Highlights February 2021

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

FEBRUARY 2021

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

Inside

Pattonville assists with CDC project studying COVID-19 and schools - See page 3 for details

It’s time to register for kindergarten - See page 4 for details

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Andrea Glenn, President Dr. Brian Gray, Vice President Mindy Ridings, Secretary Mary Kay Campbell, Treasurer Ruth Petrov, Director Dr. Amanda Lienau Purnell, Director Jeanne Schottmueller, Director Dr. Tim Pecoraro Superintendent

Math lessons come alive

Third grade teacher Chris Cheatham, left, watches as two of his students catch some air while launching rockets during a math lesson at Willow Brook Elementary School. They are, Adam Massay, left, and Kailyn Tucker. Below, third grader Elijah Taylor eyes a trajectory for his rocket launch prior to liftoff.

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tudents in Chris Cheatham’s third grade class at Willow Brook Elementary School looked forward to launch all day. No, that was not a typo. To learn about estimation and measurement, they used stomp rockets to launch soft darts in the school’s front hallway. Students used the toys, jumping on an air pump to launch their projectiles, as an engaging way to learn math standards.

“We’ve been talking about different times when you might need to estimate and find an exact answer in the real-world,” Cheatham said. “We’ve talked about money, telling time and measuring. That measuring part brought us to what we were doing (with rockets).”

Continued on page 5

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

That ALL will learn.

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

Pattonville is an awardwinning 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.

Our Mission

From the Superintendent

A look back over a year of learning and growing amid pandemic T

he second semester of the 2020-2021 school year is in full swing. Pattonville staff members continue to support our students’ academic and emotional needs whether that’s through in-person learning or a virtual setting.

As we near the one-year mark of when the COVID-19 pandemic first impacted Pattonville schools, I thought it was a good time to reflect Dr. Tim Pecoraro on where we’ve been and where we’re headed.

Superintendent Follow on Twitter: Over the past year, we’ve tried to make the best @PattonvilleSupt decisions we could based on the information we had at the time. In August, we started the school year in a 100% virtual setting, just like every other school district in St. Louis County. This decision was based on the recommendation of the health department. It was an unusual start to a new school year, but our staff, students and parents pulled together to make it all work. I can’t say enough about how much time and effort our staff put into making sure virtual learning was as successful as possible under the circumstances.

In September, Pattonville was one of the first school districts in the county to resume some form of in-person learning for those families that selected this option. After working closely with the health department, we developed a plan to bring students back into our schools in a blended learning model where students attend school in-person for two days a week and learn from home the other three days. We started with our youngest students and gradually brought back all preschool through 12th grade students who chose in-person learning.

The blended learning model has been a success. As a school district, we worked tirelessly to implement the necessary mitigation strategies to keep students and staff safe. This included building physical barriers (plexiglass) in classrooms and cafeterias, rearranging how students move throughout the buildings, implementing health screenings for students and staff and many more strategies.

In December, Pattonville was the only public school district in the St. Louis area to partner with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on a project aimed at looking more closely at school COVID-19 transmission rates and to help determine which mitigation strategies had the biggest impact. (See story on page 3.) We hoped the study would provide information that could not only help Pattonville, but other districts across the country. Although the study is currently ongoing, the initial results match what we’ve been seeing lately from other CDC studies. School transmission rates are low and students can attend in-person learning safely as long as schools implement mitigation strategies.

Based on the results of this study, community transmission rates, and most importantly, how COVID-19 is currently impacting our schools, we made the decision to transition to a more inperson learning model for those students who selected this option.

During the week of Feb. 22, students in our early childhood program and elementary schools will return to in-person learning five days a week. Our middle school students will return to a five-day, in-person week starting on March 1. Our high school students will continue with the blended learning model at this time.

We have made an effort to be consistent with our planning and implementation. We have methodically moved from 100% virtual leaning to the blended learning model and now to a more full-time approach. I’m proud of the fact we haven’t had to move backward at any time during the school year. I know the last three months of the school year will continue to be successful for our students and I look forward to seeing more of them in our schools each day.

Ashford named principal of Pattonville High School T

eisha Ashford was recently selected as principal of Pattonville High School, effective July 1. She replaces Dr. Joe Dobrinic, who will retire in June.

“Mrs. Ashford brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as an instructional leader supporting middle and high school students, staff and families,” said Dr. Tim Pecoraro, superintendent. “She will do an excellent job building strong relationships with our students, staff and families and continuing to lead PHS on the path of academic excellence. Please join me in Teisha Ashford, director of student services, will take on a welcoming Mrs. Ashford to her new role.” new role as principal of Pattonville High School on July 1.

Ashford currently serves as Pattonville’s director of student services. Prior to taking on a district leadership role, she served as principal of Holman Middle School for eight years. She also worked as an assistant principal at Pattonville Heights Middle School and a science teacher at Holman and the high school. Ashford also taught middle school science in the Hazelwood School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL). Ashford is also a 2021 candidate for a specialist’s degree in educational leadership and a doctorate degree in educational leadership and policy studies, both from UMSL.

Bond refinancing saves district $1.3 million T

he Pattonville Board of Education on Jan. 12 approved a bond refunding that will save the district $1.3 million, or 8%, in interest payments over the next several years. The board authorized Stifel, Nicolaus & Company to refinance $13.5 million in debt owed on the district’s 2010 zero tax rate increase bond issue. Thompson Coburn was authorized as the bond counsel.

“This refinancing is calling bonds that had maturities in 2022 through 2025, and we will reissue them at lower interest rates,” said Ron Orr, Pattonville’s chief financial officer. “This is just one more way we can be good stewards of our taxpayer dollars and reduce our costs by a significant amount.”

Pattonville has been able to save more than $6 million in interest fees in the past two decades by refinancing bond issues or paying off bond issues early. The savings affect Pattonville’s debt service fund which pays for bond issue projects. The debt service fund cannot be used for the dayto-day operations of the school district, such as salaries, transportation and textbooks. The 2010 bond issue did not require a tax increase for approval.

Pattonville to offer Early College Option Program P

attonville students interested in getting an early start on college while still in high school will have two additional options in the 2021-2022 school year. Both new options enable students to earn credit toward their high school diploma while also taking college classes on one of the campuses of the St. Louis Community College (STLCC). With the two new options students can do one of the following:

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Take courses to begin their college experience - Students earn both high school credit and college credit

while attending classes on one of STLCC campuses during its junior and/or senior year. Students taking part will attend STLCC full-time. Courses can be used to complete an associate degree at STLCC after high school graduation or eligible courses (CORE 42 courses*) can be transferred to any public, Missouri four-year college or university.

• Earn an associate degree while in high school - Students earn both high school credit and college credit while attending classes full-time at STLCC at any of its St. Louis campuses their junior and senior year and earn an associate degree. Eligible classes (CORE 42 courses*) are also transferable to any public, Missouri four-year college or university.

Students also have existing options to earn college credit while taking Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit classes from a high school teacher on the campus of Pattonville High School.

