Education Matters - Back to School Edition 2021

FALL 2021

EDUCATION MATTERS BACK TO SCHOOL EDITION

VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT One Community. One Campus. Limitless Learning.

EDUCATION MATTERS VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

Jeremy Picker, President Della Steele, Vice President Faye Peats, Secretary Nicole Martinez, Treasurer Pete Coates, Director Lisa Finder, Director Adam Watson, Director Dr. Tim Dilg Superintendent of Schools Jaime Gast, Editor Director of Communications In case of emergency. . .

Occasionally, severe weather conditions or other emergencies make it necessary to close school. The Superintendent tries to make the decision to close school by 5:30 a.m., or earlier if possible. When classes are postponed or canceled, a phone & text message will be sent out to all students, parents and legal guardians through Infinite Campus.

School closings are also broadcast on KMOX (AM 1120) and TV stations KSDK Channel 5, KMOV Channel 4 and FOX Channel 2 & Channel 11; and are posted on the District’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

NOTE: If school is closed, all other school-related activities are canceled for that day.

Dyslexia is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities. Dyslexia is SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT a neurological condition caused by a different wiring COMPLIANCE PLAN of the brain, and it’s inherent The Valley Park School characteristics exist on a District (VPSD), along with spectrum - with all students the Department of having unique abilities.

Elementary and Secondary Research states that one in Education provides free ten people may have appropriate educational dyslexia. programs for various At Valley Park, our goal is to disabling conditions through identify any and all students special education programs. with reading difficulties and The VPSD, through the provide research-based Special School District, is strategies to help them grow responsible for providing and learn. Our identification appropriate services to meets and exceeds state children birth to 21 years of mandates as we do our best age who have a diagnosed for students. disability.

REPORTING ABSENCES The VPSD Local Compliance If a student is absent from Plan is available for public school, parents or guardians inspection in the Assistant Superintendent's office from are requested to call the District’s main phone 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., by number: appointment only.

If you know of any student in (636) 923-3500. If no report is made, as a safety the VPSD who falls into the measure, the school may areas listed and is not telephone the parents at receiving assistance, please home or at their place of contact SSD Lead Coordinator, Julie Schroeder, employment to verify the absence.

(636) 923-3621.

FREE AND REDUCED MEALS Valley Park participates in the free and reduced-price meal program for children unable to pay full price for meals serviced in schools.

Eligibility is determined based on income and the number of people living in a household. You can determine eligibility and apply by visiting vp.k12.mo.us/foodservices or by visiting your child’s school office. Contact LuAnn Mazuranic in the Business Office at (636) 923-3618 with any questions.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 or (202) 7206382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider.

USDA EXTENDS FREE MEALS THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022 Valley Park School District has received a waiver from the USDA that will allow our School Food and Nutrition staff to serve free meals (breakfast and lunch) to all students in the Valley Park School District for the 2021-2022 School Year.

Information on Food Service prices can be found at www.vp.k12.mo.us/foodservice

ADDITIONAL PUBLIC NOTICES CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING WEBSITE. ALL PUBLIC NOTICES WILL BE SENT HOME AS A HARD COPY WITH EACH STUDENT DURING THE FIRST FEW WEEKS OF SCHOOL. LEGAL NOTICE: STUDENTS' RECORDS FERPA NOTICE: YOUR RIGHTS PUBLIC NOTICE: SUTDENTS WITH DISABILITIES COMPLIANCE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AT VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT INFORMATION REGARDING THESE NOTICES CAN BE FOUND BY VISITING WWW.VP.K12.MO.US/PUBLICNOTICES

SAFE SCHOOLS HOTLINE (314) 889-SAFE (7233) St. Louis County in partnership with Valley Park School District provides the Safe Schools Hotline. This hotline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, to anyone wishing to report any gang or drug activity, weapons, physical abuse, violence or any other type of potential problem that may affect our children while at school, home or play.

