Hazelwood News - Hazelwood School District

Spring 2016
NEWS
Proudly serving all
or part of the
following
communities:
Black Jack
Bridgeton
Dellwood
Ferguson
Florissant
Hazelwood
Spanish Lake
Unincorporated
St. Louis County
Hazelwood School District
15955 New Halls Ferry Road
Florissant, Missouri 63031
Hazelwood School District’s Board of
Education Names New Superintendent
The Hazelwood School District Board of Education
is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Nettie
Collins-Hart as superintendent, effective July 1, 2016.
Collins-Hart will replace Dr. Ingrid Clark-Jackson,
interim superintendent, who will retire on June 30,
2016.
Collins-Hart has 40 years of experience in education.
She currently serves as superintendent for Proviso
Township High Schools District 209 in Forest
Park, Illinois. During her extensive career, she has
served as superintendent in a Pre K - 12 District
in North Carolina. She has also served as assistant
superintendent in Chapel Hill servicing 12,500
students, and the Lawrence Public Schools, serving
10,500 students.
“I am honored and excited to be the next
superintendent for the Hazelwood School
District,” said Collins-Hart. “The District holds
so much promise, and the Board of Education is
very encouraging and positive. During my visits
in Hazelwood, the staff and community were very
welcoming and open. I know we will do great things for
students together, and I am looking forward to joining
the Hazelwood School District family.”
Collins-Hart has a doctorate degree in educational
policy and leadership from University of Kansas
- Lawrence, Kansas. She has a master’s degree in
educational administration and curriculum and
instruction and a master’s degree in English education,
both from East Carolina University, Greenville, North
Carolina. She also has a bachelor’s degree in English
education, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill,
North Carolina.
Collins-Hart is affiliated with several professional
and civic organizations including: the American
Association
of School
Administrators,
Association for
Supervision
and Curriculum
Development,
Superintendents’
Commission
for Study of
Demographics,
Alpha Kappa
Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart
Alpha Sorority, Inc.,
National Association
of Black School Educators, Maywood Chamber of
Commerce, South Suburban Senior Citizens Advisory
Board, Phi Delta Kappa, Rotary Club, and the Village
of Maywood.
During her career, she has received numerous awards
for leadership and her work in the community,
including the 2015 Ida B. Wells Risk Taker Award,
National Alliance of Black School Educators 2014
Women in Leadership Orchid Award, Top Ladies
of Distinction, Superintendent of the Year National
Alliance of Black School Educators, and Outstanding
Administrator Award 7th Congressional District of
Illinois.
The former president of the HSD Board of Education
Desiree Whitlock, shared how thrilled the Board is to
have Collins-Hart to join the District.
“I speak on behalf of the entire Board when I say
that we are thrilled to welcome Dr. Collins-Hart to
Hazelwood School District,” said Whitlock. “We are
confident that we have the very best leadership in place
to further enhance academic achievement and support
those who are closest to our students.”
Farewell Letter
Greetings Hazelwood School District Family and Friends!
It is with mixed emotions that I write my final letter to the community as your interim
superintendent. While I am excited about the possibilities that retirement has in store for
me, it is hard to believe that my tenure here is coming to a close. It is also hard to believe
that I have been in education for 36 years. I guess what they say is true, when you love the
work that you do; it is not really work at all.
While I am looking forward to my retirement, I will miss working with a group of multitalented educational leaders and I am proud of our many accomplishments. We have
shared many life-long memories—good times and character changes moments as well.
Nevertheless, through it all, we’ve made it…stronger, wiser, and better!
During my time in education, I have not only taught some of the best and brightest students, but I have learned a lot
from them. I will forever cherish the life lessons that are not recorded in any textbook, and for this, I am grateful.
I want to thank each of you for your friendship, support and for all that you do every day for our students. Although I
am retiring, kids are still my business and will always be in my heart. I wish you well!
Dr. Ingrid Clark-Jackson
Interim Superintendant
HSD 1:1 Chromebook Initiative Plan
What are Chromebooks:
• Chromebooks are Cloud-based, Google OS devices used with GAFE (Google Apps for Education)
Phase One: (Completed)
• Students in grades 3-8 are 1:1 on HSD Campus
• Students in grades 6-8 have the option to take Chromebooks home with parent authorization.
