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SCHOOL Welcome to the 2019-2020 school year. Classes begin Aug. 15.
Pattonville School District 11097 St. Charles Rock Road St. Ann, MO 63074-1509
Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1 St. Ann, MO
ECRWSS
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
Our Mission
That ALL will learn.
An award-winning district
Pattonville is an award-winning public school 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.
For more information
Visit Pattonville’s website at www.psdr3.org.
This newsletter is published each summer for residents of the
Pattonville School District. The publication is produced by the Pattonville Office of School-Community Relations, 11097 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074, (314) 213-8025, mschoonover@psdr3.org.
Classes begin Thursday, Aug. 15, 2019
Welcome from the Superintendent I t’s hard to believe the 2019-2020 school year is upon us. The beginning of a new school year always brings excitement and endless possibilities. Students and staff are refreshed and eager to continue the learning process that ended a few short months ago. As a school district, our goals are clear and Dr. Tim Pecoraro consistent. We will do everything necSuperintendent essary to help every single Pattonville Follow on Twitter: student succeed. @PattonvilleSupt As I was reflecting this summer on the amazing progress we made last year and thinking about the work ahead, I came across a quote from an unknown author, “Be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods.” Those words really stuck with me. It’s important that we never waver on our high expectations, but it’s equally important that we embrace the fact that we must always evaluate our strategies and practices and be willing to alter the course when needed. What we want to achieve in the end will never change. How we get there most certainly will. When you visit our schools this fall, you’ll notice many facility improvements. This was a busy summer as we continued
BACK-TO-SCHOOL EVENTS work, as promised from our 2017 zero tax rate increase bond issue, Prop K. Learning spaces, cafeterias, windows, parking lots, etc. are just a sample of what was upgraded while school was out of session. I know our students and families will be impressed by what they see (see story on page 7). As we head into another school year, we’re continuing our work related to personalized learning. Our goal around personalized learning is simple: how do we best meet the unique learning needs of our students? Our definition is grounded in the belief that we have one rigorous Pattonville standard, but recognize that not all students will reach that standard at the same time. Just like in life, all of our students don’t need the same experiences at the same time. This approach allows us to utilize more customization when we design learning paths for our students. I’m excited about our journey and look forward to the great things our students and staff will accomplish this year. Pattonville is truly a great place because of everyone that makes up our school district. That starts with the wonderful support we receive from our community and continues with the tremendous staff members that give their all each day to support our students. Working together, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish.
Parents of students who attended a school in Pattonville last year and still currently live in the district or are newly enrolled prior to July 1 will re-enroll online by logging into their Parent Portal account with the username and password they have created. Parents were sent an email on July 5 notifying them that online registration is open. The email provides step-by-step instructions for completing the registration process. Parents must complete this process in order for their child to receive a middle or high school schedule or be added to a class list at the elementary level. Parents/guardians needing to complete an affidavit of residency or custodial waiver will need to do so before re-registering their child. Parents are encouraged to take a few moments to complete their child’s online registration to ensure their child is ready for the first day of school. The deadline to complete online registration is Aug. 5 for middle and high schools and Aug. 9 for elementary schools and Remington Traditional School. For questions, please contact the student services department hotline at (314) 213-8004.
NEW STUDENTS
If you are new to Pattonville ... Welcome! The following are directions for students who were not enrolled in the Pattonville School District during the 2018-2019 school year.
Who does this apply to?
New student enrollment includes students moving into the district for the first time or moving back to the district after a period of time; incoming kindergarten students not registered last spring (including those previously enrolled in Pattonville’s preschool programs); and students transferring from private, parochial or homeschool for the first time.
How do I start enrollment?
Parents will begin registration for a new student by creating an account and completing the new registration form, then setting up an appointment to complete registration in person. A link for the New Student Registration Portal can be found online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment. Complete this new registration form online prior to your registration appointment. Proof of residency is required and will be determined at your appointment. • New K-12 students: After completing the new registration form, parents of K-12 students should schedule an enrollment appointment by clicking the “Time to Sign Up” link online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment or at timetosignup.com/psdr3. • New early childhood preschool students: Students entering preschool can find enrollment information online at ec.psdr3.org or by contacting Michelle Doering at (314)-213-8105. The enrollment process takes approximately 30 minutes. Families more than 15 minutes late to their appointment will be rescheduled for a later date. If you do not have all of your required documents, you will also be rescheduled (see next column for document requirements). All new enrollments must be completed no later than Aug. 9 or enrollment cannot be guaranteed for the first day of school. To help prepare for the new school year, families are asked complete the enrollment process as soon as they are able.
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
Aug. 15 - Meet the Teacher Night, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 - First day of school for early childhood only
Bridgeway Elementary School
Aug. 8 - Jump Start to Kindergarten, 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 3 p.m. Aug. 13 - Meet the Teacher, 5 to 6:15 p.m. Aug. 23 - Back 2 School Jam, 6 to 8 p.m.
Drummond Elementary School
Aug. 7 - Kindergarten orientation, 9 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 3 p.m. Aug 13 - K-5 supply drop-off, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 5 - Open House, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Parkwood Elementary School
Aug. 8 - Jump Start to Kindergarten, 4 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13 - Meet the Teacher/Supply Drop-off, 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 23 - PTA Back-to-School Bash Sept. 5 - PTA Meeting (childcare available), 6-7 p.m.
Rose Acres Elementary School
Aug. 12 - Kindergarten Meet the Teacher, 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 13 - Meet the Teacher (grades 1-5), 6 to 7 p.m.
Willow Brook Elementary School
ENROLLING YOUR CHILD RETURNING STUDENTS
First day of school: Aug. 15
What documents are required to enroll my child?
