1. education
2. school

2015-2016 Budget Targets Teacher Reductions, Club Cuts, Bus Fees
T
he Mehlville School Board approved a $107.3 million budget for the
upcoming school year that will eliminate nearly two dozen teaching positions
and cut educational support in and out of the classroom. The board approved the
budget on Thursday, May 21, by a 6-1 vote. Board member Lori Trakas was the
lone ‘no’ vote.
With a projected $8 million deficit for the 2015-2016 school year, the board told
superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder and his administrative team to create a budget
that reduced spending by $4 million for the coming year, with the goal of having
a balanced budget by the 2016-2017 school year.
With salaries being the largest part of the budget, the administration’s plan
includes the elimination of 23½ teaching positions, along with two Central
Office positions. Some of the other cuts include all paid
tutoring, no book purchases for school libraries, a steep
cut in funding for after school clubs, additional fees for
students wanting to participate in school athletics, and
students who ride the bus less than one mile will begin
paying an annual fee of $218. That fee will be lower for
families with a second and third child.
during the past couple of decades, administrative and other non-classroom
expenses have been consistently cut during that period. Now we’re down to
eliminating items that are essential for improving student performance.”
The Mehlville School District is near the bottom of many financial benchmarks
when compared to similar school
districts. The amount of money
Mehlville spends per student is the
second lowest in St. Louis County.
The yearly cost of health benefits
for district employees is among the
lowest in the area. Yet, the board
and administration are often
criticized for how resources are
spent. “The facts tell a much different
story,” says Crutcher. “Compare
superintendent salaries. Compare
principal salaries and principal
staffing. Pick any benchmark and
you will find Mehlville spends significantly less than most other districts.”
Chief Financial Officer Marshall Crutcher says cutting
instructional items was especially painful. “Our mission, Mehlville administrators will be meeting with focus groups during the month
both academically and financially, is to give children in this district the best of June to determine how the community wants to deal with long range budget
possible education,” Crutcher said. “Without significant revenue enhancements issues while trying to implement the District’s new strategic plan.
Marshall Crutcher
O
Citizen Committee Reviews Budget Data
n March 11, the Finance Committee presented its analysis and Since the 2008-2009 school year, total district revenue has increased at an
recommendations regarding the current financial situation to the school average annual growth rate of just 0.3% per year, while at the same time total
board. The Finance Committee is comprised of district
district expenses have increased at an average annual rate
residents with financial backgrounds who provide fiscal
of 1.7%. During that time frame, revenue collections
information and guidance to the Board and district
from the local property tax levy have increased just 0.1%
administrators. The presentation included an analysis of
per year on average.
district financial data since the 2008-2009 school year.
During that time, several trends were highlighted:
The Finance Committee noted that revenue growth
that does not even keep up with inflation is not
• The growth in district expenses is outpacing district
sustainable. For comparative purposes, since the 2008revenues.
2009 school year, the cumulative growth in Social
• There has been close to zero revenue growth.
Security cost-of-living adjustments was 13%, and if
• There has been a 12% decrease in district assessed
district revenue had increased each year at the same rate,
valuation.
Mehlville would have collected an additional $51 million
• Mehlville currently has the second lowest tax rate in
during that period, with $12 million of that realized in
St. Louis County, and that tax rate is more than 51 cents
the current school year alone.
lower than the next highest tax rate.
www.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
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Board of Education
Venki Palamand
President
Larry Felton
Vice President
Samantha Stormer
Secretary
Dr. Lisa Dorsey
Director
Jamey Murphy
Director
Jean Pretto
Director
Lori Trakas
Director
Executive Staff
Dr. Norm Ridder
Superintendent
Dr. Lisa Counts
Assistant Superintendent
– Supervision of Schools
Dr. Brian Lane
Assistant Superintendent
– Supervision of Schools
Dr. Tina Plummer
Assistant Superintendent
– Curriculum, Assessment
and Professional Development
Mr. Marshall Crutcher
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Jeff Bresler
Executive Director
– Student Services
Mr. Mark Catalana
Executive Director
– Human Resources
The Mehlville Messenger is published
by the Communications Department
four times a year for Mehlville School
District residents, businesses and
families. Its purpose is to inform the
public of District news, student achievements and community involvement
activities. Please submit questions,
letters and comments to:
Communications Department
3120 Lemay Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63125
(314) 467-5000
[email protected]
FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT
Venki Palamand
A
s we conclude the 2014-15 school year, and prepare
for 2015-16, one thing is certain: Mehlville is at an
educational and financial inflection point. The decisions made
during the next few months, by both the Mehlville Board of
Education and Oakville/Mehlville voters, will have a lasting
impact on the District and our students for years to come.
Due to numerous factors, including the Missouri Hancock
Amendment, stagnant real estate values, and decisions made
by the Missouri legislature, Mehlville has seen less than 1%
annual growth in revenue over the past 6 years. At the same
time, in order to retain our highly qualified teaching staff,
expenses have risen.
Those cuts, along with some positive
news regarding revenue, will still
leave us just under $3 million in the
red. That level of deficit spending is
unsustainable and prevents us from striving towards becoming
a higher performing district.
The intersection of those factors meant Mehlville was facing
an $8 million deficit for the 2015-16 school year.
In the last few years, we have greatly improved learning
opportunities for students, including implementing universal
full-day Kindergarten, expanding our pre-engineering
curriculum, as well as adding a four year Biomedical Science
program. It’s not uncommon to find students graduating with
20 or more college credits.
In order to help balance the budget, the Board voted to make
$4 million in staffing and program cuts for next year. Those
cuts are painful and will negatively impact students. We will
have 23 fewer classroom teachers, fewer clubs/activities for
students to participate, and fewer learning materials, such as
library books. We stopped the computer technology initiative
As a former student in the Mehlville School District, and
a 1985 graduate of Oakville High School, I can say with
absolute confidence this is a better district today than when I
was a student. But progress cannot be taken granted. Where
we go from here depends upon the decisions of the Board and
community.
