As a result, Pattonville is held to the same level of funding it received in 1992. Pattonville receives the 511th lowest level of funding from the state out of 520 districts. The remainder of state revenue includes transportation, which is not fully funded, and early childhood special education, which is reimbursed at 100% of the district’s allowable costs. • Federal funding relief for student services, revenue shortfalls - Pattonville estimates receiving $6.5 million in federal funding in 2021-2022. Approximately $2.8 million will be from the National School Lunch and School Breakfast programs. The budget also includes $2.4 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) fund, enacted on March 11. The total amount of ARP ESSER funds available is estimated to be $7.1 million, but will not arrive until late fall. The district anticipates using a portion during the 2021-2022 school year. The federal funds will stabilize revenue shortfalls and provide services to students to combat learning loss experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. • Three-year agreement with staff - Pattonville is in its final year of a three-year agreement in which teachers and support staff receive an overall 3.6% increase in salary and benefits each year; however, the actual cost to the district is lower due to staff retirements and resignations, many of them due to a separation incentive plan (SIP) offered in the 2018-2019 school year. As a result of the SIP and small increases in health insurance costs, the actual increased cost of salary and benefits has been approximately 2.65% over the length of the three-year agreement. • Small increase in health costs - The rising cost of health insurance continues to be a major concern nationally, but due to proactive measures such as the creation of employee health clinics, Pattonville anticipates an increase in health care costs of approximately 2%. Operating the clinics in partnership with local school districts has saved the district 20 cents for every dollar spent on health care at the clinic. • Capital spending on high-priority needs - The new budget includes the purchase of 11 new school buses, replacing teacher devices and elementary and middle school iPads and other technology purchases and miscellaneous maintenance and repairs around the district.
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Pattonville working with families, staff to explore facility updates S
chool leaders in Pattonville took the first steps in developing a new, districtwide facilities master plan last spring, including securing initial input from parents, students and staff on possible future improvements to their school buildings. Pattonville began working with Ittner Cordogan Clark Group, an architectural firm, last March to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of district buildings and assist Pattonville in developing the new facilities master plan. Ittner has experience in assisting other school districts in the St. Louis region and across Missouri with school facilities planning. The process in Pattonville began with an assessment of the condition of Pattonville buildings along with a space needs analysis at the end of the 20202021 school year. Ittner representatives will also meet with planning committees, building staff, parents and students to help develop the plan. Project lists, cost estimates and conceptual designs will be developed for presentation to the school board next fall. Pattonville has been able to address a number of critical needs in the district via zero tax rate increase bond issues and recent upgrades of mechanical and lighting systems. However, future enrollment projections indicate the district may need additional capacity for approximately 300 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Depending on the outcome of the 2021 facilities planning process, the district may ask voters to approve a bond issue with no tax rate increase needed in 2022. Every five or six years, Pattonville updates its facilities plan in order to address building needs for learning purposes and to keep its aging facilities maintained and in good repair. The last facilities master plan was completed in 2016, and a zero tax rate increase bond issue was approved by voters in April 2017 to fund updates and improvements included in the plan. As promised to voters during bond issues in 2006, 2010 and 2017, Pattonville has maintained its debt service levy - the portion of its tax rate that can only be used for paying off bond issue debt - at 49 cents per $100 of assessed value.
Pattonville partners with providers to offer free COVID tests P
attonville is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Saint Louis University and Washington University to offer free COVID-19 testing for the Pattonville community. Tests are saliva-based and do not require nasal swabbing. Testing will be conducted from the patient’s car and is available Sundays through Fridays. Results are typically available in 24 to 48 hours. To request a test, call (314) 454-4269.
Expert provides COVID-19 update
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attonville hosted an online presentation with infectious disease expert Dr. Jason Newland on May 18. During the event, Newland provided an update on COVID-19 and the results of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) program that included the Pattonville school community in studying COVID-19 transmission and mitigation strategies in schools. View the presentation at bit.ly/PSD-Newland-2021.