For more information on the new Pattonville Early College Options Program, go online at phs.psdr3.org and look for the Pattonville Early College Program link under the Academics tab. *Note: The Missouri Department of Higher Education (MDHE) has identified a common set of general education courses called the CORE 42. CORE 42 courses are guaranteed to transfer to any Missouri public college or university to satisfy general education requirements. The CORE 42 offers several courses across five knowledge areas: communications (oral and written), humanities and fine arts, mathematical sciences, natural sciences, and social and behavioral sciences.

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Pattonville assists with CDC school study

Local and national studies show in-school transmission of COVID-19 is rare S

ince December, the Pattonville School District has been participating in a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) program studying COVID-19 transmission and mitigation strategies in schools. Pattonville joined other schools in Missouri to partner with the CDC on the project as a way to evaluate the district’s strategies for keeping students and staff safe while attending school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the study is ongoing, preliminary results in the Missouri study and previous school-related studies in the U.S. have shown that in-school transmission of COVID-19 is rare when mitigation strategies are in place.

“Our goal was to find the best ways to keep children and staff safe in school,” said Dr. Jason Newland, a local infectious disease expert who has been working with Pattonville on the study.

“What we’ve shown from just doing the pilot in St. Louis and in Springfield was that there was rare transmission in school, there was no transmission in children in modified quarantine and there was no student-to-teacher transmission,” Newland said. On Jan. 27, Newland provided an update on the study, as well as information on COVID-19 cases and vaccines, when Pattonville hosted a special Zoom presentation for families and staff. Interested persons can view the presentation online at bit.ly/PSDupdate-1-27-21.

Newland emphasized mask wearing as the most important mitigation strategy to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Pattonville requires all students and staff to wear masks while at school, on the bus and during extracurricular activities. Newland said other important strategies, which Pattonville employs, include social distancing to the extent possible, health care screenings that emphasize staying home when sick and hand hygiene. Pattonville has also installed plexiglass barriers in classrooms and other areas and taken steps to ensure quality indoor air practices, among other strategies.

Although the CDC project will continue through spring break, Missouri’s preliminary results will be published in an upcoming issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), a weekly epidemiological digest for the United States. The MMWR updates can be found at www.cdc.gov/mmwr.

The CDC is working with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), Saint Louis University and Washington University on the Missouri schools project. Pattonville became involved as a way to help assess the district’s COVID-19 prevention strategies. The project involves in-depth COVID-19 case

Vaccine update W

Sixth grader Shannon Li from Holman Middle School’s Pirate Academy wears a mask as she works on a project in Montie Richter’s art class. Masks are a primary safety measure for keeping students and staff healthy at school and are required of all students and staff while at school, on the bus and during extracurricular activities.

and contact investigations of students and staff on a voluntary basis. As part of the project, saliva-based testing is offered to some students and staff who are identified as close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case. Participation is entirely voluntary, and all health information remains confidential. Representatives from the project are also conducting enhanced interviews to understand more about mitigation practices and exposures.

Because Pattonville has put a number of health and safety measures in place to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in its schools, the number of positive cases in Pattonville schools has been relatively low. Information on Pattonville cases as well as other COVID-19 related information can be found on the district’s COVID-19 Information Hub at bit.ly/PSDReturns2020web.

“I can’t say thank you enough,” Newland said of Pattonville’s participation in the CDC project. “You are helping students across the country.”

Newland is a professor of pediatrics at Washington University and a physician at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He leads the BJC Healthcare Systems Infectious Diseases Clinical Expert Council and Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative.

hile health officials have not provided a process or timeline for vaccinating school staff yet (as of the first week of February), Pattonville school leaders are encouraging staff to sign up for vaccines through their local health departments or one of the local health systems offering pre-registrations.

By pre-registering for a vaccine, staff will be contacted when vaccines are available and they are eligible to receive one according to the state’s vaccination plan. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) determines the phase of vaccine distribution for the entire state. As of Feb. 7, Missouri was only vaccinating individuals in Phases 1A and 1B (Tiers 1 and 2), which includes health care workers, emergency personnel, adults with certain health conditions and adults aged 65 and older. School employees are in Phase 1B, Tier 3. The state will determine when it will move to Tier 3.

CONNECT WITH US ON SOCIAL MEDIA A

great way to keep up on Pattonville news is by following the district on social media. Facebook users, make sure you never miss a post from Pattonville by following a few simple steps. After liking our Facebook page, click the down triangle next to “Following.” Select the “See First” option to see Pattonville news at the top of your news feed. You can also find great stories on Pattonville’s website at www.psdr3.org.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PSDR3 Instagram: @PattonvilleSD Twitter: @PattonvilleSD YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PattonvilleR3

Where to pre-register for a vaccine St. Louis County Department of Public Health (DPH) stlcorona.com

ONLY for residents without email or internet access

Online Resources

DPH county hotline: (314) 615-2660

Missouri’s vaccine plan

www.bjc.org/vaccines

St. Louis County COVID-19 website

mercy.net/VaccineMissouri

Pattonville COVID-19 information

ssmhealth.com/COVIDVaccine

Pattonville COVID-19 webinar

Barnes Jewish Healthcare/Washington University

covidvaccine.mo.gov

Mercy

stlcorona.com

SSM Health

bit.ly/PSDReturns2020web

St. Lukes Hospital

bit.ly/PSDupdate-1-27-21

lukesvaccine.com

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Kindergarten registration for 2021-2022 school year is March 2-4 How to register

l Registration will be held ONLINE on the following dates and times: * 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, March 2, 3 and 4. * A Zoom video conference is required to complete and verify all enrollments. l Prior to your Zoom appointment: * Complete your child’s online registration at bit.ly/ RegisterNowforPattonville. * Upload all required residency documents to the online registration portal. l You will be contacted by a Parkwood Elementary School kindergarten teacher Christina Livingstone spends representative from the student some one-on-one time with O’layah Sinks. services department regarding the status of your enrollment or to schedule your Zoom appointment after you’ve submitted your online registration and uploaded residency documents.

If you are unsure which school your child will attend, go online at www.psdr3.org/map and click on Find My School under Bus Routes. You can insert your child’s grade (kindergarten) and your address to find your All children attending kindergarten in the 2021-2022 neighborhood school. school year. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old

Welcome!

We’re looking forward to teaching your little one. Here’s what you need to register:

What school will my child attend?

Who registers?

on or before July 31, 2021, to enroll. Students enrolled in Pattonville’s early childhood program who are entering kindergarten do not need to complete online registration but must submit proof-of-residency documents in person or by email to studentservices@psdr3.org.

Remington Traditional

Registration after March 4 will take place online.

Please complete your child’s online registration at bit.ly/RegisterNowforPattonville and upload all required residency documents to the online registration portal.

Enrollment for Remington Traditional School, a K-8 school in Pattonville, is a lottery-based system. Parents interested in the lottery drawing should enroll in their home school first and then turn in an application for the lottery. Applications are available in Remington’s school office or online at bit.ly/ChooseRemingtonTraditional. Applications are due back to Remington by March 31. The lottery will take place on April 6. For more information, call Remington at (314) 213-8016. See below for more information on Remington.