The hotline provides an avenue for anyone with information about these types of activities to report them anonymously. The information is strictly confidential and will be shared with the appropriate school or police personnel.

HEALTH SERVICES: ALL SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN MUST BE IMMUNIZED All students must present documentation of up-to-date immunization status, including month, day, and year of each immunization before attending school.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) allows a 4-day grace period. Students in all grade levels may receive immunizations up to four days before the due date.

Required immunizations should be administered according to the current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Schedule, including all spacing, (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/index.html).

To remain in school, students "in progress" must have an Immunization In Progress form (Imm.P.14) on file. In progress means that a child has begun the vaccine series and has an appointment for the next dose. This appointment must be kept and an updated record provided to the school. If the appointment is not kept, the child is no longer in progress and is noncompliant. (i.e., Hep B vaccine series was started but the child is not yet eligible to receive the next dose in the series.)

Religious (Imm.P.11A) and Medical (Imm.P.12) exemptions are allowed. The appropriate exemption card must be on file. Unimmunized children are subject to exclusion from school when outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases occur.

Last dose on or after the fourth birthday and the last dose of pediatric pertussis before the seventh birthday. Maximum needed: six doses.

8-12 Grades: Tdap, which contains pertussis vaccine, is required.

Grade 8-11: One dose of MCV is required. Dose must be given after 10 years of age. Grade 12: Two doses of MCV are required unless the first dose was administered to a student who was 16 years of age or older, in which case only one dose is required. At least one dose must be given after 16 years of age.

Kindergarten-10 Grade: Last dose must be administered on or after the fourth birthday. The interval between the next-to-last and last dose should be at least six months. 11-12 Grades: Last dose on or after the fourth birthday. Any combination of four doses of IPV and OPV constitutes a complete series. Maximum needed: four doses.

First dose must be given on or after twelve months of age.

There must be at least four weeks between dose one and two; at least 8 weeks between dose two and three; at least 16 weeks between doses one and three and final dose must be given no earlier than 24 weeks of age.

First dose must be given on or after twelve months of age. Kindergarten-10 Grade: As satisfactory evidence of disease, a licensed health care provider may sign and place on file with the school a written statement documenting the month and year of previous varicella (chickenpox) disease.

11-12 Grades: As satisfactory evidence of disease, a parent/guardian or MD or DO may sign and place on file with the school a written statement documenting the month and year of previous varicella (chickenpox) disease.

REQUIREMENTS FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

Young children are more susceptible to serious complications associated with certain diseases and have different immunization requirements than older children. For your convenience, please refer to the table above with the recommended immunization schedule for persons aged birth to 19 months or older. *PCV and Hib vaccines: The number of doses a child needs to complete the series depends on the age the child begins the series.

The tables above are provided by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/ or call: (800) 219-3224.

NEW MISSION, NEW VISION, NEW VALUES FOR THE VALLEY PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT! The Valley Park School District Board of Education is pleased to announce that an intentional and collaborative effort that brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members has resulted in a revised district mission statement and new vision and values statements. The Board of Education unanimously approved the district’s new mission, vision, and value statements at it’s June 23, 2021 meeting. "These statements and values mark a significant moment in our district’s long tradition of excellence and were created in alignment with the voices of our students, parents, staff, alumni, and community members who were given frequent opportunities to contribute their thoughts, hopes, and dreams for our district through multiple community and staff surveys, 25 different focus groups opportunities, and student surveys," said Dr. Tim Dilg, Valley Park School District Superintendent.

“These statements mark the beginning of an important opportunity to unify our learning community for the greater good of bettering the lives of all students, “Dilg said. “I want to thank the Mission, Vision, Values committee members and the many parents/guardians, staff, students, alumni and community members who participated in focus groups and offered input through multiple survey opportunities.”

The new mission, vision, and values statements are key elements of the district's strategic planning process and will help guide the school district on a continuous improvement journey over the next few years.

