Highlights October/November 2023

Highlights Pattonville A top-tier district in Missouri and the U.S.

OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023

School news for parents, residents and staff of the Pattonville School District

Inside

Tax rate set for 20232024 school year - See page 2 for details

Pattonville receives state, national honors - See page 7 for details

Homecoming festivities in Pattonville BOARD OF EDUCATION

Pattonville is an award-winning public district in St. Louis County, Missouri. The district is fully accredited by the state and is recognized for academic success on the regional, state and national level.

The Pattonville community celebrated homecoming on Oct. 13 and 14. The festivities started on Friday with the Pattonville High School varsity football game against Hazelwood Central High School and included halftime festivities and performances. On Saturday, Pattonville hosted a K-8 fun run and a parade featuring floats and walking groups from every school, as well as high school organizations and community groups. School floats were decorated to the theme Big City Lights. A student dance took place that evening. Top, Holman Middle School’s Las Vegas themed float featured PTA president Tricia Ruby dressed up as Elvis. Above left, sophomore Mekhi Allen, left, carries the ball past Hazelwood Central’s Daronne Wright during the game. Above center, Rose Acres Elementary School first grader Krew Carlson, left, and kindergartner Miles Sidartawan, right, and Bridgeway Elementary School fourth grader Claire Lau participate in the fun run. Above right, seniors Paulie Palermo, left, and Emily Cremer were crowned as homecoming king and queen and participate in the homecoming parade. Right, senior Clare Ridings, center, cheers on the Pirates with the support of fellow cheerleaders, from left, junior Akira Kendrick, sophomore Imari Young and freshman Kayleigh Schumer.

Pattonville School District 11097 St. Charles Rock Road St. Ann, MO 63074-1509

Dr. Barry Nelson Superintendent

Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1 St. Ann, MO

Mary Kay Campbell, President Jeanne Schottmueller, Vice President Dr. Dan Wentz, Secretary Brandon R. Wilkes, Treasurer Dr. Brian J. Gray, Director Lisa Kickbusch, Director Dr. Amanda Lienau, Director

From the Superintendent Pattonville focused on expanding career, technical education I

n alignment with our five-year Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP), the Pattonville School District is amplifying its focus on career and technical education (CTE) programs. The efforts start as early as middle school, laying the foundational groundwork for more focused career development in later Dr. Barry Nelson years. During these formative years, Superintendent students engage in career exploraFollow on X @Barry_NelsonPSD tion and self-assessment, identifying their strengths and areas of interest.

Utilizing SchoolLinks software in advisory and homeroom lessons, we guide our Pattonville High School students through various career possibilities and educational Pathways Snapshot bit.ly/PHSpathways2023 pathways.

As students transition to Pattonville High School, they have the opportunity to engage in specialized career pathways, ranging from business and marketing and computer science to advanced manufacturing/engineering, biomedical science, family and consumer science, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program and sustainability. These pathways are closely aligned with individual students’ interests and future career aspirations and match the demands of our local job market. Our high school pathways Economic Overview reflect workforce 2012 2022 Top 10 St. Louis Industry Clusters sectors in the top 217,927 Health Care and 10 industries identiSocial Assistance 189,154 fied in the St. Louis Wholesale and 205,687 region, according to Retail Trade 207,329 the 2023 State of the Leisure and 145,453 Hospitality 147,038 Workforce Report 118,792 (see graph at right).

Manufacturing 108,011 Parents and caregiv102,981 Educational ers are encouraged to Services 106,826 set up a guardian acAdministration 91,238 and Support count in SchoolLinks, 86,562 Professional, allowing them to 88,830 Scientific and 74,072 stay connected with Technical Services 73,207 Finance and their child’s progress, Insurance 66,142 track their educa73,566 Construction tional journey and 62,649 Transportation, discuss their potential 68,781 Warehouse and 53,778 career interests. We Utilities also encourage you to Source: 2023 State of the St. Louis Workforce report by St. Louis Community College check the Pattonville Map Your Journey website (bit.ly/PSDMapYourJourney) to learn more about early college, extended learning opportunities (ELOs) and specific career pathways.

In closing, the Pattonville School District believes that a robust CTE program doesn’t just prepare students for the workforce; it equips them with the essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of the modern world. As we continue to expand and refine our offerings, we invite the entire district community — parents, students and community members — to engage with us in shaping the future of education in our district. Together, we can create opportunities for success and lifelong learning.

Board approves tax rate for 23-24 school year

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he Pattonville Board of Education on Sept. 26 voted to approve the district tax rate for the 2023-2024 school year. School boards in St. Louis Pattonville committed to keeping its debt service levy at 49 County set tax rates each year for four classes cents when voters approved zero tax-rate-change bond issues of property within school district boundaries: in 2022, 2017, 2010 and 2006, and the district has kept this residential, commercial, personal and agriculpromise despite being legally able to adjust the rate due to changes in property values. The chart below shows this year’s tural. The rates for the four property classes, as voluntary debt service rollback, along with other voluntary tax approved by the board, are: residential: $3.8590; rate reductions the board of education approved this year in agricultural: $5.4006; commercial: $4.6767; and order to reduce the tax burden on homeowners. personal property: $5.4006.