Anyone enrolling a new student must provide documents that prove they reside in Pattonville, as well as other documentation required by law. Please bring the documents below to your enrollment appointment. A detailed checklist for homeowners and renters can be found online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment. 1. Photo ID of parent/legal guardian - A driver’s license or any other state ID is acceptable as well as a passport. The biological, foster or adoptive parent may enroll the student. Guardians must have the proper guardianship forms signed and a copy of court authorization. Custody documentation is required in the case of divorce or emergency placement. NOTE: Power of attorney and hand-written letters are not acceptable as guardianship documents. 2. Documentation of child’s date of birth - Please bring your child’s birth certificate. NOTE: Kindergartners must be 5 years old on or before July 31. First-graders must be 6 years old on or before July 31. 3. Immunization records are required by state law - Children cannot enroll after the first day of school without immunization records. Requirements can be found online at www.psdr3.org/enrollment. 4. Proof that you live in the Pattonville School District • If you own your home, please bring the following: 1) Current mortgage statement, property deed or 2018 paid real estate tax bill. 2) Two current utility bills such as gas, electric, land-line phone (no cell phone bill), water, trash or cable; the bill must show the parent/legal guardian’s name enrolling the student and the service address. The bill must be dated within the last 30 days. • If you rent, please bring the following: 1) Current signed lease or rental agreement that has been signed by all parties. Landlord’s contact information must be provided as well as start and end dates of the lease. 2) If the lease is month-to-month, the lease must be designated month-to-month or will need to be approved by the director of student services. If you are on a month-to-month lease, you will be required to provide bills with your name and address each month to your school of attendance. 3) Two current utility bills such as gas, electric, internet/ cable or water/trash/sewer; the bill must show the parent/legal guardian’s name enrolling the student and the service address. The bill must be dated within the last 30 days. • If you live with someone else in Pattonville, you must complete an affidavit of residency. For more details, visit www.psdr3.org/enrollment.
What else do I need to know?
Parents will be asked to setup a Parent Portal account at the end of their registration appointment. The login information will be provided during the appointment. This account will give parents access to their student’s grades and schedule. This account will also be used the following school year for online registration.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Go online to www.psdr3.org/enrollment or call (314) 213-8004 and leave a message with your questions and someone will return your call as soon as possible.
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Aug. 6 - Kindergarten Parent Night, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 8 - Kindergarten screening Aug. 14 - Meet the Teacher, 5 to 5:45 p.m. Aug. 14 - PTO Family Picnic, 5 to 8 p.m. Aug. 27 - Curriculum Night, 6 to 8 p.m.
Remington Traditional School
Aug. 13 - Device pickup for grades 6-8, 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 13 - K-5 supply drop-off, 5 to 6 p.m. Aug. 24 - PTO Welcome Back Pool Party, 8 to 10 p.m.
Holman Middle School
Aug. 6 - Schedule and iPad pickup, (7th grade with last name beginning with A-L and all 8th grade), 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 8 - Schedule and iPad pickup, (all 6th grade and 7th grade with last name beginning with M-Z), 3 to 6 p.m. Aug. 28 - Open House/PTA meeting, 6 to 8 p.m.
Pattonville Heights Middle School
Aug. 5 - Schedule and iPad pickup, 3:30 to 6 p.m. (last names beginning with A-L); only 7th and 8th graders pick up iPads Aug. 5 - PTO meeting, 6 p.m. in the library Aug. 7 - Schedule and iPad pickup, 3:30 to 6 p.m. (last names beginning with M-Z); only 7th and 8th graders pick up iPads Aug. 8 - 6th Grade Transition Day, 9 a.m. to noon (6th graders pick up iPads during this time) Aug. 22 - Open House, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Pattonville High School
Aug. 5 - Junior and senior registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6 - Sophomore registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 - Freshman registration and laptop rollout, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 - Late registration, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8 - Laptop rollout for students new to the district, noon to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12 - First day of fall sports practices Aug. 13 - Freshman and new student transition event, 7:23 to 11:45 a.m. Aug. 29 - Open House, 6:30 to 8 p.m. Aug. 29 - POSITIVE School Meet and Greet, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
A TOP-TIER SCHOOL DISTRICT
CONTACTS
BEST PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN U.S.
Pattonville Early Childhood Center
Pattonville is recognized in Missouri and nationally for academic excellence Amid more than 450 public school districts in Missouri, Pattonville is ranked No. 7 among the Best Public School Districts on Niche.com’s 2019 Best Districts in America list. Nationally, Niche ranks Pattonville in the Top 3 percent of districts (No. 301 out of 10,758). The district is also ranked No. 1 in Missouri for Most Diverse School Districts, No. 4 for Best Places to Teach and No. 8 for Districts with Best Teachers. Niche is an online service that ranks private and public schools and districts based on dozens of statistics and opinions from students, parents and staff. Pattonville earned an overall grade of A+ from Niche, with grades ranging from A- to A+ in the following categories: academics, teachers, diversity, college prep, health and safety and clubs and activities.
BEST HIGH SCHOOLS LIST
Our Schools
2900 Adie Road, St. Ann, MO 63074 Dr. Mary Krekeler, Director • (314) 213-8100
Bridgeway Elementary School
11635 Oakbury Court, Bridgeton, MO 63044 Dr. Bill Casner, Principal • (314) 213-8012
Drummond Elementary School
3721 St. Bridget Lane, St. Ann, MO 63074 Jason Van Beers, Principal • (314) 213-8419
Parkwood Elementary School
Pattonville High School has been ranked among the top high schools in Missouri and the nation on U.S. News and World Report’s 2019 Best High Schools list. Pattonville ranked as No. 36 out of 596 high schools in Missouri, placing it in the Top 6 percent of high schools in the state. Nationally, the high school was ranked in the Top 12 percent of high schools. This is the sixth time Pattonville earned a spot on U.S. News’ Best High Schools list in the last seven years.