“When we think about what we aspire to be as a learning community, it was really important to our committee that we recognize the strength of our Valley Park community. A common theme throughout each of our focus groups was the strength of community and togetherness. Almost every group mentioned the strength of our community and how we always come together for the betterment of our students. For so many years the cities of Valley Park, Manchester, Twin Oaks, and Unincorporated St. Louis County have been real strengths that have supported our district and its students every time they’ve been called upon. We also recognized that we have so many members of our Valley Park family and community that do not reside inside the geographical footprint of our district. Those who support our Education Foundation, our staff members, community partners, vast alumni base, and voluntary transfer families all have been integral to our district’s success and we know that in order to provide a safe and supportive environment of belonging where personalized learning experiences prepare our students holistically for limitless opportunities, empowering them to make the world a better place that we will need to continue to work together as a united community. Our goal is to create a learning environment where all students, staff, community members, and advocates for our school district feel they belong and have access to the many opportunities offered here. We want to be known as a district that welcomes all voices and one that works together for the betterment of our students, our community, and our world. We recognize that to fulfill our mission, vision, and values, and to meet the goals of a new strategic plan, that it will take all of us, working together, to make real and sustainable progress. The Valley Park School District’s excellence is only possible through embracing a one community mentality that is inclusive of everyone who wants to support our educational mission,” said Dr. Dilg.

ATHLETICS

Fall practice begins Monday, August 9th Who: Boys Soccer - Volleyball - Cross Country - Softball When/Where: Individual coaches will be in contact Please bring your Physical Form and Preparticipation Form.

Athletes must have these items prior to practicing.

Questions? Call the Athletic Office: (636) 923-3614 Visit www.vp.k12.mo.us/athletics for forms and the most up to date information.

DO YOU NEED A PHYSICAL? Yes. Every student athlete needs an up to date physical. Physicals are up to date for two years from the date of the physical and must be valid throughout the entire sports season. Visit www.vp.k12.mo.us/physicalform for the physical form to be filled out by your physician.

AUGUST 27 - OCTOBER 26 ATHLETICS SCHEDULE 8/27 / 2 1 8/27 / 2 1 8/27 / 2 1 8/28 / 2 1 8/30/21 8/31 / 2 1 8/31 / 2 1 8/31 / 2 1 8/31 / 2 1 8/31 / 2 1 8/31 / 2 1 9/01 / 2 1 9/01 / 2 1 9/02 / 2 1 9/02 / 2 1 9/02 / 2 1 9/03 / 2 1 9/06 / 2 1 9/07 / 2 1 9/07 / 2 1 9/08 / 2 1 9/09 / 2 1 9/09 / 2 1 9/10 / 2 1 9/10 / 2 1 9/10 / 2 1 9/10 / 2 1 9/13 / 2 1 9/14 / 2 1 9/14 / 2 1 9/14 / 2 1 9/14 / 2 1 9/14 / 2 1 9/15 / 2 1 9/16 / 2 1 9/16 / 2 1 9/16 / 2 1 9/17 / 2 1 9/17 / 2 1 9/17 / 2 1 9/17 / 2 1 9/17 / 2 1 9/18 / 2 1 9/20 / 2 1 9/20 / 2 1 9/20 / 2 1 9/20 / 2 1 9/21 / 2 1 9/21 / 2 1