Impact on As the assessed value of each class of property Voluntary tax rate reductions $200,000 changes, the district is limited to the lesser of three for homeowners Rate home factors by Missouri law to the amount of revenue Maximum residential rate the district could levy $4.5126 $1,715 it can receive. Those factors and their rates in Voluntary rollback promised for as many years Pattonville for 2023 are: increase in assessed valu- as possible when Prop P was passed in 2013 – $0.1773 – $67 ation, at 17% for Pattonville; the increase in ConKeeping promises to maintain debt service levy sumer Price Index (CPI), at 6.5% for Pattonville; at 49 cents when law allows it to be 93 cents – $0.4763 – $181 or no more than 5% if the other rates are higher.

Total reductions for homeowner / district revenue – $0.6536 – $248 Because the increase in both assessed valuation Actual residential rate the district levied and and the CPI were all higher than 5%, the allowactual homeowner taxes with reduced levy $3.8590 $1,467 able revenue increase can be no more than 5%, resulting in approximately $955,800 additional voluntary reduction in residential taxes operating revenue for the 2023-2024 school year.

The assessed value of residential property levied $0.4763 cents more in its debt service tax rate. increased by 20.94%, commercial increased by The total tax rate, including debt service, approved 22.43% and personal property increased 5.50%. The for residential properties is $3.8590 per $100 of overall assessed valuation increase for all property in assessed valuation. The overall impact of voluntary the district, excluding new construction, was 17%. rollbacks on a $200,000 home in the district equates Also important to note is Pattonville’s residento a 14.46% reduction in homeowner tax bills (see tial rate will be lower than the rates for agricultural, chart above). commercial and personal property, as promised Approximately 83% of Pattonville’s revenue to voters when they approved the Prop P tax rate comes from local sources, which include taxes paid increase in 2013. At the time of the election, the on property in the district. These taxes are based on district promised to limit the residential tax rate inthe assessed value of the property, as determined by crease for as many years as possible. Prop P allowed the St. Louis County assessor’s office. Pattonville Pattonville to levy up to 99 cents, but the district will continue to monitor district revenues and expenhas kept its commitment during the past 10 years to ditures to ensure it remains fiscally responsible. maintain a lower residential tax rate. As a result, the Pattonville is also monitoring the possible impact district has rolled back its residential rate $0.1773 of Senate Bill 190, which allows counties in Misfor the 2023-2024 school year. souri to provide a tax credit to seniors who own Additionally, Pattonville continues to take a their home as their primary residence and who are voluntary rollback to its debt service tax rate in eligible for Social Security benefits. Qualifying order to lessen the tax burden on homeowners. The seniors would be exempt from property tax increases district’s debt service tax rate, which is part of the and their taxes would be frozen based on a credit set district’s overall tax levy, remains unchanged at 49 by the county collector. The Hancock Amendment cents per $100 of assessed valuation, as promised allows taxing districts to adjust their tax rate for lost to voters when they approved zero tax-rate-change revenue. However, there is no provision in SB 190 bond issues in 2022, 2017, 2010 and 2006. Under for the recovery of lost revenue. As such, it is imposthe state’s formula for calculating tax rates and the sible to forecast the potential decrease in revenue if district’s taxing capacity, the district could have the tax credit is approved.

KEEPING OUR PROMISES

14.46%

Filing for Pattonville school board seats opens Dec. 5 F

iling for positions on the Pattonville School District Board of Education begins at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, and ends at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26. Persons interested in running for a position on the school board may file at the Pattonville Learning Center, 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, Missouri. Candidates will be placed on the ballot in order of filing. There are two positions available on the April 2, 2024, election ballot, each with a three-year term. Board members whose terms are expiring are Jeanne Schottmueller and Brandon Wilkes.

Candidates may file during the district’s regular business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Dec. 26, filing will be open from 2 p.m. until filing closes at 5 p.m. Hours are subject to change. Except for the first and last day of filing, filing will not occur on days that the school district’s central offices are closed due to inclement weather or other unforeseeable reasons. The district may not open on the first and/or last day of filing if weather conditions make it unsafe for district staff to travel. Filing will also not occur on the following dates when the district’s superintendent’s office will be closed: Dec. 25.

For more information or to confirm if offices are open for filing, contact the assistant secretary to the board at (314) 213-8001 or collinsa10@psdr3.org. For information on qualifications and training requirements, go online at www.psdr3.org/about-us/board-of-education.

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Our Learners Spotlight on

News focusing on students, staff and schools in Pattonville

BRIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Skills of volleyball, four square combine for popular new competitive game S

chool gyms are known for being loud and full of energy. But during a recent unit at Bridgeway Elementary School, that noise and energy was dialed to the max. Students cheered as their classmates jumped and dove, defending their square from a bouncy ball and other players.

The game is nine square in the air, which is essentially a combination of four square and volleyball. Unlike four square, nine square includes feet-high poles, adjustable between five and seven feet, and players hit the ball over the poles instead of bouncing it on the ground. That’s where the volleyball skills of bumping, setting and spiking come into play. It also brings in the skills and competitiveness of four square.