Phase Two: (Pending Board’s Approval)
• Incoming 9th Grade students will be issued new Chromebooks
• Students in grades 9-12 will have the option to take Chromebooks home with parent authorization
Phase Three: (Pending Board’s Approval)
• Students in grades K-2 will be 1:1 on HSD Campus
• Refresh of Chromebooks for students entering grade
3 from 6th grade Pool/Loaner Pool
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Scholarships
Hazelwood School District Class of 2016 to Receive $20 Million in
Scholarships
The Hazelwood School District’s graduating class of 2016
collected more than $20 million in college scholarships.
to the class of 2016, their parents and teachers, on their hard
work and extra effort,” said Clark-Jackson.
“I am extremely proud of our students on collectively earning
more than $20 million in scholarships,” said Dr. Ingrid ClarkJackson, Hazelwood School District interim superintendent. “This
is an impressive amount of money from an equally impressive
group of students. These scholarship awards are reflective of what
true parent-teacher partnerships can do.
Hazelwood Central High seniors received more than
$7.5 million in scholarship awards.
Hazelwood West High seniors received more than
$4.7 million in scholarship awards.
Hazelwood East High seniors received more than
$8.3 million in scholarship awards.
“This also serves as a reminder for educators on why we do what
we do, to help prepare students to be college ready or equipped
for whatever path they choose after high school. Congratulations
HSD graduates will be attending local colleges and
universities, as well as those traveling across the country to
continue their educational careers this fall.
Students Awarded $100,000
in Scholarships to Historically
Black University
Ayanna Miller and Tiara Coleman, students at Hazelwood
East High School, were awarded more than $100,000 in
scholarships to Fisk University. Both attended the Infinite
Scholars Career Fair where they had the opportunity to speak
with university representatives from schools across the nation.
Fisk University awarded Miller and Coleman the Clinton B.
Fisk Scholarship, valued at $7,500 per year, and granted to first
time students with a 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
In addition to the Clinton B. Fisk Scholarship, Coleman
was offered the Emerging Leadership Scholarship from the
university. Coleman was selected to receive the scholarship
based on her volunteering history. She has over 500
volunteering hours. Coleman plans to major in Computer
Science.
St. Louis Cardinals Award
College Scholarships to Eighth
Graders
Two eighth graders in Hazelwood School District were awarded
college scholarships from the St. Louis Cardinals. Eighth graders
Nyla Anderson, student at Hazelwood North Middle, and
Tamia Durley, student at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School,
have each been awarded an $8,000 scholarship as members of a
Redbird Rookies children’s baseball team.
Redbird Rookies is a children’s baseball league, sponsored by
Cardinal Care, the charitable organization of the St. Louis
Cardinals. Cardinals Care, established the Redbird Rookies Saigh
Scholarship to recognize the achievements of students who have
demonstrated outstanding integrity, leadership, and teamwork as
members of a Redbird Rookies team.
Miller was awarded the Fisk Grant as well, valued at $20,000.
Miller has dual enrollment, taking chemistry classes at both
Hazelwood East and Hazelwood West high schools, where
she says she enjoyed the experience of extracting caffeine and
making aspirin. She plans to major in Chemical Engineering.
Tamia Gurley
Nyla Anderson
Tiara Coleman (left) and Ayanna Miller (right)
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Hazelwood East High School Student Receives
More Than $450,000 in Scholarship Offers
Trenden Everett, senior at Hazelwood East High School, has been
awarded more than $450,000 in scholarships from five universities.
Everett, whose grade point average is 4.2/4.0, and scored 30 on the
ACT, has been offered distinguished presidential scholarships from
three universities, all valued at more than $100,000 each.
Dillard University in New Orleans, granted Everett their
presidential scholarship, available to entering freshman. A generous
awarded of $108,364, covers the cost of tuition for four years.
students with a 27 or better ACT
score, and 3.6 cumulative grade
point average.
Philander Smith College will
contribute an $89,000 scholarship
to benefit Everett in furthering his
education.
Claflin University in South Carolina, and Tuskegee University in
Alabama, awarded Everett with presidential scholarships as well.
Claflin contributed $116,000 toward Everett’s pursuit of higher
education.
“We encourage students to strive
for higher achievement, and to
Trenden Everett
continue being successful in life.”
Hazelwood East High.
said Yolander Pitman, Principal at
Hazelwood East High School. “I am very proud of Trenden and
wish him the best in all endeavors.”
Tuskegee University gifted their prestigious scholarship, including
room and board, and book fees. The complete scholarship package
from Tuskegee University adds up to $123,200.
Everett is a member of several school organizations, including
the National Honor Society and Students against Destructive
Decisions, serving as president for both organizations.
