Highlights July 2022

Welcome from the superintendent

On behalf of the Pattonville School District staff and board of education, welcome to the 20222023 school year! On Aug. 22, our first day of school, Pattonville staff will be anxiously awaiting the arrival of your child. While each year brings new faces to Pattonville, the Pattonville mission and vision “That All Will Learn” remains the same and guides the decision-making of every Pattonville staff member in supporting each child’s growth and development. We recognize that every child is unique, and the needs of our early childhood students are very different from the needs of our high school seniors. Helping each child become the best version of themselves is our North Star.

Pattonville School District was recently recognized as a Top Workplace by the St. Louis PostDispatch for the eighth consecutive year. No other school district was ranked higher on the list than Pattonville. This ongoing recognition directly results from the unwavering support the Pattonville community provides. A partnership between Pattonville and the community has been in place for many years. It is evidenced throughout the organization. Community examples include parents helping their children with schoolwork and attending school events, local businesses employing and helping students with internships, community members supporting district ballot initiatives and volunteering, and local government officials collaborating with the school district on the needs of the community. Staff examples include the behind-the-scenes work support staff members do each day to help our students and each other, the quality instruction provided to students by the certified staff, substitute staff members helping out in so many ways on short notice, the administration leading at the local and department levels each day and the Pattonville Board of Education ensuring that our school district is implementing best practices and meeting the needs of all students.

This year the district will continue to move forward with implementing the $111 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue passed by voters in April 2022 that will fund improvements at every school in Pattonville. With our community’s help, the district will also develop a new comprehensive strategic plan to guide Pattonville for the next five years and engage in an accreditation review process as the state transitions from MSIP 5 to MSIP 6 in the coming year.

As a former teacher, building administrator and Learning Center administrator in Pattonville, I have had the opportunity to build relationships and work with many families in the district over the past 25 years. I look forward to meeting you and your child. As a parent of a current Pattonville student and a recent Pattonville graduate, I am deeply invested in the work that goes on in Pattonville. I believe in the work that has been done and will continue to be done to help all children succeed. Thanks for entrusting us with the education of your child. We know you have choices regarding where you live and where you send your children to school. We appreciate you choosing Pattonville.

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2022-2023

AUGUST

4-5, 8 - New teacher orientation (elementary only)

9-12 - New teacher orientation

15-19 - Staff orientation/development days

22 - First day of school

SEPTEMBER

5 - No school for Labor Day holiday

OCTOBER

7-8 - Pattonville homecoming

21 - Early childhood and Remington dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon for report day

26-27 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade)

• 26 - Middle school dismisses at 11:15 a.m. for parent-teacher conferences

• 27 - Early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. for parentteacher conferences

• 27 - Elementary schools dismiss at noon for parent-teacher conferences

28 - No school following conferences

31 - No school for fall break

NOVEMBER

1 - No school for staff development

23-25 - No school for Thanksgiving holiday

DECEMBER

23-30 - No school for winter break

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS

Pattonville Early Childhood Center

Aug. 18 - Back-to-School Open House, 5 to 6 p.m.

Bridgeway Elementary School

Aug. 12 - Jump-Start to Kindergarten, 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Aug. 18 - Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 - Back-to-School Jam, 6 to 8 p.m.

Drummond Elementary School

Aug. 10 - Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Meeting, 5 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 17 - Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop Off, 5 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 8 - Open House, 5 to 6 p.m.

Parkwood Elementary School

Aug. 11 - Jump-Start to Kindergarten, 3:45 to 5 p.m.

Aug. 15 - Kindergarten Parent Meeting (via Zoom webinar with recording available after), 4 to 5 p.m.

Aug. 17- Kindergarten Meet the Teacher and Supply Drop Off, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 18 - Meet the Teacher and Supply Drop Off (grades 1 through 5), 5 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 16 - PTA Back-to-School Bash, time to be announced

Rose Acres Elementary School

Aug. 10 - Kindergarten Round-Up Opportunity No. 1, 5 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 11 - Kindergarten Round-Up Opportunity No. 2, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Aug. 18 - Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop Off, 5 to 6 p.m.

