School Board Approves Anti-bias, Anti-racism Policy
The Board of Education has approved a new policy on anti-racism and anti-bias developed by teachers, staff, high school students and others earlier this school year. Superintendent John Simpson said that the district is committed to creating "a more equitable environment and educational experience for all students, staff and families of the Webster Groves School District. We firmly believe that all of our students deserve the highest quality of education and are capable of reaching great heights, and as a community, we must share the collective responsibility and be held accountable to address, eliminate and prevent actions, decisions and outcomes that result from and perpetuate racism and bias."
The policy states the principles to which the district is committed:
• Establishing and sustaining a school district community that shares the collective responsibility and is held accountable to address, eliminate, and prevent actions, decisions, and outcomes that result from and perpetuate racism and bias.
• Cultivating the unique gifts, talents, and interests of every student.
• Eliminating inequitable practices to end the predictive value of social or cultural factors, such as race, socioeconomic status, or gender, on student success.
• Respecting and validating diversity.
• Acknowledging that racism and biases are often compounded by other forms of discrimination, including, but not limited to, those protective classes referenced in policy AC, which prohibits discrimination or harassment based upon any characteristics protected by law.
The policy provides for the employment of a diversity, equity and inclusion administrator, which has been fulfilled with the hiring of Dr. Shane Williamson. It also calls for a workforce of “racially conscious and culturally competent administrative, instructional and support personnel." In addition, it requires the district to hold a stakeholder climate survey biannually on diversity, equity and inclusion to assess the current climate and inform current and future decisions. Survey data will be included in an annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report.
Other provisions include requirements related to learning, such as a diversity, equity and inclusion professional development plan for all district staff, priorities for curriculum and instructional material to reflect cultural and racial diversity and opportunities for students to learn about the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
All district administrators and staff members will work to ensure that the policy is enforced and the district will ensure that there are various means for students and staff to report racism and other forms of discrimination.
Kindergarten Information Night
Do you have an incoming kindergarten student for the 2021-2022 school year? Our elementary schools will
host a Kindergarten Information Night at 6 p.m. Feb. 10 during which you can learn more about the school and enrollment process. Details are below.
Families with children who will be attending kindergarten in the fall are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible after Feb. 10 so the district can plan class assignments and allocate resources.
Avery – Please see an informational video about kindergarten on the school homepage
https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/Domain/89
Bristol
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93986361338?pwd=QmFEYUJlWm1UcHNYNytDbk9TVGJ3dz09
Meeting ID: 939 8636 1338
Passcode: Hq2dtc
Clark
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wgsdstl.zoom.us/j/94669445202?pwd=eGtkRUg1c3hjWjhnOTRiL0Q2b215UT09
Meeting ID: 946 6944 5202
Passcode: 849570
Edgar Road
Join Zoom Meeting
https://wgsdstl.zoom.us/j/99494101042?pwd=OHdGODllYWhhSnN3UFlUVzl5NTRrdz09
Meeting ID: 994 9410 1042
Passcode: Edgar
Givens
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/94065062466?pwd=Q2orNEROTm9JRFdiVXQ3emdxSlJJQT09
Meeting ID: 940 6506 2466
Passcode: TiG6Tj
Google Form to Share Contact Information and questions prior to the presentation:
https://forms.gle/HwDppMyhp4bMYT9n6
Hudson
Join Zoom meeting
https://wgsdstl.zoom.us/j/95378888271?pwd=KzAyY0lVLzRmZVRkTjlZajNQREFsQT09
Meeting ID: 953 7888 8271
Passcode: 182488
WGSD Hires Administrators for Learning Support and Operations
The Webster Groves School District has hired Tina Clark-Scott as director of learning support services and Jason Mueller as director of operations.
Clark-Scott, who will begin in the district July 1, is currently assistant superintendent for academic support services in the Normandy Schools Collaborative. She’s had ten years of experience as a school principal or assistant principal in the Hazelwood and Normandy districts as well as four years as assistant superintendent in Normandy. She has also taught in the University City 
School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Harris-Stowe State University and a master’s degree in education administration from the University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Dr. Jason Adams, Webster Groves School District assistant superintendent for learning, said Clark-Scott possesses extensive leadership experience and “a strong knowledge base” that includes “state and local laws, policies and procedures” and that she has demonstrated “a commitment to collaborative leadership and a consistent approach to student-focused decision-making.” The director of learning support services is responsible for coordinating student services and the support system established to aid students in achieving academic and personal success.
The district has also hired Jason Mueller as director of operations. He will start in the Webster Groves School District soon. Mueller is currently manager of facilities for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. He also worked for 11 years in the Kirkwood 
School District as director of facilities, day service manager and warehouse/grounds manager. He holds a bachelor’s degree in plant science from the University of Missouri-Columbia.
Pam Frazier, the district’s chief financial/operating officer, said that Mueller was the “clear choice for the director of operations” because of his “extensive knowledge of facilities” and “student-centered” approach. “He wants his department to have a positive effect on the classroom, looking at ways to reduce costs and being proactive with facility issues,” she said. The operations director coordinates inspections, repairs and improvements for the district’s facilities and grounds, supervises the custodial, building maintenance and grounds maintenance departments as well as student transportation and works with administrators to ensure a clean and safe environment for students.
Ambrose Family Center Director Marty Baker Announces Retirement
Marty Baker, director of the district’s Walter Ambrose Family Center, has announced that she will retire at the end of the school year. She has worked here for 19 years.
“Working side by side with everyone at Ambrose - our caring custodians, our fantastic cooks, our superhero facility technicians, our office staff, and of course all of the teachers (we are ALL teachers here) has been such a gift. Truly caring, intelligent, creative, and appreciative individuals. There is nothing better than being with young children who love to think and learn and lead.”
Congratulations, Marty! Enjoy your retirement!
Bond Issue Construction Update
Pam Frazier, the district's chief financial/operating officer Pam Frazier and Construction Project Manager Rob Steuber reported on 
the progress of several bond issue projects at the Jan. 28 Board of Education meeting. The new elevators at Avery and Bristol schools are finished and awaiting inspections; construction on Edgar Road’s elevator is continuing. The work at the Walter Ambrose Family Center, which includes relocating the school office and building a secure vestibule, is finished. Multiple phases of construction at Hixson are on schedule and will be completed in time for the upcoming school year. The photo at left shows the middle school's new main entrance on South Elm Avenue under construction. Steuber said that he expects to start planning soon for work at Clark, Hudson, Steger/Givens and the High School.
Three High School Art Students to be Honored
Three Webster Groves High School students have earned recognition in the Scholastic Art Awards competition. They are Anna Bar, who received an honorable mention for digital art; Norah Rohlfing, gold key for drawing and illustration and Sadie Coalier, 
gold key for painting. They received their awards in a virtual celebration in March. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Cutlines: Scholastic Art Award winners are from left, Sadie Coalier, Anna Barr and Norah Rohlfing.
School Closing Information
For information about school closings, late starts and early dismissals on inclement weather days, please see the document at this link www.webster.k12.mo.us/site/Default.aspx?PageID=8224
School Meals/Food for Families
During distance learning, Webster Groves students have access to free breakfast and free lunch available for free home delivery. Meal pick-up won't be offered. 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 have opted for in person learning can also 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/Page/23456 You will find details about how to pick up a box of food or how to donate.