“These skills and games are a part of lifelong exercise and activity,” PE teacher Hannah Cooper said. “We are also hoping that more students become interested in volleyball.

They loved the speed of the game and how active they were while they were playing.”

Games move quickly and a lot of students can play at one time which is also a benefit in a PE class. The game allows for nine people to play, with the setup being a threeby-three grid, each of which is numbered. Each round, one player is eliminated and another enters. To allow students to move to other spots on the grid and potentially advance to the middle square, the players move around the grid based on a set path.

Generally, players only get one hit to send the ball out of their square and into another square. However, as the unit went on, the students made the game more interesting.

At the end of the two-week unit, the PE teachers let the player in the middle square, known as the server, create unique rules that the other players had to follow. Some examples were rules like requiring double hits, only using their left hand or yelling out a color when you hit it. It required students to pay attention and follow directions.

“We had a lot of improvement in coordination,” Cooper said. “In addition, there is a lot of rule following and creativity. Another component of nine square that I love is the creativity that can be associated with it.”

The game is spreading in popularity because everyone can play. At Bridgeway, there were also modifications for different grade levels. Kindergartners could catch and throw the ball instead of hitting it like in volleyball. Older students could also choose to use different types of balls, making it more difficult.

“There was almost complete participation,” PE teacher Steve Jones said. “Students who do not normally love PE were participating and being competitive. Students love it and it gets them active.”

Pattonville’s PE department owns the equipment, and it travels around to schools. Bridgeway had the equipment for two weeks and it became a quick hit with students. The structure of the game was beneficial given the construction of the new stage that is taking place outside of the gym.

“The construction at Bridgeway has caused us to get creative with the space we have, so we are able to add and experiment with new activities,” Jones said. “We loved it as teachers and our students seem to love it as well.”

Bridgeway Elementary School students combined their volleyball and four square skills to play nine square in the air during a recent unit. Above, fourth graders show down in a nine square tournament. They are from left, Harper Woods, Boston Wright, Atticus Powers, Lucy Herzogenrath, Arianna Patrick and Noah Wilkes. Left, fifth grader Londyn Rimmer, center, taps the ball so it doesn’t fall into her square while Brandon Coleman, left, and Aminah Smith stand at the ready.

PARKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Class adopts calf, gets visit from cow for school P

Students at Parkwood Elementary School are visited by the mobile diary classroom. Above, mobile dairy classroom instructor Hannah Albert introduces students to Louise the cow. Below, students in Audrey Masek and Kristen McGreer’s fourth grade class take a picture with Louise.

arkwood Elementary School had two special guests at an assembly on Oct. 12. Thanks to a partnership with the St. Louis Dairy Council and Southwest Dairy Farmers, most of the school had an opportunity to learn from mobile dairy classroom instructor Hannah Albert and meet Louise, a live cow, in person.

The 30-minute presentation taught students about characteristics and anatomy of dairy cows, the importance of dairy foods for good health, the modern milking process and current environmental and food safety practices.

Audrey Masek and Kristen McGreer’s fourth grade class adopted a calf through the St. Louis Dairy Council school program and named it Nugget. The class receives monthly pictures and updates.

“In a fourth grade science unit, we talk a lot about animal adaptations and their biomes and their environments and habitats and so we always use Nugget as a perfect example for that,” McGreer said. “But it’s also a lot of fun for us to learn about the dairy industry.”

The students and teachers have a corner in their

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class dedicated to Nugget. McGreer said there are several opportunities to include their cow in the classroom.

“We connect our cow to our science units, but it’s just fun for us to learn about the dairy industry and to include Nugget in our classroom,” she said.

“We try to include Nugget in a lot of our social emotional learning which is lessons about empathy and compassion and those kinds of skills. They got really excited to have a real cow visit us at school.”

During the assembly, students learned that most dairy farms are actually within 100 miles of a student’s school, which allows milk to travel from the cow to the carton in just 48 hours.

October is National Farm to School Month, making it the perfect time to celebrate all things local. Parkwood cafeteria manager Kim James entered a photo to a National Dairy Council’s contest promoting the month. In the photo, students were holding milk cartons in front of Louise after they watched a milking demonstration.

“This was a great way for us to cross promote National Farm to School Month at Parkwood,” James said.

PATTONVILLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Sensory cart created, gifted by former student T

he Pattonville Early Childhood Center has a new mobile learning device that every student in the building can utilize. A oneof-a-kind sensory cart was introduced to the school this year that can be wheeled between classrooms. The cart features four panels of various activity components that engage fine motor skills, encourage curiosity and allow students to practice problem solving, all of which are important developmental skills for early childhood students. The sensory cart is being used as a unique interactive tool for early childhood learners to practice important developmental skills in a fun way.

What makes this sensory cart especially unique is that it was designed and built by a former early childhood student, Nick Haverstick, who is now a senior at Pattonville High School.

Haverstick chose to create the sensory cart for the early childhood center for his Eagle Scout project as a way to give back to the community that has been part of his own educational experience. After working on the cart for several months, Haverstick was able to surprise a classroom of students with his completed project.

On Sept. 27, Haverstick and his parents visited the early childhood center and met with some familiar faces in the building.