Date to be announced - PTO Meeting and Back-toSchool Block Party

Willow Brook Elementary School

Aug. 9 - Kindergarten Night and Parent Informational Meeting, 4 to 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 18 - Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop Off, 5 to 5:45 p.m.

Aug. 18 - PTO Back-to-School Bash, 5:45 to 6:30 p.m.

JANUARY

2 - No school for winter break

3 - No school for staff collaboration

4 - School resumes

13 - No school for staff development

16 - No school for Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday

FEBRUARY

17 - No school for staff development

20 - No school for Presidents Day holiday

MARCH

10 - Early childhood and Remington dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon for report day

15-16 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade)

• 15 - Middle school dismisses at 11:15 a.m. for parent-teacher conferences

• 16 - Early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. for parentteacher conferences

• 16 - Elementary schools dismiss at noon for parent-teacher conferences

17 - No school following conferences

20-24 - No school for spring break

See More

APRIL

6 - No school for staff development

7 - No school for spring holiday

MAY

1 - District Appreciation Night

25 - Graduation, 7 p.m., Family Arena

26 - Last day for students (unless snow make-up days need to be added to end of school year); middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m.

29 - District closed/no school for Memorial Day holiday

30 - Report day for staff

30-31 - Possible make-up days

JUNE

1-2 - Possible make-up days

5-6 - Possible make-up days

End of the Year/Summer School Note

May 30 and 31, June 1 and 2 and June 5 and 6 are designated as possible make-up days in the 2022-2023 school year should the district need to cancel school for inclement weather or other emergencies. Depending on the situation, Pattonville may have a virtual learning day instead of making up a day at the end of the school year. On a virtual learning day, students will experience a combination of independent work with virtual support via Zoom from their classroom teachers. Specific information will be communicated based on the nature of the inclement weather or emergency situation. 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.

Aug. 21 - Chalk the Walk, 4 to 5 p.m.

Sept. 1 - Curriculum Night, 6 to 8 p.m.

Remington Traditional School

Aug. 15 - Kindergarten Meet and Greet and Supply Drop Off, 4 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 18 - 1st through 5th Grade Meet and Greet and Supply Drop Off, 4 to 6 p.m.

Holman Middle School

Aug. 10 - iPad pickup for 7th and 8th grades, 3 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 11 - 6th Grade Jump-Start, 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Aug. 11 - iPad pickup for all grades, 3 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 1 - Open House, 6 p.m.

Pattonville Heights Middle School

Aug. 10 - 6th grade schedule and bus route pickup, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 11 - 6th Grade Transition Day, 9 to 11:30 a.m. (6th graders pick up iPads during this time)

Aug. 11 - 7th and 8th grade schedule and iPad pickup, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Sept. 1 - Open House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Pattonville High School

Aug. 8 - First day of fall sports practices

Aug. 8 - Junior and senior registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 9 - Sophomore registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 10 - Freshman registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 11 - Late registration and new students to the district laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 12 - New Student and Freshman Transition Day, 7:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Dr. Barry Nelson Superintendent Follow on Twitter: @Barry_NelsonPSD

ENROLLING YOUR CHILD

RETURNING STUDENTS

Parents/guardians of students who attended a school in Pattonville last year and currently still 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 5 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. 8 for middle and high schools and Aug. 12 for elementary schools and Remington Traditional School.

NEW STUDENTS

If you are new to Pattonville ... Welcome! The following are directions for students who were not enrolled in the Pattonville School District during the 2021-2022 school year. Students entering preschool can find enrollment information online at ec.psdr3.org or by contacting Michelle Doering at (314) 213-8105.

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?

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 parents will receive an email confirmation to the address provided to confirm application status. If additional information is needed to complete enrollment, the student services office will contact the applicant.

