Highlights July 2023

Classes begin Aug. 21.

Welcome from the superintendent

It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to all our students, parents and community members as we approach the start of a new academic year, which commences on Aug. 21, 2023. Our newly adopted Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) will guide our school improvement work that will begin this fall and continue through 2028. This plan, developed in collaboration with our dedicated staff, parents, students and community partners reflects our shared vision of providing a world-class education for all. It outlines strategic goals and tactics aimed at enhancing student achievement and creating a rich educational experience for every learner. By embracing innovative teaching practices and personalized learning and fostering strong partnerships, we are committed to equipping our students with the skills necessary to excel in a rapidly evolving global society. In our continued community commitment to providing exceptional facilities and resources for Pattonville students, significant progress has been made this summer with Prop S, the district’s $111 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue passed by voters in April 2022. This substantial investment demonstrates the collective belief in the importance of high-quality schools and facilities. Over the next few years, we will implement improvements that will further enhance our district’s learning environments, creating modern and inspiring spaces for our students to thrive and succeed. To follow the progress, visit bit.ly/PattonvillePropS

I am proud to share that Pattonville has been honored as a 2023 Top Workplace by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch for the ninth consecutive year (see story on page four). This prestigious recognition is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our outstanding faculty, staff and administrators. They continuously go above and beyond to create a supportive and inspiring learning community for our students. We are truly grateful for their unwavering commitment to the Pattonville school community, as they play a crucial role in shaping the future of our students.

As we embark on a new school year, we remain focused on student learning. We are dedicated to providing high-quality instruction that engages and challenges our students, fostering their intellectual curiosity and growth. We also recognize the importance of prioritizing their overall well-being. As such, we will continue to implement rigorous safety protocols and procedures to create a secure and healthy environment for everyone.

Furthermore, we reaffirm our commitment as a community school district, working tirelessly to meet the needs of all students. We celebrate the diversity of our student body and recognize the unique backgrounds, talents and aspirations they bring and we are dedicated to creating an educational experience where all students thrive and reach their full potential.

In closing, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and partnership. Together, we can create an environment where every student is inspired to learn, grow and succeed. I am excited for the possibilities the new academic year holds and look forward to working alongside our exceptional educators, students, parents and community members as we embark on this journey together. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated staff or visit our district website for more information.

I hope you have a wonderful start to the new academic year!

SCHOOL CALENDAR 2023-2024

AUGUST

7-10 - New teacher orientation

14-18 - Staff orientation/development days

21 - First day of school

SEPTEMBER

4 - No school for Labor Day holiday

OCTOBER

13-14 - Pattonville homecoming

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

23 - Parent-teacher conferences (9-12)

25 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-8th grade)

26 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade); middle school dismisses at 11:15 a.m.

27 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-8th grade); early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon

30 - No school following conferences

31 - No school for fall break

NOVEMBER

1 - No school for staff development

22-24 - No school for Thanksgiving holiday

DECEMBER

25-29 - No school for winter break

BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS

Pattonville Early Childhood Center

Aug. 17 - Back-to-School Open House/Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 - Popsicles on the Playground, 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Bridgeway Elementary School

Aug. 11 - Jump-Start to Kindergarten, 9 to 11:30 a.m.

Aug. 17 - Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 20 - Chalk the Walk, 4 to 5 p.m.

Aug. 25 - Back-to-School Jam, 6 to 8 p.m.

Drummond Elementary School

Aug. 17 - Grades 1-5 Meet the Teacher/Supply DropOff, 5 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 31 - Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Meeting, 5 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 14 - Open House, 5 to 6 p.m.

Parkwood Elementary School

Aug. 14 - Kindergarten Parent Meeting (via Zoom webinar, with recording available after), 4 to 5 p.m.

Aug. 16 - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher and Supply Drop-Off, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 17 - Grades 1-5 Meet the Teacher and Supply Drop-Off, 5 to 6 p.m.

