Highlights Pattonville A top-tier district in Missouri and the U.S.
DECEMBER 2023
School news for parents, residents and staff of the Pattonville School District
Inside
Greenhouse built for Pattonville student use - See page 2 for details
Students, staff take a spin with smoothie bike - See back page for details
Smashing pumpkins BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mary Kay Campbell, President Jeanne Schottmueller, Vice President Dr. Dan Wentz, Secretary Lisa Kickbusch, Treasurer Dr. Brian J. Gray, Director Dr. Barry Nelson Superintendent Bridgeway Elementary School hosted its second annual Pumpkin Smash on Nov. 7. Families, staff and community members were invited to drop off their pumpkins from Halloween to teach sustainability and physics. Any whole pumpkins were donated to area farms for animals to eat. First, though, students got to have some fun with the them. Top left, firefighters with the Pattonville Fire Protection District dropped carved pumpkins from about 75 feet in the air. The smashed pieces were used for compost and as fertilizer for the school’s garden. Students could also do their own pumpkin drop from short ladders nearby. Top right, from left, first grader Rose Fernandez, kindergartner Nora Peak and third grader Ava Crawford watch as firefighters toss pumpkins. Above right, kindergartner Jack Braun shows part of a smashed pumpkin. Left, students bowled with pumpkins, rolling them down the slide, to see how many pins they could knock down. From left, fourth grader Ava King celebrates her roll as second grader Avery Woods waits her turn and first grader Liam McComb and fifth grader Sophia Mason pumpkin bowl on the other lane.
Pattonville School District 11097 St. Charles Rock Road St. Ann, MO 63074-1509
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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.
Greenhouse built for Pattonville student use From the Superintendent School improvement occurs year round O A s the first semester of the 2023-2024 school year draws to a close in the Pattonville School District, I am excited to share progress in our school improvement initiatives, guided by our five-year Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). The strides made in the Pattonville Early Childhood Center and elementary schools are a result of a shared community Dr. Barry Nelson focus driving school improvement. Superintendent Our Early Childhood Center has emFollow on X @Barry_NelsonPSD barked on a journey to redefine parentteacher communication about student learning and progress. The staff’s commitment to implementing conscious discipline is fostering a nurturing environment essential for early childhood development, focusing on selfregulation and social-emotional learning. Bridgeway Elementary School’s dedication to staff development is evident in its efforts to enhance the learning environment. Clear success criteria and transparent assessment practices is enhancing student understanding and motivation. The school’s approach in replacing traditional desks and chairs with alternative, student-centered furniture is creating a more adaptable and comfortable learning environment, empowering students to control their educational experience. Restorative circles are enhancing students’ conflict resolution skills, emotional regulation and community building. Drummond Elementary School’s introduction of an intake specialist role, focused on integrating students academically and socially, is a significant stride in supporting new students. The school’s renewed focus on the Love and Logic approach is cultivating a respectful and supportive learning environment, complemented by personalized learning strategies that adjust instruction to meet the needs and interests of each student. Parkwood Elementary School is enhancing student engagement through the development of learner proficiency scales. These scales enable students to self-assess their learning progress across various stages. The school’s focus on developing learner profiles is instrumental in student goal setting, identifying individual learning preferences, exploring areas of strength and growth and facilitating future planning. Rose Acres Elementary School is implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to address the academic and behavioral needs of students. The school’s commitment to effective school and classroom universals, including PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports), is creating a structured and supportive environment. Additionally, the introduction of innovative, adaptable furniture is reshaping the physical learning spaces, aligning with modern educational needs. Willow Brook Elementary School’s initiative in fostering learner agency empowers students to be more involved in their learning. The school’s comprehensive approach in providing tailored support for students across a wide spectrum of needs is a testament to staff commitment of inclusive education. At Remington Traditional School, curriculum delivery is being transformed through design thinking principles and the Launch Cycle, a flexible framework to guide students through an inquiry-based process during project-based learning. Remington’s efforts are not just limited to curriculum innovation but also extend to improving student attendance with a strategic three-tiered approach. As we move forward, these initiatives being implemented at our Early Childhood Center and elementary schools are laying a solid foundation for our students’ continued success and development, reflecting ongoing commitment to providing a high-quality, inclusive and dynamic educational experience for the children in our community.
n Sept. 20, members of the City of Maryland Heights were joined by Pattonville High School science teacher Amy Schwendemann for the ribbon cutting and grand opening of Waste Connection’s Sustainability Campus. In 2020, the City of Maryland Heights was awarded a grant for $850,000 for the Greenhouse, Garden and Sustainability Center Project. Located next door to Pattonville High School, this five-acre property is the home of a campus focused on urban agriculture and renewable resources. The first phase of the project features the construction of two Ceres Net Zero greenhouses. One of the greenhouses will be used exclusively by Pattonville students and faculty, providing a unique hands-on learning experience.
Pattonville High School staff members visit the newly opened Waste Connection’s Sustainability Campus where one greenhouse will be used completely by district students. Shown are, from left, teacher Megan Kemper, teacher Amy Schwendemann, assistant principal Jon Fitzgerald and teacher Rob Lamb.