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
Dr. Norm Ridder
C
transparency of everything we
do from the board room to the
classroom.
In the short time I have worked in the district I found
outstanding students, parents, teachers, school administrators
and a community that wants the best for their children in
an efficient and effective way. The staff and students work
hard with limited resources, often challenged to meet the
needs of all students every day. The greatest struggle we
have as a district is our knowledge of our overall student
and financial performance. We must work diligently to build
the community’s ownership of its schools through complete
I thank each of you for the wonderful learning experience I
gained from the students, parents and staff of the Mehlville
School District. In all humility, I worked hard to listen to you
and built a response to your call.
ongratulations! to more than 800 students who
graduated from the Mehlville School District with 412
graduating from Mehlville and 396 graduating from Oakville.
They received an outstanding education and I know we will
be proud of their impact on our future.
T
I want to take this opportunity to
welcome Dr. Chris Gaines, who
will take over the reins of my office
as the district superintendent. Dr.
Gaines is an experienced superintendent who understands
the dynamics of systems improvement. He is an outstanding
leader rooted in a vision rich with an understanding of a high
performing classroom. I wish him well!
Dorsey, Murphy Join Mehlville School Board
he Mehlville School Board has two new members,
Dr. Lisa Dorsey and Jamey Murphy,
following the April 7th election. Dorsey
and Murphy will each serve three year
terms.
Seats held by board
Fedorchak and board
Eardley were on the
did not run for
Page 2
in our high schools and delayed
upgrading other technology.
president Ron
member Katie
ballot. Eardley
another term.
Mehlville
| August 2009
Mehlville Messenger
| JuneMessenger
2015
Dr. Lisa Dorsey
Fedorchak, Dorsey, Murphy and Kyle Haubrich were
competing for the two seats. Dorsey
received 6,593 votes, Murphy received
5,227 votes, Fedorchak received 3,667
votes and Haubrich received 2,988 votes.
Jamey Murphy
In April 2016 the school board seats
currently held by Larry Felton and Lori
Trakas will be on the ballot.
New Student Enrollment Times for 2015-2016 School Year
All elementary schools will hold registration beginning Monday,
Aug. 3 according to their start time and ending at 3 p.m. at all schools (with
the exception of Beasley Elementary and Blades Elementary, which will end
at 2:30 p.m.). There will also be a break from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to allow
for lunches and other school business. It is suggested to call and make an
appointment. School hours and contact information are as follows:
Oakville High – If you live in the Oakville High School attendance area, you
8:05 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., (314) 467-5400
may contact the OHS Registrar at (314) 467-7107 to receive a registration Beasley Elementary
8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-5500
packet during the summer hours of 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., Monday Bierbaum Elementary
8:05 a.m. to 2:50 p.m., (314) 467-7300
through Thursday. An Enrollment Meeting will be scheduled once all Blades Elementary
registration documents are completed.
Forder Elementary
8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-5600
Hagemann
Elementary
8:50
a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-5700
Bernard Middle – Thursday, July 30, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.,
Oakville Elementary
8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-5800
(314) 467-6600
Point Elementary
8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-5900
Margaret Buerkle Middle – Wednesday, July 29, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to
Rogers Elementary
8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-6300
3 p.m., (314) 467-6800
Trautwein Elementary
8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-6400
Oakville Middle – Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., (314) Wohlwend Elementary
8:50 a.m. to 3:35 p.m., (314) 467-6500
467-7400
Early Childhood Registration: All locations are currently full. Please call
Washington Middle – Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., (314) 467-7600 (314) 467-5302 for more information or to be placed on a waiting list.
Mehlville High – If you live in the Mehlville High School attendance area,
you may contact the MHS Registrar at (314) 467-6107 to receive a registration
packet during the summer hours of 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., Monday
through Thursday. An Enrollment Meeting will be scheduled once all
registration documents are completed.
T
Staff Honored at District Annual Recognition Night
he Mehlville School District celebrated the success and accomplishments of
its staff on Thursday, April 30, at its 35th Annual Recognition Night held
at Genesis Banquet Center. Emceed by Tim Ezell and sponsored by Cigna and
Wm. G. Cocos Co. Inc., the event honored teachers, classified employees, retirees
and staff members with significant years of service to the District.
Teachers of the Year: Joanne Houston, John Cary Early Childhood; Laura
Crites, Beasley Elementary; Erinn Aug, Bierbaum Elementary; Sara Hermann,
Blades Elementary; Nancy Neff, Forder Elementary; Kristi Boccardi, Hagemann
Elementary; Cheri Nickolaus, Oakville Elementary; Jennifer Pranger, Point
Elementary; Judy Glaser, Rogers Elementary; Kelly Brogan, Trautwein
Elementary; Kris Praprotnik, Wohlwend Elementary; Gail Farris, Bernard
Middle; Tim Brennan, Margaret Buerkle Middle; Katy Arbuthnot, Oakville
Middle; Wendy Gicante, Washington Middle; John Siebel, Mehlville High;
Rodney Gerdes, Oakville High; Kelly Seim, Witzel Learning Center; Javonda
Barnes, SCOPE.