School Notes

School hours

Pattonville Early Childhood Center

• Full Day: 8:15 a.m. to 3:15 p.m.

• Half Day (morning): 8:15 to 11:15 a.m.

• Half Day (afternoon): 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.

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 the parent/guardian of a returning student 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.

What documents are required to enroll my child?

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. Additional information may be needed upon registration. 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. 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. First graders 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: 2021 paid real estate tax bill; an unexpired 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; current homeowner ’s insurance policy; or current 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, contact a student services representative by phone at (314) 213-8004 or by email at enrollmenthelp@psdr3.org.

What else do I need to know?

Parents will set up a Parent Portal account upon registration. This account will give parents access to their student’s grades and schedule and will also be used next school year for online registration.

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 (cell, home and/or work phone). In addition, if parents wish to be notified via email of important information or updates, they should provide their email address 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.

Breakfast and lunch

Nutritional breakfast and lunch options are offered for all students. Prices for meals are as follows:

Breakfast

Student Free

Adult $2.75

Lunch

Elementary $2.75

Secondary $2.90

Adult $3.95

Pattonville allows children who qualify for reducedpriced meals to have lunch at no charge. Applications are available in all schools and are approved by the building principal. Pattonville encourages all families who qualify to fill out the free/reduced lunch forms, as there may be additional benefits for families. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/PSDMeals or call the food service office at (314) 213-8054.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Go online to www.psdr3.org/ enrollment or contact the student services department at (314) 2138004 or enrollmenthelp@psdr3.org.

Services for the community

Library Access: The Pattonville High School library is open to all Pattonville residents. Visit 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 Gracie Wrinkle at (314) 213-8025 or wrinkleg02@psdr3.org.

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 right of the page to view: Annual Notification Regarding Student Records (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA); Parents Right To Know; Notice of NonDiscrimination; 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.

Return to school information

Families can find out more about enrollment and see return to school information on the district’s Back-toSchool Central website. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/ PSDBack2School

Pattonville history

Why is Pattonville called Pattonville? Families can learn more about the Pattonville School District and the area through the district’s history website. To find the answer to this and more, visit https://bit.ly/PattonvilleHistory

A TOP-TIER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pattonville is recognized in Missouri and nationally for academic excellence

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN U.S.

Out of more than 450 public school districts in Missouri, Pattonville is ranked No. 11 among the Best School Districts on Niche.com’s 2022 Best Districts in America list. Nationally, Niche ranks Pattonville in the Top 4% of districts (No. 475 out of 10,772). In Missouri, the district is also ranked: No. 1 for Most Diverse School Districts; No. 4 for Best Places to Teach; and No. 19 for Districts with the 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.

BEST HIGH SCHOOLS LIST

Pattonville High School is ranked among the top high schools in Missouri and the nation on U.S. News and World Report’s 2022 Best High Schools list. Pattonville ranked as No. 49 out of 599 high schools in Missouri, placing it in the Top 8% of high schools in the state. This is the ninth time Pattonville earned a spot on U.S. News’ Best High Schools list in the last 10 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.

NATIONAL BLUE RIBBON SCHOOLS

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.

TOP WORKPLACES AWARD

The Pattonville School District has been awarded a 2022 Top Workplace honor by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The district was ranked No. 13 among the large employers in the St. Louis area (employers with 500 or more employees). No other school district was ranked higher on the list than Pattonville. This is the eighth year in a row Pattonville has earned Top Workplace recognition. Only 183 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 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution and connection.

MISSOURI OUTSTANDING BOARD OF EDUCATION AWARD

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.

WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE REGION AWARD

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.”

NATIONAL PLTW DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL

For two years in a row, Pattonville High School earned recognition as a national Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. Pattonville earned this recognition in 2021-2022, 2020-2021 and 20172018 for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW biomedical science, computer science and engineering courses. Pattonville was one of just 191 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor in 2022. 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.