In addition to receiving presidential scholarships, Everett has been
awarded scholarships from Southeast Missouri State and Philander
Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas.
He is also a member of the Drama Club and Japanese Club at East
High, and says that he will pursue computer science as a career and
minor in theater. “I plan to major in Computer Science as a career
goal, but I’m passionate about acting,” says Everett. “I’m an aspiring
actor in film and television.”
Southeast Missouri State committed the Regents scholarship
valued at $32,000. The Regents scholarship is given to first time
Three Hazelwood Seniors Receive Scholarships
During Chamber of Commerce Luncheon
Three Hazelwood School District seniors received scholarships
recently during the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce
luncheon on Apr. 20. The three students included Hazelwood West
High senior Kara Libby, Central High senior Timothy Busch and
East High senior Dwayne McCowan III.
Libby received the Greater North County Chamber of Commerce
scholarship of $1,000. Busch and McCowan each received a $500
scholarship from Jacob’s Ladder Ministries.
“The scholarships are funded primarily through the Chamber’s
annual bowling tournament, as well as passing the piggy bank at
monthly membership luncheons and during special events,” said
Carolyn Marty, president of the Chamber. “We are grateful to our
generous members for supporting the student scholarship program.”
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Hazelwood West College and Career Counselor Kimberly Quain
was overjoyed to hear about the scholarship Libby received. “Libby
received a valuable scholarship to a college of her choice. She
has put in a lot of hard work to receive this scholarship from the
Chamber,” said Quain.
Since the program inception in 2004, the Chamber has provided
more than $50,000 in scholarships to deserving North County
seniors.
120 Hazelwood Students Complete UMSL’s Bridge Program
Hazelwood School District students recently participated in
the 30th Annual University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL)
Bridge award ceremony at the America’s Center, in downtown
St. Louis. Parents, administrators, teachers, and elected officials
gathered to support HSD students, along with other students who
represented school districts from across the state.
The UMSL Bridge Program offers a Saturday Academy for 9th
through 12th grade students, designed to build strong academic
proficiency in math, science, writing and other areas critical
for the successful transition to college. High school students
throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area were selected to
actively participate in the 2015-16 Bridge Academy Saturday
program. All participants attended classes and workshops on the
UMSL campus the first two Saturdays of the month.
“During the UMSL Bridge Saturday Academy, students benefited
from math and science enrichment courses designed to support
their current high school curricula,” said Natissia Small, UMSL
assistant dean of students and Bridge director. “Students were also
exposed to strategies to enhance writing skills, communication
skills, college-career exploration and ACT preparation. In
addition, participants attended classes and workshops on UMSL’s
campus, allowing high school students the opportunity to
experience life on a college campus.”
Since its 1986 inception, the Bridge Program remains one of the
most successful and widely emulated models for pre-collegiate
programming in the St. Louis community.
“The UMSL Bridge Program provides students with critical
resources and learning opportunities to ensure a successful
transition to college,” said Michael Peoples, associate principal at
Hazelwood East High School. Peoples, who was in attendance on
Saturday, watched and cheered as HSD students were recognized.
Three Hazelwood East Students Awarded Full Ride Scholarships
Hazelwood East seniors, Chase Martin, Toloupe Lawal and Ariel
Reaves were recently awarded full ride scholarships. Martin and
Reaves received and accepted the George Washington Carver
(GWC) Scholarship to Iowa State University. Lawal received two
full ride scholarship offers. The first was the GWC scholarship to
Iowa State and
the second was the
Ohio State Morrill
Scholars Distinction
Scholarship. Lawal
accepted the
scholarship to Ohio
State.
Martin plans to
pursue a major in
actuary science at
Iowa State, Lawal
Chase Martin
plans to major in aerospace engineering at Ohio State and Reaves
plans to major in aerospace engineering at Iowa State.
Hazelwood East College Counselor Sonya Smith was overjoyed to
hear about the scholarships these two students received.
Toloupe Lawal
Ariel Reeves
“These students
received valuable
scholarships to some
of the best universities
in the country,” said
Smith. “These three
wonderful students
put in a lot of hard
work to receive these
scholarships and I
am proud of Martin,
Lawal and Reaves.”
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Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine Select East High Senior as
Essay Winner
Margaret Helderle, senior at Hazelwood East High School, has
been selected as a winner of the Disney Dreamers Academy
Essay contest.
In 2007, Disney partnered with comedian Steve Harvey and
Essence magazine to form Disney’s Dreamers Academy. Disney
Dreamers Academy is a four-day, power-packed event where 100
high school students, ages 13-19, are inspired, motivated, and
encouraged to dream big.