Classified Employees of the Year: Rita Hansen, John Cary Early Childhood;
Jane Kremer, Beasley Elementary; Cindy O’Brien, Bierbaum Elementary; Marcia
Gleiforst, Blades Elementary; Paula Hesser, Forder Elementary; Pat Kasznel,
Hagemann Elementary; Scott Crooks, Oakville Elementary; Patti Schiwinger,
Point Elementary; Becky Roesch, Rogers Elementary; Susan Penrose, Trautwein
Elementary; Tammy Riebeling, Wohlwend Elementary; Randy Drake, Bernard
Middle; Polly Dierker, Margaret Buerkle Middle; Nicole Porterfield, Oakville
Middle; Debby Hauser, Washington Middle; Sue Luck, Mehlville High; Paula
Reppell, Oakville High; Jaymee Kientzel, SCOPE; Mark Fratto, Central Office;
Lynda Ackermann, Jefferson Barracks-Curriculum; Mark Benack, Jefferson
Barracks-Facilities; Karen Mahler, Transportation.
Thanks to the following retirees for their service and dedication: Ellen Barr,
Sue Bland, Pam Cooper, Lisa Crain, Cynthia Cullen, Polly Dierker, Mary
Drastal, Gina Edwards, Char Fauss, Richard Gottlieb, Joan Hefner, Nancy
Hilbert, Jody Huster, Sue Janicke, Susan Maier, Sandra Mims, Janet Miner,
Elizabeth O’Toole, Gary Pearson, Tammy Popp, Allan Schindler, Michelle
Sellmeyer, Rocky Waterkotte, Jeanne Weber, Saralee Weber.
Several employees celebrated 20 years and 25 years of service milestones. Three
employees celebrated 30 years of service with the District - Tammy Hagely and
Jody Huster of Beasley Elementary and Cheri Nickolaus of Oakville Elementary.
Ginny Wolschlager of Blades Elementary and James Wipson of Bernard Middle
celebrated 35 years with the District. Congratulations to all the honorees!
Celebrating
30 years with
the District,
from left:
Tammy Hagely,
Jody Huster,
Cheri Nickolaus.
S
SCOPE/SSLCMS Educator Chosen
as District Teacher of the Year
COPE teacher Javonda Barnes was honored as the Mehlville School
District’s 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year during the district’s annual
Recognition Night celebration.
District administrators chose Barnes
from among the 19 teachers who were
selected as Teachers of the Year from
each individual school. Javonda Barnes
has been with the Mehlville School
District since 2007. She is a Missouri
Options teacher at SCOPE, which is a
collaborative learning center that accepts
students from eight surrounding school
districts. Barnes has a Masters Degree
in education, which she earned from
the University of Missouri-St. Louis
in 2009.
Pollie Richardson is the principal of
Superintendent Dr. Norm Ridder
SCOPE. “Javonda is an inspiration to
and Javonda Barnes.
the students and the staff at SCOPE,”
said Richardson. “She puts every minute of every day into giving each student
the very best chance at academic success at SCOPE and at life success when
they leave. We are blessed to have such a wonderful educator and special
person serving these students.”
www.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
Page 3
Four More District Schools Earn
National Character Honors
F
our more schools in the Mehlville School District have been honored as
National Schools of Character by the CharacterPlus organization. Oakville
High and Forder Elementary were first awarded State School of Charater honors,
and on further review received National School of Character honors for reaching
a standard of excellence when it comes to ethical values and actual performance
on character issues. Rogers Elementary and Point Elementary were both
elevated from State Schools of
Character to National Schools
of Character. 15 Mehlville
district schools are now
classified as State or National
Schools of Character.
Alt Academy Receives Computer Grant
A
growing amount of school work is computer based, and that can be a big
problem for students whose homes do not have a WiFi connection. Thanks
to the Innovative Technology Education Fund (ITEF), that won’t be a problem
for more than a dozen Mehlville School District students.
Alt Academy teacher Mark Sauer wrote a grant request to ITEF, which responded
by donating $15,000 worth of laptop computers that have their own ‘hot spot,’
which means they can connect themselves to the internet when students are at
home, at work, or just about anywhere. “We are thrilled about this grant and what
it means to our students,” said John DeWalle, director of the Witzel Alternative
Programs. “Having easy access to technology isn’t just helpful. It is essential in
today’s world. This ITEF grant really levels the educational field for families who
can’t afford internet access.”
Left, Forder principal Dr. Scott
Clark hosts a celebration dance.
Below, Oakville High shows off
its Character banner.
John DeWalle, left, and Mark Sauer, right, accept check from Brenda Watt, ITEF Education
Technology Coordinator and Charmaine Smith, ITEF Executive Director.
Fredbird Helps Celebrate
WMS Award
W
ashington Middle School has become the
only middle school to win the CharacterPlus
‘Champions for Character’ Award three times in
10 years. The Champions for Character Award is given
to schools for their dedication to service learning.
To earn the character award, students must initiate
service learning projects, use those projects as part
of the school’s culture and curriculum, and be able to
express how service learning is a continuing part of the
educational process at school.
CharacterPlus representatives attended an all-school
assembly on Friday, May 1, along with Cardinals
mascot Fredbird. The Champions for Character
Award is presented in a partnership with Cardinals
Care, the St. Louis Cardinals’ community service
organization. Winning schools also receive tickets for
students and staff to attend a Cardinals ballgame, and
to be recognized on the field at Busch Stadium.
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Washington Middle students and Fredbird display the Champions for Character banner at an all school assembly.
Mehlville
| August 2009
Mehlville Messenger
| JuneMessenger
2015
Olympic Spirit Brings Pride To The District
H
undreds of young athletes hit the track and the field on Thursday, April 30, for the annual Special Olympics Day at Mehlville High School. Schools from across
the community sent students to the event, and Mehlville High School students spent the day serving as their buddies. This is the 17th year that Mehlville High
has hosted the Special Olympics.
Kerrie Townsend is the Special School District Special Olympics facilitator. “It’s great working with our partner districts and with Mehlville High School. It brings
awareness to the general education students. Just the socialization with our athletes and getting the chance to interact with them,” said Townsend. “Socialization is
a big thing with kids with special needs. Just to have a partner and buddy be there is so important.”
