Thursday, August 27, 2015

First Weeks of School!

Good afternoon,

As you know, the school year is off and rolling!  Each year, learners enter our buildings filled with hope and possibility.  As my colleagues and I visit schools, programs, and events, we're reminded of how special our learning community really is.  Many of us in central office, including myself, spent quite a few years in other school districts.  While they were each excellent districts, we can each speak to the intentional and tangible care, that is given to children as learners and as people (if they could really be separated) in the Webster Groves School District.  I promise - it is unique and special!

I wanted to update you on a few items that relate to the office of curriculum and instruction.

Back to School Event
This year, families and community members were invited to welcome our staff back to school at our annual district kickoff event!  On behalf of all my district colleagues, I want to say "thank you" to each of you who came to cheer, hug, and ring cow bells for all our dedicated staff!  I hope that next year our crowd grows even larger!



MAP Results
Please click here to read a letter regarding the 2014-15 state assessments and future related information.


Phil Wojak - Peabody Award
Last night, WGHS physics teacher, Phil Wojak, was recognized with a Peabody Leader in Education Award.  Congratulations, Mr. Wojak!




Committee Sign-Up
If you are interested in participating on a district committee, please click here by September 2 in order to express interest!

Each child, Each day....John

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Google Science Camp Starts Next Week!

Good morning,

I wanted to introduce you to a free summer camp that one of my children and I will be checking out next week: Camp Google!  The video they created that's posted on the site below has a series of children sharing their curiosities, all of which are science-related.  We look forward to checking it out next week!

Check it out: https://camp.withgoogle.com/

Each child, Each day....John

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

WGHS Senior Receives State Citizenship Award

Good afternoon,

"Congratulations" to Jessica Oliphant, senior at WGHS, who was just recognized as one of 8 seniors in the state of Missouri to receive the Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship Award!  Below is an excerpt from the official DESE press release.  

Congratulations, Jessica!

Each child, Each day...John



Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Eight public high school students were honored as recipients of the 2015 Outstanding Achievement in Citizenship Award. The honorees were recognized at an April luncheon at the Missouri Bar in Jefferson City.

Representatives from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the State Board of Education and The Missouri Bar presented the awards. Each student received a plaque and is enrolled in the American Bar Association’s Citizenship Honor Roll.
“It is important that students take an active role in their community while gaining an understanding of the principles of government,” said Missouri Commissioner of Education Margie Vandeven. “These students are to be commended for their hard work in the classroom and community.”
Students are selected for the award on the basis of their academic achievement in civics and government courses, performance in civics and government-related extracurricular activities and exemplary community service. Students also must submit an essay about the importance of citizenship.
Educators and members of The Missouri Bar’s Advisory Committee on Citizenship Education reviewed the nominations and selected the winners. The Missouri General Assembly established the citizenship award in 1990.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

The WGSD Solving Crimes!

Good morning,

Students in the Webster Groves School District are helping solve crimes across the country through their learning.  Check it out!

Each child, Each day...John

http://www.wsmv.com/story/28973269/news-4-schools-forensic-science-class-at-webster-groves-high-school