CONTACTS

Our Schools

Pattonville Early Childhood Center

2900 Adie Road, St. Ann, MO 63074

Dr. Greg Cicotte, Director • (314) 213-8100

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

Parkwood Elementary School

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

Dr. Adam Crnko, Principal • (314) 213-8017

Willow Brook Elementary School

11022 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146

Kim Dannegger, 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. Mark Houston, Principal • (314) 213-8033

Pattonville High School

2497 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Teisha Ashford, Principal • (314) 213-8051

OTHER CONTACTS

55+ Club Membership/Oasis Tutoring

Gracie Wrinkle, Coordinator • (314) 213-8025

After-Hours Emergency Number (314) 576-0156

Alumni Information

Gracie Wrinkle, Liaison • (314) 213-8025 (or alumni.psdr3.org)

Business Office

Nancy Henley, Director • (314) 213-8030

Communications

Kelly Gordon, APR, Chief Communications Officer • (314) 213-8025

Employment Visit hrc.psdr3.org to view openings or apply.

Facilities

David Winslow, Director • (314) 213-8040

Finance

Mary Jo Gruber, CPA, Chief Financial Officer • (314) 213-8005

Food Service

Audrey Westrich, Director • (314) 213-8054

Human Resources

David Besgrove, Chief Human Resources Officer • (314) 213-8065

Pattonville Learning Center

(314) 213-8500

School and Community Engagement

JoAnn Greenwell, Director • (314) 213-8095

Teaching and Learning

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, Assistant Superintendent • (314) 213-8090

Superintendent

Dr. Barry Nelson • (314) 213-8001

2020

Board approves budget for 2022-2023 school year

The Pattonville Board of Education on June 14 approved a $105 million operating budget for the 2022-2023 school year. The district will likely have a net deficit of about $1.6 million, which is common in non-reassessment years. However, the deficit is largely due to lower commercial property assessments during the last county wide property assessment.

• Small increase expected 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. Property values are assessed every two years, with 2022-2023 being a non-reassessment year, though property taxes are expected to increase by 2.5% and create $1.8 million in additional revenue. The increase is due to new construction within the district and a rise in delinquent tax collections from prior years. Commercial tax appeals continue to be a financial challenge for the district. During the 2021-2022 school year, revenues decreased $1.6 million due to successful commercial property protests, which was the highest amount of refunds seen since the pandemic began in 2020. During the pandemic, very few tax protest decisions were made by the State Tax Commission (STC), and last year appears to be a return to more typical determinations by the STC. The 2022-2023 budget assumes similar levels of tax protests as the prior year.

• State revenues - Local revenue sources account for 84%, or $93 million, of the district’s total revenue budget. Only 10% of the district’s budget comes from state funding. Next year’s budget represents a revenue increase of 10.5%, or $1,056,680,000, at the state level. Total state revenue is estimated to be $11.1 million in 2022-2023, 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 $5.1 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. Out of 520 districts, Pattonville receives the 511th lowest level of funding from the state. The remainder of state revenue includes transportation, which is fully funded for the first time since 1991, and early childhood special education, which is reimbursed at 100% of the district’s allowable costs.

• Federal funding relief for student services - Pattonville’s budget includes $2.4 million from the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) fund, enacted on March 11, 2021. The total amount of ARP ESSER funds available is estimated to be $7.1 million. Of that, $2.4 million was utilized in 20212022. To date, 86% of ESSER funds have been spent on expenses related to learning loss. Additional funds have been devoted to iPad replacement at the elementary and middle school levels, device replacement for certified staff, middle school English and math support and adding positions to support instruction and learning loss.

• Three-year agreement with staff - Pattonville is in its first year of a three-year agreement in which teachers and support staff receive an overall 3.7% 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 2021-2022 school year. Those accepting the incentive are being replaced by staff with fewer years of experience and lower salaries.

• Small decrease in health costs - The allowance for employee health and dental insurance has only increased four times in the last nine years, but is estimated to increase by 2% to 3% in 2022-2023.

