Dr. Hannah Peterson Hired as Incoming Avery Principal

The Board of Education hired Dr. Hannah Peterson as principal of Avery School, effective July 1.

Dr. Peterson has been assistant principal at Bristol School since 2017. Before that, she was a fifth grade teacher at Clark School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Missouri State University, a master’s in educational administration from Missouri Baptist University and a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Maryville University.

In addition, she’s served as the district’s new teacher program coordinator and was recently a co-leader of the district’s Equity in Education Committee.

Superintendent John Simpson said, “I believe that Dr. Peterson will fully immerse herself in the Avery community and demonstrate thoughtful, child-centered and courageous leadership to guide the school community forward for the betterment of its children.”

The district will look to partner with the Avery PTO to host a “Meet Dr. Peterson” event soon.

 Amy Clendennen to Resign From School Board

Board of Education director Amy Clendennen has announced that she will step down from the Board of Education after graduation May 14 because she is moving from Webster Groves. We thank her very much for her years of service to this district and its children. 

Board Approves K-8 Social Studies Curriculum
The Board of Education approved the revised social studies curriculum for grades kindergarten through eight. The curriculum aligns with state standards, emphasizes  critical thinking skills and prioritizes students learning about past and present events from multiple perspectives or viewpoints. You can see the presentation and read the curriculum here https://go.boarddocs.com/mo/webster/Board.nsf/Public Once you've clicked the link, choose the April 22 meeting. Then hit "view agenda." The social studies report is number 3.01.

WGHS Student Honors

Congratulations to three Webster Groves High School students have received perfect scores of 36 composite on the ACT. They are
Justin Barker, William Hickey and Emma Rohrs

Chloe O'Brien has been awarded the Platinum level Graduating Seniors Award through the U. S. Figure Skating's Graduating Seniors Program. The U.S. Figure Skating Graduating Seniors Award recognizes the hard work of student athletes who have participated in figure skating throughout high school; awards are given at the Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze level based on a skater’s level of competitive achievement in high school. 

Columbia Scholastic Press Association announced the yearbook and digital winners from its 38th Gold Circle Awards program. Senior Jaden Fields earned a Certificate of Merit for her Single Sports Photograph “Junior challenges Glendale player for ball in season’s first match.”

Congratulations to Jerid Enyard for qualifying for the 2021 USAG Development National Gymnastics Championships, which will be held in May.

High School Student Illustrates Book for Children's Hospital

Girl Scouts do more than sell cookies! For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Webster Groves High School junior Amelia Dorsey illustrated a children’s book called “The Boy with the Turquoise Ribbon” highlighting a young child with congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH). Last Sunday, The Novel Neighbor bookstore in Webster Groves hosted a book signing event at which Amelia signed her artwork.

Amelia has been working with staff members of St. Louis Children’s Hospital since 2019 to create the children’s book, which follows a boy through his doctor’s appointments and experiences with the condition. Children’s staff members Tasnim Najaf, Sarah Smith and Theresa Starkey wrote the book, which seeks to normalize the experiences of children with chronic health issues such as CHS, so that those with similar health issues can have a story with which to identify.

This is the first book Amelia – who’s been interested in art from a young age - has illustrated. She says she hasn’t settled yet on career plans but could see herself working as an illustrator in the future.

 

Steger Brings Camp Wyman Experience to Campus 

Sixth graders didn't have the opportunity to go to Camp Wyman this year, so Steger brought camp to them this month! Check out our new video here:

 

Adventure Club Seeks Staff Members

The Adventure Club, the district's latchkey program, is looking for staff members who can work from 2:30 to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. There are openings at Avery, Bristol, Clark, Edgar Road and Hudson schools. The salary is $12.36 an hour. You can apply at the link https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8D890B5BA4E1FCC398CF857B05B1BE0C

For additional information, email Autumn Rempinski at rempinski.autumn@wgmail.org or call 314-963-6440.

Jim Schoemehl Run May 1

The Jim Schoemehl Run, sponsored by the High School’s marketing II class, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! The run is Saturday, May 1, at 7:30 a.m. at Webster Groves High School. The class goal is to raise $18,000 for ALS sponsor, Bo Powell and his family, and to have over 200 participants in the run.  This year's run will have a hybrid style format where runners and walkers of all ages are invited to participate either virtually or in person. Covid-19 precautions to keep participants and volunteers safe (check out our FAQ for more details! http://jims5k.org/faq) will be followed during the 5k run. 

Registration is now open at  https://runsignup.com/Race/MO/SaintLouis/JimSchoemehlRunforALS?fbclid=IwAR0IWIFeVqsDAKAZR655gV2lU6AJARIB-kB8_sYTXGvEhozYMLDtIJnrg5E   #20yearsrunning!

Freestyle Pool Pass for Individuals and Families

Help make the pool more inclusive! Webster Groves is a great place to live, work and play--and our community is striving to be consciously inclusive. We're asking questions like, "Who's present? Who's missing? Why?" and digging into our history to consider our shared experiences. We want everyone to feel welcome, included and vital in all spaces.

To this end, the Alliance for Interracial Dignity, Webster Groves School District, and Webster Rock Hill Ministries have joined forces to create the new Freestyle Pool Pass. The Freestyle Pass will remove barriers to the community swimming pool by providing free daily swim passes for individuals and families who require financial assistance.

Please join your neighbors in supporting this initiative with a monetary donation to the Freestyle Pool Pass Fund. The goal is to raise $10,000, which would cover at least two visits to the pool this summer for participating families and individuals. Everyone is welcome and wanted at the pool, and we want to be sure everyone can swim and play with friends and neighbors, regardless of their ability to pay.

This fund will be held by Webster Rock Hill Ministries (WRHM). Checks can be made payable to WRHM and mailed or brought to 111 East Waymire, Webster Groves, 63119. Checks must include “Freestyle Pass Fund” in the memo line. You can also donate online at bit.ly/wgfreestyle. Questions? Email freestyleswimpass@gmail.com.

We’ll see you at the pool!

**Families who are residents of the city of Webster Groves may also consider applying for a city recreational scholarship at https://www.webstergroves.org/611/Scholarship

Kindergarten Enrollment Is Open

Do you have a child who will attend kindergarten in the coming school year? Kindergarten enrollment is now open! Enroll now! https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/Page/23052

Please enroll your student as soon as possible so class assignments can be made and resources allocated.

Free School Meals For All; Other Resources for Families

Would you like a free breakfast and or lunch for your students? All district students have access to free breakfast and lunch this semester. Every meal served provides more funding from the state for our schools.

Virtual students can have free home delivery. For meal delivery sign up, please visit https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfH08CJCOJnb0mqz6Cg45vKq9mllDBcKBWFJWwbBoiM96s-9A/viewform?usp=pp_url  or contact us at pelant.nancy@wgmail.org with any questions. Students who attend in-person can receive free breakfast and free lunch at their schools.

In addition, the district operates the Community Care Food Pantry, for families in need. You can find information about the pantry here https://mo02202299.schoolwires.net/site/Default.aspx?PageID=23454  You will find details about how to pick up a box of food or how to donate.

You can find more information for families, including mental health resources, rent/utility assistance, food and COVID-19 information, on this page  https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=23101