3199 Parkwood Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Melissa Yount-Ott, Principal • (314) 213-8015
Remington Traditional School
102 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Dr. Don Furjes, Principal • (314) 213-8016
TOP WORKPLACES AWARD
The Pattonville School District was named to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Top Workplaces list for 2019. The district was ranked 7th among the Top 20 large employers in the St. Louis area. This is the fifth year in a row Pattonville has earned Top Workplace recognition. Nearly 1,300 metro St. Louis companies were nominated as a Top Workplace in 2019, but only 150 received recognition. Out of that number, only 20, including Pattonville, were named a Top Workplace for companies with 500 or more employees. Top Workplace honorees are chosen based solely on feedback provided by employees via surveys administered by Energage, an independent national research firm that specializes in organizational health and employee engagement.
MISSOURI OUTSTANDING BOARD OF EDUCATION AWARD
The Pattonville Board of Education was named a 2018 Outstanding Board of Education for Climate, Culture and Organizational Efficacy by the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA). MSBA’s Outstanding Board of Education awards encourage effective board practices and recognize outstanding board performance in six categories. The Pattonville board won MSBA’s Outstanding Board of Education Award for Human and Organizational Capital in 2017; for Teaching, Learning and Assessment in 2016; and for Governance, Leadership and Accountability in 2013; and the MSBA Outstanding Board of Education Award in 2002, before boards were recognized in different categories. Pattonville’s board was also a finalist for the award in 2011 and 2008.
Rose Acres Elementary School
2905 Rose Acres Lane, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Steve Vargo, Principal • (314) 213-8017
Willow Brook Elementary School
11022 Schuetz Road, St. Louis, MO 63146 Dr. Marla Wasserman, Principal • (314) 213-8018
Holman Middle School
11055 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074 Dr. Sarah Moran, Principal • (314) 213-8032
Pattonville Heights Middle School
195 Fee Fee Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Dr. Scot Mosher, Principal • (314) 213-8033
Pattonville High School
2497 Creve Coeur Mill Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 Dr. Joe Dobrinic, Principal • (314) 213-8051
OTHER CONTACTS Pattonville Learning Center
WHAT’S RIGHT WITH THE REGION AWARD
The Pattonville School District was chosen in 2018 to receive a What’s Right with the Region Award by FOCUS St. Louis. The district was among 20 individuals, organizations and initiatives honored for making a difference. The honorees were selected by a panel of community judges for their impact and service to the community. Pattonville was recognized in the category of “promoting stronger communities.”
(314) 213-8500
Superintendent
Dr. Tim Pecoraro • (314) 213-8001
Alumni/Reunion Information
(314) 213-8025 or visit alumni.psdr3.org
Business Office
Nancy Henley, Director • (314) 213-8030
Community Education
NATIONAL PLTW DISTINGUISHED SCHOOL
Pattonville High School earned recognition as a national Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School in 2017-2018 for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW biomedical science, computer science and engineering courses. Pattonville was one of just 133 high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. The Pattonville School District offers PLTW classes in sixth through 12th grades.
Mary Reed, Coordinator • (314) 213-8094
Teaching and Learning
Dr. Tina Plummer, Asst. Superintendent • (314) 213-8007
Facilities
David Winslow, Director • (314) 213-8040
Finance
NATIONAL AWARD FOR LEARNING/TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE
Pattonville earned a 2013 Pinnacle Award from the Association of School Business Officials International, which recognizes outstanding and creative practices that improve the efficiency of schools and make a difference in the education of the nation’s students. Pattonville was recognized for its iLearn program, a digital learning initiative in which students access learning resources for their courses online anywhere, any time via school-provided laptops and devices.
Ron Orr, CPA, Chief Financial Officer • (314) 213-8005
Food Service
Kim Maas, Director • (314) 213-8054
Human Resources
Dr. Barry Nelson, Asst. Superintendent • (314) 213-8065
Employment
Visit hrc.psdr3.org to view openings or apply.
MISSOURI EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM OF THE YEAR AWARD
Pattonville’s early childhood program was selected as the Missouri School Board Association’s (MSBA) FutureBuilder’s Early Childhood Education Program of the Year in 2012-2013.
CHARACTER EDUCATION/SERVICE LEARNING/POSITIVE BEHAVIOR RECOGNITIONS
Pattonville High School was named a National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership and Business Week magazine because character traits such as respect and service are embedded in the curriculum (i.e., 50 hours of community service required for graduation). The school was also named a National School of Service Learning. In 2013, Willow Brook Elementary School was honored with a State School of Character Award for its character education program and in 2014 was a finalist for a National School of Character Award. Bridgeway Elementary School, Holman Middle School, Parkwood Elementary School, Remington Traditional School, Willow Brook and Pattonville’s early childhood program have all been honored with statelevel recognition for their Positive Behavior Supports programs as well.
Residency/Student Services/Special Education Teisha Ashford, Director • (314) 213-8090
School-Business Partnerships
Patty Gould, Director • (314) 213-8095
Communications
Mickey Schoonover, APR, Director • (314) 213-8025
Technology
Greg Southard, Director • (314) 213-8050
Transportation
James Troxel, Director • (314) 213-8125
55+ Club Membership/Oasis Tutoring
Kelly Gordon, Coordinator • (314) 213-8025
After-Hours Emergency Number (314) 576-0156
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School Calendar 2019-2020
School Notes When it snows...