Health department encourages vaccines for ages 12 and up
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he St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) is offering free school immunizations through September. Those who wish to be protected from COVID-19 by the time classes begin should start soon, as an individual is only considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving their final dose. Anyone over the age of 12 is eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Students can receive all their shots with no cost to them at three DPH permanent clinics: the John C. Murphy Health Center in Berkeley, the North Central Community Health Center in Pine Lawn, and the South County Health Center in Sunset Hills. For more information, visit stlcorona.com.
BRAGGING WRITES
Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff
PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
National speech and debate honors
Mya Harris was announced as runner-up for the 2021 William Woods Jr. National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) Student of the Year and Bryant Ewing finished in the Top 60 in original oratory at the NSDA tournament in June. Four students qualified for the national tournament that was hosted online this year with more Mya Harris Bryant Ewing than 6,000 participants. Jailah Broadway and Harris qualified in public forum debate, Ewing in original oratory, and Bell Tucci in U.S. extemporaneous speaking. The speech and debate team is coached by English teacher Jennifer Raymond and assistant Lance Allen.
Makayla Brown
Jasmine Harris
Cora Hautekeete
Camryn Hubbard
The Pattonville varsity boys volleyball team advanced to the state semifinals and completed its season with a 30-1 record. The team was named conference and district champions and also champions at the Francis Howell and Lutheran St. Charles tournaments. In addition, Quentin Bartlett, David Polster and Cole Schuler were named All-State first team. Justin Bowers, Chris DiSalvo, Polster, Matthew Reese and Schuler were named All-State academic. Bartlett and Schuler were also named to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch All-Metro team. Players named All-District first team were Bartlett, Zach Noles, Polster, Reese and Schuler. Justin Bowers was selected All-District honorable mention. Players selected to the All-Conference first team were Bartlett, Polster and Schuler, who was also named All-Conference Player of the Year. Reese was named All-Conference second team and DiSalvo received the All-Conference Sportsmanship Award. Additionally, Bartlett was named a boys volleyball Player to Watch by the St. Louis-Post Dispatch. Schuler was named the MaxPreps Player/AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) Player of the Week in Missouri for May 10 through 16. Other members of the championship team were Chris Barton, Joe Duncan and Zion Hampton. The team was coached by Jenell Franken, who was named Conference Coach of the Year, and assistant coaches Tom Fatliff and Alexa Kramer.
dividual All-State honors. She qualified for the race after placing second at sectionals and first at districts and was the conference champion in both the 800 meters and 1,600 meters races. Hubbard placed 10th at state in the 400 meters after placing second at sectionals and third at districts and was the conference champion. Tatum Wilson placed 11th at state in shot put after Keilah Wilkes Tatum Wilson qualifying for state by placing second at sectionals and being the district champion. In discus, Wilson placed seventh at sectionals and third at the district competition. Additionally, Jasmine Harris placed fifth in javelin at sectionals after placing third at districts. The boys team placed third in the Suburban Conference Red Pool and had Daniel Enberg Nolan Cobbs Jr. several members of the team advance during the postseason. The boys 4x800 relay team of Daniel Enberg, Bryant Ewing, Collins Karanja and JP Killian placed Bryant Ewing Alfred Jenkins Jr. Jack Gietl 15th at state. This was the first time in more than 20 years that a boys 4x800 team advanced to state. The following students also qualified for sectionals: Nolan Cobbs Jr. placed fifth in shot Collins Karanja Kameron McCain JP Killian put at sectionals after placing second at districts and being a conference champion; Jack Gietl placed fifth in sectionals in discus and placed third at districts; Killian placed fifth in the 800 meters at sectionals after finishing fourth at the district competition; Kameron McCain placed sixth in triple jump at sectionals after placing third at districts; and Alfred Jenkins Jr. placed fifth in triple jump at sectionals and fourth at districts and being conference champion. The girls team was coached by Corey Lewis. The boys team was coached by Chaun Tate. Assistant coaches were Margaret Hall, Scott Hauser, Matt McClellan and Stefan Seals.
