Education Matters - Valley Park School District

Education
Matters
Valley Park High School is a National
Blue Ribbon School!
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2015
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Visit us on the World Wide Web
.vp.k12.mo.us
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News from th
SUMMER
All graduation photos are courtesy of Lifetouch National School Studios, Inc.
Valley Park High School Class of 2015
Mechalla Ann Adams
Samantha Marie Adams
Michael Scott Adney
Usama Ahmad
Stephanie Marie Ashabranner
Carissa Lynne Bacandreas
Kristen Lillie Ballard
Aisha Mohamed Bashir
Da’Shyne Latresa Bass
Craig Deland Bausley, Jr.
Cassandra Leigh Bowers
Amanda Latriese Brown
Brice James Bube
Phillipe Chaux
Todd David Combs, II
Alexandra Nicole Cooper
Tazhae’ Sherie Crowley
Andrew Joseph Elkins
Kelsie Lauren Eller
Meaghan Lindsey Fowler
Garrett Xavier Grembocki
Dan Steven Hartman
Lauren Ashley Hedrick
Amanda Joanne Herbst
Carolyn Denise Hicks
Tianna Marie Howard
Trevor Lee Huff
Arijana Husic
Jack James Iven
Jacob Christopher James
Tyreke Markel Jones
John Thomas Kettler, II
Ailaya Khanthavixay
Jacob Austin King
Sarah Elizabeth Kniffen
Tana Lea Marie LaRue
Mary Macallan Lay
Madia Annice Love
Kelly Rene McCluskey
Javier Dejesus Mireles
John Riley Moore, III
Johnathan Lee Moreland
Jacob Wynn Ostrowski
Jeffery Logan Pedersen
Tyler Daniel Pudiwitr
Brendan Michael Ratay
Brennan James Rausch
Abigail Constance Ross
Shanneka Lamonte’ Ruffin
Dulce Marie Sanchez
Charmisha Jenise Sanders
Carlee Maria Serfass
Brandon James Seville
Nicholas Kenneth Siebold
John Corey Sims, II
John Wade Sisler, III
Ricky Dion Starks, Jr.
Ayanna Yvonne Steward
Alexis Haley Stoehr
Mara Elizabeth Teer
Zachary Michael Vanelli
Jeremy Christian Vaughn
Jackson Alexander Walker
Haley Elise Ward
Tyra Alicia Watkins
Charles Travion White
Devin’Lee Cortez White
James Clayton Williams
Samantha Kay Wilson
District Mission:
Valley Park School District is
dedicated to providing a supportive, personalized environment
in which students will grow
strong intellectually, emotionally, physically and socially today
in preparation for tomorrow.
VPSD education matters is
published four times each year
by the Valley Park School District and is distributed to district
residents as part of the district’s
commitment of keeping the public informed about its schools.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Pete Coates, President
Tom Rauls, Jr., Vice President
Dave Fowler, Secretary
Jeanine Sabatino, Treasurer
Bill Dains, Director
Jim Probert, Director
Della Steele, Director
Superintendent’s Message
Our school district has
and Field to high school
had an amazing school year.
athletes. The Board of
I am proud to share news
Education overwhelmingly
about our accomplishments.
approved the addition of
Congratulations to Valley
Boys and Girls Track and
Park High School! In May,
Field to next year’s spring
U.S. News & World Report
sports schedule. We are
named VPHS one of “Amercurrently in the process
ica’s Best High Schools.” We
of finalizing our plans to
have received this recogniarrange practice accommotion each year since 2009!
dations at Rockwood South
Dr. Dave Knes
Our graduates are leaving
Middle School’s track.
Congratulations to the VP Hawks
high school with the tools to succeed
Varsity Girls Softball and Boys
as they take the next steps in their
Baseball teams! We were Conference
careers.
Champions for the 2nd (softball) and
Our first-year football team in
3rd (baseball) consecutive years.
partnership with Kennedy High
Throughout the pages of this
School has allowed our athletes the
newsletter, you will discover many
opportunity to play a sport that has
more Valley Park successes. Thanks
never been offered in the history of
to the support of the Valley Park
our school district. Since Kennedy
community, we continue to offer
does not have a Marching Band, our
many opportunities for our students.
band performs at all games, too. I
Valley Park is a great place to live
encourage you to attend our football
and learn.
games this fall.