They made their way to Kelsey Hibbits’ classroom where they were joined by speech language pathologist Stephanie Sliefert and

Students at Rose Acres Elementary School enjoy lunch with Maryland Heights Police Department officer Jacob Signaigo, center, as part of the school’s annual Heroes Luncheon. First graders shown are, from left, Jacaranda Reinertson, Christian Huiswoud, Giuseppe Dixon and Weston McAlmond.

ROSE ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Heroes celebrated at school lunch T

he Maryland Heights Police Department and Pattonville Fire Protection District were honored guests at Rose Acres Elementary School during the annual Heroes Luncheon. Organized by the school’s PTO, the event provided an Maryland Heights police officer and Rose Acres opportunity for students Elementary School SRO Bob Heitert, right, signs to interact with local first autographs for students at Rose Acres Elementary responders in a fun and School during the Heroes Luncheon. educational environment.

“A hero is someone who is brave and helps people,” second grader Parker Mansfield said, sporting a Pattonville Junior Firefighter sticker he was given during his lunch session.

First responders from both agencies joined students during all lunch shifts, engaging in conversations, handing out stickers and signing autographs. The event aimed to strengthen the bond between these everyday heroes and the young students while showcasing the human side of their vital roles in the community.

The Heroes Luncheon at Rose Acres provided an opportunity for students to interact with and learn from their local heroes, fostering a sense of trust and admiration for the dedicated first responders who serve their community.

“I can’t pick a favorite group. It’s a tie,” kindergartner Dylin Kelley said. “I really like them both because they both keep you safe.”

Bob Heitert, a member of the Maryland Heights Police Department, serves as the school resource officer (SRO) at Rose Acres and said the event is always amazing.

“I say this when I’m advertising it to the other officers: ‘Come experience my life for this one day.’ It’s all about high fives and hugs, and I tell them to come ready,” he said. “You’re gonna get hugged, your hand is gonna get cramped from signing autographs, but I say every one of these kids thinks you’re a hero, and we are. This is a great place to be.”

Heitert emphasized the importance of the event in changing the perception of law enforcement and first responders for the students.

“In the eyes of these kids sometimes, they might equate us to those guys who wear capes, but really, being a hero just means anybody that’s here for them to keep them safe and help make their lives better, and that’s what we’re doing,” Heitert said. “When they normally see us doing our jobs, unfortunately, it can be a scary thing because it’s at a car accident, mom or dad get pulled over or their parents are having a problem at the house and we’re called in to help.”

Events like these not only showcase the human side of law enforcement and firefighting but also inspire the next generation to consider careers dedicated to serving and protecting their communities.

“A hero is someone that people see when they need help,” first grader Giuseppe Dixon said. “I want to be a police officer when I’m older because if someone tries to steal something or rob someone, I can help them.”

Above, paraprofessional Kristin Simpson, right, reacts after Declan Voss sees himself in a mirror on the early childhood center’s new sensory cart. Left, teacher Kelsey Hibbits, left, shows the sensory car to Puneet Parmar.

paraprofessional Kristin Simpson, who both knew Haverstick when he was a preschool student. In addition, two of Haverstick’s former teachers, who have since retired from early childhood, were in attendance to see the classroom of students receive this special surprise.

“The children are loving this cart,”early childhood director Dr. Greg Cicotte said.

“The classroom sign-up sheet is already full for the entire month of October. This was such a great idea.”

HOLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Science scavenger hunt highlights career options S

ixth and seventh graders were wandering around the hallways at Holman Middle School and doing exactly what science teachers Teresa Hutti and Olivia Wilfong asked them to do. They were participating in a science scavenger hunt to learn all about different careers in science. After picking a paper slip with the role of a scientist on it from their teacher, students had to search the school building for the person associated with that position.

“Once you find them, you have to scan the QR code on their picture and write down their name and role,” sixth grader Jameson Starks said. “Then you have to read information about that scientist and write down one interesting fact about them.”

This was a great way to engage students and incorporate technology into the classroom.

“The classes seemed to really enjoy this activity because they’re not just sitting at their desks finding the information about someone online,” Wilfong said. “They are walking around and looking for the person that matches what they randomly chose.”

There were about 30 posters placed around the school and students like seventh grader Zoe Means had to document 10 scientists.

“I learned there’s a lot of different career choices in science,” Means said, who wants to be an FBI agent. “I learned about Barbara Smith who wrote a cooking book and is a TV host.”

Starks learned about Katherine Sullivan who was a geologist and the first American woman to walk in space.

“I think it’s fun walking around, because to me, and I’m just being honest, school can be boring, and it needs more fun stuff like this,” he said. “This is more of my kind of learning because we’re getting work done but also sprinkling in a little bit of fun.”

Wilfong said the main lesson was a way to expose students to possible career opportunities.

“We wanted to show them how different ethnicities are represented and to let them know there’s not just one type of scientist,” Wilfong said.

Sixth grader Demi Orbin learns more about engineer and astronaut Sandra Hall Magnus during a “There’s a lot of different ways you can have a job science activity at Holman Middle School. in the science field.”