State track and field honors
All-Metro lacrosse
Pattonville’s boys volleyball team ended its seasons with a near-perfect 30-1 record, a trip to the state semifinals and multiple conference, district and state honors.
Boys volleyball state semifinalists
Several student-athletes from the boys and girls track and field teams advanced to compete at the state championships this season. The girls team won the Suburban Conference Red Pool championship for the second consecutive year. The 4x800 relay team of Makayla Brown, Cora Hautekeete, Camryn Hubbard and Keilah Wilkes placed seventh at state and earned All-State honors. They qualified for the event by placing first at sectionals and second at the district competition. This was the first time a girls team advanced to state in the 4x800 since 2007 and the first time since 1984 that a Pattonville girls team placed in the Top 8 to earn All-State recognition. Wilkes also placed sixth at state in the 800 meters, earning her in-
Midfielder Helen Bae was named to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s All-Metro girls lacrosse third team. The Post-Dispatch said of Bae, “Playing on an injured ankle most of the season, Bae led the Pirates with 63 goals and 87 points helping Pattonville earn a 13-4 overall record. In the midfield, she grabbed 78 draw controls and 77 ground balls and garnered honorable mention All-State recognition.”
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Helen Bae
BRAGGING WRITES
Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff
Pattonville earns national Gold Medallion Award for communications P
Pattonville’s girls soccer team advanced to the district final game, and several players earned state and conference honors.
Girls soccer honors
The girls varsity soccer team advanced to the district final game. Students named to the All-State and All-Conference Academic teams were Kaeli Benedict, Jordyn Lodes and Grace Ohlsen. Two students were named All-Conference first team: Benedict and Kate Germano. The players named All-Conference second team were Lodes, Ohlsen and Allison Schrumpf. Ohlsen also received the All-Conference Sportsmanship Award. Julia Blankenship, Macy Hanford and Kyleigh Maryas were named All-Conference honorable mention. The team is coached by Tomi Benney with the assistance of Marcus Christian.
Boys golf honors
Patrick Clifford was named All-Conference first team. Golfers named AllConference Second Team were Bryan Bryan Burns Burns and Aidan Stowers. The team was coached by Scott Hutson with the assistance of David Gross.
Patrick Clifford
Aidan Stowers
Loudin Cato
Griffin Wick
Boys tennis honors
Loudin Cato was named All-Conference first team in singles tennis. Griffin Wick, earned the All-Conference Sportsmanship Award. Jeff Gross coached the team with the assistance of Shaun Patrick.
attonville’s school-community relations department earned a Gold Medallion Award from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for the second year in a row. The Gold Medallion is NSPRA’s highest award and is the only national award that specifically recognizes comprehensive, strategic school public relations programs. Pattonville’s school-community relations department received its second This year, five Gold national Gold Medallion this summer. Shown are, from left, Kelly GorMedallion winners don, community relations specialist and secretary to the board of educawere selected from tion; Mickey Schoonover, director of school-community relations; Alexis Pick, administrative assistant to the superintendent and community among 53 comrelations; and Brian Heyman, multimedia communications specialist. petitive entries by school PR programs across the United States. Pattonville earned the Gold Medallion in the area of COVID-19 communications. Pattonville’s school-community relations department is comprised of Mickey Schoonover, director of school-community relations; Kelly Gordon, community relations specialist and secretary to the board of education; Brian Heyman, multimedia communications specialist; and Alexis Pick, administrative assistant to the superintendent and community relations. This is the third time Pattonville’s school-community relations department earned the Gold Medallion. The department earned the award in 2020 for strategic, yearround communications and in 1985 for its internal staff two-way public relations program. Pattonville has had a formal communications program since 1965. The program has grown into a multifaceted, multimedia program that uses data to evaluate and improve its services to the school community. The department supports the district’s mission “That All Will Learn” by facilitating communication with internal and external audiences and building and maintaining relationships to continue Pattonville’s high level of community support and involvement.