Enjoy a safe and relaxing summer!
I am pleased to announce that
Valley Park will begin offering Track
Dr. Dave Knes
Superintendent of Schools
Kathy Josephsohn, editor
Director of Community &
Public Relations
Attention Valley Park Alumni!
Do you want to make sure
your classmates can find you
when it comes time for your
reunion; or do you just want
to stay in touch?
Register on the district web
site:
www.vp.k12.mo.us
~ See REUNION on page 9! ~
Valley Park Education Foundation Scholarships Awarded!
Scholarship recipients gather for a group photo before lining up for the processional. From left (front row) are Meaghan Fowler, Brennan Rausch, Zach
Vanelli, Andrew Elkins and Phillipe Chaux; and (back row) Lauren Hedrick,
Abigail Ross, Todd Combs, Usama Ahmad, Mechalla Adams, Mara Teer and
Brice Bube. (Not pictured: Aisha Bashir and Haley Ward.)
SUMMER
2015
Grads are Career Ready
Valley Park
High School
ranks
America’s
Best
U.S. News & World Report
named its annual “Best High
Schools.” Valley Park High
School (VPHS) once again made
the list. The ranking was based
on test scores in Mathematics
and English, Advanced Placement (AP) tests, and student/
teacher ratio. VPHS has been
consistently rated as one of the
outstanding schools in America.
Principal Dr. Matt Bailey
said, “Congratulations to our
students. I applaud their exceptional performance that led to
this honor. Also, I am so proud of
our staff whose dedication to excellence continues to keep Valley
Park in the national spotlight.”
For more information about
U.S. News’ “America’s Best,”
please follow the link:
http://www.usnews.com
Salutatorian Abigail Ross (left) and
Valedictorian Usama Ahmad, shared
the spotlight.
Graduates begin the commencement
ceremony with the National Anthem.
Valley Park Education Foundation ~ 2015 Scholarships
James and Betty Bauer and Valley Park Masonic
Lodge Memorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Elkins & Mara Teer
Chartwells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mechalla Adams
Anna Cuchetti Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phillipe Chaux
Kennard L. Curtis Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abigail Ross
Ray & Katherine Dains Memorial . . . . . . . . . .Brice Bube
Dr. Dennis Lea Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brennan Rausch
Emma O’Brien/Meramec Valley Bank . . . Aisha Bashir, Meaghan
Fowler & Lauren Hedrick
Charles L. Ford Memorial. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brice Bube
Melanie Hedrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Todd Combs
Kiwanis Club of Southwest Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Zachary Vanelli
Mo. Association of School Administrators . . . Mara Teer
Valley Park Children’s Caroling Assoc. . . . . . Haley Ward
Valley Park Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Usama Ahmad
Valley Park Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lauren Hedrick
William G. Gouty Memorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Abigail Ross
SUMMER
2015
On Friday, May 15, Valley
Park High School seniors walked
across the stage, received their
diplomas and became graduates,
accompanied by hugs, handshakes and tears of joy.
Principal Dr. Matt Bailey
presented the prestigious Hawk
Awards to Lauren Hedrick and
Mara Teer.
Counselor Todd Minichiello
announced that 34 students have
their first two years of college
paid by the A+ Program. This
marked one of the highest percentages (52%) of A+ graduates
in the school’s history.
Music was provided by the high
school concert band under the
leadership of Stefanie Buscher.
Directed by Missey Graville,
senior choir members performed
“Reaching for the Stars.” Soloist
Haley Ward sang “Roots Before
Branches.” And the high school
choir performed “Credo” and
their alma mater before a packed
auditorium of family and friends.
High School mathematics
teacher Mike McFadden gave
the commencement address.
Members of the Valley Park
Board of Education proudly presented the diplomas.
Two New Scholarships Awarded
at Annual Breakfast
In May, student scholars shared
their college plans with scholarship
donors at the 10th Annual Scholarship Breakfast.
This year, two new scholarships
were added in remembrance of two
outstanding men who were pillars
of the Valley Park community and
generous supporters of the district,
Mr. Charles L. Ford and Mr.
Kennard L. Curtis.