“We had the opportunity to be part of the planning process and got to help design the space,” Schwendemann said. “We divided the greenhouse into two parts with a wall so we have a classroom space and the rest of it will be the greenhouse.” About 90 students are enrolled in the Applied Science and Technology classes at Pattonville High School and they will use the space to cultivate herbs, vegetables and flowers and learn about sustainability. A walkway from the high school to the new greenhouse was built and the City of Maryland Heights purchased additional supplies to be used. “We will have normal grow tables inside the greenhouse which is using soil like normal to grow plants, but we will also utilize aquaponics,” Schwendemann said. “An aquaponic is essentially a 200-gallon fish tank, and instead of us having to add nutrients to the water, the nutrients that the fish provide will help us grow the plants.” The current garden created and maintained by Schwendemann’s classes at the high school will be converted and used in other ways and students will continue to use the hydroponics installed in the cafeteria and E-wing. “We have plans of turning that outside space into an orchard,” she said. “We’ve got a couple of peach trees started and some raspberry bushes. We’re going to be back and forth quite a bit between here and next door, but we’re going to have a lot of opportunities to work and learn.” Science teachers Megan Kemper, Rob Lamb and Schwendemann and assistant principal Dr. Jon Fitzgerald attended the grand opening event.
Kickbusch named board of education treasurer O
n Nov. 14, the Pattonville Board of Education reviewed the resignation of board members Dr. Amanda Lienau and Brandon Wilkes. Wilkes, treasurer of the board of education, resigned from the school board effective Oct. 18 due to moving outside of the district. Lisa Kickbusch was selected to replace Wilkes as treasurer. Lienau resigned from the board effective Oct. 25. With candidate filing having started the first week of December, the board decided not to fill Lienau or Wilkes’s seats on the board. Wilkes’s term was set to expire in April 2024. Lienau had two years left on her term. That two-year term will be open for filing during this year’s election cycle. For information about filing to run for a position on the board, see the story below.
Lisa Kickbusch
Filing for Pattonville school board closes Dec. 26 F
iling for positions on the Pattonville School District Board of Education began 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 three positions available on the April 2, 2024, election ballot, two with a three-year term and one with a two-year term. Jeanne Schottmueller’s term is expiring. Both Dr. Amanda Lienau and Brandon Wilkes resigned from the board in October. Because Wilkes’s term was set to expire in April, his seat will be filled with the standard three-year term. Lienau, who was elected in April, had two years left in her term, creating the two-year opening. Candidates may only file for the three- or the two-year term. Candidates can 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 Dec. 25 when the district’s superintendent’s office will be closed. 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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News focusing on students, staff and schools in Pattonville
WILLOW BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students design balloons for unique parade C
ats, snowmen, landmarks and a myriad of other creatures paraded through the hallways of Willow Brook Elementary School as second graders showed off their creations during the Balloons Over Willow Brook extravaganza — a burgeoning Thanksgiving tradition in the making. On the last day of school before Thanksgiving, students conducted their second annual parade. “I started the project with hopes that the incoming Willow Brook students can look forward to the creation of the balloons and parade when they are in second grade,” second grade teacher Michelle Haupt said. “The idea helps connect learning at school to the community and worldwide. Last year, the second graders loved sharing their creations and the other students enjoyed watching the parade.” As a first grader last year, Quest Williams watched the parade but was excited to participate this year. “It was fun watching it last year,” he said. “I’m nervous but excited about the parade. We’re excited to do it and I’m excited for people to see my balloon.” To introduce the activity, the second grade teachers shared information about the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. There were other logistical aspects of the planning process. In a geography unit, students learned how to read and create a map and used that knowledge to create a parade route by walking through the school to decide the most efficient path. The project also follows the engineering process: identifying a need or problem, researching and brainstorming, choosing the best idea, constructing a prototype, testing and evaluating, communicating and redesigning. “By using STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills in the creation of the balloons, students are able to see the process taking place like an engineer would,” Haupt said. “When the students follow this process, they understand that the engineering process might be repeated several times until their project is completed, focusing on a growth mindset.” In addition to the STEM implications, students were encouraged to create a unique balloon that doesn’t already exist in the world. Williams used that as an opportunity to
Willow Brook Elementary School’s annual Balloons Over Willow Brook featured unique designs by the school’s second graders. Left, Sawyer Sanchez-Vera adds color to his balloon’s design. Right, Quest Williams starts to sew his 3D balloon together.
combine two of his favorite things. “My balloon is Spider-Man mixed with a crocodile,” he said. “I really like crocodiles and I really like Spider-Man. And once I figured out I couldn’t do Spider-Man, that’s what popped in my mind.” Students had to create a drawing of their balloon before actually making it. “The design process is important for many reasons,” Haupt said. “It supports a growth mindset, growing from our ideas, looking for ways to create a problem or solution, critical thinking and the accomplishment of the showcase of their ideas.” Students worked on their balloons during art class with teacher Dawn Lynn. They had to draw the shape of their balloon on colored construction paper, decorate it, cut out both sides of the balloon, punch holes in the edges to add filling to create a 3D shape and, finally, sew it together. “Mrs. Lynn is a fantastic resource for creation and inspiring students in their artistic abilities,” Haupt said. “We thought the students would enjoy seeing the project cross into several subjects. The second graders have been working hard to design, create and produce a unique item to carry in the parade and are very excited about unveiling their balloons at the parade. We hope that each student can feel connected to what they are learning at school and see similar things in our world. The connection makes the learning meaningful and authentic.”
HOLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Annual Cupcake Wars event brings tradition, fun flavors, creative designs A
delicious battle unfolds each year that transcends the ordinary confines of the classroom. For more than a decade at Holman Middle School, Cupcake Wars has transformed students into culinary visionaries and cupcake strategists. Students in FACS 2 (Family and Consumer Science) work in a group and plan every aspect of their chosen theme, down to the cupcake wrappers. “This activity supports the baking and desserts aspect of the curriculum,” teacher Alisa Neal said. “It also teaches and emphasizes other life skills such as time management, working collectively, planning skills and being flexible and resourceful. I think they really enjoy that they have complete control over the project.” The unit lasts about a month. Groups select and plan their theme, including deciding cupcake flavors and display design. After each group made a final grocery list, it was time to make their judged cupcakes. “That week was just go, go, go,” eighth grader Abby Edmonds said. “We had to have at least 12 of our cupcakes — good cupcakes — done during one day. We had two days to decorate. Today, I came straight down here and got our cupcakes out and set it up for judging.” All staff in the building were invited to participate. But judging wasn’t just about taste-testing. Judges also rated the displays.