Free kindergarten screenings

School starts

Registrations after March 4

For a free kindergarten screening, go online to ec.psdr3.org and click on “Sign up for a Screening.”

Birth Certificate - If you do not have a birth

certificate prior to the time your child begins school, you may call (314) 615-1720 (county) or (314) 6133016 (city) to request a birth certificate.

Proof of Residency -

1) Mortgage statement dated within the last 30 days, 2020 paid real estate tax receipt and/or dated signed lease. and 2) Two monthly utility bills, dated within the last 30 days; if you reside with someone else, please contact the student services office at (314) 213-8090 regarding residency verification forms. For more details, go online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment.

Immunization Record - Missouri law

requires immunization of school children against polio, diphtheria, rubella, measles, mumps and other illnesses. Immunizations are available through the St. Louis County Health Department (www.stlouisco. com/Healthandwellness) or your child’s doctor. All students must meet immunization requirements before they may attend school.

Find out more

Pattonville’s enrollment website www.psdr3.org/enrollment

Get to know Pattonville bit.ly/ChoosePattonville

Classes for the 2021-2022 school year begin Aug. 23, 2021.

Pattonville teachers earn National Board certification T

hree Pattonville School District teachers earned their certification as a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT) and a fourth, Tracey Robinson, is among a small group of teachers across the state of Missouri to receive a certification for the third time. Robinson initially received her National Board Certification in 2001 in the area of generalist/middle childhood and renewed in 2010 and 2020.

Bridgeway Elementary School art teacher Mollie Ahlers earned certification in art/early and middle childhood; Remington Traditional School reading specialist Jill Ramig achieved certification in literacy: reading-language arts/early and middle childhood; and Pattonville Heights Middle School reading specialist Jennifer Robin completed the certification process in literacy: reading-language arts/early and middle childhood.

NBCT is considered the gold

ABOUT REMINGTON Pattonville’s K-8 option

H

Mollie Ahlers

Jill Ramig

Jennifer Robin

standard in teacher certification and is designed to develop, retain and recognize accomplished teachers and to generate ongoing improvement in schools nationwide. Certification is awarded by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and teachers are required to renew their certifications every 10 years.

The National Board Standards upon which the certification is based were created by teachers for teachers and represent a consensus among educators about what accomplished teachers should know and be able to do. Board

Tracey Robinson

certification is available in 25 certificate areas spanning 16 disciplines from preschool through 12th grade.

The certification process requires teachers to demonstrate standards-based evidence of the positive effect they have on student learning in alignment with NBPTS’ Five Core Propositions.

They must exhibit a deep understanding of their students, content knowledge, use of data and assessments and teaching practice. They must also show that they participate in learning communities and provide evidence of ongoing reflection and continuous learning.

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ave you ever wanted something a little smaller in terms of an elementary or middle school? Does your child seem overwhelmed or “lost” in the traditional large-sized middle school environment? Have you ever wanted a more condensed version of the busy middle school world? A more intimate elementary experience? Remington Traditional School may be for you.

Remington is the only school in Pattonville serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade under one roof, providing a continuity of learning and familiarity for students. Anyone living in Pattonville can choose to send their child to Remington at any time, however enrollment is limited to two classrooms per grade level. Enrollment is based on a lottery system.

Find out more or how to apply at

bit.ly/ChooseRemingtonTraditional

Our Learners Spotlight on

News focusing on students, staff and schools in Pattonville

ROSE ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students focus on personal and school-wide Wildly Important Goals J

anuary is typically a month of reflection and goal-setting.

That couldn’t be more true for the students at Rose Acres Elementary School. Students and staff revisited their Leader in Me habits by reviewing how these habits help make them more successful in their daily lives. They also set personal and academic goals.

In Kimberley Zuccarello’s third grade class, Kayla Newsome wrote a personal statement in her leadership binder that students use for several different things throughout the day.

After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the class mission statement, students read their personal statement which is a declaration describing something they are going to work on every day.

Newsome promises, “I will do my best and do the right thing, even when nobody’s watching.”

Classmate Samy Nekka

wrote, “I will practice soccer and make more friends, do my schoolwork and try to stay strong and positive.”

The school-wide academic Wildly Important Goal (WIG) is 100% of students will reach their academic goal by May 2021. Students chose either a math or reading skill as an area of focus and will be reassesed in May to track growth.

Newsome is focused on learning her multiplication facts.

“I have flash cards and I practice a lot,” she said. “I’m trying to memorize all of the two through nines and I’m working on the eights right now.”

Third grader Megan Wansing is working her way through reading a book from nine different genres.

“You read one of each one, and then once you’ve done that, you start reading another one,” she said. “My favorite genre is fantasy and I got a book from

the series called ‘Trapped in a Video Game’ for Christmas and I just finished reading it.”

Students in Zuccarello’s class also committed to an action step to help the community and do their part to contribute to the environment where everyone feels loved or connected. For example, they may have committed to doing three random acts of kindness for someone.

“Most of my students chose to write ‘nice notes’ Post-Its and hang them on other students’ lockers. One student chose to walk her sister to the cafeteria every day.”

Parents and other stakeholders were invited to choose an action step as well.

They were able to complete an online form to make their commitment and add to the program’s success.

Above, Rose Acres Elementary School third graders Kayla Newsome, left, and Samy Nekka work in their leadership binders, which help them focus on school and personal goals.

At left, Megan Wansing places a note of encouragement on a locker. The notes are part of a school-wide goal to promote acts of kindness in the school community.

WILLOW BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Continued from page 1: Students launch new approach to learning math concepts Talia Duncan said she predicted that you need to find the perfect launch angle.

“You kinda have to have it not in the middle, but not very low either,” she said. “It kinda goes farther when you have it just right, and then with more pressure, it pushes the rocket out harder and the farther it goes.”

The students started the lesson by estimating the length of the hallways and then finding the exact distance using wooden meter sticks. They measured the distance at 16 meters long. Duncan’s rocket traveled 12 meters.

“We used this activity as a chance to build in some of the terminology that the students need with the units of measures,” Cheatham said. “We brought in some multiplication that we had been doing in the unit before and graphing skills to go with it.”

Elijah Taylor was on his hands and knees eyeballing the flight of his rocket before jumping on the air pump in order to make sure it traveled far.

“I was just trying to measure the thing,” he said. “I guess I got it right because it went all the way down the hallway and I measured it at 15 meters.”

Kailyn Tucker, left, and Celena Offer help each other with measuring the hallway for their math lesson.

Earlier in the week, they started the unit with a standard measuring system lesson.

“We were using feet and yards with our paper airplanes in the classroom, and then today was our day to introduce them to the metric system,” Cheatham said.

Originally planned as an outdoor activity, it was moved indoors after snow covered the open field.

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Willow Brook paraprofessional Leon Douglas, left, assists Aiden Stone, center, and Victor Perez Coronel with their measurements.

Once the weather improves and students are able to have outdoor recess, the learning tool will become a toy again. Paraprofessional Leon Douglas said he will bring it outside with him for the students to play with so they can see how far the rockets can fly without a ceiling and walls blocking the way.

HOLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

EPIC students model positivity, kindness to help everyone feel at home at school T

ransitioning to sixth grade and welcoming by leaving uplifting a new school in the middle of a messages for the benefit of the entire global pandemic can cause anxiety school. The messages include sentifor a lot of students. But Holman ments such as “Don’t let anyone dull Middle School has found a way to your sparkle,” “If you see someone alleviate some of those stressors. without a smile, give them one of Through its EPIC (Educating People yours” and “Always be a little kinder in Caring) program, older students than necessary.” The students also are welcoming sixth graders and know that it’s been a stressful time building a culture of positivity. for staff, so they send them notes The goal of Holman’s EPIC sharing encouragement and their approgram is to spread kindness and preciation. positivity throughout the school.

“EPIC, at least to me, means inStudents in seventh grade apply to spiring others. Inspiring them to take be captains the following year. Due time to leave the world a better place to health and safety measures related than when you walked in,” EPIC to COVID-19, the program looks a captain Addison Gutschenritter said. little bit different this year, but the While the first semester activities overall goal is still the same. were geared to in-person learners, “We talk about how small actions EPIC is adding in virtual learners can have a big impact,” said reading when possible. For example, themes specialist Jane McGuire who orgafor the second semester spirit week Holman Middle School EPIC captains, shown standing beneath the TV screen, lead students in a Kahoot nizes the group with seventh grade were different each day to allow the social studies teacher Rita Rutledge. game during lunch. They are, Olivia Grace, left, and Hannah Fisbeck. virtual students to also participate, “Rita and I strive to teach students and both in-person and virtual stuback in-person students who were virtual last semester,” that they can have a positive impact on their environdents were eligible for prize drawings. The theme days McGuire said. ment. So far, staff has reached out thanking us, and the included wearing sweats, class color, athletic apparel, EPIC captains have also eased transitions by introstudents are having fun with the games.” their clothing backward and pajamas. ducing students to the school. When students returned to To create a welcoming environment, EPIC captains “I love EPIC because we can help kids and they in-person learning in October and after winter break in visit sixth graders during lunch to play games, including know they can always come to us. My goal is to be a January, EPIC captains wore neon T-shirts and acted as trivia via Kahoot. The captains ask trivia questions and the light in this hard time and to be there to make people’s guides for any student who needed directions, including sixth graders submit their guesses through their districtday better,” Fisbeck said. walking them to their classes. provided iPad. A recent day of lunch Kahoot involved TV Even though the program has changed this year, “I have been so impressed this year with the EPIC trivia, with EPIC captains Hannah Fisbeck, Olivia Grace, with EPIC students not being able to visit classrooms or captains and the tours they are doing for our students,” Kaylee Mansker and Aubrie Pena leading the game. Sixth work with other groups, they are still working to create counselor Holly Berends said. “They have been so graders greeted the activity with excitement. a kind environment in whatever ways possible. reliable and helpful and have really done a great job of “The Kahoot games at lunch and the spirit week “EPIC is trying to create a positive school where helping me welcome our new students.” were to both cheer up the mood, but also to welcome everyone has a reason to smile,” McGuire said.

EPIC captains have also made the building more

PATTONVILLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

Virtual school tour offered for families interested in Pattonville early childhood programs W

ith school tours at the Pattonville Early Krekeler said.

Childhood Center canceled due to COVWhen they can’t venture outside, an action ID-19, director Dr. Mary Krekeler came up with room is used instead. a way to offer an inside look of the school as an All of the classrooms are integrated. alternative method.

“Children with typical developing needs as well A virtual school tour video narrated by as children with special needs work together in one Krekeler lets parents check out the classrooms, classroom environment,” Krekeler said. playgrounds, multipurpose rooms and other The Pattonville early childhood program conareas while learning about what the school has tinues to offer free developmental screenings for to offer interested families. children ages 3 months to 5 years old who have not “We have multiple early childhood proentered kindergarten. The screenings are conducted grams,” she said. “We have a Parents as Teachthrough the Pattonville PAT program and a speers (PAT) program and we have a preschool cially trained screener uses the Ages and Stages program. Our preschool program includes early Questionnaire tool to gather information about a childhood special education as well as tuitionchild’s development. Both in-person and virtual based preschool.” options are available.

A typical classroom is set up in a play-based On the lower level of the early childhood building, Early childhood paraprofessional Lula Abreha, right, works with Charrity Wright area where learning is embedded naturally into a multipurpose room is available for a variety of uses. at the Pattonville Early Childhood Center. children’s play.

“This room is used for lunches for full day “Teachers work on curriculum goals through classrooms, as well as other events that we might When students go outside, classes enjoy one of four the natural learning environment,” Krekeler said. “For have for the whole school, such as an assembly or a spedistinct play areas, which enable children to work on example, while children are in the block area, they may cial visitor,” Krekeler said. gross motor development. ask other questions such as language development quesInterested families can visit ec.psdr3.org for more “We have a large playground, we have a small playtions or math or science inquiry questions.” information about the preschool, PAT or how to enroll. ground, we have a sandbox playground and we have an All classrooms have Promethean Boards, allowing To view the virtual tour video, visit Pattonville’s Youopen field. Children rotate throughout the week so they teachers to incorporate technology throughout the day.

Tube page at www.youtube.com/PattonvilleR3. have opportunities to work on different motor skills,”

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PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

Special events planned to celebrate seniors W

Parkwood Elementary School counselor Catherine Eaton, standing, works with the school’s Mindful Panthers team on activities for Mindful Mondays. Shown are, clockwise from center, front, Abagail Garland, Joshua Deskin, Jaiden Dowell and Blair Bittick.

PARKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students, staff focus on mindfulness

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tudents and staff might actually look forward to Mondays at Parkwood Elementary School this year. That’s because they start every other week with a Mindful Monday activity. School counselor Catherine Eaton works with a group of fourth and fifth graders, the Mindful Panthers, to keep mindfulness at the forefront by preparing them to lead an activity once a month in each class via Zoom.

“Mindfulness means paying full attention to something,” Eaton explained.

“It means slowing down to really notice what you’re doing. Being mindful is the opposite of rushing or multitasking. When you’re mindful, you’re taking your time. You’re focusing in a relaxed, easy way.”

Principal Melissa Yount-Ott said, “Our goal is that kids are learning strategies that can help them regulate their emotions not only when prompted by school staff members, but hopefully at home as well, especially during the current pandemic.”

On a recent Thursday afternoon, a group of four student members of the Mindful Panthers team were in the cafeteria reviewing the slides with Eaton that they would use on Monday.

“These students go into the Zoom rooms, and they get to use these slides and kind of lead the talk about mindfulness,” Eaton said. “During each Mindful Monday, there’s an activity to get the class to be mindful. They explain what mindfulness is, why they’re doing it, and then after the mindful activity, they have the class set a goal and then when they come back (for the next month’s activity), they ask how the goal went.”

In addition to this work with students, Yount-Ott said the school is also helping the staff be mindful this year.