Classes in the district are canceled only in case of emergency or extremely bad weather. Any decision to close schools will be announced using Pattonville’s automated phone calling system. Announcements will also be made on the radio and local television stations. Please listen to one of the following radio stations or watch one of the following television channels: KMOX 1120 AM KTVI Channel 2 KMOV Channel 4 KSDK Channel 5 School closings will also be announced on: District website: www.psdr3.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/ PSDR3 Twitter: @PattonvilleSD Announcements begin at approximately 5:30 a.m. If you are a parent/ guardian and have not received a phone call when school is closed due to weather or another emergency, contact your child’s school office to ensure the district has the correct contact information on file for your family.
Transportation
Pattonville provides free bus service for all elementary students. Bus service is also provided for middle and high school students living more than a mile from school or on streets designated hazardous for walking by the board of education. For more information, call the transportation department at (314) 213-8125.
Services for community
Community Education: Pattonville offers daytime and evening classes and tours for both adults and children in the community. Brochures with class offerings, times and fees are available online at www.psdr3.org or at the Pattonville Learning Center. Call the community education office at (314) 213-8094 for more information. Library Access: The Pattonville High School library is open to all Pattonville residents. Drop by any time between 2:15 and 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays during the school year when school is in session. Follow the
signs to the entrance on the rear west side of the school. For more information, call the library at (314) 213-8129. 55+ Club: The 55+ Club enables Pattonville’s senior residents to enjoy free access to school-sponsored events, including athletic events, plays and musicals. Pattonville hosts two dinner theaters for members to enjoy a meal and the high school play or musical. Members are kept up-to-date with a free newsletter subscription. For more information, contact Kelly Gordon at (314) 213-8025 or kgordon@psdr3.org.
JULY
5-8 - New support staff orientation
AUGUST
6-9 - New teacher orientation 12-14 - Staff development days 15 - First day of school
SEPTEMBER
2 - No school for Labor Day holiday 20 - Middle schools and Remington dismiss at 11:10 a.m., elementary schools at 11:55 a.m. for grade-level collaboration/staff training
Other emergencies
Pattonville will use a number of ways to provide important information to Pattonville families about other emergencies or major school events. Depending on the situation, Pattonville may use email, an automated telephone calling system, text messages, district website, U.S. mail, social media or the local media to keep families informed of important information. For this reason, it’s important that all parents provide their school office with their most current phone numbers (home, work and/or cell phone). In addition, if parents wish to be notified via email of important information or updates, they should provide their email addresses to the school when enrolling (or reenrolling). Pattonville will use the contact information it has on file in its student information system when communicating with parents.
OCTOBER
2-3 - Middle and high schools parent-teacher conferences 4 - No school for middle and high schools following parent-teacher conferences 4 - Remington dismisses at 11:10 a.m., elementary schools at 11:55 a.m. for grade-level collaboration/staff training 25 - Remington dismisses at 11:10 a.m., elementary schools at 11:55 a.m. for report day
NOVEMBER
1 - No school for staff development day 6 - Parent-teacher conferences for elementary/ Remington (school in session) 7 - Parent-teacher conferences for elementary and Remington (Remington dismisses at 11:10 a.m., and elementary schools at 11:55 a.m.) 8 - No school for elementary schools and Remington following conferences 27 - No school 28-29 - No school for Thanksgiving holiday
Breakfast and lunch
DECEMBER
Nutritional breakfast and lunch options are offered for all students. Prices for meals are as follows: Lunch Elementary student $2.55 MS/HS student $2.75 Adult $3.50 Breakfast Adult $2 Student Free Pattonville participates in a federally funded program that provides free breakfast for all students. Pattonville also allows children who qualify for reduced-priced meals to have lunch at no charge. Applications are available in all school principals’ offices and are approved by the building principal. For more information, call your school or the food service office at (314) 213-8054.
Connect with Us Facebook: www.facebook.com/PSDR3 Instagram: @PattonvilleSD Twitter: @PattonvilleSD YouTube: www.YouTube.com/PattonvilleR3 Email: Subscribe to Pattonville’s enewsletter at: www.psdr3.org/subscribe Website: www.psdr3.org District App: Download at the App Store for iPhones or Google Play Store for Android phones
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6 - Middle schools and Remington dismiss at 11:10 a.m., elementary schools at 11:55 a.m. for staff development 18-20 - High school final exams - high school classes dismiss at 10:30 a.m. 23 -31- No school for winter break
JANUARY
1-3 - No school for winter break 6 - School resumes for elementary and Remington 6 - No school/report day for middle and high school 7 - School resumes for middle and high school 17 - No school for staff development day 20 - No school for Martin Luther King Day holiday 31 - No school/report day for elementary schools and Remington
Facebook uses a complicated formula which limits the posts you see from organizations like Pattonville. Make sure to see our Facebook posts by following a few simple steps. After liking our Facebook page, click the down triangle next to “Following.” You can choose to get notifications every time we post a story or select the “See First” option to see Pattonville news at the top of your Facebook news feed.