Sept. 15 - PTA Back-to-School Bash, time to be announced

Rose Acres Elementary School

Aug. 9 - Kindergarten Round-Up and Parent Meeting, 4 to 5:30 p.m. and 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.

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

Sept. 15 - PTO Back-to-School Bash, 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Willow Brook Elementary School

Due to construction, school events will be finalized closer to the beginning of the school year. Event details will be emailed to families once set.

Remington Traditional School

Aug. 15 - PTO Back-to-School Bash, 5 to 8 p.m.

Aug. 17 - K-5 Meet the Teacher/Open House/ Scavenger Hunt, 4 to 6 p.m.

JANUARY

1 - No school for winter break

2 - No school for staff collaboration

3 - School resumes

12 - No school for staff development

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

FEBRUARY

16 - No school for staff development

19 - No school for Presidents Day holiday

MARCH

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

13-14 - Parent-teacher conferences (PreK-12th grade)

• 13 - Middle school dismisses at 11:15 a.m.

• 14 - Early childhood, Remington and middle schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m. and elementary schools dismiss at noon

15 - No school following conferences

18-22 - No school for spring break

29 - No school for spring holiday

APRIL

5 - No school for staff development

MAY

6 - District Appreciation Night

23 - 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.

23 - Pattonville High School Graduation, 7 p.m., Family Arena

24 - Report day for staff

27 - District closed for Memorial Day holiday

24, 28-31 - Possible make-up days

JUNE

3 - Possible make-up day

End of the Year/Summer School Note

May 24 and 28-31 and June 3 are designated as possible make-up days in the 2023-2024 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 and virtual 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. 17 - Middle School Open House, 6 to 7 p.m.

Holman Middle School

Aug. 9 - iPad pick-up for 7th and 8th grades, 4 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 10 - 6th Grade Jump Start, 8:30 a.m. to noon (6th graders Pick-Up iPads during this time

Aug. 10 - iPad pick-up for all grades, 4 to 6 p.m.

Aug. 31 - Open House, 6 p.m.

Pattonville Heights Middle School

Aug. 8 - Schedule pick-up for 6th grade and schedule/ iPad pick-up for 8th grade, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 9 - Schedule pick-up for 6th grade and schedule/ iPad pick-up for 7th grade, 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Aug. 10 - 6th Grade Transition Day, 8:10 to 10:40 a.m. (6th graders pick-up iPads during this time); more information will be emailed to families

Aug. 31 - Open House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Pattonville High School

Aug. 7 - First day of fall sports practices

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

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

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

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

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

Aug. 24 - Open House, 6:15 p.m.

Aug. 24 - POSITIVE School Meet-and-Greet, 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Dr. Barry Nelson Superintendent Follow on Twitter: @Barry_NelsonPSD

ENROLLMENT DETAILS

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 are required to complete returning student registration by logging into their Parent Portal account with the username and password they have created. Families were sent an email on July 7 notifying them that returning student registration is open online. 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 completing returning student registration. Parents/guardians are encouraged to take a few moments to complete returning student registration to ensure their student is ready for the first day of school. The deadline to complete online registration is Aug. 7 for middle and high schools and Aug. 11 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 2022-2023 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 home-school 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. 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 and virtual work with virtual support via Zoom from their classroom teachers. Students should check their email and/or log into Canvas or Seesaw at the start of the school day 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 TV stations, the district website and 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 and 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 government issued 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: Current mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days; 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; 2022 paid real estate tax receipt; or current homeowner’s insurance policy.

2. Two of the following utility bills dated within the last 30 days: electric, gas, internet or water/ sewer. 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) 213-8090 or by email at studentservices@psdr3.org.

What else do I need to know?

Parents will set up a Parent Portal account after registration is complete. This account will give parents access to their student’s grades and schedule and will also be used next school year for returning student 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, the district website, 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). If parents wish to be notified of important information or updates via email, they should provide their email address when enrolling. Pattonville will use the contact information it has on file in its student information system when communicating with parents.