• Food service funding - Funding for food service is expected to decrease $197,000 overall from the 2021-

New Holman assistant principal named

Jane McGuire has been selected as an assistant principal at Holman Middle School for the 2022-2023 school year. McGuire has served as a reading specialist at the school since 2007.

McGuire will be filling the position previously held by Dr. Stephanie Jewett, who accepted a middle school head principal position in the St. Charles School District.

Prior to joining Pattonville, McGuire served as an elementary and middle school teacher in Wichita, Kansas. McGuire has a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of MissouriSt. Louis as well as a master’s degree in reading and an education specialist degree in school administration from Lindenwood University.

“McGuire is committed to the Holman school community and will do a fantastic job leading and supporting our students, families and staff,” principal Dr. Sarah Moran said. “We are excited to have her join the administrative team at Holman.”

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

2022 school year. During the pandemic, all meals were fully reimbursed by the federal government. The reimbursement was higher than the cost the district has charged families in the past, which allowed the district to offset deficits experienced during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years. However, the federal reimbursement program expired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year. The estimates for 2022-2023 are based on a return to normal participation and reimbursement levels. Lunch prices for 2022-2023 will be $2.75 at elementary and $2.90 at middle and high school.

• State funding of transportation - Based on state statute, the state is expected to reimburse districts for 75% of their eligible transportation costs. During the 2022-2023 school year, and for the first time since 1991, the state is expected to fully pay its portion of transportation costs. This will result in approximately $925,000 in revenue for Pattonville that has been used to fund transportation in the past.

• Rising fuel costs - The budget for transportation fuel increased by $75,000 due to rising prices, which puts costs similar to those in the 2012-2013 school year. However, the district has made improvements in previous years to help offset the rising fuel cost. First, the district purchased four buses that run on compressed natural gas. The fueling station is within district boundaries, which lowers the cost of fueling. Second, the district has recently replaced about half of its bus fleet, so the average age is about three years, making them more efficient. Additionally, those buses run on unleaded gas, instead of diesel, which is more cost effective.

• Capital spending on high-priority needs - The new budget includes the purchase of four and lease of 20 new school buses, replacing teacher devices, elementary and middle school iPads and high school laptops and other technology purchases and miscellaneous maintenance and repairs around the district.

Jane McGuire

BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL

Shelter buddy

Second grader Evan Barth trained to become a Shelter Buddies Reading Program volunteer. The program invites children throughout St. Louis to read to dogs, cats and other shelter animals currently awaiting adoption. Participants bring a favorite book or choose from more than 100 animal-themed books available in the Humane Society of Missouri library.

PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

National band honors

Pattonville High School senior Sydney Suvansri was named the 2022 High School Band Directors National Association (HSBDNA) National Band Student of the Year. In May, the clarinetist was selected as a member of the All-National Marching Band and the AllNational Concert Band. Senior trumpeter Max McFarland was also selected as a member of both ensembles and was named a finalist for the National Band Student of the Year award. Across the country, only 12 clarinetists and 12 trumpeters were selected for each group. This is the second time since 2020 that a Pattonville High School band member has received the top national honor. Pattonville High School’s band teachers are Laura Livesay, Denny McFarland and Anna White.

Summer dental program

Junior Riesen Riley was selected to participate in the Summer Hybrid Dental Exploration Program at the University of MissouriKansas City’s School of Dentistry. The one-week program allows students to explore dentistry broadly along with hands-on activities, observe and rotate through the general dental clinic along with the specialty departments and learn about the process for applying to dental school and how to become a successful dental school candidate.

Club soccer

Senior Sadie Shull was part of the club team that won the U.S. Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup national championship in the girls under-17 division. Her team, JB Marine Miller 2005G, competed in the tournament in Greensboro, North Carolina, in July. The team played in a four-match bracket and won three of its four games.

Club volleyball

Sophomore Reagan Nelson earned Most Valuable Player honors while leading the Rockwood Thunder 15 Elite club team to a Gold Division first place finish at the USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship in Indianapolis this summer. Nelson, an outside hitter, will play volleyball for Pattonville this fall.