FEBRUARY
7 - Middle schools dismiss at 11:10 a.m. 12 - Parent-teacher conferences for elementary and Remington (school in session) 13 - Parent-teacher conferences for elementary and Remington (Remington dismisses at 11:10 a.m., elementary at 11:55 a.m.) 14 - No school for elementary and Remington following conferences 17 - No school for Presidents Day holiday
MARCH
6 - Middle schools and Remington dismiss at 11:10 a.m., elementary schools at 11:55 a.m. for grade-level collaboration/staff training 11-12 - Parent-teacher conferences for high school 13 - No school for high school following parentteacher conferences 18-19 - Parent-teacher conferences for middle schools 20 - No school for middle schools following parentteacher conferences 23-27 - No school for spring break
APRIL
10 - No school for spring holiday 24 - Remington dismisses at 11:10 a.m., elementary schools at 11:55 a.m. for grade-level collaboration/staff training
MAY
8 - Middle schools and Remington dismiss at 11:10 a.m., elementary schools at 11:55 a.m. for grade-level collaboration/staff training 25 - No school for Memorial Day holiday
JUNE
2-4 - Final exams for grades 9 through 11 - high school classes dismiss at 10:30 a.m. 4 - Last day for students in grades K-11 4 - Graduation 5 - No school/report day for staff High school summer school, TBA
End of the Year/Summer School Note
The calendar includes six make-up days for the loss of attendance due to inclement weather/emergency. For each inclement weather day not used, one day will be subtracted from the closing school date. The final day of school is typically set by the board of education in April based on the number of inclement weather/emergency days used during the school year. All school calendars are subject to change to be in compliance with state law, including the required number of emergency days and the agreed upon number of contracted days for staff. Summer school dates are dependent on the number of emergency days used during the regular school year and are subject to change. The following non-student attendance days in 2020 may be changed to student/staff attendance days at the discretion of the superintendent based on inclement weather significantly impacting school attendance: Feb. 17 and April 10.
Announcements/Legal Notices
Pattonville’s public notices comply with requirements from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the U.S. Department of Education and are aligned with the policies of the Pattonville Board of Education. Residents may view these documents on the district website at www.psdr3.org. Click on the “Legal Notices” link on the left side of the page to view the following notices: Annual Notification Regarding Student Records (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act or FERPA); Parents Right To Know; Notice of Non-Discrimination; Special Education Services; Rights of Homeless Students; Programs for the Disadvantaged; Asbestos Notice; Procedure for Public Complaints/Section 504 Grievance Procedure; Immunization Requirements; and Free and Reduced-Price Lunch Program.
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Pattonville awarded nearly $475,000 in grants T
he Pattonville School District was selected to receive nearly $475,000 in grants from the Bridgeton Landfill Community Project Fund, a component fund of the St. Louis Community Foundation. One grant provides $450,000 for a district-wide initiative to hire additional staff to support students’ socialemotional needs, and various smaller grants totaling $24,000 serve to better the Pattonville school community. In addition to the district-wide grant for social-emotional supports, the following grants were awarded: • $4,800 to Pattonville Early Childhood PTO for a playground; • $4,700 to Bridgeway Elementary School for a sensory garden; • $5,000 to Rose Acres Elementary School PTO for outdoor classroom seating; • $4,500 to Remington Traditional School PTO for refillable water stations; and • $5,000 to the Pattonville School District for the youth garden at the Pattonville Learning Center. The Pattonville grants were among more than $3 million awarded by the Community Foundation from the landfill fund to numerous local nonprofits for projects or initiatives dedicated to the betterment of the environment, health, safety and the welfare of the people in the communities near the Bridgeton Landfill. After nearly a year-long informational and research gathering process, organizations were selected by a grant advisory committee that was composed of members of the St. Louis Community Foundation board, residents and representatives of businesses from the impacted area and members of the philanthropic community. After several public community meetings, the St. Louis Community Foundation identified four areas that would receive priority funding: access to health care, behavioral and mental health, public safety and community greening. Pattonville also stands to benefit from other grants awarded to local organizations, such as the grant awarded to NCADA (National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse) for its Prevention First initiative, which provides drug-prevention and conflict mediation programs at the elementary, middle and high school levels. These are the first round of grants to be awarded between now and July 2022. The Bridgeton Landfill Community Project Fund was created through a legal settlement between the state of Missouri and Bridgeton Landfill LLC, Allied Services LLC and Republic Services Inc., in June 2018. The St. Louis Community Foundation is a nonprofit foundation composed of nearly 700 charitable funds with total assets of approximately $500 million. Each fund represents a unique charitable giving partnership between an individual, family or business and designated nonprofit recipients.
Pattonville honors longtime tutors P
attonville celebrated the completion of its 28th year in the Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program with a luncheon honoring its tutors on May 22. The Oasis program trains volunteer senior adults to work one-on-one with elementaryaged children on language, reading and writing skills. During the Pattonville event, tutors received special recognition for reaching milestones in their service to Pattonville children. This year, Pattonville had more than 70 tutors commit to spending Oasis tutors honored for milestones of service included, from left, front row, time each week with a student. Barbara Tubbs, Mildred Todd, Susan Gayda and Darlene Neil; and back row, Honored for 15 years of service Pat Burcks, Jeanean Belk, Sharon Kendall and Linda Wacker. was Linda Wacker. Marking five years of service were Crescence Allen, Jeanean Belk, Pat Burcks, Susan Gayda (who volunteers at Holy Spirit but attends meetings in Pattonville), Sharon Kendall, Darlene Neil, Mildred Todd and Barbara Tubbs. For those interested in becoming an Oasis tutor, a free training will take place in September at the Pattonville Learning Center (see below). For more information, contact Kelly Gordon in the Pattonville school-community relations office at (314) 213-8025 or kgordon@psdr3.org.