The Special Olympics is also important to the parents of special needs children. “There are a lot of things that hold my son back,” said Trautwein Elementary parent
Diane Weber. “We like to see him participate in extra-curricular activities. It’s a big deal, especially to a parent of a special student, that they get the opportunity to
have those experiences that they may not have otherwise.”
The Special Olympics was founded in 1968 with a goal of providing athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual
disabilities. The track and field events give participants opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of
gifts, skills and friendship.
S
Service Learning Projects Benefit Community
tudents from Oakville High and Mehlville High fanned out through the
community during the week of April 27th as part of the District’s Service
Learning commitment. From parks to churches to schools, students spent their
time helping others while also developing their character and leadership skills.
construction that
don’t normally do.”
we
The Woodward school
counselor fought back
A group of Oakville High students spent time at Woodward Elementary School tears when the bench
in south St. Louis performing a wide range of tasks. “I came up with a wish and shed were delivered.
list of things we needed,” said Woodward School counselor Fatima Warren. “I am overjoyed. Oakville
“We needed a storage shed for balls and other playground items. We needed High has been able to
hopscotch patterns painted on the playground. And for 15 years I have wanted open up awareness that
a friendship bench to put outside the principal’s office, where students can work people are out there who
will help urban students
on conflict resolution.”
and help with urban
Woodworking students at Oakville High tackled the bench and storage needs,” said Warren. “I
shed projects. “We started at 7:30am and worked until 1:30pm so we utilized think the Oakville kids
the whole day,” according to Technology and Engineering teacher Matt and our kids will all
Schraut. “They were able to do some different woodworking techniques and benefit from this.”
Woodward Elementary students enjoy their new bench.
www.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
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Washington Middle Supports St. Jude
T
he National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) at Washington Middle raised nearly $5,500
to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in a fundraising tradition that dates
back to 2007. Following the St. Jude fundraising model used at colleges, each student in the
NJHS comes up with 25 names and addresses. St. Jude provides the envelopes, donation
letters and postage. The students address and then mail each letter. Washington Middle has
raised more than $30,000 for St. Jude in the past 9 years.
Kiwanis, Key Clubs Team Up To Fight Hunger
K
iwanis International is celebrating its 100th year of supporting communities across the
world, but the organization is equally proud of what it can accomplish in a single day.
Kiwanis Clubs across the country are participating in what they call ‘Kiwanis One Day.’
The Kiwanis Club of South County reached out to the Mehlville High Key Club and the
Oakville High Key Club and issued a challenge - each group needed to collect 100 cans or
non-perishable items of food in one day. All of the donated food would then be given to
the Mehlville High School ‘Give Back’ backpack program, which provides a backpack filled
with food for students who don’t have the benefit of school meals during the weekends.
The one day food drive far exceeded expectations. A total of 427 items of food were collected
by the two Key Clubs and the Kiwanis Club of South County.
S
Teacher Receives Science Award
O
akville Elementary teacher Ricquel Riddle has been
selected from 200 nominees to receive the 2015
Academy of Science-St. Louis/SunEdison Teacher of
the Year award. The Teacher of the Year honor is given to
individuals who demonstrate extraordinary expertise and a
dedication to fostering science literacy in the classroom.
Riddle engages students in a wide range of scientific
instruction, including the study
of alternative energy sources and
experiments examining the impact
of fossil fuels on water quality. She
also helped oversee the district-wide
science fair and the 800 students who
participate. This is her eighth year
teaching at Oakville Elementary.
For being named Teacher of the
Ricquel Riddle
Year, Riddle will receive $2,000 for
professional development and $500 for classroom materials.
Principals Collaborate on Art Projects
T
he Mehlville School District has always encouraged
collaboration among its employees, but the principals at Forder
Elementary and Oakville Elementary have taken teamwork to a
new, artistic level.
Dr. Scott Clark is an
accomplished painter as well
as the principal at Forder. Two
years ago, Clark’s wife wrote
a poem based on one of his
paintings and he really liked the
concept. Knowing that Oakville
Elementary principal Dr. Chad
Dickemper is an avid writer,
Dr. Dickemper, left, and Dr. Clark
Clark approached Dickemper
about doing a painting-poetry project.
“He began sending me drafts of some poems, and I was immediately
impressed and drawn into the story he was creating,” said Clark. “I
knew my work would have to compliment his words.”
Because nature was the theme, Clark decided to use all natural
materials to create his artwork. The paper was made from hosta
leaves pulled from Clark’s garden. The paintings were then created
by using ochre pigment.
The results of that collaboration were put on display at a south
St. Louis gallery on Friday, May 8. Clark says the best is yet to come
from these two friends and colleagues.
Special Students Get Starring Role at Bernard Middle School
tudent plays are a common activity in every school, but
at Bernard Middle the performance of Peter Pan on
Thursday, May 14, served a very important purpose. All of
the actors were Special School District students.
Choir Director Tina Pickens coordinated the production.
“The students started learning the songs a couple of months
ago,” said Pickens. “We had some 8th grade students shadow
with them and help them learn their lines.”
would be a better choice,” said Sullivan. “But he said, ‘Mrs.
Sullivan, we can’t change who we are.’ I couldn’t argue with
that, so now I’m Tink.”
The performance gave a confidence boost to the Special
District students and helped their language skills. But it
was also a great lesson for the general education students.
“People usually see kids with disorders and think they aren’t
normal people. They are. They have personalities. They are
normal and they are awesome,” said Morgan Allen.
Bernard Middle Principal Lori Sullivan also ended up
with a part in the play. “The boy who started it told me I From left: RJ Schremp, Principal Lori Sullivan The performance went so well that plans are already
was going to be Tinker Bell. I suggested that a student and Brian Horton show off their costumes. underway for another play next year.