Transportation

Pattonville provides 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. 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 $2.85

Lunch: Elementary $2.85

Secondary $3.00

Adult $4.05

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 bit.ly/PSDMeals or call the food service office at (314) 213-8054.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Services for the community

Library Access: The Pattonville High School library is open to all Pattonville residents between 2:20 and 4:15 p.m. Monday through Thursday 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 (DESE) and the U.S. Department of Education and are aligned with the policies of the Pattonville Board of Education. View these on the district website at www.psdr3.org by clicking on the “Legal Notices” link on the right of the page. Notices include: 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 at bit.ly/PSDBack2School

Pattonville history

Learn more about the Pattonville School District and the area at bit.ly/PattonvilleHistory

A TOP-TIER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Pattonville is nationally recognized for excellence

BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN U.S.

Out of about 460 public school districts in Missouri, Pattonville is ranked No. 10 among the Best School Districts on Niche.com’s 2023 Best Districts in America list. Nationally, Niche ranks Pattonville in the Top 4% of districts (No. 401 out of 10,751). In Missouri, the district is also ranked: No. 1 for Most Diverse School Districts; No. 4 for Best Places to Teach; and No. 13 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, resources and facilities 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 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.

MISSOURI OUTSTANDING BOARD OF EDUCATION AWARD

2020

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.”

FIND OUT MORE

View more honors and accolades earned by Pattonville at bit.ly/PSDpointsofpride.

Pattonville High School was recognized as a 2022-2023 Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Distinguished School. It is one of just 262 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW (Computer Science, Biomedical Science, Engineering). PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of pre-K through 12th grade students and teachers in more than 12,200 schools across the U.S. This is the fourth time and third straight year Pattonville has received this award.

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 in the 2021-2022 school year:

• Offer and have students enrolled in at least three PLTW high school courses;

• Had at least 25% of students participate in PLTW high school courses, or of those who participated during the 2021-2022 school year, had at least 33% take two or more PLTW courses; and

• Had strategies and procedures in place that support reasonably proportional representation with regard to race, ethnicity, poverty and gender.

“We are proud to recognize Pattonville High School for its commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW president and CEO. “We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their important work empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also more generally in life and career.”

PHS named national distinguished school Pattonville named regional Top Workplace for ninth year

The Pattonville School District has been awarded a 2023 Top Workplace honor by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The district was ranked No. 15 among the large employers in the St. Louis area (employers with 500 or more employees). This is the ninth year in a row Pattonville has earned Top Workplace recognition, and no other school district was ranked higher on the list than Pattonville.

“This achievement is a testament to the incredible dedication and commitment of our staff,” superintendent Dr. Barry Nelson said. “Receiving this prestigious recognition is meaningful as it highlights the positive work environment we have cultivated within our district. An engaged and motivated workforce is crucial for the success of our students. This recognition as a Top Workplace underscores our ongoing efforts to create a nurturing and inspiring environment that empowers our educators to thrive.”

Only 179 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.

Science teacher Jamie Jobe, right, presents Nicole Cobbs, who was a junior last school year, her white coat during the annual biomedical ceremony.

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

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

Remington Traditional School

102 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043

Dr. Don Furjes, Principal • (314) 213-8016

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) 213-8006

Communications

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

Community and Staff Engagement

JoAnn Greenwell, Director • (314) 213-8095

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) 213-8063

Pattonville Learning Center

(314) 213-8500

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

Board approves budget for 2023-2024

The Pattonville Board of Education on June 13 approved a $111.3 million operating budget for the 2023-2024 school year. The district will likely have a net surplus of about $2.2 million. The 2023-2024 year is one of reassessment for property in Missouri and expected growth in property tax assessments will result in an estimated increase to this revenue stream of between 2% to 5%.