Older adults sought to serve as elementary tutors P
attonville is seeking older adult volunteers who can spend up to one hour a week tutoring a student in kindergarten through third grade as part of Pattonville’s Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring Program. Tutors help children with reading, writing and communication skills. New tutors must participate in training and undergo a background check before being paired with a student. Pattonville’s training consists of two parts: an online session and in-person session. The in-person session takes place on Sept. 12 at the Pattonville Learning Center. The online training session must be completed prior to the in-person training. New tutors can complete the online training on their own or can sign up for times on Sept. 11 to use computers at the Learning Center. To volunteer, contact Kelly Gordon in the Pattonville school-community relations office at (314) 213-8025 or kgordon@psdr3.org.
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Pattonville seniors are shown at a photo booth celebrating National College Decision Day in May. Shown above are, from left, Rachel Etwaroo, Maggie Zumwalt and Serena Taylor. Shown at left are, from left, Cole Cwiklowski, Will Polster and Brooke Jenkins. They graduated in May along with about 375 members of the Class of 2019.
What’s on the horizon for Pattonville’s Class of 2019?
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pproximately 91% of graduates in the Pattonville Class of 2019 indicated they plan on continuing their education at four-year universities, two-year colleges and career/technical schools or by entering the military. Pattonville graduates are frequently accepted into some of the most selective colleges and universities in the United States. Here’s a look at where this year’s graduates are headed:
Four-year universities/colleges Ball State University Bradley University Central Methodist University Columbia University Eastern Illinois University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Southern College Fontbonne University Graceland University Grambling State University Grand Canyon University Greenville University Harris-Stowe State University Hartland College Harvard College Illinois Institute of Technology Indiana State University Indiana University at Bloomington Iowa State University Kansas City Art Institute Langston University Lindenwood University Long Island University, Brooklyn Macalester College Maryville University Miami University, Oxford Millikin University Mississippi State University Missouri Baptist University Missouri Southern State University Missouri State University Missouri University of Science and Technology Missouri Western State University Murray State University Northwest Missouri State University Quincy University Roosevelt University Saint Louis University Sam Houston State University San Diego State University Southeast Missouri State University Southern Illinois UniversityCarbondale
Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville Spring Hill College St. Louis College of Pharmacy Stephens College Tennessee State University The George Washington University The University of Memphis Truman State University University of Central Missouri University of Cincinnati University of Denver University of Kansas University of Mississippi University of Missouri-Columbia University of Missouri-Kansas City University of Missouri-St. Louis University of Saint Francis University of Southern California University of Southern Mississippi University of St. Francis University of Westminster Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College Xavier University
Two-year community college and career/technical college
Austin Community College Iowa Western Community College John A. Logan College North Hennepin Community College Northwest Kansas Technical College Ranken Technical College Rend Lake College St. Charles Community College St. Louis Community College Tulsa Welding School
Military
U.S. Air Force U.S. Army U.S. Marine Corps U.S. Navy
Pattonville school board approves balanced budget for new school year
2019 PHS graduate also graduates from inaugural Boeing high school program
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he Pattonville Board of Education on June 25 approved a $99 million balanced operating budget for the 2019-2020 school year. This is the sixth year in a row the district has achieved a balanced budget. Pattonville is able to continue to balance its budget as a result of voter approval of Proposition P in 2013. Additional revenue from Prop P prevented the need to cut $10 million from the budget after the district already cut $8 million between 2007 and 2013. The budget for the new school year was established based on several factors: • Small increase in health costs - The rising cost of health insurance continues to be a major concern nationally, but due to proactive measures in prior years, the district had four consecutive years of 0% increases in health and dental insurance, followed by 7% in 2018-2019 and 6% for the 2019-2020 school year. • Three-year agreement with staff - Pattonville is beginning the first year of a three-year agreement in which teachers and support staff receive an overall 3.6% increase in salary and benefits each year; however, the actual cost to the district is lower due to staff retirements and resignations, many of them due to a separation incentive plan (SIP) offered in the 2018-2019 school year. As a result of the SIP and small increases in health insurance costs, the actual increased cost of salary and benefits will be approximately 2.65% over the length of the three-year agreement. • Less than 2% increase in existing property values - Pattonville’s revenues are based on the assessed value of property in the district, as set by the St. Louis County assessor’s office. Based on preliminary data from St. Louis County, property values in Pattonville are expected to increase 9.1% in 2019. However, per state law, district revenues can only increase percentage-wise by the percentage increase in value of the national Consumer Price Index (CPI), which grew by an estimated 1.9% during that same time. As a result, Pattonville’s tax rates will be reduced so that revenue from existing property only grows 1.9%. Aside from existing property, the district anticipates an additional $1.9 million in revenues from new construction, which is not tied to the CPI limit. • Capital spending on high-priority needs - The new budget includes the purchase of four new school buses, eight maintenance vehicles, replacing interactive white boards and music instruments, lease payments for student laptops and iPads, energy improvements in the district, virtual server replacements and miscellaneous maintenance and repairs at district campuses. • “Hold Harmless” state funding - Approximately 87% of Pattonville’s funding comes from local taxpayers. About 10% of Pattonville’s revenues - or $9.5 million for 2019-2020 - comes from state funding through the state’s Foundation Formula. Under this formula, Pattonville continues to be a “hold harmless” district, receiving just $4.8 million per year, or approximately $830 per student. The remainder of state revenue includes funds received from Missouri to pay for transportation and early childhood special education. The hold harmless designation means Pattonville received a higher level of funding under an older 1992 formula than the current formula provides. As a result, Pattonville is held harmless to the level of funding received in 1992. Pattonville receives the 511th lowest level of funding from the state out of 520 districts in Missouri. • Addressing commercial tax appeals - Tax appeals by commercial property owners continue to be a budget focus for the district. Over the past decade, Pattonville has refunded more than $20 million to commercial taxpayers due to appeals (approximately $2 million annually). In recent years, the amount of successful appeals has begun to decline. As a result, the district has budgeted $1 million to address anticipated tax appeal refunds in the 2019-2020 school year.