More than $17,000 in scholarship
funds was awarded by the Valley
Park Education Foundation.
Valley Park
STARS
Kindergarten
Donovan Qualls & Sydney Boulding
1st grade
Brandon Hernandez-Pena &
Graviela Flores-Garcia
2nd grade
Marshal Davis & Cooper Bellchamber
3rd grade
Zachary Wyatt & Colin Fowler
4th grade
Emily Ho & Alyssha Hinga
5th grade
Jassan Sampley & Caitlin Keehnast
6th grade
Madison Friar & Bradley Miller
7th grade
Tori Thompson & Haley Wells
8th grade
Savannah Jordan & Owen Miller
9th grade
Alysia Lockhart & Darius Jones
10th grade
Danielle Smith & Andrea Barker
11th grade
Kevin Perry, Celine Khashram &
Shaeleigh Brady
12th grade
Amanda Brown
Stars of Character
Many of the Valley Park STARS gather for a photo session for parents after receiving honors from their teachers at the annual Character Breakfast held in April. The select group of students was named
“Stars of Character” by their teachers.
At the STARS awards ceremony teachers described their students,
as kind, respectful, friendly, leaders by example, always prepared,
tremendous helpers and hard working. Students were chosen from
each grade level, kindergarten through 12th grade, and each received
a certificate and a ribbon with a medal. The complete list of honorees
is shown at the left. Valley Park Middle School Principal Dr. Tad
Savage serves as the District Character Education Director. CharacterPlus sponsors are teachers Nicole McFadden (high school);
Leslie Venn (middle school); and Kayla LaBeaume and Michele
Fitzpatrick (elementary). The program is in its 15th year.
Young Readers go to Battle
Avid Readers
Valley Park’s Library Media Specialist and Team Sponsor, Tricia
Ottens (far right) is joined by the
Book Battle team of sixth- through
eighth-graders, from left, Bailey
Fike, Alexia Avery, Kiki Cooper,
Hailey Barker, Grant Hall, Brose
Hurt, Boston Dudley and Ottens.
4
Valley Park Middle School’s
team competed with more than
200 middle school students in the
seventh annual Book Battle competition and finished just off the
leader board. Teams from more
than 35 local school districts came
together for the area-wide competition. Teammates worked together answering challenging trivia
questions testing their knowledge
based on a pre-designated list of
20 books the students had read.
The highlight of their day was
meeting popular young author,
Sharon Cameron. She signed
copies of her book, “The Dark Unwinding,” for the school library.
Ottens said, “I am very proud
of the team, especially since four
of the seven students are rookies.
The competition was a culmination of months of work, including
extensive reading, lively book discussions, and hours of reviewing
study questions. It was a great
experience for the kids.”
SUMMER
2015
Summer Reading Kick-off
draws Hundreds!
Valley Park Elementary School
filled with dozens of families
ready to jump-start their summer reading. The school hosted
the Summer Reading Kick-off
Event with a variety of fun activities.
In the gymnasium, students
left with new reads for the summer. They each chose a new
book, free to take home, and
also swapped their own books
for new titles.
Reading support dogs were stationed in the music room to read
with families during family read
time. Finally, on the playground,
children enjoyed sliding down
huge blow-up slides and cooled
off with freezer pops.
The event was organized by
reading teachers, Tricia Cwiklowski, Karen Clark, Jill
Elder and Jessica Plass.
Preschool Classes
are Now Forming!
Reserve Your Place!
1st Day: Thursday, August 13
The Valley Park Preschool
Program is designed for
children three to five years
of age (by August 1st).
Hundreds of books were available for
the choosing at the Book Swap and
New Book Selection stations.
Children may attend halfday sessions, morning or
afternoon, Monday through
Friday. Parents may choose
two to five days; and extended care is available.
Check out the district web
site for information about
tuition rates and class times:
www.vp.k12.mo.us.
Visitors enjoy reading with “Annie,”
one of the “Paws for Reading” team
that participated in the Summer
Reading Kick-off.
If you would like to register
your child, please contact
Early Childhood Education
Coordinator Peggy Witt at
636.923.3526, or via e-mail at
[email protected].