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Students at Willow Brook Elementary School are getting special visits by the Bookmobile this year while the school’s new library is being constructed. Above left, students in Billy Thompson’s fifth grade class walk onto the Bookmobile for the first time. They are, from left, Quenton Clarke, Bryce Freeman, Aari Blue and D’Moni Armstrong. Above middle, fifth graders Amanda Garcia Ortiz, left, and Olivia Kaufman explore the books on the Bookmobile. Above right, students in Mary Florence Goding’s first grade class head back to class after checking out books from the Bookmobile. Shown are, from left, Harvey Hornsby, Jonathan Wilson, Mahkai Smith and Fallon Lawson. Smith is smelling his cotton candy scented scratch and sniff bookmark, which each student received at checkout.

WILLOW BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Visit by Bookmobile allows students to try new books, have new library experience S

tudents at Willow Brook Elementary School recently had a new experience — they got to step foot on a mobile library. That mobile library was the St. Louis County Library (SLCL) Bookmobile.

“You could just feel the buzz around school the days leading up to the Bookmobile,” librarian Kim Dickinson said. “Kids would constantly be asking me in the hall when it was coming so they could finally check out books. I loved seeing the excitement and joy surrounding it. Plus, it was a little nostalgic for those teachers who grew up using the Bookmobile.”

Currently, the library at Willow Brook is in transition. The former library space was renovated this year for art classes. The building addition that is in progress will be home to the new library, but, in the meantime, without a temporary space, Dickinson knew she needed to find alternative and creative ways to get books to students.

“Obviously teachers have their own classroom libraries, but they don’t have a ton of space to keep large amounts of books for students to peruse,” Dickinson said. “In addition, there are families who are unable to take their kids to the public library on a regular basis so having the Bookmobile come to us helps solve that problem. It meant so much to me that students were able to have a separate environment to discover a wide variety of new books.”

Students in different grades could check out different types and quantities of books per recommendations made by the SLCL staff. But it was ultimately up to the teachers to decide how many books students can choose. Typically students checkout school library books for a week. They will have the Bookmobile books for a month so teachers knew students would need more to read during that time.

“The only exception was kindergarten and first grade students,” Dickinson said.

“They only checked out one or two books from the Bookmobile because I set up mini libraries in their hallways and we can checkout books every week.”

The Bookmobile has not only been a hit, but a new experience for students.

“It was amazing. There’s like a trillion books in there,” said first grader Micah

Wilson who ended up with a book about dinosaurs and one about bees. “I got these because I liked dinosaurs the best, especially the T-rex and the velociraptor.” As for the book on bees, “I want to know why bees build habitats.”

The estimate on the number of books in the Bookmobile spanned from a trillion books, which Wilson guessed, to a bajillion million books as guessed by his classmate Isaiah Goins. The Bookmobile can have thousands of books at a given time.

“It was really fun because they have all types of books,” fifth grader D’Moni Armstrong said. “It was really hard (to choose) because there were a lot of books.” He walked away with nonfiction books about lions and pandas, as well as a few fiction books.

All of the students left with their own library card, as well as a scratch and sniff bookmark that smelled like cotton candy. The simple idea that the Bookmobile wasn’t part of a building was also a standout concept for younger students.

“It’s cool because you’re not on the ground,” said first grader Kahlid Hinkle.

Jonathan Wilson, a first grader in Mary Florence Goding’s class, checked out the book “Rosie’s Walk” by Pat Hutchins.

“I picked it because it’s funny,” he said. “I read it in kindergarten. The fox always gets hurt when he’s trying to catch him.” As for when the Bookmobile comes back, he said, “I’m excited to see if it’s gonna look different and have different books in it.”

The Bookmobile is scheduled to come monthly from October through April, and after just one month, the library on wheels has been incredibly popular.

“The response to families signing up for the Bookmobile was overwhelming,” Dickinson said. Because of changes to library policy, there needed to be an updated guardian signature on file and everyone was required to fill out a Bookmobile application. Despite this requirement, “We had 90% of students return their applications and receive a library card,” Dickinson said. “Even if a student didn’t get a library card, they were still able to ‘check out’ from a specific selection of books. These are extra surplus books that students won’t get penalized for not returning.”

PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Drawing challenge encourages creativity with ink while putting artwork on display T

he Pattonville High School art department is hosting its second annual Inktober challenge and invited all students and staff to showcase their creative potential in the first show of the year in Gallery G, the school’s art gallery.

“To participate, all they need to do is create an ink drawing that corresponds to one of the daily prompts throughout the month of October,” art teacher Beth Kathriner said.

Whether they choose a ballpoint pen, a Sharpie, fancy art pens or any other ink-based medium, the focus is on interpreting the prompts in their unique style.

Senior Lizzy Zacheis is enrolled in AP Art and Design, Ceramics 2 and Painting 1 this semester, but is always looking for ways to improve her art skills.

“I wanted to do it as a way to push myself,” she said. “My first one (drawing) was for Dream and I just wanted to make it look like she was having a nightmare.

I drew an outstretched hand reaching for her when she’s asleep in her bed.”

Every October, artists worldwide take on the Inktober drawing challenge created in 2009 by Jake Parker.

“He releases an official prompt list every year and you do one ink drawing a day the entire month,” Kathriner said. “This year’s list includes words like Dream, Spiders, Angel and Fire.”