National debate

Two Pattonville High School students competed in the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) national competition in Louisville, Kentucky. Junior Katie Bass qualified in extemporaneous debate and recent Pattonville graduate Bryant Ewing qualified in original oratory. Ewing finished in the top 30 in the nation during the competition. The team was coached by high school speech teacher Paul Ambrose.

All-American cheerleaders

The Pattonville High School varsity cheerleading team performed at the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) Speed Camp hosted at Lindenwood University in June. All members of the varsity squad were nominated to try out for the AllAmerican Team and five were selected to it. They were Ian Bailey, Jackie Clinton, Izzy Hatfield, Riesen Riley and Korrina Young.

Bailey was also the recipient of the Top Gun award in tumbling and Riley won the Top Gun title in jumps for the second straight year. Four cheerleaders were selected by NCA staff or a member from another team to receive the Pin It Forward award. This award is given to individuals who show outstanding leadership, communication and maturity. They were Bailey, Riley, Tristyn Russell and Gabriella Serra. Other members of the varsity team that were nominated for the All-American Team were Bianca Appleton, Savannah Branson, Niyah Brown, Kemya Butler, Danya Green, Caraline Guetschow, Clare Ridings, Selena Riede, Chelsea Tate and Lauren Woods. The varsity team is coached by Kalli Hunt.

Drill team honors

The Pattonville High School varsity and junior varsity drill team participated in the Universal Dance Association (UDA) camp hosted at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis. Varsity placed first with their home routine performance, earned a Superior trophy and received the Leadership Award, which is voted on by other teams. Individually, Kaylee Cofer and Sabrina Vargas were selected to the Senior All-American Team. Additionally, varsity team member Zaria Purvey was selected by UDA staff or a member from another team to receive two Pin It Forward awards. This award is given to individuals who show outstanding leadership, communication and maturity. This year’s varsity drill team roster includes seniors Cofer and Vargas; juniors Nicole Cobbs, Lily Norman and Purvey; and sophomores Kaycee Carman, Elijah Davis, Reilly Edmonds, Hannah Fisbeck and Skyler McCaa. The varsity team is coached by Lindsey Schaefer and assistant coach Anise Glenn. Additionally, the varsity drill team was featured on “Becoming Varsity,” a documentary series produced and directed by Breanna Holland. See the team’s home routine by visiting Holland’s YouTube page. The JV team also earned first place with their home routine performance along with a Superior trophy. Individually, team member Amaya Hinga received a Pin It Forward award. The JV team includes juniors Hinga and Aeriana Woodard; sophomores Sophia Knize, Kailey Mason and Taylor Volmert; and freshmen Aliya Curry, Mackenzie Miller, Jordyn Powers and Shreeya Verma. The

coached by Kate Deegan and assistant coach Grace Bowman.

team is

Sydney Suvansri Bryant Ewing

Max McFarland

Katie Bass

Evan Barth Sadie Shull

Reagan Nelson

Riesen Riley

Members of the Pattonville cheerleading team took honors at the National Cheerleaders Association Speed Camp hosted at Lindenwood University this June.

The Pattonville High School varsity and junior varsity drill teams earned honors at the Universal Dance Association camp hosted this summer.

BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

DISTRICT-WIDE Community relations honors

The Pattonville school-community relations team earned two Publications and Digital Media Excellence Awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA). The team earned an award of excellence for “Highlights,” the district’s print newsletter, which is mailed to all residents of the district seven times a year. Additionally, the team earned an award of honorable mention for its coverage of District Appreciation Night (DAN) in 2021. DAN is an annual awards program in which the district honors staff and school support group officers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was not able to take place in person in 2021. That year, the department created a virtual program to recognize all honorees, including a live surprise of the district Teacher and Support Staff of the Year recipients. Entries were judged on overall excellence as well as quality compared to other entries in the category. Award honorees were recognized in Chicago this July during NSPRA’s annual conference. Members of the school-community relations department include Mickey Schoonover, APR, director of school-community relations, who retired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year; Kelly Gordon, APR, former community relations specialist and current chief communications officer; Brian Heyman, multimedia communications specialist; and Alexis Pick, administrative assistant to the superintendent and community relations. Gracie Wrinkle joined the team in June 2022 as community relations specialist.