Super Readers
Summertime Chess Players
Above, Valley Park’s chess campers pose for a photo while proudly
holding giant chess pieces on the
last day of a week-long chess camp.
Each day about 30 students in
grades kindergarten through fifth
spent hours learning the intricacies
of the game during a summer camp
held at Valley Park Elementary.
SUMMER
2015
Kindergarten teacher Stephen
Schwartz sponsored the camp.
Participants said they enjoyed
learning “chess traps;” “four-move
checkmate;” “scholars mate;” as
well as using robots and hanging
out with friends. Schwartz said
Chess Club will meet on Thursdays
beginning this fall.
Eight students in grades four and
five read all 12 books from the list
of Mark Twain Readers Award
nominees. From left, they are Charlie Eisenhauer; Josie Menley; Kennedy Picker; Sean Ward; Maggie
Stewart; Abigail Toczko; Michelle
Manegre and Maggie Menley, with
elementary librarian, Becky Custard (back) and library assistant
Anne Campbell (right). Custard
congratulated them for venturing
outside their comfort zones by reading books of different genres.
5
D.A.R.E. comes Alive!
The 2015 D.A.R.E. essay winners
are from left, front row; Ryndea
Burnett; Kendal Christy and
Gerrell Harsley, and back row;
Madison McMahon (center) with
D.A.R.E. Officer Christine Romo
(left) and Coach Latonya Davis.
Ten weeks of classes culminated in graduation for fifth-graders
at Valley Park Elementary School. At a special ceremony, St. Louis
County Police Officer Christine Romo presented completion certificates to 90 Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) graduates.
The four first-place winners read their essays about their D.A.R.E.
experiences to an audience of more than 100 teachers, parents, siblings and fellow students.
Officer Romo presented the latest information about the effects of
alcohol, tobacco and drugs to students during their D.A.R.E. classes.
The program uses a science-based curriculum with active learning
principles. Classes include authentic activities, with complex reasoning and decision-making. Officer Romo works with students on sharpening their decision-making skills; resisting peer pressure and making healthy choices.
D.A.R.E. is a non-profit, international program that seeks to prevent the use of controlled drugs by “teaching children to resist drugs
and violence.” Founded in 1983, the program serves more than
10,000 communities.
Tutors log 100’s of Service
Hours for VP Students
Kudos go to Valley Park’s OASIS
volunteers for continuing a vital
program for students at Valley
Park Elementary School. OASIS
Program Coordinators Kacey
Patten, Anne Campbell and
Donna Schultz recently hosted
a thank-you lunch for their 15
volunteers who made a profound
difference in more than 20 Valley
Park Elementary School students’ lives. They recorded more
than 300 service hours during
the 2014-2015 school year.
Valley Park’s OASIS Tutors
pair up with students in grades
kindergarten through fourth.
Volunteers develop a mentoring
relationship as they work oneon-one with their students each
week. Tutors complete 10-12
hours of training. They follow a
curriculum that helps students
build confidence and succeed.
6
Thank you, OASIS Volunteers!
Following the thank-you luncheon, pictured from left are, (front row)
Valley Park Elementary School OASIS Program Coordinators Donna
Schultz and Anne Campbell with volunteers, Sherry Langford; Cindy
Tolpa; Donna Beger; Mary Lou Howard; Joyce Weinstock and Andi
Hall; and (back row) OASIS Program Coordinator Kacey Patten with
volunteers, Chris Normile; Deb Gabelein; Kathleen Hall; Inge Goessl;
Nadine Macias and Laurie Phillips. (Not pictured are: Cathy Barnett;
Joan Birchler and Dan Thomson.)
Tutors are needed for the next school year. If you are interested in
volunteering, please contact the OASIS Tutoring Hotline at:
314.995.9506.
SUMMER
2015
National Junior Honor Society
Pictured, from left, (back row) are:
Megan Wood, Haley Wells, Bailey
White, Jenna Martin, Yara Al-Hejoj,
Tori Thompson, and Malcolm Harris; middle row: MacKenzie Cooper,
Jacob Marietta, Myles Wines, Caila
Bourgeois, Lauren Roberts and club
sponsor Lauren McMullen; front row:
Colin Smith, Grant Bellchamber,
Travis Kircher, Grant Eisenhauer,
Connor Maloney and Luis Sanchez.