“The display is part of the visual — it draws people in,” Neal said. “If it looks good, people want to try it.” Edmonds’s group decided on a Halloween theme. To make their display stand out, they added a cauldron and filled it with dry ice to create a foggy effect. “It looks really cool,” Edmonds said. “It took all of first hour to set up, but everybody’s been liking it. I’ve really liked seeing my ideas come to life. This morning it was just an empty cauldron. Then the dry ice came and we could see the whole display put together and see how we wanted it in the very beginning. The teachers have been doing it for quite a while and I want them to remember our display and the taste of our cupcakes.”
Holman Middle School eighth grader Abby Edmonds reignites the dry ice in her team’s Cupcake Wars display.
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In addition to their display, Edmonds was hopeful that her team’s cupcake flavors would be a hit. Particularly because of the importance of one of their flavors. “The German chocolate cake flavor is actually a recipe passed down from my great-great-grandma,” Edmonds said. “It’s important for people to like them since it’s a family recipe. My teachers have asked for the cake recipe, so they like it.” Throughout the process, groups had to make sure that all aspects of their project were cohesive from their display to the flavors. Students had to fully understand the flavor palettes of their cupcakes and frosting and be sure they all worked together. A team including eighth graders Ellie Winkler and Michael Saccketti created a crystal cave display Saccketti made. Neal plans to display it at Holman’s art show. “I’m most proud of how our team didn’t completely fall apart,” Winkler said. “We figured out how to work together. We had to make compromises and figure out what everybody wanted in order to keep the peace.” Neal loves seeing everything come together. “It is so fun to see the students working so hard on what they choose and get excited about little details,” Neal said. “The students absolutely love watching their past/present teachers critique their projects.”
PATTONVILLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
Monthly activities expose learners to new motor skills I
n a recently redesigned space at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center, a therapeutic motor lab has been created, providing a space for students to develop essential sensory and motor skills. Facilitated by the occupational and physical therapists at early childhood, this space is enjoyed by all students in the school. “It’s a way for the kids that don’t normally get therapy, either occupational or physical therapy, to still come in and do sensory activities designed by us, so any kid can do it,” early childhood occupational therapist Ellie Miller said. The motor lab features a mat in the center of the room where the students meet to start and end their sessions. After a group warms up, students are guided to small stations with a variety of games or activities that engage important motor skills. Teachers also play an integral role in the students’ experiences here, leading sessions based on a curriculum derived from the Ready Bodies, Learning Minds program.
“Sometimes the therapists will step in at the very beginning to help run through exercises, but now the teachers can do it with their classroom as much or little as they want,” Miller said. “We send videos demonstrating activities beforehand, providing the objectives and the benefits so they can pre-teach it in the classroom.” The activity stations in the motor lab rotate every month, but the students and staff always do the same positive affirmations and reflex exercises at the beginning and calming cool down at the end. The affirmations and reflex exercises are Miller’s favorite activities to do with the students in the motor lab. “It can be hard for this age group, but they make such a big difference,” she said. Student engagement has been very positive. The therapists noted that while some learners attend daily for greater assistance, others attend weekly sessions, each tailored to needs and availability of the classrooms. This initiative has allowed the therapists to observe and
Early Childhood Center occupational therapist Ellie Miller, third from left, leads students in Janna Zaitz’s class in a balance motor lab. They are, clockwise from left, Noa Nahrgang, Leslie Corona, Joseph Mbugua and Muhammad Tariq.
support students who might not have previously been identified as needing occupational or physical therapy services, but could potentially benefit from them. “It’s a way to keep an eye on those kids who might need services but aren’t getting them,” Miller said. As the motor lab continues to develop in the school, Miller has seen it grow in popularity and benefit to the students with the schedule already filled far in advance.
PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Students get unique view on World War I I
Students at Rose Acres Elementary School participate in the school’s annual Turkey Trot. Left, fourth grader Gabe Adkins crosses the finish line after the run. Right, fifth grader Kara Merciel, center, and fifth grade teacher Sarah Carter, right, race through the high-five zone during the run.
ROSE ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Run celebrates health, sportsmanship R
ose Acres Elementary School held its annual Turkey Trot, promoting the values of fitness, friendship and, this year, a special emphasis on sportsmanship. The run, on Nov. 3, aimed to inspire a commitment to lifelong fitness and positive character traits. “We’ve always recognized our top finishers during an awards ceremony at the end of the day but, this year, we wanted to include recognizing good sportsmanship,” PE teacher Joe Rehagen said. “That’s the most important thing that we’re trying to develop in students before they walk out of PE. Not only are we teaching them to enjoy fitness, but also just knowing what good sportsmanship is and what it looks like because that’s so transferable to lots of different things, not just athletics.” Six students from grades 3 through 5 were selected for exemplifying positive sportsmanship qualities such as tremendous effort, personal best, a genuine positive attitude toward self and others, supporting classmates regardless of skill level and respecting rules and fair play. Teachers and staff were encouraged to nominate students displaying these qualities during the races. The winners of the SuperStar Sportsmanship Award were selected and announced at the end of the awards assembly. Fourth grader Liam Wilson received the award for being a leader all day, giving out confidence like confetti with words of encouragement and high-fives. PE teacher Mike McKeon also saw Wilson help clean up at the end of the race. “His classroom teacher told me, ‘He said that it’s not too hard to show good sportsmanship, it’s just being a great kid,’” Rehagen said. “Liam was pretty proud of winning that award.” Fifth grader Levi Dukes, a top 10 finisher, exemplified sportsmanship by repeatedly going back and completing the race with other students to encourage them. Fifth grader Cooper Beste, the overall finisher, said the high-five zone, where runners could exchange high-fives with students lining the course, was a fun thing. “I run cross country for Rose Acres so that kind of gave me some practice, but that’s not part of those races,” Beste said. “I didn’t slow down but I put my hand out and gave everyone a high-five when I ran by them. Rehagen praised the students at the awards ceremony for showing good sportsmanship all day long and cheering on others while also giving their personal best. “We wanted to start recognizing those kids who might not be the fastest, but who really embody the spirit of the race,” Rehagen said. “Our principal (Dr. Adam Crnko) loved it and already said it’s an award we need to have every year.”