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Graduates in the news

Find out more:

alumni.psdr3.org

Dr. Jeremy Mapp, Class of 2006 - Mapp was selected as the executive director of diversity, equity and inclusion for the Kirkwood School District. Most recently, Mapp was the director of inclusion, equity and diversity for Lindbergh School District. Previously, Mapp was an assistant principal of Keysor Elementary School in Kirkwood and, in the Maplewood Richmond Heights School District, an elementary and middle school teacher and a house parent at Joe’s Place, a home for homeless teenage boys.

Montel Moore, Class of 2010 - Moore performed the national anthem before Game 6 of the hockey playoffs at the Enterprise Center in May. The Blues won the game against the Minnesota Wild and ultimately the series and advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs and faced the Colorado Avalanche. Moore has sung “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Blues games various times since graduating from Pattonville.

Pattonville driver wins state bus safety competition, district team places second

Bus driver Greg Zemblidge won the 2022 Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) Annual School Bus Safety Competition. This is the first time a Pattonville School District driver has won the event and the second consecutive state championship for Zemblidge (the last competition was held in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic). Zemblidge will represent Missouri at the 2023 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition. There were no international competitions held between 2020 to 2022. In addition to Zemblidge winning the individual title, Jim Dickerson finished in second and Regina Dunmire received fourth place.

As a team, Pattonville School District finished in second place, earning its highestever finish as a team at the event. The School Bus Safety Competition features three tests and 10 driving challenges. Contestants complete a written examination with a surprise question testing their knowledge of laws, rules and regulations required to operate a school bus, a pre-trip inspection test forcing a driver to find six defects on a bus in six minutes and 10 driving challenges including railroad crossing test, parallel parking and elementary student loading.

District chief financial officer named MoASBO board president

Pattonville School District’s chief financial officer (CFO) Mary Jo Gruber, CPA, was named the Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MoASBO) board president for the 2022-2023 school year.

Gruber has been a MoASBO member since 1999. She joined Pattonville on July 1 as the district’s CFO. Previously, she served as the CFO for the School District of Clayton from 2011 to 2022 and as Clayton’s director of accounting from 2000 to 2011. She also served as the business manager for the former Wellston School District and as an auditor and audit manager in the private sector.

“I am honored to have been elected as this year’s board president,” Gruber said. “I continue to be amazed by the dedication MoASBO has to serving its members. I look forward to furthering the growth of our organization while keeping the members’ and students’ of Missouri best interest in mind.”

Gruber earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from McKendree University and a master’s degree in business administration from Fontbonne University. Her professional certifications include certified public accountant (CPA) and administrator of school finance and operations (SFO).

MoASBO is a professional association with nearly 1,000 members. Its mission is to support, connect, develop and advocate for school business officials in order to help their districts improve student success. For more information about MoASBO, visit www.moasbo.org

The Pattonville community relations team is shown in this photo from 2020 after receiving a Gold Medallion award from NSPRA. Shown are, from left, Kelly Gordon, APR, previous community relations specialist and current chief communications officer; Mickey Schoonover, APR, previous director of schoolcommunity relations who retired in June 2022; Alexis Pick, administrative assistant to the superintendent and community relations; and Brian Heyman, multimedia communications specialist.

Members of the transportation department recently competed at the state Annual School Bus Safety Competition. Paula Hudson, second from left, from Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) is shown with Pattonville drivers, from left, Jim Dickerson, Regina Dunmire and Greg Zemblidge.