4 :30PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. CARD I N A L R I T T E R 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. CAR D I N A L R I T T E R V SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT @ R I T E N O U R V SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT @ R I T E N O U R V S O F T B A L L VS. RITENOUR 4 :15PM V VOLLEYBALL @ HANCO C K V S . B A Y L E S S 6 :00PM V VOLLEYBALL @ HANCO C K V S . M R H 7 :45PM V VOLLEYBALL @ HANCO C K V S . P R I N C I P I A 4 :30PM V SOFTBALL @ HERCULA N E U M 6 PM JV SOFTBALL @ HERCULANE U M 6 PM V SOCCER @ DUBOURG VS . S T . P I U S V VOLLEYBALL POOL PLAY HANC O C K T O U R N E Y 5 :30PM V SOCCER @ BAYLESS V VOLLEYBALL POOL PLAY HANC O C K T O U R N E Y 4 PM V SOFTBALL VS. GATEWAY S C I E N C E 6 PM V SOCCER @ DUBOURG VS . M R H 4 PM CC 1ST CAPITOL MEET 4 PM V SOFTBALL VS. METRO 4 PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. DUBOUR G 5 PM V SOCCER @ FESTUS 4 PM V SOFTBALL @ ST. PIUS 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. ST. LOU I S P A N T H E R S 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. ST. L O U I S P A N T H E R S 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. BAYLE S S 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. BAY L E S S 4 PM V SOCCER VS. BAYLESS 4 PM V SOFTBALL @ HANCOCK 4 PM V SOFTBALL VS. DUBOURG 4 PM JV SOCCER @ MRH 5 :30PM V SOCCER @ MRH 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ MRH 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ MRH 4 PM V SOFTBALL VS. BAYLESS 4 :15PM V SOFTBALL VS. ORCHA R D F A R M 4 PM V SOCCER VS. DESOTO 4 :15PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. GR A N D V I E W 5 :45PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. GRA N D V I E W V SOFTBALL @ ST. PIUS TOURN A M E N T 4 PM JV SOCCER @ BRENTWOOD 5 :30PM V SOCCER @ BRENTWO O D 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ BRENTWO O D 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ BRENT W O O D V SOFTBALL @ ST. PIUS TOURN A M E N T 4 PM JV SOCCER VS. ORCHARD F A R M 5 :30PM V SOCCER VS. ORCHARD F A R M 6 PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ VALMEYE R 7 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ VALME Y E R 4 PM JV SOCCER VS. HANCOCK 5 :30PM V SOCCER VS. HANCOCK

9/21 / 2 1 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. HANCO C K 9/21 / 2 1 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. HAN C O C K 9/22 / 2 1 4 :15PM V SOFTBALL @ LUTHERA N S O U T H 9/23 / 2 1 4 :15PM V SOFTBALL @ BRENTWO O D 9/24 / 2 1 4 PM JV SOCCER VS. CROSSROAD S 9/24 / 2 1 5 :30PM V SOCCER VS. CROSSRO A D S 9/24 / 2 1 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. CROSS R O A D S 9/24 / 2 1 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. CRO S S R O A D S 9/24 / 2 1 4 PM V SOFTBALL @ BAYLESS 9/27 / 2 1 4 PM V SOCCER @ HAZELWOOD E A S T 9/27 / 2 1 4 :30PM V SOFTBALL @ NERINX H A L L 9/28 / 2 1 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ BAYLESS 9/28 / 2 1 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ BAYLE S S 9/28 / 2 1 4 PM V SOFTBALL VS. HANCOCK 9/29 / 2 1 4 PM V SOFTBALL VS. BRENTWOO D 9/29 / 2 1 4 :30PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. WR I G H T C I T Y 9/29 / 2 1 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. WRI G H T C I T Y 9/29 / 2 1 5 PM V SOCCER @ ST. CLAIR 10/1 / 2 1 4 PM JV SOCCER VS. MRH 10/1 / 2 1 5 PM V SOCCER VS. MRH 10/2 / 2 1 9 AM CC FRANK SCHULTZ XC INV T L 10/5 / 2 1 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. BRENT W O O D 10/5 / 2 1 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. BRE N T W O O D 10/5 / 2 1 4 PM V SOCCER VS. BRENTWOO D 10/5 / 2 1 4 :30PM V SOFTBALL @ NEW HAV E N 10/6 / 2 1 4 :15PM JV SOFTBALL VS. LINDBE R G H 10/6 / 2 1 5 :30PM V SOFTBALL @ LINDBER G H 10/6 / 2 1 4 :15PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ CONF L U E N C E 10/6 / 2 1 5 :15PM V VOLLEYBALL @ CONFL U E N C E 10/6 / 2 1 4 :30PM V SOCCER VS. VALMEYE R 10/7 / 2 1 5 :30PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ CRYS T A L C I T Y 10/7 / 2 1 7 PM V VOLLEYBALL @ CRYSTAL C I T Y 10/8 / 2 1 C C TERRY MEATHEANY MEET 10/8 / 2 1 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ HANCO C K 10/8 / 2 1 5 :30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ HANCO C K 10/8 / 2 1 4 PM V SOCCER @ HANCOCK 10/1 2 / 2 1 4 PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ CROSS R O A D S 10/1 2 / 2 1 5:30PM V VOLLEYBALL @ CROS S R O A D S 10/1 2 / 2 1 4PM V SOCCER @ CROSSROAD S 10/1 4 / 2 1 4PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. HERC U L A N E U M 10/1 4 / 2 1 5:30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. HE R C U L A N E U M 10/1 5 / 2 1 4:15PM JV VOLLEYBALL @ PRI N C I P I A 10/1 5 / 2 1 5:45PM V VOLLEYBALL @ PRIN C I P I A 10/1 6 / 2 1 CC 59TH ANNUAL HANCOCK I N V T L 10/1 9 / 2 1 4PM JV VOLLEYBALL VS. MRH 10/1 9 / 2 1 5:30PM V VOLLEYBALL VS. MR H 10/2 1 / 2 1 5PM JV SOCCER @ SULLIVAN 10/2 1 / 2 1 6:30PM V SOCCER @ SULLIVAN 10/2 6 / 2 1 4:15PM V SOCCER @ WHITFIEL D