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Mehlville
| August 2009
Mehlville Messenger
| JuneMessenger
2015
Seniors Celebrate Prom Nights
G
raduating seniors from Mehlville High and Oakville High enjoyed evenings of formal attire, fine food and dancing at their annual school proms. Mehlville
held its festivities on May 2nd at the Hilton St. Louis At The Ballpark Hotel while Oakville gathered at America’s Center on May 9th for their prom.
www.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
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D I S TINCTIONS
Seniors Named Top 100 Scholars
OHS seniors Ellie Sona and Emma Sona have been selected for the 2015
Missouri Scholars 100 Program and MHS senior Mackenzie Giorgi has been
selected as an Honorable Mention. The Missouri Scholars 100 is sponsored by the
Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals honoring 100 of Missouri’s
top academic students in the graduating class of 2015. The selection is based on a
formula using the student’s grade point average and ACT or SAT score.
Scouts Earn Supernova Award
Webelos Scouts and Oakville Elementary
fifth graders (from left) Joseph Johnson,
Henry Fleddermann and Matthew
Jackson are recipients of the Dr. Charles
H. Townes Supernova Award for their
in-depth, advanced achievement work
in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) related classes and activities. Each boy was presented with
a medal and certificate at the Blue & Gold Banquet for Scouts in February.
Distinguished Student Leader Award
Mehlville High senior Kelli Carter earned the Distinguished Student Leader
Award from the Missouri Association of Student Councils. This honor
recognizes students who demonstrate superior student council leadership skills
and knowledge based on MASC criteria and evaluation process. Kelli attended
the final general session of the MASC State Convention on March 21 to receive
her leadership award.
Middle School Student Earns Writing Awards
Bernard Middle eighth grader Emily Francis has earned
national recognition in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
of 2015 with a silver medal in the essay category for her entry
“Carpe Diem.” Emily also received Second Place in the 2015
Southeast Missouri Writing Achievement Awards and has been
published in the 2015 Writing Achievement Awards booklet.
Theatre Student Awarded Grant
Mehlville High junior Molly Gibbs received a grant from the Educational
Theatre Association to attend the International Festival this summer. This grant
is based on scholarship and leadership.
Academic All-State Team
Mehlville High senior Ryan Horn was named to the 20142015 Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Boys Academic
All-State Team for his play on the court as well as his success
in the classroom.
Accomplished Rating for Acting Skills
Mehlville High sophomore Rhiannon Creighton received
an “Accomplished” rating for her acting in an Individual
Event in Monologue Performance at the Missouri Thespian
Conference held in January in Kansas City. This is the highest
ranking any student can receive and qualifies her to compete
at the International Thespian Festival in June. Hundreds of
students from across the state of Missouri participated in the
competition and only eight received this rating.
Seniors Receive President’s Volunteer Service Award
Oakville High seniors Brittany Cox and Brianna
Quinn received the President’s Volunteer Service
Award for 2014-2015. This award recognizes the
important contributions Americans of all ages are
making within their communities through service and
civic engagement.
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Mehlville
| August 2009
Mehlville Messenger
| JuneMessenger
2015
Outstanding High School Senior in German
Oakville High senior Ross Mohesky received the American Association of
Teachers of German Outstanding Student in German Award.
Students Awarded for National German Exam Scores
Oakville High students received awards based on their scores on the 2015
National German Exam administered by the American Association of Teachers
of German. Gold: sophomores Vincent Duong, Shaun Lamar, Reiner Lorenz,
freshman Dalia Dzekic. Silver: junior Nedzad Idrizovic, freshman Isabelle
Zurcher. Bronze: juniors David Chopin, Christian Niehoff, sophomores
Joseph Fritsche, Devin Gobble, freshmen Andrew Bucklin, Anja Glassl,
Thomas Gleiforst, Luke Luchtefeld.
Students Awarded for National Spanish Exam Scores
Spanish students received awards based on their scores on the 2015 National
Spanish Examination. OHS - Gold: sophomore Jenny Ngo, freshman Daniel
Quintero. Silver: senior Benny Bui, juniors Lucie Ecker, Jesus Elguezabal,
sophomores Carly Buecker, Brooke Mumma, Carolyn Ream, Cassidy
Vuylsteke, freshmen Olivia Rauls, Shannon Seithel, Marko Torres. Bronze:
OHS juniors Abigail Menkhus, Gabrielle Wilson, sophomores Anna
Gordon, Taylor Hickey, Molly Huebner, Casey Kenny, Josh Nahm,
Kyle Nguyen, Paige Tentschert, freshman Thomas Hoffmeister, Bernard
Middle eighth graders Hannah Breitenstein, Harrison Hong.
Students Awarded for National French Contest
OHS senior Rachel Murvihill, sophomores Kimmy Komrska, Rachel Lile,
Veronica Mohesky, freshmen Sabreena Leach, Maxine Mohesky, Matthew
Pinner ranked in the top 20 locally and/or nationally in the National French
Contest sponsored by the American Association of Teachers of French.
Duke TIP State Recognition
Seventh graders, from Bernard Middle: Shaelyn Frauenhoffer, Samantha
Gindler, Chris Givens, Samantha He, Katelyn Jackson, John Jackson,
Madison Lipinski, Emma Tate, Logan Wyas; Margaret Buerkle: Elizabeth
Kittinger; Oakville Middle: Faith Caruso, Chase Christopher, Payge
Davidson, Amanda FitzWilliam, Kayla FitzWilliam, Cailyn Hickman, Kaile
Kalton, Joshua Lane, Sophia Lauriello, Branden May, Adam Mittendorf,
Jack Parcell, Zachary Wells, Nathan Wooddell received State Recognition for
their placement levels in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.
Duke TIP Grand Recognition
Oakville Middle seventh grader Branden May received Grand Recognition for
his superb performance in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.