Water polo honors
Isaiah Loparco was named All-Conference second team goalie in water polo. The team was coached by Thomas Crockett with the assistance of Nathan Jones.
DISTRICT-WIDE
NCI Public Service Award
ALUMNI SUCCESS
Isaiah Loparco
Patty Gould, who retired as Pattonville’s director of school-business partnerships in June, was selected to receive the Public Service Leadership Award from North County Incorporated (NCI). The award recognizes an outstanding individual whose long-time service has had a positive impact on the community and/or public body they serve. Gould joined Pattonville in 2001. Her responsibilities included forming relationships in the community and keeping businesses informed and involved in the schools for the benefit of Patty Gould both students and the business community. Her department is also responsible for the district’s community education programs and classes for children and adults, as well as before- and after-school child care programs for elementary and middle school students.
Graduates in the news
Find out more: alumni.psdr3.org
Micah Evans, Class of 2016 - Evans, an outfielder for the
University of Central Missouri baseball team, played with the top-seeded Mules (46-8) in the NCAA Division II College Baseball World Series. Central Missouri baseball’s run for a national championship fell one game short. Micah Evans
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Pattonville recognized as a national PLTW Distinguished High School P
attonville High School has been named as a 20202021 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished High School. Only 204 high schools across the United States were selected to be recognized this year for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW’s STEM courses. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in more than 12,200 schools across the U.S. This is the second time Pattonville High School has earned Distinguished status through PLTW. The high school offers PLTW courses in biomedical science, computer science and engineering. The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, Pattonville High School had to meet the following criteria during the 2019-20 school year: • Had 95% of students take end-of-course (EoC) assessments; • Had 25% of students or more participate in PLTW courses, or of those who participated in PLTW, at least 33% took two or more PLTW courses; • Offer and had students enrolled in at least three PLTW courses; and • Had strategies and procedures in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty, gender and can support such claims with relevant data. “It is a great honor to recognize Pattonville High School for their unwavering commitment to provide students with an excellent educational experience despite the unusual circumstances and unique challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented to the educational landscape this past year,” said Dr. Vince Bertram, president and CEO of PLTW. “They should be very proud of their achievements in unlocking their students’ potential and equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in life beyond the classroom no matter what career path they choose.” Pattonville High School is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with inspiring, engaging and empowering learning opportunities.
Teacher Katherine Kessler leads in-person and virtual students in her Human Anatomy class at Pattonville High School in a dissection lab. The course is among several biomedical science courses offered at Pattonville for students interested in science or health careers. The course is also a requirement for students in the certified nurse assistant (CNA) program.
Pattonville School District named Top Workplace in St. Louis region for 7th year in row T
he Pattonville School District has been awarded a 2021 Top Workplace honor by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The district was ranked 11th among the top large employers in the St. Louis area (employers with 500 or more employees). This is the seventh year in a row Pattonville has earned Top Workplace recognition, and no other school district was ranked higher on the list than Pattonville. “Being named a Top Workplace is a great honor,” Dr. Tim Pecoraro, superintendent, wrote in a message to staff members, “In a year where life was altered beyond what any of us has ever experienced, one thing remained constant: the caring and dedication of our Pattonville school family. I’m honored to work with you. Thank you for all you do and for being here with us to support our students and families.” Only 151 businesses and organizations received recognition this year. The Top Workplaces list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey measures 15 culture drivers. Scoring well on these drivers indicates a healthy organization, which means more engaged employees and better business results. Energage also measures areas such as the basics (salary and benefits), the organization’s leader and employee engagement.
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To apply to work in Pattonville, apply at hrc.psdr3.org.
“Pattonville Highlights” is published throughout the school year for residents of the Pattonville School District by the Pattonville Office of School-Community Relations, 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074, (314) 213-8025. Website: www.psdr3.org. Email: mschoonover@psdr3.org.