n an immersive learning experience, students in Marcus Christian and MaryClare Stoker’s Modern World History classes at Pattonville High School participated in a World War I trench warfare simulation. This personalized learning approach aimed to make history come alive and foster a deeper understanding of the Great War. Students did individual research to explore the various aspects of World War I. “Each student had a specific role and responsibilities, just like those who lived through the war,” Stoker said. “From soldiers to medics, messengers to generals, they had to comprehend the challenges and strategies of their respective sides.” The simulation focused on two iconic World War I battles: Verdun and Somme. Sophomore Drew Killian was a soldier on the side of the Allies. “I felt like it really helped us understand what it was like and I learned a lot from it,” he said. “We had to deal with a lot of the problems and complications they had to deal with like communication with leadership when in battle.” The students learned about trench warfare on the Western Front in the weeks leading up to the simulation and attempted to simulate it during the activity. “We took our orders from the generals who were outside the room and the plan was passed on to us,” sophomore Kendal Harrison, who represented Germany, said. “The goal was to hit anyone and keep moving up and touch the other side’s flag.” One of the goals of the simulation was to provide an interactive and personalized experience for students. It moved away from the traditional project-based approach to let students design their roles and experience the war from a first-person perspective. Sophomore Jane Ndungu was a medic and treated soldiers when they were injured. “When the soldiers got a gunshot wound, I had to wrap their hand or leg with a scarf and, if they had an illness, we gave them antibiotics, which was just Mike and Ikes,” Ndungu said. “And then if they had a certain disease like malaria, they just died and we had to take them out of the game.” Following the simulation, students explored the impact of war on soldiers. “They have been asking me about this for weeks since we started the unit,” Stoker said. “This is the most engaged I’ve seen these kids in anything.” Students spent a class preparing for the simulation by making cardboard Students in Modern World History at Pattonville tanks, forming paper balls and creating High School recreate battles that took place durfirst aid kits. ing World War I. Top, sophomore Jace Robinson, “The district has been making a center, representing France, tosses a piece of paper into the German trench during the recreation. push for personalized learning so I Above, sophomore John Ireland, left, drives a tank wanted to do that for this lesson,” made of cardboard to advance and protect himself Stoker said. “I just wanted to let them against paper balls being thrown by, from left, sophomores Trenton Wilson and Keith Williams Jr. live it out and allow them to experience and freshman Diego Hernandez Marquez. the war through their chosen roles.”
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REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL
Partnership creates meaningful meetings E
ighth grade students at Remington Traditional School are finding excitement in teaching and learning by teaming up with kindergarten counterparts for a meaningful educational collaboration. This partnership not only benefits the younger students in developing essential skills but also provides leadership opportunities and a sense of fulfillment for the older students. Students in Ashley Fults’s kindergarten class and Heather Williams’s eighth grade class met at the beginning of the week leading up to Veterans Day. Throughout the week, students in both grades paired up. Their first activity involved kindergartners investigating one of the branches of the military. Eighth graders helped them read through appropriate texts and talked them through the story to ensure they understood what their chosen branch does and how that relates to Veterans Day. The next day, the kindergartners, with the help of their eighth grade partners, wrote and decorated thank you cards to veterans. They then recorded a thank you video for veterans that was posted on Remington’s Facebook page. “We’ve been helping them with Veterans Day stuff for a couple of days now this week and just helping them write out and sound out words and stuff,” eighth grader Haley Poore said. “We’ve been helping them with crafts and stuff. Yesterday we did coloring for Veterans Day. And today we’re teaching them how to rip papers and put the ripped paper in a heart and really how to use their hands.” On the last day of the partnership, eighth graders helped the kindergartners with their fine motor and writing skills. Each kindergartner was given a piece of paper with the shape of a heart on it. Kindergartners were instructed to tear pieces of colored cardstock and glue it to the paper to fill in the heart and then, on the back, write a sentence about what Veterans Day means to them. “Yesterday we wrote thank you cards,” kindergartner Anthony Graphenreed said. “Today we decorated hearts. It was really cool. I just started with the red and then put it all around the heart. And then orange and then brown in the middle. I used those colors because I want to make it beautiful. I wrote ‘Veterans Day means that we thank the soldiers.’ My favorite part was making the heart because it’s beautiful and I love art.” Graphenreed has three veterans in his family: his mom’s dad, his dad’s dad and his dad’s grandma. “Veterans Day to me means I thank all the soldiers and then I celebrate them,” Graphenreed said. “If I saw a veteran walking down the hall I’d say, ‘Hi veteran! I have a thank you card for you!’” All together, the group spent four days together, each with meetings of about 25 minutes. During that time, the eighth graders had the opportunity to practice leadership and get experience teaching basic skills. They helped with writing, reading, technology, socialization, conversation skills, behavior management and more. “The kids worked really hard and we’re proud of the work they did together,” Williams said. “The students collaborated and listened to each other’s ideas. They also learned from one another which is pretty cool. The eighth graders really liked their partners and seeing the work they put together. They got excited when it was time to go down there. It gives the older kids a purpose and helps remind them when they
started out at Remington and how far they have come.” Poore remembers eighth graders coming into her class when she was a kindergartner in now retired teacher Jill Kruse’s class. She remembers making arts and crafts, and cards like she helped students with now as an eighth grader. The experience as an eighth Remington Traditional School eighth graders worked with kingrader has been incredibly dergartners on Veterans Day activities and communication and rewarding. motor skills. Top, eighth grader Abigail Masokano, right, helps “My favorite part of this kindergartner Ca’mya Carr, write a statement about veterans. is probably seeing them so Above, eighth grader Gavin Fogarty, center, helps kindergarthappy and knowing how to ners Elsa Dominguez, left, and Vanessa Henley tear and paste pieces of paper to fill in an outline of a heart. do things themselves and seeing them learn,” Poore said. “They can write pretty well and they know how to look at the words and know what letters they are and stuff. It feels nice to be able to help them and see the smile on their faces whenever they know how to do things.” Following the Veterans Day project partnership, the collaboration between the classes will continue. Each week, eighth graders will lead kindergarten’s Monday morning meetings. “We are excited to continue doing this all year and see how the confidence of both sets of kids grow,” Williams said. “My favorite has been the conversation between the kids and the smiles on all the faces.”
DRUMMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students receive new coat, gloves heading into winter season E
Every student at Drummond Elementary School received a new winter coat, gloves and book thanks to a program organized by Stifel and Operation Warm. Top, first grader Julionna Pickens tests the size of her coat. Above, third grader Brayan Rodriguez Avendano high-fives a Stifel volunteer after finding his perfect coat.
mployees from Stifel, in partnership with Operation Warm, provided a new winter coat to every student at Drummond Elementary School on Nov. 14. “When I first saw these coats, I was really happy because some people wouldn’t have any coats and this day would bring them joy because they would get a coat today,” third grader Evan Ramon said. More than 650 coats were distributed across all grades. Stifel volunteers personally met with students during the distribution, ensuring proper fitting of the coats. Additionally, they wrote each student’s name on a tag inside the coat with a permanent marker so the student would have ownership of their coat. To enhance the winter preparedness of the students, Stifel also provided a goodie bag containing winter gloves. “It’s such a huge deal because some of our kids come to school without a coat every day and you know, they’re cold, they want to go outside and play and now all of our students have a coat,” assistant principal Carley Tankersley said. “There’s no stigma with this. Every single kid got a coat.” Stifel has partnered with Operation Warm since 2018 to provide brand new coats to children. Operation Warm, a na-
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tional nonprofit that manufactures their own coats, is funded by corporate, community and government partnerships in addition to donations from grants, foundations, groups and individuals. “It’s just so amazing because it’s a little warm right now, but it’s going to be so cold here soon,” Tankersley said. “We know our kids are going to be warm when they’re standing out at the bus stop. We know that our kids are all going to get to go outside to recess because they all have a coat that they can wear outside. It’s just so amazing to see not just how excited all of the adults are here, but how excited all of our kids are that they get to take home something new.” Several classes brought thank you cards and handed them to the volunteers who were working in the gym. Showing appreciation is a life skill that Tankersley said staff try to teach to every student. “We want to build up thankfulness and appreciation to our students,” she said. “It’s an important life skill and so we got to see that in action today.” As the weather gets colder, Nina Jones is prepared for whatever comes. “I’m ready for a snow day,” she said.
PARKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Student-led store brings treats to staff around building
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ach Thursday, a group of students bring treats to staff members at Parkwood Elementary School. The group works for Krushing Co., a student-led store that allows staff to purchase snacks and drinks. The idea behind the company is two-fold: build students’ educational and life skills and improve teacher morale through snacks. “Last year we started what we called Krushing Kindness, where students offered free miniature candies to staff around the building,” teacher Kassie Rushing said. “They were assigned two or three hallways a week and worked on their social skills with adults. Teachers would ask them questions related to what they have been working on in class. Students saw so much growth in their social skills last year but we wanted to also incorporate their academic skills. I was thinking about the curriculum and real-life applications. Parkwood doesn’t have vending machines in the staff lounge so I thought about expanding and offering treats at a discounted rate while the students learn additional skills. This is when the Krushing Co. staff snack cart became a reality.” This school year started with planning. Students were thorough as they put aspects of the store together. To determine the top options, students graphed the treats listed on a set of favorites slides that staff use to get to know one another. The graph gave insights into staff’s favorite salty and sweet snacks and beverages. They created a list of items to sell and set the cost for each after comparing the prices to those of different stores. Their goal was to make sure their prices were in line with or less expensive than a vending machine. From there, students brainstormed the things they would need to run the store and what their start-up cost would be. With the support of school administrators, the delivery cart became a reality. The first delivery was on Oct. 12. Offerings include candy, chips, trail mix, soda and tea. Each week, the order form goes out on Tuesday, preparation happens on Wednesday, delivery occurs on Thursday and analysis, including graphing purchases and reviewing inventory, happens on Friday. During weekly prep, the jobs include order puller, bag filler, labeler, quality checker, accountant and bag designer. On delivery day, there is a talker, door holder, rule enforcer, candy holder, cart pusher, router and cashier. Students rotate jobs each week. “My favorite job is the accountant because I get to go in the classrooms and then the teacher is giving me money,” fifth grader Dania Moore said. Krushing Co. improves a variety of skill sets,