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.
She also serves as chapter president of the Key Club, which is an
international student-led organization that provides its members
with opportunities to serve their respective communities, build
character and develop leadership skills.
“My number one goal in life is to give back to my community,”
she says “Despite your past, your future is possible.”
“I started applying to the program in my freshman year in
high school, so I’m extremely excited that I got accepted.” says
Helderle.
As a participant in the program, she will receive an all-expensepaid trip to Walt Disney World Resort. There, she will engage
in career activities, ranging from animations to journalism,
entrepreneurship, political science, and culinary arts.
In addition to the wonderful career activities, as a member
of Disney’s Dreamers Academy, Helderle will be provided
networking and interviewing opportunities with industry
executives, in an effort to enhance character, and help bring her
career goals to life.
“I plan to major in political science, before pursuing a degree in
law,” says Helderle. “I want to work with elected officials in the
legislative branch, and I hope this opportunity will enable me to
network and meet influential people.”
Helderle is a member of several school and community service
organizations, such as Student Council, and National Council on
Steve Harvey and Essence Magazine selects Margaret Helderle,
senior at Hazelwood East High School, as winner of Disney
Dreamers Academy essay contest. As a participant in the Disney
Dreamers Academy program, Helderle will be provided with career opportunities, such as networking, interviewing, and career
workshops.
Teachers to Present at National Association of Elementary School
Principals Conference
Two Hazelwood School District teachers have been selected
to present at the National Association of Elementary School
Principals (NAESP) Conference this summer.
who attend this session will be able to strengthen their current
instructional practices of rigor and relevance and learn how
genuine relationship building leads to results.
Kristi Arbetter, instructional specialist, at Lusher Elementary and
Tracy Hinds, instructional specialist at Armstrong Elementary,
will together present “The Four R’s: Rigor, Relevance,
Relationships, RESULTS-Transforming Schools the Right Way”.
The Rigor/Relevance framework was developed by the
International Center for Leadership in Education to examine
curriculum, instruction, and assessment along the two dimensions
of higher standards and student achievement.
“We felt that we have been doing some awesome professional
development in Hazelwood, so why not share our progress with
other educators,” said Hinds.
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The objective of this workshop is to immerse teachers in learning
how to connect the elements of the “Four R’s”, and to effectively
implement strategies that lead to student progress. Educators
Tracy Hinds (right) and Kristi Arbetter (left).
Martiz Arts and Education Council funds Arrowpoint
Elementary School Art Exhibition
Arrowpoint Elementary School was awarded a $3,535 grant
from Martiz Arts and Education Fund for Teachers Foundation.
The grant was used to purchase materials for the Couplets
and Clay project, a showcase of pottery created by fifth grade
students at Arrowpoint.
The grant was submitted by Nichol Sokolowski, librarian, and
Patti Hornberger, art teacher at Arrowpoint Elementary.
“Materials purchased included a clay slabber, enough clay for
more than 50 students, and a class set of the children’s book,
“Dave the Potter”, explained Hornberger. The book, written by
Laban Carrick Hill, is based upon the life of David Drake, an
African American poet and artist.
While reading and investigating Dave the Potter, students were
immersed in his life and art. Students were inspired to create
clay vessels that will forever be engraved with expressions of
their thoughts and words.
An affirmation inscribed on one fifth graders’ jar read, “I made
this jar with my heart;
to let people know it is
a piece of art!” The class
engaged in multi-media
integrated learning
to research and study
Drake’s work.
“While reading the book
in the library, we accessed
several websites to aid
in our learning,” said
Sokolowski. “We used
PBS to see the Antiques
Roadshow episode
with Dave’s pot, and
watched an interview
with the author. We also
researched using the University of South Carolina’s information
highway link to the excavation of Pottersville, the historic
location where Dave threw pots.”
Hazelwood Students Help Build World Record Mural
Hazelwood West Middle School students help to build a world
record crayon mural housed at the Magic House.
Art teachers Pratima Bajaj and Elaine Eversgerd participated in
this project, along with their students in each class period. The
project required teamwork, precision, and organizational skills to
accurately follow patterns and meet a deadline.
“It was a great opportunity for students to take part in a
community effort, and be proud of their team work and
perseverance,” said Eversgerd.
Students spent a week color-coding a grid with crayons that
matched a grid inside box structures. They then laid the crayons
in rows within the boxes, and glued them together. These boxes
would become part of the overall installation.