The 2023-2024 budget was established based on several factors:

• 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 2023-2024 being a reassessment year. Based upon preliminary assessed values provided by St. Louis County, it is estimated that total property values in 2023 will significantly increase due to reassessment. Preliminary reports show residential and commercial real estate assessed values increasing 20.7% and 38.3%, respectively. The increase is primarily due to the current buyer’s market and low housing inventory. In accordance with the Hancock amendment, the increase in taxes Pattonville collects cannot exceed the lesser of one of three factors: the change in assessed values; the change in Consumer Price Index (CPI), which is 6.5%; or 5%. Based on this preliminary information, local property tax revenue is projected to increase 5%. Due to the significant increase in assessed values, protests to reduce these values can be expected. Therefore, to be conservative, local property tax revenue has been budgeted to increase 2% and generate approximately $3.5 million in total property tax revenue (including debt service) and $2.8 million in operating property tax revenue. Local revenue sources account for 82.9%, or $101 million, of the district’s total revenue budget, excluding bond sales, and current property taxes make up $89.9 million of this revenue.

• Commercial protests expected to increase - Protested assessed values continue to remain a challenge for St. Louis County. During the 2021-2022 school year, tax revenues decreased $1.6 million due to successful commercial property protests, which was the highest amount of settlements the district has paid back to taxpayers. During the 2022-2023 school year, there were no significant settlements to pay back to taxpayers. The 2023-2024 budget assumes a more typical level of protests as was seen prior to the 2021-2022 school year.

• State revenues - 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, at the state level. Total state revenue is estimated to be $11.95 million in 2023-2024, 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 $829 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 fully funded for the second consecutive school year 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 $7.8 million in federal funding. An estimated $2.4 million is expected from the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Program payments. The budget also includes a $3.8 million payment under the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ARP ESSER) fund, enacted on March 11, 2021. These funds will provide services to students to combat learning loss experienced during the pandemic as well as provide improvements to districtwide HVAC systems. The total amount of ARP ESSER funds available is estimated to be $7.1 million. Of that, $1.9 million was received in 2022-2023 and $2.4 million was utilized in 2021-2022. Funds have been devoted to learning loss, 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 second 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. As a result, $500,000 of the projected savings is being used to make market adjustments to specific positions where Pattonville is experiencing staffing shortages. Overall, however, salaries will increase a total of 4.9% for 2023-2024, which is above the 3.7% salary schedule increase because the 2022-2023 budget was reduced for vacancies in support staff staffing. The 2023-2024 budget is set with expectations that the district be fully staffed. An additional $500,000 was budgeted for increases to the lower quartile of the support staff schedule to be more competitive.

• Small increase in health costs - Benefits will increase by 2.97% based on the district’s insurance allowance, taxes and contributions to the retirement system. The increase is primarily due to staffing vacancies from the 2022-2023 school year and expectations of a full staff in 2023-2024. The allowance for eligible staff to select health and dental benefits has been flat for five out of the last nine years, and is budgeted to remain flat for the 2023-2024 school year. This is due to a successful bid negotiation with Anthem, Express Scripts and Delta Dental resulting in approximately $2.5 million in savings over the next three years. Last school year, the allowance for employee health and dental insurance increased by less than 3% and has only increased four times in the last 10 years.

• Capital spending on high-priority needs - The new budget includes an increase of $2,901,271, or 51.23%, to fund normal inflationary increases and two major, onetime, capital projects: improvements to the district’s Wi-Fi network costing approximately $1 million and HVAC improvements estimated at $2.2 million and partially funded through ESSER III funds.

For more information

For more details on Pattonville’s budget, including to read more and view the presentation to the board of education and supporting budget book, visit bit.ly/23-24BudgetApproved

Bridgeway Green Team wins Green Schools Quest

The Bridgeway Elementary School K-Kids Green Team placed first in the elementary school division of the 2022-2023 Green Schools Quest challenge. The theme was climate change action, and 50 schools participated. A cash award of $600 and a trophy was presented to club sponsors Jeanne Fernandez, reading specialist; Cheryl Sprengel, secretary; and Mary Kay Campbell, Pattonville board of education president, on May 9 during a club meeting in recognition of their work for creating a healthier, greener environment for their school.