“In December, we held a Mindfulness BINGO where staff tried to complete and mark daily activities to get BINGO on their board and were entered in a drawing for prizes,” she said. “We also share a weekly newsletter on mindful practices and thinking for adults.”

The school’s FUNdametally Focused committee also sends an email each Wednesday titled “What I love about you Wednesday.” Staff are asked to submit one word that describes a staff member via a survey link. Each week, four different staff members are featured and at the end of the week, all the words submitted for them are entered into a Word Cloud and sent to the individuals who were described. Teachers Audrey Masek, Kristen Buescher and Lindsey Purviance are the staff members who orchestrate this program.

“I love doing that,” Eaton said. “We get to say one nice word about each person and my week was back in September. It was really great seeing what people said.”

She said although the entire school can’t get together in person, they are still able to come together for support.

“I really think we are doing a great job of being positive and helping others stay positive.”

ith COVID-19 precautions in place, Pattonville High School seniors gathered for a fireworks display in their honor at the school on Dec. 14.

“The Senior Blast was scheduled just prior to finals to give our seniors some encouragement and to celebrate that they are halfway to graduation,” high school counselor Alysia Patterson said. “We also wanted the students to have at least one event during the first semester.”

As seniors drove onto the campus, Pete the Pirate and the cheerleaders greeted them and staff members gave them a free Class of 2021 T-shirt and a snack.

Then, seniors slowly turned next to the commons and drove by band members performing a selection of songs on the swimming pool entrance steps and then were directed to park in the back lot.

The fireworks display began The Senior Blast in December was a special event to with the lights going out in the celebrate Pattonville High School seniors who have missed out on so many traditions due to the COVID-19 parking lot. The night sky lit up pandemic. with a bright display of explosions launched by Gateway Fireworks Displays next to the tennis courts. Applause and horn honking followed the 10-minute show while seniors stayed with their vehicles.

Patterson announced the event was just the first senior activity of the year. It was scheduled to make up for some of the traditions the senior class missed out on due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To welcome the soon-to-be graduates back to school for the second semester, a new special seating area for seniors called The Pirate Cove was set up in the back corner of the cafeteria during all lunches.

College and career preparation counselor Michelle Luraschi was decorating the area with signs, posters and banners before the first lunch session.

“It’s going to be a spot just for the Class of 2021 to gather,” she said. “We’re encouraging them to sit together in the same area and we’re going to do things to celebrate them throughout their final semester.”

Graduation is scheduled for May 27, but Patterson said they will organize more events for the seniors before they cross the stage.

“We want our seniors to know that despite all of the losses, they as a graduating class are not a loss,” Patterson said. “Everything they have accomplished and their bright futures are worthy of celebration.”

Pattonville seniors Aaron Caldwell, left, and Katherine Cullinane enjoy lunch in the specially decorated section just for seniors. The area was designed as another way to celebrate seniors.

•7•

PATTONVILLE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

Library contests entice student readers W

Bridgeway Elementary School third grader Alexandra Brokaw works on a card designed to cheer up health care workers in a COVID-19 unit.

BRIDGEWAY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Students spread joy to COVID-19 front-liners “T

o hospital workers, I want to thank you for all you have done. 2020 was a crazy year. I appreciate you.”

Bridgeway Elementary School third grader Paul Patton III carefully finished his drawing inside a card that will be shared with staff members at Barnes Jewish Hospital. He said he hopes it makes them feel cool and good.

“They have been helping so many people and are risking their lives by helping people,” Patton said.

Special School District (SSD) teacher Kim Walsh has kept in touch with a parent of a former student who works closely with the doctors and nurses at Barnes Jewish Hospital. Each day, the parent sees the impact that the pandemic is having on the COVID-19 floors there.

“She offered us an opportunity for students and staff at Bridgeway to share some joy and positivity with the health care workers charged with the care of COVID-19 patients,” Walsh said. “She put this project together with her sister and they wanted to call it ‘Operation Sunshine.’ ” Walsh invited all teachers at the school to participate in the letter-writing activity. Jessie Pavlak’s third graders recently spent time crafting their letters during class, and while working on his card, Ayden Jones said he hopes his letter can make someone smile.

“It’s pretty rough on that floor right now,” Walsh said. “It’s sad and depressing so they’re looking to bring a little sunshine into it and by putting up all the cards and pictures the kids make in the lounge, they hope to bring a little sunshine into it because the health care workers are struggling.”

The school’s response has already brought sunshine to Walsh.

“I know they’re going to appreciate it greatly,” she said. “I love looking at them because they all get turned into me, so I get to see all of it and it has made me very happy because the students realize the amount of work the health care workers are doing to keep us safe.”

ho can’t resist a picture of a cute dog or cat snuggled up with a good book? Pattonville Heights Middle School library media specialist Julie Harder was not above using one to entice middle school students to help her advertise the school library and encourage reading a good book. Using her Instagram page (@ HeightsLibrary), Harder recently invited students Pattonville Heights Middle School sixth grader Bailey Leedle to take a photo of their pet submitted this photo of her reading a book with her dog Allie reading a book and send for a contest promoting reading and her school library. it to her for the chance to win treats for the student and their pet. As classes have shifted this year from 100% virtual to a hybrid schedule, Harder has used contests on her library account to grow followers while engaging students in reading and library programs.

The contest idea took off when Harder asked several staff members to be photographed wearing a Batman mask and invited students to guess which one was principal Dr. Scot Mosher. While the guesses came in, she posted another photo encouraging students to check out the selection of Batman or Batgirl graphic novels available in the library. More than 175 students entered the contest and 92 guessed correctly. Harder used a spinner app with names of the students who answered correctly to choose one winner, eighth grader James Barton, who picked up a vampire mask as a prize. Harder followed up with contests asking which assistant principal was masked as Captain America or wrestler Rey Mysterio.

“With each contest I asked teachers to promote my Instagram page,” Harder said.

“And on Instagram I featured books in our library related to the mask for that contest.

For example, I shared a picture of Batman and then Captain America graphic novels.

And finally I pictured and displayed a selection of wrestling books.”

The pets-reading-books idea emerged when Harder’s son showed her TikTok photos where a teacher invited students to submit photos of their pets doing homework. She’s already thinking of ideas to highlight this year’s Mark Twain Book Award nominees in a future contest.

“I have been so pleased with the response to the contests,” Harder said. “Staff members tell me what a relief it is to do something fun for a few moments during such a stressful year. Everyone is longing for normalcy, and it is my hope that the contests help bring that. Plus, the contests are an opportunity to promote books as well as get more social media followers so that when I have important announcements about library programs, the audience has already been built.”

REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL

School adds DARE program to address unique needs of middle school students A

fter years of a successful program with fifth graders, Remington Traditional School is enhancing its DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program.

This year, the school introduced a middle school DARE program geared toward seventh grade. The program is organized by Maryland Heights police officer Jeff King, who is also the school resource officer (SRO) for Remington.