In April, Valley Park seventhgrade students were inducted
into the National Junior Honor
Society (NJHS).
The induction ceremony featured guest speaker, Usama
Ahmad, who was ranked #1 in
the senior class. Each of the officers explained the five pillars
of the National Honor Society:
scholarship, service, leadership,
character and citizenship.
Middle School Principal Dr.
Tad Savage and club sponsor
Lauren McMullen inducted
the new members and the current members, respectively. Each
year the group plans service
activities for the Valley Park
community.
Juniors are named “Girls of
Promise”
Volunteer receives National
Honor
Five VP High School Juniors
were recognized for their excellence in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by the American
Association of University Women
(AAUW). Pictured from left, are,
science teacher, Bill Hepper;
AAUW STEM co-chair, Marcia
Block, students, Maarusha
Zahir; Emily Young; Nicole
Stoinski; Shaeleigh Brady
and Mariam Alhalabi; AAUW
STEM co-chair Sandra Murdock; business education teacher,
Kathryn Libby and (back, center) Dr. Matt Bailey, VP High
School principal.
In May, the Board of Education honored high school senior
Meaghan Fowler (second from
left) for receiving the President’s
Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
which honors outstanding community service by Young Americans. The PVSA recognizes, celebrates and inspires community
service leaders and volunteers to
lead the change.
Pictured above, from left, are
Meaghan’s parents, Denise and
Dave Fowler and Superintendent Dr. Dave Knes.
New Honor Society Members
SUMMER
2015
New members of the National Honor
Society light candles during their
induction ceremony.
NHS welcomes New Leaders
Recently, Valley Park welcomed a new group of students
for membership in the high
school’s National Honor Society
(NHS). The new members are:
Stephanie Bube, Nicolas Casey,
Paige Combs, Todd Combs, Austin Dodge, Emily Dunn, Kristen
Grisham, Ana Mireles, Sam
Rhoads, Hannah Tu, Jacob Waters, Cameron Wells and Evan
Williams. NHS is sponsored by
art teacher, Tim Siebe.
Throughout the year, the
students sponsor two Red Cross
blood drives; raise money for the
homeless; and volunteer their
time providing assistance to
community members. Through
fund-raisers, the group supports
a college scholarship for a Valley
Park graduate.
July 13-17
CROSS COUNTRY CAMP
Grades 3-9
8-10 a.m. ~ Cost: $40
Coach Davis: 636.923.3513
July 27-31
BAND CAMP
Grades 9-12
(Grades 7-8 can attend July 31.)
7:30 a.m. to 12 Noon
Ms. Buscher: 636.923.3688
7
Ms. Deterding named Teacher of the Year
2014-2015 Teacher of the Year
Valley Park Teacher of the Year
Sonya Deterding (left) is congratulated by Dr. Dave Knes, superintendent. She will represent Valley Park
School District in the Missouri State
Teacher of the Year program.
Support Employee of the Year
Night Supervisor Denny Werremeyer (left) congratulates co-worker
LaDonda Adams. She was recently
named Valley Park’s 2014-2015 Support Employee of the Year.
8
Recently, teachers, administrators and support staff gathered
in the middle school cafeteria
to celebrate the close of another
successful school year. Fellow
staff members received congratulations for their hard work
and commitment; while others
hugged, giving tearful good-byes.
Valley Park’s Annual Awards
and Employee Recognition Program emceed by Superintendent
Dr. Dave Knes honored employees of the year and retirees.
Three retirees, Bonnie LaFoe,
eighth-grade science teacher and
bus drivers, Anna Jokuti and
Faye Skaggs, each received an
engraved brass school bell and a
round of applause for their dedicated service to the district. Their
combined tenure totaled more
than 50 years.
Sonya Deterding was named
Valley Park 2014-2015 Teacher
of the Year. Ms. Deterding joined
the district in 2004. She teaches
College Algebra, Honors Geometry and Trigonometry. Fellow
teacher, Joe Dierks, said, “Sonya deeply cares for her students
and pushes them to do more than
they think they can. She makes
math interesting and is able to
apply math skills to life skills.”
Also, Ms. Detering serves as a
Math Curriculum Coordinator.