Lauren Harris, a junior with an affection for Halloween and all things spooky, is aiming high.

“There’s 31 different challenges and I’m trying to do all of them,” she said. “I’m used to working with ink so that’s why I really like doing it.”

The driving force behind the challenge is the sense of achievement and recognition it offers. Prizes await those who turn in 15 or more drawings, with even “spookier” prizes reserved for those who manage to complete all 31 prompts.

The challenge goes beyond the confines of an art class. Kathriner said they welcome participation from anyone who wishes to share their art.

“I’ve had students I don’t know well drop off stuff,” she explained. “As long as the artwork is submitted with a name tag, it finds a place on the gallery walls.”

Drawing 1 classes have been actively incorporating ink drawings into their coursework.

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Right, junior Lauren Harris works on artwork for Pattonville High School’s Inktober challenge.

Below, Inktober work is displayed in Gallery G.

“They’ve been doing ink drawings, and some of them work on submissions if they finish early or they’re working outside of class,” Kathriner said. “Our art club has also spent time working on submissions.”

The challenge is inclusive, extending beyond the school premises.

“It’s just kind of a fun thing to do,” Kathriner said.

“It gives you a little goal, can push you out of your normal comfort zone and help you set goals like how many you want to do.”

REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL

Rock Your School events engage students in unique, engaging learning opportunities T

he halls of Remington Traditional School were full of rock stars this September. These superstars were actually students and staff members, decked out like rock stars, which was the theme for the school’s fall Rock Your School (RYS) event. While the RYS name is incredibly appropriate for the theme for the fall, Remington changes themes each event.

Presented by Get Your Teach On, RYS encourages teachers and schools to create an educational experience by doing something different. Teachers created rigorous and engaging lessons and classes rotated to different rooms throughout the day participating in rock-themed activities.

“We rotate to give a feeling of something new to the students, as well as allowing students and teachers who have worked together in the past to be together again,” fourth grade teacher Julie Linck said. “This style allows the students to experience four lessons in a fun way.”

Third grade teacher Isabelle Garcia-Blackwell had students play a rock and roll dice game where they walked around the room and when the music stopped, they found a partner and rolled a set of dice, adding the numbers together as a team. Fifth grade teachers Corrine Gibbs and Karrie Peters created a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) challenge where,

using tape, 10 pieces of paper and four popsicle sticks, straws and index cards, students had to build a stage at least six inches tall that could hold a microphone.

“The idea is to create fun, engaging and memorable learning experiences for students,” Linck said. “I love how students from a few years ago still remember what we did. It’s also a great way to take a less exciting thing to teach and turn it into a game while everyone is dressed up and the classroom is transformed.”

Sixth grade teacher Libby Hilker created a geography lesson using Citizen’s USA Tour and had a member of the band record a personal message for her students.

She wasn’t the only one to get a special message for students. At the end of the day, all of the students participated in a school-wide assembly where they watched personalized messages from Jaret Reddick, the lead singer in Bowling for Soup and the current voice of Chuck E. Cheese as well as radio host Moon Valjean (Philip Sneed) who sings for Greek Fire which performed “Top of the World” for the movie “Big Hero 6.”

The idea to get everyone together at the end of the day is a way to culminate the event and bring the school community together. Since not all grade levels interact during the rotations, they can at this point of the day.

The assembly traditionally features games and staff

Remington Traditional School fifth graders, from left, Ave Jordan, Cameron Barr and Eli Schowengerdt and teacher Karrie Peters react as the paper stage they built held a microphone.

performances. This fall, attendees were also treated to a special performance by seventh grader Patrick McNulty who played the guitar.

“It’s a great way for students, staff and our families to connect and have fun learning,” Linck said. “Last year we had a family bring in black lights from their DJ business to help us with our Glow Day theme. Teachers really come together to make this a great day for the kids. Teachers stayed late to decorate and transform the hallways for when the students walk in the next morning. There’s a lot of work, but the smiles make it all worth it!”

DRUMMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Author visit is meaningful to school T

hird, fourth and fifth grade students at Drummond Elementary School were among the first to receive a special look at a newly published book presented by the authors themselves on Sept. 28. Authors Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko visited Drummond to share “Dogtown,” an illustrated story about a shelter for all types of dogs, even robot dogs.

Drummond students and staff highly anticipated for this author visit.

Students in 3D Design at Pattonville Heights Middle School create gourd sculptures. Left, seventh graders “Dogtown” was new, but many of these authors’ other books were already Sharon Judge and Averie Strautkalns use cardboard to create the structure for their gourd. Right, seventh familiar stories on the shelves at Drummond. grader Bricyn Love sculpts her gourd out of wire.

“In preparation for the visit, I shared the first couple chapters of the new book ‘Dogtown’ with classes and put both Katherine and Gennifer’s books on display,” said library technology specialist Sierra Dertinger, who coordinated the author visit. “Some teachers are also reading Katherine Applegate’s books as a read aloud for their class.” n the art classroom of Katrina Van Ryn, students enrolled in 3D Design at Pattonville Heights Many classrooms got involved to prepare for the special visit. Dertinger Middle School are embracing their artistic freedom with wire and cardboard to create unique collaborated with art teachers Josie Cammarata and Carolyn Elliott to create gourd sculptures. a welcome banner with students to help greet the guest authors.