including soft skills like communication, listening, time management and problem solving and job/life skills like handling money, packaging and ordering, reading invoices, artistic skills and more. “The students love being a part of Krushing Co.,” Rushing said. “My favorite part about this company is seeing the students get out of their comfort zone and try something new and learn unexpectedly while also having fun. Students are gaining so much by participating in this company. Many students want to miss their special area classes to come work on inventory or design bags. I have students in the hallway daily asking me to join, too. It’s pretty cool.” One day, when the students were short on bag decorating time, art teacher Janel MacLean volunteered to incorporate the bag decoration into her choice-based art classes, highlighting the support Krushing Co. has within the school. “The students feel ‘famous’ seeing different teachers around the building carrying bags of treats with their designs on them,” Rushing said. Making those bags is one of fifth grader Keira Breneisen’s favorite jobs in getting ready for delivery. The response by staff has been overwhelmingly supportive. In the first three weeks, students have seen a 17% increase in orders, with more than half of staff members ordering during the third week. “Krushing Co. is technically like our school business where we go around and if teachers are hungry or something, we give them some snacks or some candy and stuff and it’ll really make their day,” Moore said. “We’re here to deliver treats and smiles.” Which happens to be the group’s slogan. The students brainstormed eight different slogans, but decided on this one for one very specific reason. “My favorite thing about Krushing Co. is when we get to deliver because then every time when we deliver, we always see a smile on the teacher’s face or the principal’s face,” Moore said. “I like getting to see the people’s reaction when we deliver.” The name Krushing Co. was decided by a class vote. The students liked it because it was a fun play on words, saying “we will crush our competition.” The group even has a logo with their mascot, Charlie the Chocolate Man, smiling and holding a soda and bag of chips to illustrate offerings. In addition to a slogan, mascot and logo, Krushing Co. also has a jingle which was created by music teacher Kathryn Leonard. “Ms. Rushing just pulled up Katie logo on the screen and I was like ‘Mascots, yes, yes!’ ” Breneisen said. “We had five or six different options. Me and Dania (Moore) loved that one.” “The rest of them, they were good, but not that good,” Moore said. “I felt like we needed a mascot, not just a logo.” Rushing hopes to see Krushing Co. continue to grow. She’d like to add more students into the group and expand the number of delivery days. “I would also like to offer a limited menu of items in the staff lounge daily and have teachers pay on the honor system, but we will see how our data looks over the year on how we will expand,” she said. “Our feedback surveys have been very good so far. We are excited to Teacher Kassie Rushing, third from left, and members of Krushing Co. at send out a goal check in for staff to re-rate Parkwood Elementary School deliver treats to clerk Nancy Steinmeyer, left, as part of their weekly delivery program. Participating in the delivery are fifth grad- the overall morale in the building now ers, from left, Abby Bryson, serving as door holder; cashier Keira Breneisen; that Krushing Co. is running. and Mason Straight as talker.
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Bridgeway Elementary School first grader Taelor Jackson watches her design to make a coffee filter float work during a field trip to The Magic House.
BRIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students experience magic B
ridgeway Elementary School first graders embarked on a field trip, immersing themselves in the wonders of science at The Magic House. The trip was an educational experience designed to complement their ongoing science unit on light and sound. Teacher Emily Lerman said the significance of the field trip reinforced classroom lessons being taught by the first grade team, which also consists of Jessica Esquivel, Danielle Hamer and Jacinta Mitchell. “We have a whole unit on light and sound, so coming here where they got to play a little bit and learn about the things we’re teaching them in class, it’s a nice extension of the classroom,” Lerman said. She highlighted how students had the opportunity to apply their knowledge practically during the trip. “They had time to design and build a device that will make sound using only the materials available to them,” she said. The challenge included using at least three different materials and having the device create sound in two different ways. First grader Aristo Sjogren’s curiosity was evident as he described his attempt to design something that would produce a sound. “I was trying to make it so when you pulled on a rubber band, it would make a sound when it snapped back,” he said. “It would also make a sound when you shook it.” First grader Mario Walker found inspiration using some everyday materials. “I have little cups at the bottom of my toilet paper rolls, and when you shake it, you can hear the beans shake,” Walker said. The hands-on experience at The Magic House allowed students to witness scientific principles in action and actively engage in the creative process. “I learned on the field trip about vibration and how to make an instrument,” first grader Mayar Fares said. “I made a shaker thing with paper clips and a metal ring.”
Parent Jameicia Moore, left, and first grade teacher Jacinta Mitchell, second from right, work with students on a stacking activity during a field trip to The Magic House. They are, from left, Anthony Moore III, Rose Fernandez and Jaselin Echols-Booker.