The image of the mural is of the St. Louis skyline at sunset.
Connor Wright, senior at St. Louis Priory School conceived the
mural project. He also created the mural of Stan Musial, made
of Rubik’s cubes, housed at Ballpark Village in downtown St.
Louis.
Wright designed the mural using the pointillism technique
and an algorithm he created, that takes individual pixels of a
photo and converts them into Crayola colors. A total of 300,000
Crayola crayons, in 77 colors, had been used for this project.
The 280 square foot mural is being reviewed by Guinness World
Records, for being the largest crayon mosaic in the world. The
crayon mural is a permanent fixture at the Magic House.
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Community
Central Students Making a Difference One Meal at
a Time
Members of the Hazelwood Central High School, National
Honor Society for Musicians (Tri-M), volunteered this past
Saturday at the Ronald McDonald House at Mercy Hospital
in St. Louis, MO. Tri-M members cooked and served dinner
for 50 parents and family members of sick children. The menu
included, spaghetti with meatballs, chicken alfredo, garlic
bread, salad, brownies and cookies.
Ronald McDonald House is a temporary home away from
home where the families of children being treated for serious
illnesses or trauma reside.
This event was the last of Tri-M’s three service projects.
Tri-M’s other two events included volunteering at the Hot
Chocolate Run in downtown St. Louis and sorting food at a
local food bank.
“I am so proud of
these students for
what they are doing
in our community,”
said Hazelwood
Central Principal
Dr. Audrey Lee.
“Not only are they
excelling in the
classroom, but they
are taking time to
help others which
demonstrates true
leadership.”
Hazelwood West Students Fight Poverty One Sandwich at a Time
Students in Nancy Firasekís Culinary Arts II class at
Hazelwood West High School recently donated more than
$600 to Hazelwood School District (HSD) Bright Futures
initiative. The students made sandwiches and sold them to West
High staff members. These funds will benefit HSD families
experiencing crisis.
“This is the third year that we have sold sandwiches and it gets
more popular each year,” said Firasek. “The staff starts asking at
the beginning of the year when we are doing this. They would
love it if we would make sandwiches more than once a year.”
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Hazelwood Bright Futures is a
multi-disciplinary, geographically
specific team of service providers and
community members working together
to serve students and families within
the Hazelwood School District. The
Hazelwood Bright Futures refers families
to community resources and, when
possible, provides direct assistance when
existing resources are not accessible.
Leaders
East Students Donate Water to Flint Residents
Students at Hazelwood East High School recently reached
out to help residents affected by the water crisis in Flint,
MI. Students collected 35 cases of water in one week from
faculty members and fellow students. The cases of water will
be combined with other water donations and transported
to Flint by Milano Warehouse Company. This event
was sponsored by radio station HOT 104.1 and Milano
Warehouse Company.
saw that the water donation was something we could do, we
jumped on the idea.”
The idea to donate water to Flint residents began in Lauren
Edison’s classroom. Edison, who is the Family and Consumer
Sciences teacher, said this was originally a problem discussed
in class.
“I am glad to see that the life lessons taught in the classroom
become a reality for our students,” said Yolander Pittman,
Hazelwood East High principal. “Our students have truly
demonstrated their leadership skills in the classroom and in
the community by sacrificing their time, talent and resources
to help another community in need.”
“My students and I were talking about the Flint, MI
water crisis in class and were trying to solve it by using the
decision-making process,” said Edison. “We were trying to
find a way to support the residents of Flint, and once we
Students held a pep rally to drum up support for their project.
That week, students collected money and 35 cases of water.
Students then dropped off the water at a collection drive
sponsored by HOT 104.1 and Milano Warehouse Company.
Milano transported the collected water to Flint.
Helping Our Community is a Win-Win
Students in Joni Pukala, Central High School Health Occupations class recently participated in an informational training course
regarding Domestic Violence. The program was developed and taught through the St. Louis Public Health Department. At the
culmination of the course, students were allowed to job shadow and volunteer to work in the vegetable garden at the Kathy J.
Weinman Women’s Shelter.
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HSD Hero Margaret Slaughter
A Birthday Wish Benefits Hazelwood School District Food 4 Thought
For the past two years, PTA
Council Area Vice President
Margaret Slaughter has
been the chairperson for the
Hazelwood School District’s
Food 4 Thought Program,
a food closet program that
provides students who lack
access to nutritious food at
home with a reliable source
of food for evenings and
weekends.
she didn’t need another “thing.”