LaDonda Adams received
the District Support Employee
of the Year Award. Ms. Adams,
middle school night custodian, is
celebrating her eighth year with
the district. She goes above and
beyond to help others - teachers,
students and parents. Her supervisor, Denny Werremeyer,
says, “LaDonda is a good worker.
She is always there, ready to do
whatever it takes to get the job
done. And LaDonda is friendly
and always has a smile and hello
for everyone.”
Dr. Knes said, “It is an honor
to be nominated for these awards
by your peers. Criteria for nominations include dedicated service
and commitment to the district.”
2015 Retirees
Pictured, from left, are Faye Skaggs,
Bonnie LaFoe and Anna Jokuti.
FREE ADMISSION!
Now Available to Seniors,
Military, Fire & Police
Senior citizens (60+ years), and
any members of military, fire
or police who reside or work in
the district can obtain a free
Golden Club Card. Cardholders
are entitled to attend all school
activities, including sporting
events FREE OF CHARGE.
To request a Golden Club Card,
please call Kathy Josephsohn,
director of public relations,
636.923.3690.
SUMMER
2015
Voters re-elect Incumbents to Valley Park’s Board
Award for a Perfect Score
Valley Park Transportation Supervisor Laurie Henderson, (left) was
recognized by the Board of Education
for receiving the Bus Maintenance
Award. The fleet earned a score of
100% on its bus inspection by the
Missouri State Highway Patrol. Dr.
Dave Knes presented the award.
All-Class Reunion Picnic
Valley Park High School
Class of 1965 invites all
alumni to join them for their
50th class reunion picnic.
On Saturday, August 15,
a benefit picnic will be held at
12 Noon in the Valley Park
Middle School Cafeteria, One
Main Street, Valley Park, Mo
63088. A $10 ticket includes
pizza and a drink. There will
be games and prizes, with all
proceeds going to the Valley
Park Education Foundation
for high school scholarships.
No alcohol is allowed on the
high school campus.
For a picnic ticket, please
contact: Peggy Benson Boulware at [email protected]
or Lora Hedden Hicks at
[email protected].
SUMMER
2015
In April, voters re-elected
incumbents Bill Dains and
Jim Probert to the Valley Park
School District Board of Education. Both will serve three-year
terms.
Dains has served on the Board
for more than 23 years, serving
six years as Board President.
Dains said, “I have always enjoyed being part of the most
important part of our community,
our school district.”
Probert has served on the
Board for four terms and most
recently, he served as Treasurer.
Last Day of School
Teachers wave goodbye to students.
Probert said, “I want to continue
to help and serve the district
to reach even greater achievements.” They join Board members, Pete Coates, Dave Fowler,
Tom Rauls, Jr., Jeanine Sabatino
and Della Steele.
At the Annual Board Reorganization Meeting, the Board elected
the following officers for one-year
terms: Pete Coates, president,
Tom Rauls, Jr., vice president,
Dave Fowler, secretary and
Jeanine Sabatino, treasurer.
Enrolling Your Child
at Valley Park
Grades K-5
Enrollment is by appointment
only. To set up an appointment, please call Melinda
Coates at 636.923.3600 or Karman Crader at 636.923.3632.
Please bring the following materials to your appointment:
- Birth Certificate
- Social Security Card
- Up-to-date Immunizations
- Two (2) Proofs of Residency
Grades 6-12
Enrollment packets are available for pick up at Middle
School & High School offices.
Above, fifth-grade teacher, Julie
Kulik, says goodbye to students
during dismissal on the last day
of school.
Open enrollment dates for all
students will be announced in
August. The first day of school
is Thursday, August 13th.
9
Kiwanis “Books for Kids”
marks Fourth Year
Meramec Valley Bank’s Rick Jones
(left) and Kathy Mayfield talk about
piggy banks to a second-grade
student during the bank’s “Teach
Children to Save” event.
Meramec Valley Bank teaches
Students about Saving
Representatives from Meramec
Valley Bank held a class on the
basics of money for second-grade
students at Valley Park Elementary School to celebrate Community Banking Month. Meramec
Valley Bank’s Administrative Assistant Kathy Mayfield and Vice
President Rick Jones handed out
workbooks titled, “Saving Money
is Cool,” to more than 80 students.