K-Kids is a year-long student service club for fourth and fifth grade students and is modeled and developed by Kiwanis International. Bridgeway has sponsored a K-Kids Club for years, but last year added a Green Team component to it. The 32 club members continued to implement many serviceoriented projects as in the past, but this past school year all of the projects included a sustainability focus, especially ways in which they can reduce waste in order to reduce climate change.

Through videos, read alouds, discussion of current events and ultimately a whole school waste audit guided by EarthWays Center of Missouri Botanical Garden’s education coordinator Maggie McCoy, students came up with three areas they wanted to focus on within the realm of reducing waste:

• Recycling: Focusing on items found in school and then connecting to home and beyond;

• Composting: Involving the whole community and connecting to lives; and

• Reusing: Making sure to reuse materials for every project, but also making it a focus of two specific projects.

Bridgeway has started working on efforts to become a Missouri Green School and earned the Sprout Level.

“K-Kids Green Team wanted to continue working on Green School initiatives and took part in the Green School Quest challenge to help raise awareness about climate change and things we can all do in our daily lives to help reduce greenhouse gases, a primary culprit of climate change,” Fernandez wrote in an email. “Throughout the school year, K-Kids Green Team focused on reducing waste in our school and community by showing ways that we can reuse, recycle and compost our waste. K-Kids students realized that when we help the Earth, we also are helping people.”

The projects K-Kids students worked on helped build interconnectedness and global citizenship in the school and community.

The group organized a pumpkin smashing event at Bridgeway and invited the community to donate

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Graduates in the news

Joan Gettemeyer and Jan (Gettemeyer) Sansone,

Bridgeway Elementary School’s K-Kids Green Team club sponsors are presented with a trophy for placing first in the elementary school division of the 2022-2023 Green Schools Quest challenge by Green Schools manager Hope Gribble, right. The EarthWays Center of Missouri Botanical Garden organized a waste audit lead by education and volunteer coordinator Maggie McCoy, middle. Club sponsors are, from left, Bridgeway clerk Cheryl Sprengel and reading specialist Jeanne Fernandez and Pattonville Board of Education member Mary Kay Campbell.

their carved pumpkins after Halloween. Students smashed the pumpkins and turned them into compost material for the school’s fruit and vegetable garden beds and donated whole, unused pumpkins to area farms for their animals.

Another project the K-Kids Green Team organized was a used winter clothing drive to benefit Loaves and Fishes, a shelter within the school’s community. Club members created a flyer and expressed the importance of reusing clothing instead of throwing it away. Many Bridgeway students and staff donated used clothing, helping reduce textile waste and supporting people in need within the community.

This year, Bridgeway will continue to build on its efforts from last year with more activities aimed at sustainability and green school initiatives and will start a whole school composting project with STL Organics, a locally owned and operated market offering certified organic products.

On May 9, after the award presentation, club members conducted their end-of-the-year waste audit with McCoy.

“All students in the school were asked to throw away all their food in one bin and trash and recycling in others during lunch,” Fernandez said. “At the end of the day, K-Kids students sorted through the different types of waste and compared it to the beginning of the year.”

They saw the different amounts of waste being produced by the school and that helped them begin their work with recycling. Fernandez said they wondered if there might be items a student could reuse like plastic bottles, Ziploc bags and utensils instead of throwing away or recycling them.