Slaughter was approaching her
50th birthday, and decided that
“I thought a great way to celebrate, and raise money for Food
4 Thought would be to ask my friends and family to make a
monetary donation in lieu of birthday gifts,” explained Slaughter.
The intention was set. Raise money for Food 4 Thought, but
how? She would need an event, maybe a benefit concert. “I love
gospel music, so I decided to have a concert,” she said.
Christ the King United Church of Christ graciously opened their
doors and allowed Slaughter to have a concert there to benefit
the program. She invited local church choirs and acts to sing and
perform.
“Because of everyone’s generosity, I was able to raise $1,985 and
counting, because the donations are still coming in!” she said.
The Hazelwood PTA Council, Hazelwood National Education
Association, and the Hazelwood School District launched Food 4
Thought in January 2014.
Food 4 Thought closets are housed at the three HSD high schools
sites, but the program supports all HSD students who are in need.
If you wish to help please e-mail: info@hazelwoodschools.org
Students Develop Skills Necessary to Foster Healthy Relationships
A select number of Hazelwood East High School students took
part in the second annual “Tied to the Power of Greatness”
program. Tied to the Power of Greatness is an event for freshman
and sophomore students to expand on what it means to be great
and to create a fulfilling life beyond their current reality.
During the program, students heard from keynote speaker, Koran
Bolden; entrepreneur, motivational speaker and author. Students
then recited the “Tied to the Power of Greatness” pledge and took
part in a tie–tying ceremony. During the ceremony, community
and school district ambassadors helped the students to learn the
proper way to tie a necktie.
Students also learned about the importance of self-image, healthy
self-advocacy and what it means to be successful. The goal is to
connect students and to mold them with a positive foundation so
they can lead successful lives.
During the keynote address, Bolden discussed his rap career,
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being raised by a single mother, and what made him turn his life
around. Bolden credits the birth of his son for the change in his
life.
“This program is not only about connecting to yourself, but
connecting to each other by helping one another tie a tie,” said
Robert Payne, business teacher and Tied To The Power Of
Greatness facilitator at East high. “We had a goal to collect 400
ties for these young men and we surpassed that goal by collecting
over 450 ties. I can’t thank community members enough for
donating all these ties.”
Ambassadors for the program included: Karlton Thornton,
Hazelwood School District Board of Education member; Dr.
Bruce Green, assistant superintendent for high school education;
Dr. Jeff Haug, assistant superintendent for middle school
education; Michael Peoples, associate principal at East High;
Corey Johnson, activities director at East High, and several East
High student ambassadors.
Hazelwood Central Hosts Special Olympics Basketball Competitions
Participants went against one another in team basketball. Other
basketball activates included dribbling, shooting, and individual
skills. In addition to the athletic events, there was also food,
beverages, and games.
Renee’ Hale, a Special School District Area Coordinator at
Central High, says the Special Olympics has benefits for both
competitors and volunteers.
“The athletes earn a sense of pride and confidence by
participating,” Hale said. “The volunteers build bonds and it helps
open their hearts and minds to a new experience. Many of the
students say it’s one of their favorite days of the school year.”
Students at Hazelwood Central High School were able to
bring smiles to the faces of competitors when they recently
hosted Special Olympics basketball events. Over 200 athletes
participated in the Special Olympics.
“This is a great event and we’re proud to host basketball again
this year,” said Dr. Audrey Lee, Central High School principal.
“Our students love helping out with Special Olympics.”
Every athlete goes home with a medal or ribbon to signify
achievement at each Special Olympics event. Hundreds of
athletes take part each year from schools throughout the District,
St. Louis County and those served by Special School District
of St. Louis County. Students and staff from each District high
school spend the day as volunteers to help with events, activities
and crafts in the Olympic Village, providing hospitality to the
athletes and more.
Larimore Students Learn it’s Never too Early to Practice Career Skills
Fifth grade students at Larimore Elementary in the Hazelwood
School District (HSD) recently had the chance to practice
interview skills with several community professionals/mentors
during Larimore’s Saturday Academy (LSA). Students discussed
their strengths, accomplishments and achievements with mentors
in a multitude of career areas. LSA’s goal is to provide additional
learning opportunities and to teach in ways that promote
creativity, innovation, wonder, joy, and a passion for learning.
The 27 fifth grade students who participated in LSA presented
their resumes to the community professionals including a;
Pharmacist, Financial Planner, Civil Engineer and more. The
mentors then asked students several questions and the students
had the same opportunity.