They reviewed the workbook and
led a discussion on the value of
coins and paper money; earning
money; places to keep money; and
the concept of earning interest on
savings accounts.
Mayfield and Jones organized
this event to coordinate with
American Bankers Association’s
(ABA) national program. Mayfield, who manages the bank’s
marketing department, said,
“Each year, the bank sponsors
‘Teach Children to Save Day’ to
help young people develop a savings habit early in life.”
Jones said, “We feel that supporting education recycles a part
of our success back into the community. We believe that helping
individuals learn about and deal
with financial issues is a gift that
pays dividends to everyone.”
10
A book giveaway sparked an
early start to summer reading
for more than 240 Valley Park
Elementary students. A few days
before students left for summer
break, Kiwanis Club members offered free books to all students in
grades one through three. Within
hours, twelve classes of students
visited the “Kiwanis Books for
Kids” event. Each student chose
one book that they could take
home to add to their own personal
collection.
The Kiwanis Club of Southwest
County, located in Valley Park,
donated the books to encourage
summer reading. Judy Gustafson, past president of the
Kiwanis Club, said, “It is great
seeing so many of the students
sitting down reading before they
headed back to class! They were
so excited.” The Kiwanis Club also
supports the district’s Parents As
Teachers program and presents
an annual scholarship to a Valley
Park High School graduate.
Pictured above, second-grade
students at Valley Park Elementary pour over the mounds of books
offered by the Kiwanis Club. Each
student selected one book to add to
his/her personal library at home.
Students begin their summer reading after selecting a free book. The
“Books for Kids” program is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Southwest County-St. Louis.
Principal wins Award
Dr. Pearlman celebrates with Fans
Elementary Principal Dr. Bryan
Pearlman (back, left) is surrounded by students and staff
after receiving the Peabody Energy
Leaders in Education award. Peabody Energy’s Ms. Maureen Moore
(back, left) presented a $1000
check to Pearlman.
A crowd gathered in the VP
Elementary library, awaiting big
news. Peabody Energy’s Program
Director Maureen Moore greeted
Dr. Bryan Pearlman announcing that he was joining the class
of 2014-2015 Peabody Energy
Leaders in Education. Pearlman
said, “This award really goes to
everyone at VP Elementary. It is
an honor to serve with all
of you!” One student said, “On a
scale of 1-10, he’s 1,000! He’s always here to help us whenever we
need anything.”
In presenting the award, Moore
said, “Dr. Pearlman is electrifying! He is a true leader. Peabody
Energy selected Dr. Pearlman for
his relentless commitment to his
students.”
SUMMER
2015
Scholar Athletes run in
the Family
The Post-Dispatch Stltoday
recently announced the 2015
Scholar Athletes. It is not surprising that graduating senior Mara
Teer made the list. She is
a leader both on the field and
in the classroom.
Mara’s sister, Hanna, was
named 2014 Scholar Athlete.
Teer’s parents, Jamie and Gregg
Teer, are very proud of both
daughters. And they have been
there every step of the way.
Mara is an outstanding athlete
in three sports. In basketball, she
was named all-conference; alldistrict, captain and contributed
to the Lady Hawks Basketball
team’s 2014 Conference Championship. In soccer, Mara was
all-conference. Cross country is a
favorite. Mara said the highlight
of her four years at Valley Park
High was placing eighth in state
in cross country, last fall. Scholastically, she ranks fifth in her class.
In the fall, Mara will be following in her sister’s footsteps.
She will be joining Hanna on the
women’s cross country team at
the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.
Mara says her role model is her
sister who she describes as a “natural born leader.” Their parents
believe their daughters are natural athletes. They look forward to
following them throughout their
careers at the STLCOP.
Two sign with St. Louis
College of Pharmacy
Missouri Baptist signs Iven
to play Soccer
Seated, Mara Teer (left) and Usama
Ahmad, both sign their letters of
intent with St. Louis College of Pharmacy. They are joined by (from left)
VP Athletic Director John Sherman;
Christy Hefele, coach, VP Cross
Country team; and David Baker,
head coach, Cross Country. Usama
was state qualifier and all-district all
four years.
Seated, Jack Iven (right) signs with
Missouri Baptist University’s Soccer
Head Coach, Jacob Alvernia (left).