For more information:
For more information, view the presentation to the board of education and supporting budget book on the district’s BoardDocs website at www.boarddocs.com/mo/psdr3/Board.nsf/Public.
B
en Wingerter experienced two graduations this spring. He graduated from Pattonville High School on May 28, but he also graduated from The Boeing Company’s High School Pre-employment Program. He was one of six seniors from the St. Louis region to take part in the program, which is offered in partnership with St. Louis Community College and their Center for Workforce Innovation. Although Boeing has had this pre-employment program in place for a number of years, in this most recent cohort, it was available exclusively to Ben Wingerter, left, was one of the first high school students to graduate from The Boeing Company’s High School Prehigh school students, the first cohort of its type. Wingerter and employment Program. the other students spent evenings during the week with instructors from Boeing learning sheet metal assembly and riveting. All participants who complete the program are guaranteed an interview for a position at Boeing, however, as a surprise at the graduation event, Boeing staff announced all six program graduates were being offered full-time employment at Boeing after their high school graduations.
BOARD PROFILE: Dr. Brian Gray, vice president Gray strives to provide the best education possible
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chool board vice president Dr. BriGray added that his professional an Gray has a simple, but powerful experience helped prepare him for hope for children in the Pattonville his board role. School District. “My background as a health “(My hope) is that every one of insurance medical director and fraud them gets the maximum education investigator leads me to ask a lot of that we can offer,” he said. “I like the questions and ask ‘how can we do quote from Albert Einstein, ‘Everyone better?’ By all metrics our district is is a genius, but if you judge a fish by a very high performing district, but Dr. Brian Gray its ability to climb a tree, it will live we can never get complacent and stop its whole life believing that it is stupid.’ We have trying to improve,” he said. “I am always, as is to find the genius in every child.” the rest of the board and administration, availGray is serving in his third year on the able to discuss any concerns that our residents Pattonville Board of Education. He and his might have.” wife, Sheila, live with their two sons, both When not working or serving in his board Pattonville students, in Maryland Heights. Orig- role, Gray volunteers as an Awana leader at inally from Colorado, Gray moved to the St. church, mentoring boys from various backLouis area in 1989 for his post-graduate studies grounds. He also serves as a volunteer for and has worked for 27 years in private practice Upward basketball and various teams in the as a chiropractic physician. He also works as Catholic Youth Council (CYC) sports league. a special healthcare fraud investigator. PreviGray enjoys playing sports and working on ously, he was a stand-up comic for 14 years, projects with his children, organic vegetable working in comedy clubs across the country, gardening and working on his old truck. including with many well known comedians Gray said his proudest moment while serving such as Ellen DeGeneres, Brian Regan, Jerry as a member of the Pattonville school board was Seinfeld and Sinbad. Gray’s combined interests one of the times the board won the Missouri Outin fiscal accountability and quality education standing Board of Education Awards. The board led him to pursue a seat on the board. has won the award five times since 2002, the most “I have made it my goals to maintain the recent in 2018, when it was recognized in the area high educational standards of our school of climate, culture and organizational efficacy. district, support our teachers and staff as well “We have now won it numerous times but as continue to provide a traditional and safe it never gets old and I am so proud of all of my environment for all of our students,” he said. fellow Pattonville board members,” Gray said.
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Pattonville named a Top Workplace in St. Louis for 5th time
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he Pattonville School District was named to the St. Louis PostDispatch’s Top Workplaces list for 2019. The district was ranked 7th among the Top 20 large employers (500 or more employees) in the St. Louis area. This is the fifth year in a row Pattonville has earned Top Workplace recognition, and no other school district in the region was ranked higher than Pattonville. “Our Pattonville school family is committed to a critical mission ensuring all our students are ready for life after graduation,” said superintendent Dr. Tim Pecoraro. “This recognition is a tribute to the way we work together every day as colleagues to ensure learning experiences are personalized to the needs of our students. We thank each and every staff member for their unique role and contributions to our mission and purpose and for the feedback that made this recognition possible.” To create the Top Workplaces list, the Post-Dispatch teamed up with Energage, a survey firm that specializes in organizational health and employee engagement. The list recognizes great companies
based solely on feedback provided by employees via written and online surveys. Last March, 74% of Pattonville staff responded to a survey and provided feedback. Employers that scored high enough based on national benchmarks are named to the Top Workplaces list. Pattonville was featured in a special Top Workplaces section of the Post-Dispatch on Sunday, June 23. The list can also be found online at STLToday.com. Nearly 1,300 metro St. Louis companies were nominated as a Top Workplace, but only 150 received recognition. Out of that number, only 20, including Pattonville, were named a Top Workplace for companies with 500 or more employees. In addition, Pecoraro was recognized as a standout among large employers as a “confidenceboosting” leader.
Interested in working for Pattonville?
Find out about our job openings online at hrc.psdr3.org.
Bond issue update: numerous improvement projects under way this summer T
his summer, crews are working in Pattonville to complete several projects funded by the $23 million zero tax rate increase bond issue approved by voters in 2017. Approval of the bond issue did not increase the district’s tax rate. This is the third and final summer of projects being completed using funds from the 2017 bond issue. Major bond issue projects this summer at each school are listed at right. In addition to bond-funded projects, Pattonville has been using a tool known as performance contracting to improve its school buildings and reduce energy consumption and utility costs. With this process, an energy service contractor is required to guarantee that the cost of its work will have a 15-year (or less) payback to the district through energy and operational savings. Improvements being completing under these contracts include lighting, heating and cooling and water consumption projects. By tying the construction cost to a guaranteed payback, Pattonville is able to complete construction projects without any cost to taxpayers while also decreasing the district’s energy consumption and impact on the environment. Pattonville has $21 million in projects underway districtwide and expects to reduce energy consumption by at least 30%.