While students were
meeting with each mentor,
they participated in “the
amazing shake” where
they were rated on their
eye contact, handshake and
communication skills on a
scale of one to five.
the students. Through this opportunity, students learned how to
fill out job applications, prepare for an interview and create their
own resume.
LSA was created by Dr. Michael Nobile, instructional specialist
at Larimore and fifth grade teachers, Christy Fuller and Elena
Brewer. The purpose of LSA is to create an atmosphere where
fifth grade students, parents, staff and community members
work together to foster a family environment for students and to
provide additional learning opportunities. This fits right in with
HSD’s number one goal of increasing student achievement.
“We all were so proud of our fifth grade students during this
event,” said Nobile. “They really shined at this event and
impressed the community professionals. We saw them use all
of the skills and advice that we taught them and put it into play
while interviewing. This will put our students ahead of the game
when they become adults and start looking for jobs.”
“I interact with adults all
across the country and the
majority of them don’t
have half the poise of what
our students displayed
this morning,” stated one community professional. The
community professionals were thoroughly impressed with
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Hazelwood School District Educator is selected
for Google’s Certified Innovator Program
Hazelwood School District Education Technology Specialist
Jolie Kwedar was selected as a participant in the Google for
Education Certified Innovator Program. Only 34 participants
nationwide were selected for the program. The program included
an innovation academy held at Google headquarters in Mountain
View, CA.
Participants from across the country were selected based on their
professional experience, their passion for teaching and learning,
their innovative use of technology in school settings, and their
Four Hazelwood East Science
Teachers Receive $1,250 Grant
Four Hazelwood East High School teachers, each received
a $1,250 grant through DonorsChoose.org sponsored by
Merck Pharmaceuticals. The money will be used to purchase
equipment, books and tablets for the science classrooms.
DonorsChoose.org provides a simple way for people to donate
money to help teachers meet their classroom needs.
potential impact on other educators.
“This is such an honor,” said Kwedar. “To be one of 34 people
nationwide to be a participant in this program is not only an honor
for me but for the District as a whole.”
At the Innovation Academy, participants discovered how to
unlock creativity, translate insights into solutions, experiment
rapidly, and build an effective innovation culture in schools and
organizations.
“I am proud of Jolie for taking our District’s number two goal
seriously,” said Dr. Bruce Green, assistant superintendent for
High School education. “Certified Innovators are ambassadors
for change and empower other educators and students. After
completion of the Innovation Academy, Jolie will become a
Google Certified Innovator and will become an even greater asset
to our students and staff.”
The Hazelwood East teachers that received this grant include,
Tonya Barnes, Bobby Hughes, Tirsha LeNoir and Dr. Pamela
Lester.
In Missouri alone, DonorsChoose.org has helped fund more
than 12,000 classroom projects and has affected more than
300,000 students.
Garrett Elementary Receives Recognition for Performance
in Professional Learning
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
(DESE) recognized Garrett Elementary as one of their
Professional Learning Communities Exemplary Schools
(PLC). Garrett was one of 16 schools in the State of Missouri
to be selected. These 16 schools were recognized for their
outstanding performance in implementing professional
learning during the Powerful Learning Conference, at the Lake
of the Ozarks.
During the conference, Commissioner of Education, Dr.
Margie Vandeven presented school leaders with awards.
According to the DESE website, “These educators are focused
on creating schools that foster growth and enhance learning
opportunities for their children.”
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Dr. Eric Melton (center) shown accepting the PLC award on
behalf of Garrett Elementary School.
The Missouri PLC Project began during the 2003-04 school
year. Supporting, preparing and developing effective educators
is one of the primary goals of Missouri’s Top 10 by 20
initiative, which calls for Missouri to rank among the top 10
states for education by 2020.
Jury’s Prudence Mentoring Program
Jury Elementary, in the Hazelwood School District, launched a
mentoring program for fourth and fifth grade males titled
“Jury’s Prudence”.
Jury’s Prudence is a play on the word jurisprudence, which is
the study of the principles and theories on which a legal system
is founded.
“The goal of the program is to support young men to enact
good judgement, so they may successfully plan their future and
accomplish life goals,” said Michelle Prather, principal at Jury
Elementary.
Cap. Ron Johnson of the Missouri
Highway Patrol, (above) and Judge
Marvin Teer, (left) spoke with students
about leading respectful lives and
achieving life goals during the Jury’s
Prudence mentoring assembly at Jury
Elementary School.