Jeremy Mapp

Montel Moore

Mary Jo Gruber

Pattonville honors longtime tutors from previous three school years

Pattonville celebrated the completion of its 31st year in the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program with a luncheon honoring its tutors on May 25. The Oasis program trains volunteer senior adults to work one-on-one with elementary-aged children on language, reading and writing skills. During the Pattonville event, tutors received special recognition for reaching milestones in their service to Pattonville children.

This year, Pattonville had more than 60 tutors commit to either spending time each week with a student during traditional in-person tutoring or participating in Postal Pals, a pen pal writing campaign. Of those, four tutors earned recognition. Pat Stallings was honored for 20 years of service and Sandra Brown earned recognition for 15 years as a tutor. Tutors celebrating five years were Phyllis Hackney and Mary Kay Campbell.

Also at this year’s appreciation lunch, tutors who earned recognition during the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years were recognized. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, tutoring did not resume following spring break in 2020, and tutors who were set to receive service awards were not honored at the end of the year. Additionally, during the 2020-2021 school year, Pattonville participated in the Postal Pals program, but was not able to recognize tutors in-person.

Of the tutors who participated in Postal Pals during the 20202021 school year, Woody Woodard earned recognition for 15 years as a tutor and Pat Williams Clayburn celebrated her fifth year as a tutor.

Tutors in the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 schools years were not able to be recognized in person for milestone service years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They were recognized in May. At left, Woody Woodard was honored for 15 years of service during the 2020-2021 school year. At right, Linda Austin, left, was recognized for five years of service and Susan Erickson was honored with 10 years during the 2019-2020 school year.

Those who earned recognition during the 2019-2020 year that was cut short due to the pandemic included 11 tutors. Betty Heath was in her 25th year as a tutor. Those in their 10th year included Susan Erickson, Betty Herberer, Jesse Napoli and Mike Sonderman. Tutors who were recognized for five years of service were Linda Austin, Jean Billingsley, Gail Hoffman, Jan Peacock, Laura Pieper and Anthony Todd.

For those interested in becoming an Oasis tutor, a free training will take place in September at the Pattonville Learning Center (see below). For more information, contact Gracie Wrinkle in the Pattonville school-community relations office at (314) 213-8025 or wrinkleg02@psdr3.org.

Older adults sought to serve as tutors, mentors for elementary students

Pattonville is seeking older adult volunteers who can spend up to one hour a week tutoring a student in kindergarten through third grade as part of Pattonville’s Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program. Tutors help children with reading, writing and communication skills. New tu tors must participate in training and undergo a background check before being paired with a student. Pattonville’s training consists of two parts: an online session and in-person session. The in-person session takes place in September at the Pattonville Learning Center. The online training session must be completed prior to the in-person training. New tutors can complete the online training on their own or can sign up for times prior to training to use computers at the Learning Center. To volunteer, contact Gracie Wrinkle in the Pattonville school-community relations office at (314) 2138025 or wrinkleg02@psdr3.org.

Pattonville School District named Top Workplace in region for eighth year in a row

The Pattonville School District has been awarded a 2022 Top Workplace honor by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The district was ranked No. 13 among the large employers in the St. Louis area (employers with 500 or more employees). This is the eighth year in a row Pattonville has earned Top Workplace recognition, and no other school district was ranked higher on the list than Pattonville.

“Pattonville is a special place because of our incredible people,” said Dr. Tim Pecoraro, who retired as superintendent at the end of the 20212022 school year. “The level of caring and dedication of our staff is exceptional, and this recognition is a tribute to your hard work. Thank you for all your work on behalf of our students and the way you support Pattonville and each other. I am proud to have been a part of this district and the amazing work we do.”

Only 183 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 drivers of engaged cultures that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution and connection.

JOIN US

To apply to work in Pattonville, visit at bit.ly/PattonvilleJobs.

Three tutors were recognized in May for milestone years of service to the Oasis tutoring program. They are, from left, Pat Stallings for 20 years, Phyllis Hackney for five years and Sandra Brown for 15 years.