Class of 1980 - On April 8, the Missouri History Museum opened an exhibit on the history of soccer in St. Louis. Sansone and Gettemeyer contributed two jackets and one of Sansone’s 1996 Olympic referee uniforms, along with several pictures. Gettemeyer and Sansone, who are twins, were inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame (SLSHOF) in 2015. At the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), Gettemeyer captained her soccer team, was named a three time All-American and received all-district and all-tournament honors. In addition, Gettemeyer was the UMSL team MVP for three years, was awarded the UMSL Female Athlete of the Year and was a finalist in 1981 for the Borderick Award for outstanding female collegiate athlete. After college, Gettemeyer played for Soccer Dome, Royal Midtown Chrysler, Club Irish and Busch Soccer Club. She appeared as a member of the National Amateur Championship final four and a member of the Olympic Festival Team. Sansone was a three-time All-American at UMSL and she placed fourth in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW) Division tournament. In college, Sansone was a yearly all-conference, all-midwest, all-region and all-tournament MVP. After college, Sansone played for Soccer Dome, Royal Midtown Chrysler and the Busch Soccer Club. Following her playing career, Sansone became a referee for United States Soccer Federation (USSF) games, the Missouri Cup and Olympic Festival games. In addition, Sansone was a rules interpreter, the first National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) assistant and a member of the FIFA Panel of International Lineswomen. Gettemeyer and Sansone were inducted into UMSL’s hall of fame.

Aric Hamilton, Class of 2019 - Hamilton was selected as the program coordinator for academic affairs at the Saint Louis University (SLU) School of Law. Hamilton graduated from SLU this spring with a bachelor’s degree in history, American studies and education. As a senior, he served as president of the Student Government Association. Hamilton was also selected to receive an Outstanding Graduate Award at SLU’s 2023 Black History Month Gala and Award Ceremony and was named a 2023 Spirit of the Billiken award recipient. The senior recognition program recognizes 18 students who represent what it means to be a Billiken. Honorees excel in the areas of academics, leadership, community service, commitment to SLU and dedication to living SLU’s mission after graduation. In addition, Hamilton was inducted into the Saint Louis University Student Hall of Fame, which honors graduating students who have exemplified dedication and faithfulness to the mission and ideals of SLU through exceptional personal or professional accomplishment throughout their career there.

Aric Hamilton

Jan Gettemeyer Sansone, left, and Joan Gettemeyer, right, are inducted into the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame (SLSHOF) by president Jim Leek in 2015.

Left, Bridgeway Elementary School’s K-Kids Green Team club placed first in the elementary school division of the 20222023 Green Schools Quest challenge. Right, members of the 2022-2023 K-Kids Green Team conduct a waste audit by looking through the school’s trash to find items that could have been recycled. Shown are, from left, Brooke Tolen, Eva Clay, Cameron Bollinger and Elizabeth Peterman, all who were fifth graders during the 2022-2023 school year.

Committee proposes learning model changes at Remington Traditional School

n June 13, the Pattonville Board of Education heard an update on changes planned for Remington Traditional School. Part of Remington’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) work last year was researching and reviewing possible learning models to implement. The committee met six times throughout the school year. The first few meetings centered on researching and reviewing different learning models and the second phase focused on community engagement. The chosen learning model will be one created by students, families and staff and unique to Remington.

While achievement at Remington is high, the leading factor for a change to the learning model stemmed from a decline in enrollment, specifically at the middle school level. Remington principal Dr. Don Furjes and members of the Pattonville teaching and learning department saw this as an opportunity to review the focus of the school. To do so, they created a committee of students, families and staff to look at why students leave Remington before eighth grade and what learning models can help retain and attract families.

The committee originally looked at three potential learning models that would be sustainable for staff and the school overall:

• Arts integrated - Students demonstrate understanding through the arts;

• Experiential learning - Project-Based Learning (PBL), or learning by doing; and

• STEAM education - Using science, technology, engineering, arts and math to guide inquiry and problem solving.

Committee members investigated models by reviewing information and exploring schools currently using that model and ultimately decided whether each fit into Remington’s vision. Looking at the methods and advantages and disadvantages of each, the committee narrowed its focus to the experiential learning and STEAM education models.

The committee pulled characteristics of both models to create a new model based on the characteristics of innovation, creativity, community service, responsibility and relationships. The committee also discussed how those areas would be incorporated into the learning model at all grade levels.