For t h e m ost up to date Athletics Sched u l e , p l e a s e v i s i t www . v p .k12.mo.u s/athleticscalendar .

ACTI V I T Y BUS: Resi d e n t middle and high school stude n t s s t a y i n g a f t e r s c h o o l f o r s c h o o l - s p on s o r e d a c t i v i t i e s c a n be t r a n s p orted home on the activity bus M o n d a y t h r o u g h T h u r s d a y . D a i l y r o u t e i s d e t e r m i n e d b y s t u d e n t d r o p o f f .

The b u s l eaves at 4PM from the bus ci r c l e . T o r i d e t h e b u s , s t u d e n t s m u s t s i gn u p w i t h t h e s u p e r v i s i n g t e a c h e r .

Ther e i s NO activity bus on Friday or the d a y b e f o r e a h o l i d a y .

CARE CLOSET COMING SOON! What: We believe in promoting dignity and respect to all our students. A child without their basic needs met is not ready to learn. With the help of parent volunteers, school personnel and student groups, the Care Closet for Valley Park School District students will be opening soon! The Care Closet will supply clean NEW or GENTLY used clothes and toiletry items to students through coordination with school counselors and health office staff. The Care Closet wants to provide: shirts, shorts, pants, undergarments, socks, shoes, coats, etc., in all sizes from toddler to adult and toiletries: deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, soap and body wash, body spray, lotion, feminine products, wipes, hair ties (rubber bands), razors, lip balm, etc. Additionally, the Closet hopes to be able to supply new or very gently used back packs. The Care Closet is centrally located on our Valley Park campus with resources available to all VPSD students.

How to help: Email carecloset@vp.k12.mo.us to find out the best way to donate and which items are on our “Top Needs” list. Please make sure when donating that clothing is clean and ready to wear and free of holes, stains, rips and pilling. Please make sure toiletries are new. Additionally, we will be starting an Amazon.com wish list so items can be purchased and delivered directly to our school to save you time.