PATTONVILLE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL
Creation of ofrendas connects students to lost loved ones A
display of remembrance and cultural tradition was showcased in the hallways at Pattonville Heights Middle School this November. The display contained ofrendas, special altars honoring loved ones typically found in households celebrating the Day of the Dead. The term “ofrendas” translates to “offerings,” and serves as a key tradition in observing Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday recognized on Nov. 1 and 2. These ofrendas were created by students in Teresa Godina’s Spanish 1A and 1B classes at Pattonville Heights. Students in Spanish 1A exhibited their creativity by constructing shoebox altars while students in Spanish 1B worked in groups to create large-scale altars to pay homage to deceased family members, celebrated historical figures or any person they admire. These adorned altars serve as joyful memorials that reflect the life and legacy of those they honor. A group of seventh and eighth grade students shared about their projects, which were dedicated to various individuals such as Mexican actress Maria Felix, American actor Chadwick Boseman and students’ relatives, among others. “Our group decided we wanted to do a famous actor – Maria Felix was a really famous Mexican actor so we decided that we were going to honor her for it,” eighth grader Lauren Wasser said. “And while making it, we decided that in traditional ofrendas, they usually have marigolds and candles, so we made sure we had all of those things.” While students had freedom in the creation process of their ofrendas, Godina taught them some of the essential elements their display should incorporate. “They have to have water, earth and fire — candles to illuminate the way, items the departed enjoyed during their lifetime, such as foods, a picture of the deceased and marigolds, which hold significant importance,” Godina said. As students learned about the cultural significance of this holiday, they were inspired to reflect on their own connection to those they commemorated. To honor the significance and unique qualities of their chosen person, many students ventured to learn more about them, whether through online research or a personal interview with someone who knew them well. “My family didn’t know a lot about my great-grandmother,” said seventh grader Alana Perez. “But we learned a whole bunch more about her during this project. It’s really cool to learn about ofrendas and their tradition of how one night they can celebrate the dead instead of mourning.”
Perez said it was a special experience to ask and learn more about her great-grandmother through her family’s stories. Another student, eighth grader Sophie Goldsmith, chose to honor and learn more about her late Pattonville Heights Middle School eighth graders Loreal Hearns, left, and Lauren Wasser create an ofrenda disuncle. play for Mexican actress Maria Felix, who died in 2002. “I never met him so I never really knew what he was like,” Goldsmith said. “But I talked to my mom a lot. And it was really interesting, learning about how my family knew him and what he was like. So on my ofrenda I put a picture of this album that he really liked from the Grateful Dead, a picture of his son and a trophy because he loved sports.” Many students reflected on what they learned through this project and were proud to have their work on display in the building, especially when they noticed how the ofrendas caught the attention of their peers in the hallways. “My little cousin saw it and he asked about it,” seventh grader Alexis Spoor said, who created her ofrenda for her late younger bother. “I felt like it was really cool to be able to tell him about it and that it was about a family member.” The students also shared a collective appreciation of the holiday’s tradition of celebrating instead of mourning. “I think it was really fun to put together,” Perez said. “As you put things on there, you remember whoever you did it on, it was like a tradition. That is really cool.” “I agree with her,” Wasser said. “And also for my group, I thought it was really fun because we all got to work as a team so we all had to work together, even if we weren’t really good friends. It was good teamwork building.” Godina affirmed the sentiment about teamwork for this project with the students. “That’s something I did notice with this class,” she said. “A lot of you guys never really spoke before that activity and just seeing you work together really hard, definitely made me happy and seeing you guys working individually. I was just really proud, honestly, of all of you guys.” Godina and her students are looking forward to celebrating Day of the Dead and making ofrendas again next year, with the hope of continuing to share the significance of the holiday and its traditions with more students at their school.
BRAGGING WRITES
Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff
REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL Band honors
Remington Traditional School eighth grader Taylor Flores was selected to the St. Louis All-Suburban Honors Jazz Band for tenor saxophone. Flores is directed by Remington band teacher Andrew Smith.
Taylor Flores
HOLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Orchestra honors
Students from Holman Middle School selected to the St. Louis AllSuburban Honors Orchestra were sixth graders Teacher Irena Goren-Scheer, left, diGarrison Parker rected to the Holman orchestra students for viola, Caleb selected to the St. Louis All-Suburban Sosman for violin Honors Orchestra. They include Garrison Parker, center, and Emanuel Turja and Emanuel Elvira. Turja Elvira for viola. Eighth graders Drake Kelly and Sophia Lewis were selected for viola and violin alternate, respectively. The orchestra is directed by Irena Goren-Scheer.
Band honors
Students from Holman Middle School selected to the St. Louis AllSuburban Honors Band were eighth graders Ann Russell for flute and Ellie Winkler and Raymoen Goodrich Jr. for clarinet. Also selected for clarinet was seventh grader Peter Burk. The band is directed by Adam Hall and Steve White.
Orchestra honors
Pattonville Heights Middle School eighth grader Clare Derhake was selected to the St. Louis All-Suburban Honors Orchestra for violin. The orchestra is directed by Marie Brown and Carlye Feeney. Raymoen Goodrich
PATTONVILLE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL Band honors
Students from Pattonville Heights Middle School selected to the St. Louis All-Suburban Honors Band were seventh grader Omolola Maya Roberts, left, and Savannah Harris were selected to the St. Louis All-SuburOgunmola for ban Honors Band. trombone and eighth graders Savannah Harris for tuba, Olivia Hurd for alto saxophone, Maya Roberts for clarinet and Addyson Peterman for flute. The band is directed by Abby Hall and Liz Pace.
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DISTRICTWIDE
Clare Derhake
State communications award
Pattonville’s schoolcommunity relations department received honors through the Missouri School Public Relations Association (MOSPRA) awards Members of the school-communiprogram. The district ty relations team are, from left, Allison Collins, Brian Heyman, Kelly Facebook page and 2022 story about Isabel Gordon and Gracie Wrinkle. DiSalvo earned MOSPRA Awards of Excellence, the highest award. The team also earned an Award of Merit in the categories of marketing/special purpose publication and writing and an Award of Commendation for video. Members of the department who submitted work are Kelly Gordon, APR, chief communications officer; Brian Heyman, multimedia communications specialist; and Gracie Wrinkle, community relations specialist.