Bond Issue Plan Overview Item
Est. Cost
Building safety and security updates
$4,304,934
Energy efficiency improvements $6,017,730 heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, roofing, doors, windows Classroom, library and other interior building renovations
$5,367,675
Updates that encourage student involvement in school and students’ long-term fitness and health (ex: replacing fitness equipment and renovating or adding physical education facilities)
$3,967,936
Early childhood program moves to former Briar Crest Elementary building (interior renovations/site improvements)
$1,720,600
Renovations of Community Auditorium at Pattonville High School
$1,620,856
TOTAL
$22,999,731
Find out more.
SUMMER 2019 REPAIR AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS BY SCHOOL
Projects funded by the 2017 zero tax rate increase bond issue unless otherwise noted as being funded by performance contract.
Pattonville Early Childhood Center •
Repave asphalt
Bridgeway Elementary School • • •
Enlarge library space and purchase new library furniture Replace and upgrade heating and cooling equipment and improve controls in each classroom (performance contract) Replace gym floor (performance contract)
Drummond Elementary School • • •
Replace some exterior doors Repave asphalt Install updates to improve heating and cooling (performance contract)
Parkwood Elementary School • • • • •
Replace leaking windows Repave asphalt Renovate interior space for a new library and repurpose old library space for instructional space Modify front entrance for improved safety so visitors must enter through office Install updates to improve heating and cooling (performance contract)
Rose Acres Elementary School • • •
Replace leaking windows (performance contract) Install updates to improve heating and cooling (performance contract) Repave asphalt
Willow Brook Elementary School • •
Purchase new security cameras Repave asphalt
Remington Traditional School •
Purchase new security cameras
Holman Middle School • • • • • • • • • •
Construct new canopy and entrance to Gym A Add volleyball court and scoreboard to Gym A Install new storage in family and consumer science room Paint Gym B and update locker rooms Purchase new fitness equipment Construct an outdoor classroom Renovate lava rock/jungle room area as instructional space Repair parking lot and sidewalk Add security cameras Add band storage
Pattonville Heights Middle School
See the complete list of bond issue projects online at www.psdr3.org/newsinfo/pdf/FacilitiesPlan2017.pdf.
The community auditorium at Pattonville High School is undergoing major renovations for the first time since it was built in the 1980s.
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Install updates to improve heating and cooling (performance contract) Add security cameras Update/improve locker room Paint Gym B Paint interior doors, frames and railings and exterior railings Install new urinal screens for boys’ restrooms Renovate and expand serving lines in the cafeteria
Pattonville High School • • • • • • • •
Install updates to improve heating and cooling (performance contract) Add security cameras Replace terrazzo in stairwells and paint brick Replace water fountains and add bottle fillers Provide ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) access to soccer fields Construct stairs to upper practice field Replace field house with new locker room, concession, restroom areas Renovate interior locker rooms
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An interior space at Parkwood Elementary School is being renovated for a new library and the old library is being repurposed for instructional space. • •
Renovate concession area in commons Paint hallways
Pattonville High School Community Auditorium • • • • • • • • •
Replace seating Refinish/repair/replace stage Install new screen Replace ceilings and lighting in lower level Add lighting upgrades in auditorium Provide new microphone system on stage Update instrument lockers Add parent drop-off lane by auditorium Renovate classrooms in lower level
Pattonville Learning Center • •
Install updates to improve heating and cooling (performance contract) Continue to renovate interior space following early childhood classes and offices move to Pattonville Early Childhood Center
Transportation •
Repave asphalt
View full plan online at: bit.ly/PSDCSIP-2018-2023
Areas of Emphasis T
Each year, the Pattonville Board of Education establishes priorities to address in the coming school year. The priorities help the district fulfill its goals outlined in its Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (shown above).
he Pattonville School District Board of Education is committed to providing exemplary educational opportunities for ALL children. In order to accomplish this goal, partnerships with parents, business leaders and district patrons must continue to be actively developed in order to engage the entire community as the district strives for educational excellence. As such, the board has adopted the following Areas of Emphasis for the 2019-2020 school year: • The district will implement the multi-year preschool through 12th grade personalized learning plan to provide ongoing feedback to students on their growth toward high school course content readiness and lead to successready graduates. • All students in grades 6 through 12 have a graduation life-readiness plan which they develop and regularly monitor progress within and between academic levels.
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Career education programs will continue to become a more integral component of the total educational program and will include students participating in extended learning opportunities, emphasizing district partnerships with local businesses when possible. • The district will develop a comprehensive plan to become a trauma-informed system that provides for the social and emotional needs of all students. • The district will develop a plan integrating school and community resources to ensure the safety and security of students, staff and the community. • The district facilities plan will be updated as appropriate and implemented utilizing bond issue and district operating funds. The district will continue with the following: • Proactive strategies will be implemented to promote continued improvement in student responsibility, citizenship and overall character
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•
with an emphasis on building relationships and an understanding of socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic differences. Parents, staff and students will continue to develop, modify and implement school improvement plans based on data and research. The district will continue to implement and identify strategies to increase the percentage of students involved in extracurricular programs provided at the elementary and middle school level to support the development of highly competitive programs at the high school. The district will continue to use resources efficiently to achieve district goals. The district will continue legislative advocacy for public education.
Adopted by the Pattonville Board of Education on June 25, 2019