To access support: If you know of a student or family in need, please email the school counselor at the school the child attends: VPES Counselor, Dzenana Salic-Camarena at dsaliccamarena@vp.k12.mo.us, VPMS Counselor, Erin Steinkamp at esteinkamp@vp.k12.mo.us, VPHS Counselor, Emma Goldberg at egoldberg@vp.k12.mo.us, or SSD K-12 Social Worker, Dana Evans at devans@vp.k12.mo.us. All emails and requests are kept completely confidential. Thank you to everyone involved. Together, we can create a better Valley Park School District for each student.

This school year we are looking forward to welcoming our kindergarten students with a Jump Start to help acclimate them to Valley Park Elementary. The Jump Start Program will allow our youngest students to transition to school prior to our first-fifth grade students arriving in the building. This will allow them the opportunity to ride the bus, eat in the cafeteria, go over school and playground safety, and to get to know their classmates and teacher. Activities have been prepared to support the social-emotional development of our kindergarten students and to help them better prepare for the first full day of school. We are so excited that we can provide this opportunity, and we cannot wait for the graduating class of 2034 to join us!

Important Dates and Details: • Open house and meet your teacher on Thursday, August 12, 4:00-6:00 • Jump Start Program half-day Friday, August 13, 8:00-11:30 • Jump Start Program half-day Monday, August 16, 8:00-11:30 • Bus transportation will be provided, or optional parent drop off/parent pick-up • Breakfast and lunch will be provided Questions? Please contact our elementary office at (636) 923-3632.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS Parent partnerships with the Valley Park PAT can help lay a strong foundation for your child’s future success in school.

PAT is offered at no cost to in-district parents. PAT features education about developmental expectations and observations, parent meetings and group connections/family events, health and developmental screenings, and community service referrals. Please call (636) 923-3526 to set up an appointment.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION All-day Kindergarten Children who are five years of age before August 1, 2021.

Valley Park kindergarten is a FREE program. Bus transportation is provided for all kindergarten students who reside in the attendance area. To register, visit www.vp.k12.mo.us/onlineregistration

Preschool Program Children who are three to five years of age by November 15, 2021.

Children may attend for full-day sessions or half-day sessions morning or afternoon, MondayFriday. Parents may choose 2-5 days.

Early and Extended Care is available.

For more information, please visit the district website or contact Amy Hopper at (636) 923-3526 or ahopper@vp.k12.mo.us.

Congratulations, Dr. Dilg!

D r . T i m Dilg, Valley Pa r k S c h o o l D i s t r i c t S u p e r i n t e n d e n t , i s a m o n g 2 0 supe r intendents from a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y s e l e c t e d t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n the p restigious AASA N a t i o n a l S u p e r i n t e n de n t C e r t i f i c a t i o n Prog r am®.

A d m i nistered by AASA , T h e S c h o o l S u p e r i nt e n d e n t s A s s o c i a t i o n , t h e prog r am is a collabora t i v e e f f o r t w i t h A A S A s t a t e a f f i l i a t e s , t h e N a t i onal School Boar d s A s s o c i a t i o n , a n d bu s i n e s s a n d c o r p o r a t e lead e rs. The master te a c h e r s a n d g u e s t i n s t r u c t o r s h a v e a l l b e e n sitt i n g sup erintenden t s a n d h a v e d e m o n st r a b l e t r a c k r e c o r d s o f succ e ss.