“Students are making metal wire and cardboard gourds in class and we will cover them “Each student drew and colored a dog of their choice from a Seesaw with paper mache,” Van Ryn said. “They will look cool when they are all done.”

Choice Board of Art Hub videos,” Dertinger said. “They cut them out to atThe students’ artistic journey is not bound by rules or restrictions. tach to our welcome banner and to put on display in the hall leading into the “I didn’t really give them any kind of special instructions on this,” she said. “I wanted them multipurpose room.” to figure it out on their own, but I chose gourds because gourds can look like anything. There’s When Applegate and Choldenko arrived at Drummond that morning, they square-shaped gourds; some gourds have fingers or look flat. There’s no right way to design it.” were welcomed with a personalized introduction. Fifth graders Azariah FirEighth grader Da’Shon Payton said working with the two materials are really different. row and Zarria Smith introduced the authors, each sharing highlights of the “Working with wire, it doesn’t look full because there’s all these holes in it and it looks author’s biographies they spent time preparing for and memorizing. empty, but with the cardboard, it’s more full and takes shape,” he said. “It’s the same assign“Azariah and Zarria were selected because they adore Katherine Applement because you still have to make a gourd but you have to think and do it in different ways.” gate’s ‘The One and Only Ivan’ series,” Dertinger said. “They buddy read a Experimentation showcases students’ willingness to explore beyond traditional art norms. lot of their books together and I knew that they would be the perfect emcees.”

“3D art is a little harder than 2D art because you have to think about every angle when After an entertaining and excityou’re working on it,” Payton said. ing presentation about “Dogtown,” Students will complete two different projects and are encouraged to let their imagination many Drummond students had a run wild, resulting in a diverse range of designs. Seventh grader Akayla Williams’ journey in personalized experience of their the class reflects the supportive atmosphere fostered by Van Ryn. own when they went home with a “I was trying to figure out how am I supposed to do this but she (Van Ryn) helped me and signed copy of the book.

I started forming the shape myself and it got easier,” she said. “I’m trying to make mine look “This event is all thanks to like it’s an old rotten pumpkin so that’s why it’s kind of lopsided.”

Novel Neighbor, a local indepenVan Ryn’s approach to teaching extends beyond traditional instruction. She believes in dent bookstore,” Dertinger said. equipping her students with the knowledge and skills to create art independently.

Author Katherine Applegate, left, speaks to “They offered discounted books “Before we did this activity, we had a few days where we learned how to put cardboard to- students in Bonnie Beer’s third grade class at for our students, families and gether with cardboard joints and also how to cut wires and put wires together,” she said. “They Drummond Elementary School. They are, from staff to purchase so they can get it didn’t just dive into it. They were given the information and had the knowledge of how to do it left, Kailin Rickmon, Jaxson Flood, Brayan signed by the two authors.”

Rodriguez Avendano and Gabby Gibson. first. Now we’re seeing what they’re able to create.”

PATTONVILLE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students design unique 3D fall gourds I

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BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

DRUMMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Baton twirling honors

St. Charles Jaycees Youth Art Fair

Drummond Elementary School fifth grader Jazlyn Anders received a Best in Show award for her artwork at the third annual Youth Art Fair hosted

by St. Charles Jaycees in June. Anders designed multiple pieces for the show, including her favorite, which she painted with a rainbow sun. She Jazlyn Anders then added beads as well as tissue paper to make clouds at the end of the rainbow. She covered it all in glitter. Art in the show was available for purchase and Anders was named Best in Show after having her favorite piece receive the highest bid, with all proceeds supporting the Alzheimer’s Association. Anders is regularly involved with the St. Charles Jaycees organization, a non-profit that works to create positive change in communities around the world through activities, leadership, advocacy and business and community development.

PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Technology Student Association (TSA) Nationals Competition

Six students from Pattonville High School participated in the Technology Student Association (TSA) national competition in Louisville, Kentucky this summer. The team Members of the TSA include Faisal previously qualified Yousif, left, and Shaurya Pandey. for nationals at the TSA state competition in April. Students who qualified to compete at the national competition include Shaurya Pandey, who, along with 2023 graduate Justin Alvey, was named a top 10 finalist for geospatial technology at the event. Additional students who qualified to compete at the TSA national competition are seniors Fred Kadima and Faisal Yousif and 2023 graduates Jack Caesar and Morgan Johnson. The TSA team was sponsored by teacher Stephanie Carson.

Members of the varsity drill team include, from left, front row, assistant coach Jo Harshbarger, Hannah Fisbeck, Aeriana Woodard, Nicole Cobbs and coach Anise Glenn and, back row, Zariyah Rice, Riyan Bryant, Mikayla Shryock, Tori Stewart and Lauren Jacobs.