Southeast Middle School visits Harris Stowe State University
Eighth grade students
at Southeast Middle
School recently had
the opportunity to visit
Harris Stowe State
University. The students
took part in a Science,
Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM)
focus college tour, where
they met with biology
students who answered
questions regarding
STEM, college access, and
scholarships. They also
enjoyed a conversation with
university president, Dr.
Dwuan Warmack.
Students from Southeast Middle School, in the Hazelwood School District, pose with Harris
Stowe State University president Dr. Dwuan Warmack. Students toured the campus as part of
the STEM focus college tour.
13
Alumni Spotlight...
Hazelwood School District Carlye Summers
Carlye Summers is a 2010 graduate of Hazelwood Central
High School. Summers had been a student in the district since
elementary school, attending Keeven Elementary and Kirby
Junior High, now Hazelwood East Middle School.
“If I can say anything to the students of Hazelwood School
District, it is that once you have a goal, don’t give up on it,” says
Summers. “Know that many people may tell you no, but it only
takes one yes to allow you to fulfill your dreams.”
While a student at Central High, Summers was a member of
several school organizations, and received many academic
awards. She was an executive member of Pep Club, and president
of the Future Business Leaders of America.
Summers was also awarded the Hazelwood Central High School
Academic Excellence Award, and graduated Magna Cum Laude,
with a grade point average of 3.75/4.0.
Currently, Summers attends Tuskegee University in Tuskegee
Alabama, where she is enrolled in the Veterinary Medicine
Program. She
is an active
member of the
student chapter
of the American
Veterinary
Medical
Association.
“Once I complete
my goal of
becoming a
veterinarian
doctor, I want
to work for the
St. Louis Zoo
to help educate the public on proper care of animals,” she says.
“I would like to help those students in the St. Louis area who
want to pursue a career in veterinarian medicine find college
scholarships.”
Hazelwood East High Grad Shines in Hollywood
Dancer and actor, Vesta Greene is making her way in Hollywood.
Greene graduated from Hazelwood East High School in June
2012. She continued to study theater and dance at the American
Musical Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in Los Angeles, where she
graduated earlier this year.
Since graduating from the AMDA, she has been featured in a
number of music videos and short films. Greene had roles in
music videos such as “Cheers” by Ian Thomas ft. Tyga, “Bruno
Mars’ Mash Up” by Meaghan Trainor. She also had a part in the
short film “Teachers” starring Tatiana Ali.
In addition to theater, film, and dance, Greene can also add
television to her resume. She has landed a part in a Kellogg’s
commercial for Frosted Flakes, exposing her talent to an
international audience.
As a student at East High, Greene was a member of several
school organizations including the National Honor Society and
Drama Club. At East High, she performed in West Side Story as
Graziella, and in High School Musical as the infamous Sharpay.
“My fondest memory at East High was when I experienced an
emotional breakthrough playing the character Sharpay from High
School Musical,” said Greene. “Sharpay is mean and snobbish,
which was way out of personal character for me. It was a real
challenge to play her, but in the end I had fun”.
14
Greene said that her
education at East High
gave her the building
blocks to success, and
helped to prepare her
in every aspect for a
successful career.
“I took advanced
placement classes
in high school, and
they were very
competitive,” she says.
“My teachers would
encourage me to thrive
in class and to always
do my best. The discipline I gained there helped prepare me for
my current career.”
“Dance is my soul in steps,” says Greene “I dance for God, and
He is my center.”
Please Mark These Important Dates on Your Calendar
Hazelwood School District-wide Events 2016 – 2017
Date
July 30, 2016
September 17, 2016
October 12, 2016
January 23, 2017
February 2, 2017
April 13, 2017
May 11, 2017
May 13, 2017
Event Back-to-School Fair
Charity Golf Tournament
Family Fall Fest
STEM Extravaganza
PTA Council Founders’ Day
HSD Volunteer Reception
PTA Scholarship Night
Run/Walk
Location
Time
St. Louis Outlet Mall
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Old Florissant Golf Course1 p.m.
CHS Field House*
5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
CHS Field House*
10 a.m.
CHS Field House*
6 p.m.
CHS Theatre, Commons 5:30 p.m.
West H.S. Theatre
6:30 pm
CHS Field House*
8 a.m.
*Central High School Field House
New Website and App
Coming In The Fall
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Opt In to receive our electronic newsletters.
Email us your first and last name, e-mail address and cell number.
to info@hazelwoodschools.org (for text messages)
15
Your School Board
Cheryl D. Latham
President
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Director
Desiree Whitlock
Director
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Vice President
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Directort
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Secretary
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Spring 2016
Volume 53
No. 2
News