Pattonville honors veterans in November
ALUMNI SUCCESS Graduates in the news
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attonville schools spent the weeks surrounding Veterans Day learning about and thanking local veterans for their service to the country. Several schools held special events. Students at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center created Veterans Day cards for veterans at a Veterans were invited to participate in Drummond Elementary School’s anSt. Louis VA hospital. nual Torch Run around the school. Students made signs and high-fived and cheered for veterans as they walked through the school hallways. At Bridgeway Elementary School, ans present, creating a meaningful backdrop second grade teacher Isabel DiSalvo’s dad, that played throughout all lunch shifts. Michael DiSalvo, a former captain of the At Willow Brook Elementary School, Army serving 21 years, visited his daughveterans were invited to say the Pledge of ter’s classroom to talk about his military exAllegiance during morning announcements. periences. He shared information about his Photos of veterans were also displayed travels and how he was able to help people, throughout the school in hallways and on including kids just like the students he was TV displays. Students wrote letters to vetertalking to, by building schools, getting ans which were delivered to local VFW and people access to clean water and keeping American Legion locations. people safe. In addition, several classrooms Eighth graders at Remington Traditional read stories and completed activities to School worked with kindergarten students to honor Veterans Day. explore what it means to be a veteran. They Drummond Elementary School hosted also helped kindergartners develop fine moits third annual Veterans Day Torch Run tor skills by creating a piece of art honoring on Nov. 8. Students and staff invited curveterans and helped them write what Veterrent and veteran military members to walk ans Day means (see story on page five). through the hallways as students and staff Students at Pattonville Heights Middle held up signs and cheered for them. FollowSchool participated in a leadership lesson ing the run, students were invited to tour focusing on the contributions of veterans a military vehicle brought by the Missouri and how they have to persevere in life and in Army National Guard. Additionally, U.S. their duty to keep people safe. Students were Marine Corps Sgt. Wendell W. Webb, the given a quote by actor Christopher Reeves: 2023 Marine Corps League National Marine “A hero is an ordinary individual who finds of the Year, spoke to the students during the strength to persevere and endure in spite an assembly about patriotism, finding their of overwhelming obstacles.” Pirate Time passions when thinking about a future career teachers and students discussed what the and technology in schools and the workword “persevere” means and how it applies force. to overcoming obstacles. Students were Parkwood Elementary School fourth then asked to talk about any of their famgrade students honored veterans during the ily members who served in the military and school’s annual Veterans Day concert. Behow they had to persevere in the military fore the concert, music teacher Katie Leonand in life. Finally, the students wrote thank ard guided fourth graders as they developed you notes to family or anyone they knew in speaking parts and created decorations. The the military or served as a hero to them. day of the concert, students greeted guests Pattonville High School hosted its annual and performed patriotic songs. PE teacher Veterans Day breakfast and program on Nov. and Veteran Kyle Schaper spoke about his 10. Members of the Student Council and experiences as a Marine to honor those who Rho Kappa honor society cheered veterans have served. At the end of the performance, upon their arrival. Community participants veterans in attendance were individually who served in the armed forces and as first thanked for their service as students and responders received a breakfast made and staff exited the gym. Any veteran in the served by high school culinary arts students community was invited to attend. while listening to the high school orchestra Rose Acres Elementary School extended perform. After, a program in the auditorium an invitation to military family members, featured flag folding and Missing Man welcoming them to share a special lunch Table ceremonies conducted by members of with their students in a thoughtfully decoratAmerican Legion Post 213. The high school ed cafeteria. The vibrant ambiance featured band and chamber choir also performed and student-made banners and a captivating a special veteran appreciation video was slideshow showcasing pictures of the vetershown.
Tessa Stahlhut, Class of 2016 - Stahlhut wrote and published her first novel, Pity. The book was released on Aug. 31 and is available on the Barnes & Noble website. Stahlhut graduated from the University of Iowa in 2020 with bachelor’s degrees in English and creative writing. She works in marketing at a small publishing house and manages a piercing shop.
Tessa Stahlhut
Miguel Perez, Class of 2023 -
Perez had a big fall season. In September, he was named the Best Homegrown Athlete by the Riverfront Times in this year’s Best of St. Louis issue, which acknowledged his signing to City SC’s inaugural soccer season. In October, Perez Miguel Perez, Class of 2023, warms up with his was one of 10 people to be City SC teammates before a match in April. named an MLS 22 Under 22 prospect for 2024. Perez was recognized for his work as a midfielder on the team. Also in October, Perez was named an alternate to the 2023 U.S. men’s Pan American Team roster. The Pan American Games is a continental multi-sport event for North and South America featuring summer Olympic sports. Finally, in December, Perez was recognized as the 2023 recipient of the David Freese Hometown Hero Award during the Jack Buck Sports Awards. The award was established to honor an individual who grew up in St. Louis and has gone on to achieve success in professional sports. Past honorees for the award include its namesake, former Cardinal player David Freese, and former Blues player Pat Maroon.
Smoothie bike peddles healthy breakfast G
ood nutrition and light exercise are an important part of any day. Students at Pattonville High School combined the two recently when Chartwell’s smoothie bike came to school, allowing students to create their own nutritionpacked breakfast drink. District food services director Audrey Westrich and district chef Amanda Hays were in the high school commons welcoming students to school with a stationary bike that had the ability to blend a smoothie by pedaling. Students that volunteered to ride the bike received a full-size smoothie and smoothie samples were given to everyone. A survey was available for students to complete asking them if they would like to see smoothies on the menu at school.
“Pattonville Highlights” is published throughout the school year for residents of the Pattonville School District by the Pattonville school-community relations department. 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074. (314) 213-8025. Website: www.psdr3.org. Email: kgordon@psdr3.org.
Sophomore John Ireland takes a spin on the smoothie bike at Pattonville High School. Pedaling the bike activates the blender on the back. Using the bike, students blended their own breakfast. Others were able to taste test the smoothies.