They are joined by Jack’s sister, Isabella Iven and his father, Charles
Iven. Jack played Hawks soccer for
three years. He made first team, allconference in 2014. He is most proud
of the VP Hawks winning Conference
Championships two years in a row.
Three-time Conference Champs!
Above, from left, are VP Athletic
Director John Sherman; Gregg Teer;
Mara and Jamie Teer.
SUMMER
2015
The Valley Park High School Boys Varsity Baseball team was honored for
becoming Conference Champions for the third year in a row. Team members
presented with board certificates include, Brice Bube, Jack Iven, Andrew
Moon, Andrew O’Brien, Robert Philippi, Brennan Rausch, Sam Rhoads, Austin Schmitt, John Sisler, Jackson Walker, Austin White and Carter Ziegler,
as well as Aaron Keehnast, executive assistant, and Craig Bausley, team
manager. Also, District Athletic Director John Sherman and the team’s Head
Coach Dave Fleer and Assistant Coach Mike Menley received congratulations. The team finished with an impressive record of 21-4.
11
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
VALLEY PARK, MO
PERMIT NO. 39
Valley Park School District
One Main Street
Valley Park, MO 63088
2015 - 2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR
In case of an emergency...
FIRST SEMESTER
August 13 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Sept. 7
Labor Day ~ NO SCHOOL
Sept. 16
Staff Development - Early Dismissal
Sept. 29
HS Conferences (3:30-7:00 pm)
Oct. 1
HS Conferences (3:30-7:00 pm)
October 2 Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOL
Oct. 20 & 22 MS Conferences (3:30-7 pm)
Oct. 23
Conference Break ~ NO SCHOOL
Nov. 5
ES 1st Trimester Ends
Nov. 6
Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOL
Nov. 16-20 ES Conference Week
Nov. 25-27 Thanksgiving ~ NO SCHOOL
Dec. 16-18 HS Finals (HS 12:20 pm dismissal)
Dec. 18
First Semester Ends - HS Finals
All District Early Dismissal
(MS & HS 12:20 pm/ES 1:05 pm)
Dec. 21-Jan. 1 SEMESTER BREAK ~ NO SCHOOL
March 2 Staff Development – Early Dismissal
Mar. 21-25 SPRING BREAK~ NO SCHOOL
April 8 Conference Break ~ NO SCHOOL
April 22 Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOL
May 13
Last Day for Seniors, dismiss 11:30 am
May 20
HS Commencement, 7:30 pm
May 26-27 & 31 and June 1:
HS Finals (HS 12:20 dismissal)
May 30
Memorial Day ~ NO SCHOOL
June 1
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL(Tentative)
June 2
All District Early Dismissal
Records Day - Last Day for Teachers
DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
For the latest information, please check
the District web site: www.vp.k12.mo.us.
SECOND SEMESTER
Jan. 4
Teacher Work Day ~ NO SCHOOL
Jan. 5
Students Return - Second Semester
Jan. 18 Dr. Martin L. King Day~NO SCHOOL
Jan. 27
Staff Development – Early Dismissal
Feb. 9 & 11 MS Conferences (3:30-7 pm)
Feb. 9 & 11 HS Conferences (3:30-7 pm)
Feb. 12
Staff Development ~ NO SCHOOL
Feb. 15
Presidents’ Day ~ NO SCHOOL
Feb. 19 ES 2nd Trimester Ends
Feb. 29-Mar. 4 ES Conference Week (3:30-7 pm)
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 message will be sent out to all
students’ parents or legal guardians,
through the school’s automated message
system, SchoolReach.
School closings are also broadcast on
KMOX radio and TV stations, KSDK 5,
KMOV 4, FOX 2 & KPLR 11. Also, closings are posted on the District’s web site.
If school is closed, all other school-related activities are canceled for that day.
Site for Evacuation
Valley Park High School
Class of 2015 ~ Commencement
The District’s Emergency Plan includes
procedures for the evacuation of students
from campus. If a situation arises that
would necessitate evacuation, students
will be relocated to Twin Oaks Presbyterian Church. Parents will be directed
to pick up their children at the church
located at 1230 Big Bend Road, Ballwin,
Mo. 63021.