The middle school program is a progression of what students learned in the fifth grade DARE program. In fifth grade, students learn about drugs and how to say no. The middle school lessons focus on strategies and communication techniques on how to avoid troublesome situations.

“I view these strategies as more than just being able to be used in situations regarding drugs, but in any situation where the students find themselves in an uncomfortable position,” King said.

Remington added the program to address some of the students’ unique needs between elementary and high school. Reaching students at this time is important

In Lisa Kraemer’s seventh grade class at Remington Traditional School, Maryland Heights police officer Jeff King speaks with Julianna Baumer and Lucy Hartley during a DARE lesson.

because it’s often a period when youth are making decisions about their future and may be confronted with the pressures of drug and alcohol for the first time.

“I believe that right now, one of the greatest hurdles that the children will face during this age, is peer pres-

•8•

sure,” King said. “Whether that pressure comes in the form of social media, drugs and alcohol or bullying.

This program is being offered to provide essential tools to the students to combat these external pressures.”

The lessons were developed specifically with middle school students in mind and for students as they continue to mature. The unit consists of 10 lessons and each lesson is designed to build upon the previous one.

“My philosophy on teaching involves heavily on interaction, participation, communication, real life scenarios and, above all, humor and having fun,” King said. “I like to have the students take an active participation in each class, and I try to make it comfortable enough where they want to participate.”

Many of the situations that are discussed come from youth of the same age across the country. King shows videos with real students telling their stories.

“When the students are shown that other kids have been in similar situations, I believe they take that with a little more credibility,” King said.

Brenda Schnettler, Class of 1993, and Bob Behnken, Class of 1988 - Schnettler was recog-

nized as an Inspiring Teacher Award recipient by the Challenger Learning Center St. Louis in a virtual event featuring Behnken, a NASA astronaut, as the keynote speaker. The event honors the seven Challenger astronauts who were lost 35 years ago on board the space shuttle Challenger. The seven award recipients were nominated by current or former students who were inspired by their teacher to pursue a STEM career path.

Schnettler works as a science teacher at McCluer North High School. The event can be seen online at bit.ly/ChallengerLCSTL.

Drummond Elementary School third grade virtual teacher Christine Behlmann taught students some basic sign language to help students respond online.

Graduates in the news Find out more: alumni.psdr3.org

Brooke (Fiquette) Echarte, Class of 2008 - Echarte wrote

DRUMMOND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

a children’s book titled “Fleabus, the Filthy Feline.”

Her mother, Lisa Fiquette, a former Bridgeway Elementary School paraprofessional, donated three copies to help fill the new Little Free Library at Bridgeway.

Teacher uses sign language to keep virtual learners engaged S

everal students who returned to in-person learning this semester at Drummond Elementary School walked by third grade teacher Christine Behlmann’s classroom and showed the American Sign Language (ASL) symbol for ‘I love you.’ They learned how to flex their fingers to communicate while they were students in Behlmann’s virtual class last semester.

Behlmann still teaches virtual third grade in the Villemade Virtual Academy and says “I love you” via Zoom to her students at the end of each school day either verbally or using sign language.

“They deserve to hear it because they’re incredible people,” she said. “And so every day, I will say ‘I love you’ or put up my fingers.”

Behlmann learned a lot of sign language when she was in third grade herself. That’s when she met her best friend whose mom is deaf.

“She taught me a lot of sign language and so being virtual, sign language has really come in handy a lot.”

The students have learned quite a few letters of the alphabet already.

“When I ask them a question, I will give them options and they’ll give me the sign for A or B and so they’ll have to show me their choice that way,” Behlmann said.

Her class has also found ways to communicate appreciation nonverbally. Whenever they do something awesome, they give themselves a pat on the back or a kiss on the brain by kissing their finger and then touching their head.

“I’ve noticed kids that aren’t verbally participating sometimes will check out if I don’t engage them somehow and so the kiss on the brain was another reason why I started that,” she said. “Even if they didn’t get to verbally participate, if they were thinking about it and doing their best to really try and understand what it was, I tell them to kiss their brain, because their brain was working, too.”

The class also has a lot of ways to celebrate and her students have started to add to their ever-growing list of clap options.

“So we have the gear clap which is from one of my students, and we also have a heart clap now from one of my students,” she said.

“We do different claps for my students based on what they do so when somebody does something very sophisticated, we will do the golf clap, and when they do something that’s just rockstar awesome, we’ll do like the airplane clap where it’s just a big clap.”

Even when the students are on mute, she finds ways for the class to communicate with each other which she thinks is important.

“I have multiple ways to try and spread positivity to my kids and to celebrate when they do something awesome because that should always be celebrated, and it’s not always easy in this virtual setting.”

ALUMNI SUCCESS

Brenda Schnettler

Bob Behnken

Tomi Benney, Class of 2009 -

Benney was named as the new head coach of the Pattonville High School girls soccer program. Benney has been an assistant coach since 2014 and Brooke (Fiquette) Echarte was a standout player from 2006 to 2009, helping the Pirates finish third in the Class 3 state tournament her senior season. She was featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch about her new role.

Jordan Colquitt, Class of 2016 - Colquitt is a

Tomi Benney

Jordan Colquitt

seasonal communications assistant with the Super Bowl-bound Kansas City Chiefs (as of press time). After graduating from the University of Kentucky in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism, Colquitt joined the Chiefs communications department for the 2020 season. In college, she worked with the athletics communications and public relations team, and at Pattonville, she was a founding member of the high school’s student-run sports broadcasting program, Pirates Sports Network.

HEALING THE COVE

Pattonville hosts online wellness series for families

T

he Pattonville Community Action Team (PCAT) is offering Healing the Cove, a series of free online sessions designed to provide Pattonville families, staff and community members with information and support on a variety of topics related to mental health and well-being. Each month during the school year, PCAT offers two or three online sessions on topics facing local families, such as coping with stress, suicide prevention for caregivers, getting control of your finances and helping your child with anxiety. The sessions are free, but require pre-registration. For more information or to register, go online at bit.ly/healingthecove.

PCAT is a community problem-solving group comprised of Pattonville staff and community organizations, including state and local governments, religious organizations, local charities and more. The team meets regularly with the goal of providing a system of community support for Pattonville families and students. The team looks at issues facing students and families and collaborates to develop or connect them to needed services.

Sign up at: bit.ly/healingthecove •9 •

BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff

Holman Middle School art teacher Montie Richter is shown with some of her students after learning she was named Missouri Middle School Art Teacher of the Year.

Early childhood teacher Jillian Sweeney, left, is surprised with the news she was selected for the Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award.

Parkwood Elementary School counselor Kendra Worsham, left, smiles with fellow counselor Catherine Eaton after learning she was named the regional Counselor of the Year.

PATTONVILLE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

tion and distinguished recognition of your hard work, dedication and commitment to excellence.”

Teacher Jillian Sweeney was selected to receive the 20202021 Missouri Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (MACTE) Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award.

Dr. Jessica Leonard and Dr. Joy Voss from the Saint Louis University School of Education surprised her with the award during a professional development meeting.