High School DECA Award Winners
OHS seniors Madison Stinnett and Brittany Cox received DECA Diamond
awards for their excellent performance at the Missouri State DECA Competition.
Art Students Showcased
22 Oakville High art students were accepted into the 2015 St. Louis Artists’
Guild Young Artists’ Showcase. This prestigious juried exhibit is one of the top
high school art shows in the area. Seniors: Destiny Bamvakais, Digital Photo;
Cheyanne Bise, Mixed Media Painting; Megan Haislar, Adobe Illustrator;
Sylvia Lin, Mixed Media Drawing; Ross Mohesky, Ink and Chalk Drawing;
Rachel Murvihill, Mixed Media Painting; Sean Stumpf, Mixed Media Drawing;
Sadie Auer, Ink Drawing; Yusef Brown, Mixed Media Drawing; Sam Howard,
Ink Drawing; Mackenzie King, Mixed Media Drawing; Ally Maddock, Digital
Photo; Maddie Reinagel, Mixed Media Drawing; Micaela Staggs, Watercolor
Painting; Sandi Turan, Mixed Media Drawing; Libby Ferguson, Digital Photo;
Juanita Johnston, Adobe Illustrator; Holly Nielsen, Pencil Drawing; Meri
Walden, Digital Photo; Morgan Brawley, Darkroom Print; Caitlyn Kelly,
Darkroom Print; Kimberly Mitchell, Digital Photo.
District Solo and Ensemble Competition
Mehlville High students received a 1 (Exemplary) rating at the District Solo
and Ensemble competition held in March. Men’s Sextet: Alex Godfrey, Quincy
Nguyen, Brandon Walker, Dustin Mana, Brandon Min, Kirk Suter. Men’s
Miscellaneous: Austin Alexander, Zacheriah James, John Parks, Gage Diel,
Jacob Fels, DaVonne Canady, Garrett Sheahan. Mixed Double Quartet:
Zacheriah James, Kirk Suter, Dustin Mana, Garrett Sheahan, Abigail Carr,
Julia Diamond, Molly Gibbs, Cierra Smith. Mixed Double Quartet: Abigail
Powers, Allyson Butler, Kanisha Kellum, Anna Alexander, Quincy Nguyen,
Brandon Walker, John Parks, Daniel Bitter. Women’s Miscellaneous: Mikayla
Dinsmoor, Angel Eberhardt, Emily Murawski, Kailey Thompson, MaKaylah
Allen, Sarah Gratza, Marissa Pollina, Ashley Alexander. Soloists: Daniel
Bitter, Allyson Butler, Abigail Carr, Katrina Hill, Kanisha Kellum, Quincy
Nguyen, John Parks, Abigail Powers, Grace Robertson, Brandon Walker.
State Ensemble Competition
At the State Large Ensemble Festival in March, Mehlville High students
earned medals: Women’s Chamber Choir - 2 (Outstanding), Show Choir - 1
(Exemplary), Combined Women’s Choir - 1 (Exemplary), Combined Men’s
Choir - 1 (Exemplary), Concert Choir Mixed - 1 (Exemplary).
Rube Goldberg Winners
Middle school Rube Goldberg competition winners: Oakville Middle sixth
graders Colby Beech, Hannah Franke, Marissa Salins earned second place, and
Sophie Kettenbrink, Quincey Ward, Taylor Hill earned first place.
Choir Teacher Honored with Merit Award
Mehlville High choir teacher Angie Hendrick was awarded the St. Louis
Suburban Music Educators Association Certificate of Merit award for
contributions to music excellence in the St. Louis Suburban Music area.
Student Council Award
For its exemplary record of leadership and service, the Margaret Buerkle Middle
School Student Council has been awarded the 2015 National Gold Council of
Excellence Award by the National Association of Student Councils.
Pantherettes Celebrate National Success
T
Students Compete in Academic Olympics
M
ehlville School District’s elementary and middle school students competed
in Academic Olympics in the Oakville High School gym on Saturday,
Feb. 28. The annual Academic Olympics lets student show off their skills and
abilities of general knowledge, spelling, math, writing, storytelling and oratory.