“A A S A’s National Sup e r i n t e n d e n t C e r t i f i c at i o n P r o g r a m ® i s o n e o f the b est professional d e v e l o p m e n t e x p e r i e n c e s a v a i l a b l e f o r s c h o o l dist r ict leaders,” said D r . D i l g . “ I a m h u m bl e d a n d h o n o r e d t o b e am o n g a select group o f o u t s t a n d i n g e d u ca t i o n a l l e a d e r s w h o w i l l b e w o r k ing diligently thr o u g h o u t t h e n e x t y e a r - a n d - a - h a l f t o c o m p l e t e the n ational certifica t i o n p r o c e s s . T h i s p r o g r a m i s u n i q u e b e c a u s e i t prov i des on-the-grou n d c o a c h i n g , m e n t o ri n g a n d s u p p o r t f r o m indi v iduals who are ex p e r i e n c i n g t h e s a m e c h a l l e n g e s a n d s u c c e s s e s that superintendents f r o m a c r o s s t h e c o un t r y a r e e x p e r i e n c i n g . I ’ m look i ng forward to gro w i n g p r o f e s s i o n a l l y , l e a r n i n g f r o m expe r ienced, transform a t i o n a l l e a d e r s f r o m a c r o s s t h e c o u n t r y , a n d leve r aging my learning t o s u p p o r t o u r c o n t i n u o u s i m p r o v e m e n t effo r ts throughout the d i s t r i c t . ” “In t hese uncertain ti m e s , e x c e l l e n c e i n l e a d e r s h i p i n o u r n a t i o n ’ s publ i c schools has nev e r b e e n m o r e v i t a l t o o u r c h i l d r e n ’ s w e l l bein g ,” said Daniel A. D o m e n e c h , A A S A e x e c u t i v e d i r e c t o r . “ I n l i g h t of t h e pandemic, the A A S A N a t i o n a l S u p e ri n t e n d e n t C e r t i f i c a t i o n Prog r am® provides su p e r i n t e n d e n t s w i t h o p p o r t u n i t i e s t o e n g a g e i n a wo r ld-class professi o n a l l e a r n i n g o p p o r t u n i t y . I c o n g r a t u l a t e a n d appl a ud Dr. Dilg for h i s w i l l i n g n e s s t o g r o w p r o f e s s i o n a l l y a n d bols t er his leadership s k i l l s f o r t h e b e t t e r m e n t o f t h e s t u d e n t s , s t a f f , and V alley Park Comm u n i t y . ” The A ASA National Su p e r i n t e n d e n t C e r t i f i ca t i o n P r o g r a m ® s h a r p e n s the s kills that succes s f u l s u p e r i n t e n d e n t s i d e n t i f y a s e s s e n t i a l f o r lead i ng in today’s com p l e x a n d c h a l l e n g i n g e d u c a t i o n e n v i r o n m e n t .

The p rogram was deve l o p e d b y s u p e r i n t e nd e n t s , e x c l u s i v e l y f o r supe r intendents, and i s l e d b y s e a s o n e d an d s u c c e s s f u l supe r intendents. Since i t s i n c e p t i o n i n 2 0 1 3 , 3 0 0 e d u c a t i o n a l l e a d e r s from across the coun t r y h a v e c o m p l e t e d Th e A A S A N a t i o n a l Supe r intendent Certi f i c a t i o n P r o g r a m ® . Dr . D i l g w i l l b e c o m e j u s t t h e 12th superintendent e v e r f r o m t h e s t a t e of M i s s o u r i t o p a r t i c i p a t e i n the n ational program .

Plea s e n o te: Some photos above were t a k e n before the COVID-19 pand e m i c. Therefor e no masks were b e i n g used.

A b o u t AASA A A S A , The School Sup e r i n t e n d e n t s A s s o c i at i o n , f o u n d e d i n 1 8 6 5 , i s the p rofessional organ i z a t i o n f o r m o r e t h a n 1 3 , 0 0 0 e d u c a t i o n a l lead e rs in the United S t a t e s a n d t h r o u g h o u t t h e w o r l d . A A S A ’ s m i s s i o n is to support a n d d e v e l o p e f f e c t i ve s c h o o l s y s t e m l e a d e r s w h o are dedicated to e q u i t a b l e a c c e s s f o r a l l s t u d e n t s t o t h e h i g h e s t qual i ty public educati o n . F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n , v i s i t w w w . aasa.org.

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