WILLOW BROOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award

EIU Thesis Award

Fifth grade teacher Jenny Reid earned the 2021 Thesis Award of Excellence in the College of Education at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). The award recognizes the highest achievement in graduate research from each of the four academic colleges at EIU based on a master’s thesis project. She will be fea- Jenny Reid tured in the “Graduate Journal of Scholarship.” Her topic was using a growth mindset as key to motivating students.

REMINGTON TRADITIONAL SCHOOL All-Suburban Band Published authors from Rose Acres Elementary School are shown during a book signing. They are, from left, Eva Pulley, Hannah Hope, Aubrey Holdren, Devin Garner and Harrison Vandernoot. Aliyah Brown is shown on the iPad screen.

ROSE ACRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Published in Young Writers anthology

Rose Acres fifth grader Aubrey Holdren and the following students in PEGS (Program for Exceptionally Gifted Students) were chosen as finalists in the 2020 St. Louis Writers Guild Young Writers Contest: fourth graders Aliyah Brown and Eva Pulley and fifth graders Devin Garner, Hannah Hope and Harrison Vandernoot. Holdren had two stories published and the other students each had one story printed in an anthology published by the Writers Guild. Each student received one free printed copy and additional copies are available for sale on Amazon. The PEGS students are taught

by Robin Chang and Tracey Robinson and Holdren’s teacher is Nicole Youngquist.

PARKWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Regional Counselor of the Year

Counselor Kendra Worsham was recognized as the St. Louis Suburban School Counselor Association (SLSSCA) Elementary School Counselor of the Year. She learned the news in a school-wide Zoom assembly in January. The award was presented “in grateful apprecia-

• 10 •

The following students were named to the All-Suburban Jazz Band after competitive auditions: Colin Darrah, second chair tenor sax, and Tyler Manker, Colin Darrah third chair trumpet.

They are directed by Andrew Smith.

Tyler Manker

All-Suburban Band

Chuanjie Li

All-Suburban Orchestra Seventh graders Maxwell Fetter and William Truong were selected to the AllSuburban Honors Orchestra. They Maxwell Fetter are directed by Irena Goren-Scheer.

Holman art teacher Montie Richter was named the Missouri Art Education Association (MAEA) Middle School/ Junior High Art Educator of the Year. She was selected by her peers as an outstanding educator who displays great leadership, commitment to teaching and demonstrates accomplishments not only inside the classroom but outside and within the MAEA organization.

Jude Badoy

Emily Derhake

Gabriella Hurd

PATTONVILLE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

All-Suburban Band

HOLMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL Eighth grader Chuanjie Li was selected for fourth chair trombone on the All-Suburban Band after his competitive audition. He is directed

by Adam Hall and Steven White.

Missouri Art Educator of the Year

William Truong

Six Pattonville Heights students were selected for the AllZoe Click Suburban Band after competitive auditions.

They are Jude Badoy, second chair baritone sax; Zoe Click, second chair bassoon; Emily Derhake, fifth chair trombone; Gabriella Hurd, second chair trombone; Janani Kamalakkannan, J. Kamalakkannan Adam Reddy third chair clarinet; and Adam Reddy, first chair baritone sax. Abigail Hall and Liz Pace directed the students.

PATTONVILLE HIGH SCHOOL All-Suburban Band

Following a competitive audition, several members of the high school band program earned positions with the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association (SLSMEA) All-Suburban Honor Bands. Selected to the concert band were sophomores Patrick Ferguson, fifth chair trumpet, and Sydney Suvansri, 10th chair clarinet.

Selected for the jazz band were sophomore Max McFarland, who was selected No. 1 in the St. Louis area for trumpet, and senior Simon Wacker, who is No. 1 for bass in the region. Chosen as jazz band alternates were

BRAGGING WRITES

Honors, Awards and Achievements by Pattonville Students and Staff UMSL Bridge program

Daniel Enberg

Kyle Manker

Patrick Ferguson

Max McFarland

Alyssa Kohler

Sydney Suvansri

senior Daniel Enberg, trombone; junior Alyssa Koller, saxophone; freshman Kyle Manker; saxophone; and sophomore Simon Wacker Isabelle Usry Isabelle Usry, saxophone. These students have qualified to audition for the All-State Band and Jazz Band. They are directed by Denny McFarland, Laura Livesay and Anna White.

Maya Blumenthal

Chandler Fajardo

Sydney Hoynacki

Kenedi Jenkins

Anna Kasprzyk

Elly Lu

AllSuburban Orchestra

Eight orchestra members were selected to the All-Suburban Orchestra Aaron Wolz Norina Shao following competitive auditions. They are seniors Maya Blumenthal, violin, and Chandler Fajardo, viola; juniors Anna Kasprzyk, bass, and Elly Lu, violin; sophomores Kenedi Jenkins, cello, and Aaron Wolz, viola; and freshmen Sydney Hoynacki, bass (first alternate), and Norina Shao, violin. This year’s orchestra will have the opportunity to work with L.A.-based conductor Chris Thomas via Zoom on April 17. The students are directed by Michael Dunsmoor.

The following students were accepted for participation in the 2020-2021 University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) Bridge Program: freshman Marques Rutlin; sophomores Justin Alvey, Ryan Cutrell, Sasha Grant, Kimmea Hamilton, Alexis Jenkins, Alfred Jenkins and Aydien Noel; juniors El Roi Belete, Zion Bradsher and Kamauri Younge; and seniors Charles Nobles and Tyler Wright. The Bridge program provides college support services to more than 700 high school students during its Virtual Saturday Academy. Students are engaged in mathematics, science, writing skills, career and personal development and college preparation courses. In addition, students receive ACT instruction and support, and are provided virtual office hour opportunities to receive tutorial support in academic areas as needed.

Eagle Scout

Senior Parker Hoynacki achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. His project was to build a prayer garden with a kneeler located at Zion Lutheran Church in Maryland Heights. Hoynacki is a member of Troop 954.

Parker Hoynacki

ServSafe certification

Students in Mary Favazza’s Introduction to Culinary Arts class at Pattonville High School completed the ServSafe Food Handler online course and passed the final exam to earn their ServSafe certification. ServSafe is a food and beverage safety training and certificate program administered by the National Restaurant Association. Each student is now certified until 2023. Students earning their certifications were: seniors Qiara Allen, Riley Ballard, Price Cole, Jaidyn Cutts, Kristen Jones and Steven Mackenberg; juniors Brian Antoine, Kaden James, Carissa Marshall, Kyjuan Morgan, Kadie Murphy and Kaitlyn Musselwhite; and sophomores Matthew Kliethermes, Kamille Mingo, Jaden Moore, Amy Prueitt, Alex Rivera Velasquez, Owen Sandheinrich, Sierra Schuster, Laniya Smith and Allison Talir.

Emerson Carranza

Daniel Enberg

Jonah Kendrick

Wes Kiso

Carlos Llamas

Miguel Perez

Boys soccer conference honors

Seniors Daniel Enberg and Jonah Kendrick and sophomore Miguel Perez were named to the boys soccer all-conference first team; freshman Carlos Llamas and junior Emerson Carranza were named to the all-conference second team.