To gauge whether a model featuring these characteristics would be of interest and help grow enrollment, surveys were created and administered to students, parents and staff. The survey was sent to all kindergarten through seventh grade parents/guardians, third through seventh grade students and all certified teachers in the district. Of the responses received, results indicated support for a new learning model focused on those five characteristics, with 77% of students indicating they would like to attend a school like this, 95% of parents interested in their child attending a school like this and 85% of staff — including 100% of Remington staff — indicated they would like to teach at this type of school.

The committee chose not to select one of the existing learning models but create a model combining aspects of both to establish a design-thinking model, where students learn through a variety of ways, including field studies and hands-on learning. Addi-

tionally, the original plan was to focus on grades 6-8 but, based on survey data, it expanded school wide.

“Our opportunity to expand our school’s learning potential has been both invigorating and exciting,” Furjes said. “Students, parents, staff and the teaching and learning department joined efforts and made certain that a learner centered approach would be a part of the final recommendation. The new design-thinking learning model will serve as the beacon for our school as we were able to match Remington’s vision and mission to this personalized approach towards education. The entire process from start to finish has been a community effort.”

Throughout the 2023-2024 school year, all certified staff at Remington will receive regular professional development related to launching the new learning model. During that time, more focused, detailed design work will take place to stimulate discussion and what learning will look like at Remington. The committee will also meet monthly during the school year to get updates and provide additional feedback. The learning model will also impact construction work at Remington as part of Prop S, Pattonville’s $111 million no-tax-rate-increase bond issue.

Because the learning model is a transition from that of a traditional school, the committee also brainstormed ideas for possible new names for Remington. They narrowed their suggestions to the Academy of Innovation at Remington and Remington Exploration Academy. Board policy FF (Naming Facilities) indicates that facility names may be changed when a specific program or theme the facility was named for changes or when the current name no longer supports the objective of the facility. Those names are presented to the superintendent, who can then make a recommendation to the board, who ultimately decides to approve a building’s name change. Opened in 1955 as Remington Elementary School, the school became a K-8 school of choice and was renamed Remington Traditional School in 1982.

JOIN THE PATTONVILLE TEAM Plummer returning to Pattonville part-time

On July 25, the Pattonville Board of Education approved the hiring of Dr. Tina Plummer as assistant superintendent of teaching and learning. Plummer retired from the same position at the end of the 2022-2023 school year and will return for 2023-2024 with limited hours. The Public School Retirement System of Missouri (PSRS) allows retired administrators to work up to 550 hours a year. Plummer will start on Aug. 1.

“We are looking forward to having Dr. Plummer back part-time for the 2023-2024 school year to support our students and staff,” said Dr. Barry Nelson, superintendent. “Dr. Plummer’s leadership has been a driving force in developing the district’s new five-year Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), providing high quality professional development for staff and ensuring our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique learning needs of each and every student.”

CONNECT WITH PATTONVILLE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Keep up with Pattonville news by following the 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

With more than 30 years in education, Plummer first joined Pattonville in 2018 and has been instrumental in expanding personalized learning and implementing learner profiles to ensure students are learning at their pace. Prior to her time in Pattonville, Plummer served as the assistant superintendent of curriculum, assessment and professional development and a principal in the Mehlville School District. Previously, Plummer was a principal in the Belton School District, an assistant principal at Academy School District and Belton and a classroom teacher. Plummer earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri State University and master’s degree and her doctorate in educational leadership and administration from Missouri State and the University of Kansas, respectively.

Students at Remington Traditional School present their thoughts about learning preferences during a committee meeting set to consider possible changes to the learning model at the school. Shown are, from left, students Joe Chambers, Adam Barth, Taylor Flores, Ella Whitehead and Gwen Skouby and parent Jen Flores.

The Pattonville School District is hiring for several positions including bus drivers, cooks, custodians, paraprofessionals and substitute employees. For more information or to apply, visit bit.ly/PattonvilleJobs

Dr. Tina Plummer