Story Telling
4th Grade
5th Grade
1. Emily Swyres, Beasley Elementary
1. Drew Lieberoff, Point Elementary
2. Sarah Sadtler, Wohlwend Elementary
2. Hunter Eyestone, Trautwein Elementary
3. Gracey Foley, Trautwein Elementary
3. Kimberly Smith, Forder Elementary
Spelling
4th Grade:
5th Grade
1. Liam Boswell, Beasley Elementary
1. Gavin Sandvoss, Beasley Elementary
2. Lucas Borchardt, Rogers Elementary
2. Alec Sullivan, Oakville Elementary
3. Grace Dietrich, Trautwein Elementary 3. Hana Hadziahmetovic, Bierbaum Elementary
Math
4th Grade:
5th Grade
1. Tommy Hennessy, Beasley Elementary 1. Raveen Noory, Beasley Elementary
2. Ethan Mutzu, Forder Elementary
2. Norman Taylor, Rogers Elementary
3. Luke Roth, Blades Elementary
3. Ryan Dunham, Oakville Elementary
Scholar Quiz
1. Lucas Meier, Alen Avdic, Kiera Murphy, Taylor Kordik, Blades Elementary A
2. Andrew Mezyk, Elle Trulove, Michele Mardanschahie, Grace Potter, Bierbaum Elem. A
3. Erin Herberholt, Nathan Lillard, Matthew Brown, Ryan Catlett, Point Elementary B
Oratory:
6th Grade: Quincey Ward, Oakville Middle
7th Grade: Allyson Turner, Bernard Middle
8th Grade: Megan Farmer, Washington Middle and Christina Meier, Bernard Middle
Writing:
6th Grade: Lorelei Meyer, Bernard Middle
7th Grade: Madison Lipinski, Bernard Middle
8th Grade: Tristan Noelke, Washington Middle
Spelling
6th Grade:
7th Grade:
8th Grade:
1. Lana Hill, Bernard
1. Rylie Sandvoss, Bernard 1. Connor Jones, OMS
2. Marisa Dohr, WMS
2. Ricky Dillon, OMS
2. Caitlin Blanchard, Bernard
3. Lejla Duderija, Bernard
3. Austin Hernandez, OMS 3. Bryant Igwe, Bernard
Math
6th Grade:
7th Grade:
8th Grade:
1. Angelina O’Brien, WMS 1. Branden May, OMS
1. Meredith Bayer, OMS
2. Michael Fetter, Bernard
2. John Yanev, Bernard
2. Evan Cornell, Bernard
3. Sophie Kettenbrink, OMS 3. Kevin Nguyen, Bernard 3. Nathan Przygoda, OMS
Scholar Quiz
1. Harrison Hong, Christopher Givens, Emma Tate, Justin Crawford, Bernard Middle B
2. Morgan Allen, Nathan Long, Jack Scalise, Ethan Kauffman, Bernard Middle C
3. Hannah Franke, Paige Tustanowsky, David O’Donnell, Alex Sullivan, Oakville Middle B
he Mehlville High Pantherettes Dance Team capped an amazing
season in March while competing at the NDA National Dance
Team Championship in Orlando, Florida. This is only the fifth time
Mehlville has attended the Orlando competition, which draws hundreds
of teams from across the country and even from Japan. Mehlville earned
the Second Place National Title at the March 8 competition. That’s the
The Mehlville-Oakville Foundation presented scholarships to
highest finish ever for any Missouri team.
Oakville High and Mehlville High students at its Recognition
The Pantherettes entered three categories—Medium Varsity Hip Hop, Reception on Monday April 20, at Andres Banquet Center.
Medium Varsity Pom and Small Varsity Jazz. Sara Roth is the Mehlville All scholarship applications are evaluated on an anonymous
Pantherette’s coach. “I told the girls this was the best I had ever seen basis and are evaluated via a decision matrix table based on the
them dance,” said Roth. “I had never been so proud and, no matter requirements of the individual scholarships. Congratulations to:
where they placed, all that mattered was that they did their very best.”
Mehlville-Oakville Foundation Scholarship - $1,000 each school
OHS – Graysen Summers, MHS - Abigail Powers
B.W. Fulks Memorial Scholarship - $1,000 each school
OHS – Kollin Knapp, MHS – Maria Brown
William B. Nottelmann Music Scholarship - $500 each school
OHS – Donald Rabin, MHS – Jessica Cook
Joshua Carl Wrestling Scholarship - $750 Mehlville High School
MHS – Kyle Kaletka
Ellen Kaye Palmier Scholarship - $500 Mehlville High School
MHS – Michele Campbell
Ben Vogelsang Baseball Scholarship - $500 Oakville High School
OHS – Nicholas Keller
Dr. Jane Reed Scholarship - $1,000 Mehlville High School
MHS – Alyssa Matoushek
Mehlville-Oakville Foundation Scholarships
www.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
Page 3
9
2013-2014 Annual Report Card
To access the Mehlville School District’s report
card in its entirety, please visit http://mcds.
dese.mo.gov/quickfacts/SitePages/DistrictInfo.
aspx and select Mehlville School District.
MEHLVILLE-OAKVILLE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INFORMATION
T
he Mehlville-Oakville Alumni Association (MOAA) meets regularly on the third Tuesday of every
month. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Crusoe’s Restaurant located at 5591 Oakville Shopping Center.
Upcoming Golf Tournament: The 2015 Glen Taylor, Jr. Memorial Golf Tournament is Sept. 26, at
Riverside Golf Club in Fenton.
Reunion Information: If anyone is planning a MOAA contact information:
reunion contact the MOAA with details.
P.O. Box 6593
OHS Class of 1980 - 35 year reunion to be held St. Louis, MO 63125
on Aug. 1, 2015, at Genesis Banquet Center. Email
(314) 450-1481
Kathy Gremmler (Randall) at randall113061@
email: [email protected]
gmail.com for more information.
OHS Class of 1995 - 20 year reunion to be held When contacting the MOAA be sure to include your
on Aug. 22, 2015, at the Old Rock House. Contact name (with maiden), address, phone, email, school
Amanda Pace Heymeyer on Facebook for more and year of graduation.
Online at:
information.
MHS Class of 1965 - 50 year reunion to be held alumni-association.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
on Oct. 3, 2015, at Genesis Banquet Center. For
more information contact Tom Heitzer at (314) 650-4692 or [email protected].
MHS Class of 1966 - 50 year reunion is being planned for 2016. Contact Ron Kinder at (719) 205-0838 or
email [email protected] for more details.
Contact the MOAA for alumni information or to sign up for the MOAA electronic newsletter.