Sophomore Wes Kiso earned the Sportsmanship Award.

Marcus Christian coached the team with Tomi Benney.

• 11 •

Boys state swimming honors

Junior Wyatt Martin placed 10th in the 100 breaststroke and 14th in the 50 freestyle at the Missouri state Class 2 boys swimming championships. Martin broke the 100 yard breaststroke school record held by 2020 alumnus Chaska Cox-Potter (1:01.10), and later bested it again with a time of 1:00.76 (1:00.98).

Wyatt Martin He now shares the 100 yard breaststroke school record with his coach, Anna (LeBlanc) Braswell, who set the Pattonville girls record in 2000 (1:11.29).

Athletes of the Week

Sophomore Jasmine Gray and junior Kellen Thames were selected by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch as Athletes of the Kellen Thames Week in January. Jasmine Gray Thames was also named the Big 550 KTRS Schnucks Athlete of the Week in February. Gray led the girls basketball team to three victories prior to her recognition. A two-year starter, Gray was among area leaders in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. She was named to the all-tournament team at MICDS in December. Thames was a leader in scoring, steals and blocked shots on the boys basketball team. Thames was an all-conference first team selection last season and two-time all-district honoree. The boys team was 13-1 at press time.

College signings

Madison Bailey signed to play softball at Kaskaskia College; Kaeli Benedict signed to play women’s soccer at Missouri State University; and J.P. Killian signed to run cross country/track and Madison Bailey signs with field at Missouri Baptist Kaskaskia College.

University. Bailey was recognized as a fourtime all-conference player, named to the all-district and the academic all-conference teams twice, and earned St. Louis Post-Dispatch all-metro honors. Bene- Kaeli Benedict, center, signs with dict was recognized Missouri State University. on the United Soccer Coaches national allMidwest region team and was named to the Post-Dispatch all-metro third team, all-state Class 4 first team and all-conference first J.P. Killian signs with Missouri team. She was named Baptist University. all-Missouri regional offensive player of the year in 2019. Killian has qualified for state cross country twice in his high school career.

SCHOOL BOARD ELECTION | April 6, 2021 Election

Six candidates on ballot to fill two open seats on Pattonville Board of Education (shown in order of filing) SCHOTTMUELLER 1 JEANNE (Incumbent)

Schottmueller works as a paraprofessional for the Special School District. She earned her degree from Lindenwood University. Schottmueller is a 23-year resident of Pattonville and currently resides in St. Louis County. She is a Pattonville graduate and the mother of two 2012 Pattonville High School graduates.

Volunteerism/Experience

“President of PTO at Drummond Elementary and PTA at Holman Middle School; also served on the School Improvement Teams at Drummond, Holman and Pattonville High School; vice president of the Football Boosters; service on many district committees; and president of the Pattonville Board of Education.”

Statement of Purpose

“I believe in the vision and goals of the school district and will continue to hold the district accountable for results. It is important to me to make sure our children are receiving everything possible to become contributing citizens not only in our community, but the world around us.”

3 BRANDON R. WILKES

Wilkes is employed as executive director of the St. Louis Reconciliation Network. He earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in biblical studies from Trinity Evangelical University. A six-year resident of Pattonville, Wilkes lives in Bridgeton. He and his wife, Dorothy Wilkes, are the parents of a junior at Pattonville High School and two Pattonville graduates (Classes of 2017 and 2019).

Volunteerism/Experience

“Serving on PHS PTO for six years, three as president and two as vice president. Currently leading the St. Louis Reconciliation Network which is a nonprofit focused on healing race relations in the St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

I also lead Peoples Church STL which serves the community in many capacities.”

Statement of Purpose

“I wish to serve on the board to add my expertise to an already stellar school district. I believe we can continue to advance by strengthening our athletics, creating more access in early childhood and expanding our gifted student offerings. I love this district and want to help us excel.”

5 NUNN JOHNSON

Johnson works as a teacher assistant with the Special School District. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. A 15-year resident of Pattonville, Johnson lives in Bridgeton with his wife, Theresa Johnson.

Volunteerism/Experience

“Author, children’s book; taught reading, math and personal finances at St. Louis Job Core for 13 1/2 years; currently teacher assistant for Special School District.”

Statement of Purpose

“Help every child to receive a quality education. Then they become productive citizens in the United States.”

AMANDA LIEUNAU PURNELL 2 DR. (Incumbent) Purnell is employed as an emerging tech data specialist with the Veterans Health Administration. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from the University of Dayton and a doctorate in counseling psychology from The Ohio State University. A 10-year resident of St. Louis County, she and her husband, Jason Purnell, are the parents of two children who attend Willow Brook and Rose Acres elementary schools.

Volunteerism/Experience

Completing her first term on the board “has been the most helpful! I am the board representative for the Special School District governing board. I have also participated in the development and coordination of the St. Louis County Professional Learning Community for school board members and administration. I have also volunteered for the PTO and participated in CSIP work.”

Statement of Purpose

“It has been so deeply meaningful to serve on the board and I wish to continue.

At this time, we are all stretching ourselves. It is my hope that my mental health background, organizational development experience and my personal experience as a parent all add value to the board.”

DAVIS 4 TIFFANY Davis serves as the director of workforce and talent devel-

opment at St. Louis Community College (STLCC). She earned a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Baltimore and a master’s degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Walden University.

She is pursuing a doctorate degree in education from Wilmington University. A resident of Pattonville for nearly two years, Davis lives in Bridgeton and is the mother of a sixth grader at Pattonville Heights Middle School.

Volunteerism/Experience

“I have a passion for lifelong learning. I have volunteered at educational institutions and nonprofits with missions of childhood literacy and adult education.

I currently work in higher education and am an Ed.D. (doctoral) candidate.”

Statement of Purpose

“I’m passionate about equity in education for all learners. I wish to serve as a member of the board of education because I believe that all children should have the opportunity to be successful because of their education. I want children to feel empowered and equipped because of their education.”

DOTSON 6 MONYELLE Dotson serves as the implementation services director at

Vizient, Inc. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in industrial management, both from the University of Central Missouri. A resident of Pattonville for six years, Dotson and her husband, Tony Dotson, live in Bridgeton and are the parents of a fifth grader at Bridgeway Elementary School.

Volunteerism/Experience

“I have 23 years experience as a corporate healthcare professional, directing and overseeing customer operations, and am an elected board of directors secretary, a current volunteer commitment, for my homeowners association. As a productive leader and collaborative problem solver, both roles have prepared me for this school board position.”

Statement of Purpose

“I am eager to serve on the Pattonville Board of Education because I have a genuine interest in public education in our community. I received my education in the public school system, and my son attends Bridgeway Elementary.

I want to collaborate with fellow board members to ensure PSD remains a parents’ first choice and all children learn!”

“Pattonville Highlights” is published throughout the school year for residents of the Pattonville School District by the Pattonville Office of School-Community Relations, 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074, (314) 213-8025. Website: www.psdr3.org. Email: mschoonover@psdr3.org.