Drill team honors

The Pattonville High School varsity and junior varsity drill teams competed and earned honors at the National Dance Association (NDA) Summer Camp. The varsity drill team earned a gold rating in the Medium Intermediate/Advanced Team Dance division, a superior rating in team performance, a national championship bid and a Stand-Out Style award. Two members of the varsity drill team were named to the all-American team. They are Nicole Cobbs, who earned the Top All-American award for being the highest scoring individual in the all-American auditions, and Reilly Edmonds. Additional members of the varsity drill team are: Riyan Bryant, Aliya Curry, Hannah Fisbeck, Lauren Jacobs, Madelyn Kirton, Sophia Knize, MacKenzie Miller, Zariyah Rice, Mikayla Shryock, Tori Stewart and Aeriana Woodard.

The varsity drill team is coached by Willow Brook Elementary School kindergarten teacher Anise Glenn with the assistance of Jo Harshbarger. Also at the NDA Summer Camp, the junior varsity drill team also earned honors. The team earned a gold rating in the JV Team Routine division, an Overall Technical Growth award and the Leaps and Bounds award. The team includes Caitlyn Jordan, Delaney O’Neill, Karson Schneider, Chloe Stokes, Alexis Volz and Ca’Liyah Wallace. The junior varsity team is coached by Bridgeway Elementary School second grade teacher Isabel DiSalvo with the assistance of Allison Grothoff.

High school freshman Olivia Monroe competed at the Illinois State Fair Baton Twirling Contest in August and earned several honors as an individual and as part Olivia Monroe performs before of her baton twirling the homecoming football game on team. Monroe earned Oct. 13. top honors in the Novice Division Basic Strut event and, as the only freshman in a division of high school juniors, she earned second place in the High School Fight Song competition. Her baton twirling team earned several honors including a first place ribbon in the Twirl Team category.

Pre-Dental Program

High school senior Riesen Riley attended the Summer Pre-Dental Enrichment Program at the Texas A&M University College of Dentistry.

The four-week program provided high school seniors an opportunity to learn more about the field of denRiesen Riley tistry, prepare for and successfully take the SAT and increase their competitiveness for admission to college. At the conclusion of the program, Riley received the Best Preclinical Hand Skills award for her outstanding hand skills and attention to detail in the pre-clinical dentistry course.

DISTRICTWIDE

Bus technician competition

Bus technician Robert Merkle earned the second place technician award in the annual Missouri’s Best Technician and Inspector Competition at the Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation (MAPT) Conference and Trade Show in Springfield, Missouri. Between training Robert Merkle activities, participants demonstrated their technical skills and knowledge as they rotated through written exams and various hands-on stations.

Niche ranks Pattonville among top districts Pattonville ranked on U.S. News’ Best list O

ut of about 450 public school districts in Missouri, Pattonville is ranked No. 11 among the top districts on Niche.com’s 2024 Best School Districts in America list.

Nationally, Niche ranks Pattonville in the Top 6% of districts (No. 604 out of 10,932).

In Missouri, Pattonville is ranked No. 1 for Most Diverse School Districts; No. 5 for Best Places to Teach; and No. 42 for Districts with the Best Teachers.

Pattonville earned an overall grade of A from Niche, with grades ranging from A- to A+ in the following categories: administration, college prep, clubs and activities, diversity, resources and facilities and 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. Find out more at bit.ly/psdNiche.

P

attonville High School is ranked among the top high schools in Missouri and the nation on U.S. News and World Report’s 2023 Best High Schools list. Pattonville ranked at No. 45 out of 718 high schools in Missouri, placing it in the Top 7% of high schools in the state. This is the 10th time Pattonville earned a spot on U.S. News’ Best High Schools list in the past 11 years. The U.S. News’ Best High Schools rankings include data on nearly 25,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. About 18,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college.

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PATTONVILLE 2023

HOMECOMING

Oct. 13-14 | Big City Lights Above, the drill team performs during halftime at the homecoming football game. Shown are, from left, Zariyah Rice, Lauren Jacobs and Reilly Edmonds. Below, Drummond Elementary School’s Gotham City float received the Outstanding Theme award. Riders include fourth grader Mesa Baczynski, left, and first grader Myan Baczynski.

Parade honors

Top left, senior color guard member Alana Franklin performs during the homecoming halftime show. Top center, members of the volleyball team, including senior Kylie Surratt, left, and junior Jordyn Courson, right, ride in the parade on a Pattonville Fire Protection District fire truck. Above left, members of the Class of 2024 ride in a New York-themed float. Above right, sophomore Brayden Edwards, left, prepares to pass the football during the homecoming football game against Hazelwood Central High School.

Award winners during the parade were: Remington Traditional School earned the Traveling Trophy for best elementary or middle school float; the high school sophomores won the Outstanding Class Float award; Drummond Elementary School the received Outstanding Theme award; the high school International Club won Pete’s Pick for outstanding student club/organization/sport float; and Dance Factory earned the Green and White Award for best community float.

Above, the Pride of Pattonville Marching Band performs its award-winning show “The Army of Anubis.” Below, Remington Traditional School’s Las Vegas-themed float received the Traveling Trophy for best elementary or middle school float.

Senior drum major Floyd Davis leads the Pride of Pattonville Marching Band in a performance before the start of the homecoming football game.

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“Pattonville Highlights” is published throughout the school year for residents of the Pattonville School District by the Pattonville school-community relations department.

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