Page 10
2
Mehlville
| August 2009
Mehlville Messenger
| JuneMessenger
2015
COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT SUMMER CAMPS
S
ummer camps are going on now at Rogers Elementary! There is still time to register for Session 2, 3, and 4. Camps run Monday through Thursday. Please see the website
at community-educat.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com for class information, time and enrollment form. Here is a look at what is coming up in June and July:
SESSION 2: JUNE 8-11
• Abra-Kid-Abra: Circus Stars (Ages 6-12)
• Babysitting(Ages 10-15)
• Camp MehlOak (Ages 6-12)
• Chess (Entering Grades K-8)
• Storytelling (Ages 4-6)
• Summer Fun Days (Ages 4-6)
SESSION 3: JUNE 15-18
SESSION 4: JUNE 22-25
• Abra-Kid-Abra: Magic Camp (Levitations and Animations) • Abra-Kid-Abra: Kids Comedy Camp (Ages 6-12)
(Ages 6-12)
• Babysitting (Ages 10-15)
• Babysitting (Ages 10-15)
• Camp MehlOak (Ages 6-12)
• Camp MehlOak (Ages 6-12)
• Chess (Entering Grades K-8)
• Cheer/Pom Camp (Entering Grades K-7)
• Spanish (Grades 3-5)
• Chess (Entering Grades K-8)
• Storytelling (Ages 4-6)
• Spanish (Grades K-2)
• Storytelling (Ages 4-6)
TENNIS (Ages 4-15)
Tennis camps will be held on the Bernard Middle School Outdoor Tennis Complex. Camps run Monday through Thursday for 1 hour a day. Rain make ups will be held on
Fridays. The fee is $60 a week. Camps will run the following dates: June 8-11, June 15-18, June 22-25, June 29-July 2, July 6-9, July 13-16, July 20-23.
DRIVER’S EDUCATION (Ages 15 and up)
There is one session of Driver’s Education remaining this summer. Classes will run Monday through Thursday from 8 to 11 a.m. Students will be required to drive 3 hours
outside of class time (drive times will be assigned the first day of class). The final session will run from June 15 to June 30. The fee for Driver’s Education is $200 for district
residents and $225 for non-residents.
SWIM PROGRAMS
Learn to Swim/Advanced Swim Classes run Monday through Friday for 50 minutes each day. Participants can choose from the following times: 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11 a.m. The
fee per 14 class session is $75 for district residents and $90 for non-residents.
Recreational Swim summer swimming pool hours are Monday through Friday 6-7 a.m. (lap swim only) Monday through Friday 12 to 2 p.m.; Tuesday and Friday
7 to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 2 to 4:30 p.m. Fee: $3 for students and 60plus members, $4 for adults, $6 per family. Year long memberships are available. Please see the
supervisor at the pool or call 314-467-5280 for pool membership information.
HOW TO REGISTER
• In person in room 215 of the Witzel Learning Center (located on the Mehlville High School Campus, 3100 Lemay Ferry Road, 63125).
• By mailing the enrollment form and payment to Community Enrichment at 3100 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63125.
• Through the School - simply send the enrollment form and payment to school with your child and the office will forward it to the Community Enrichment Office.
All classes are filled on a first come, first served basis so register early to make sure you get a spot in the class you want. Registration closes two weeks before the class
is scheduled to begin. Please call Becky at 467-5280 with any questions.
Community Enrichment Fall 2015 registration will open on July 1, 2015.
Summer office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Please see the website for a complete list of classes coming this fall.
60plus Club Enjoys
Bierbaum Elementary Performance
The annual spring BBQ for 60plus members on Wednesday, May
13, was held at Bierbaum Elementary and featured students
singing tunes about being ‘Up In The Air.’ Principal Kristy
Roberts and Superintendent
Norm Ridder were on hand to
greet the guests and talk about
the great things going on in
the District.
The Kiwanis Club of South
County was also on hand to
present scholarship checks to
Oakville High senior Brittany
Cox and Mehlville High
senior Michele Campbell.
Kiwanis honors two District
students each year for their
academic performance and
leadership skills.
Michele Campbell, left, and Brittany
Cox receive scholarships from Kiwanis
Club of South County Scholarship
Chairman Lee Bodendieck.
T
William B. Nottelmann 1918-2015
he man affectionately known as Mehlville’s Mr. Music has passed away.
William B. Nottelmann died on March 5, 2015. He was 96 years old.
Mr. Nottelmann attended Mehlville High School
and graduated in 1936. He later became the district’s
first band director, but he was dedicated to making
sure all students received a well rounded education.
Mr. Nottelmann was a leading force when the district
began a tutoring program to help students who
struggled with their school work. He also founded
the Mehlville Oakville Alumni Association.
Mr. Nottelmann turned his love of music into a
business, opening two music stores in the area.
Whether it was a broken instrument or a missing
piece of music, the Nottelmann staff went far beyond the call of duty to make sure
Mehlville and Oakville students had the music supplies they needed. For more
than 20 years, the Nottelmann family has provided music scholarships to seniors
graduating from Mehlville High and Oakville High.
In 2013, the Mehlville School Board voted unanimously to name the district’s new
auditorium after Mr. Nottelmann.
www.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
Page11
3
Page
Summer Activities
Summer Academy
Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Administration Building
Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Administration Building
New Teacher Orientation
Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m., Administration Building
Professional Development Day
Teacher Workday
First Day of School
ECRWSS
Mehlville High School and Oakville High School are offering a number of sports
summer camps - soccer, basketball, volleyball and more - for information visit
mpanthers.com or ohstigers.com. The District’s Community Enrichment is
offering summer camps for children. See page 11 for details.
June 1 - 25
June 18
July 16
Aug. 3 - 7
Aug. 6
Aug. 10
Aug. 11
Aug. 13
Permit No. 1804
St. Louis, MO
PAID
Attn: Postal Patron
Find District event information at www.mehlvilleschooldistrict.com
IMPORTANT DATES
3120 Lemay Ferry Road
St. Louis, MO 63125
(314) 467-5000
Non-Profit
U.S. Postage
JUNE 2015
Oakville Elementary
second grader
Jaysen Cook proudly
displays his awards
from the Special
Olympics events.
Budget Passes........................................................ Page 1
Board President Note/Superintendent Note........ Page 2
District News..................................................... Pages 3-4
School News...................................................... Pages 5-6
Prom Photos........................................................... Page 7
Distinctions........................................................ Pages 8-9
Annual Report, Alumni Association..................... Page 10
Community Enrichment.......................................Page 11
IN THIS ISSUE