Rockwood District News RSS Feed

Congratulations, Class of 2013

Fri, 17 May 2013 10:27:22 GMT

More than 1,800 high school seniors will be honored during Rockwood graduation ceremonies held May 20 through May 23 at Chaifetz Arena. “Graduation is the culmination of years of hard work and these students have shown tremendous dedication in order to reach this milestone,” said Dr. Jim Wipke, Executive Director of Secondary Education. “We are proud of what they have achieved and we’re excited for what the future holds for our Rockwood graduates.” Upon graduation, Rockwood students will further their education at more than 100 different colleges and universities across the state, country and world.

Highlights from the Class of 2013 include:

     * Rockwood seniors collectively acquired more than $35 million in
        scholarship funds.
     * More than 350 students completed more than 18,000 hours of
        community service through the A+ program.
     * Nearly two dozen students were named finalists in the National Merit®
        Scholarship Competition as a result of their outstanding critical reading,
        mathematics and writing skills.

Congratulations, Class of 2013. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!

New Administrators

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:14:30 GMT

The Board of Education approved two administrative positions at the May 16 meeting.

Lance Wheeler has been named Principal of Westridge Elementary School for the 2013-14 school year. Most recently, he has served as an assistant principal at Crestview Middle School and as a middle school assistant principal for Rockwood Summer Academy. In addition to his administrative experience, Wheeler taught for eight years at Rockwood Valley Middle School and three years at Irving High School in Irving, Texas.

Wheeler earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University.

He replaces Dr. Kate Kimsey, who has accepted a position in another school district.

Joshua Walz has been named an assistant principal at Crestview Middle School for the 2013-2104 school year. Currently, Walz serves as an administrative intern at Crestview and he has served as a middle school assistant principal for Rockwood Summer Academy. In addition to his administrative experience, Walz taught for 10 years at LaSalle Springs Middle School.

Walz earned a bachelor’s degree in Education from William Penn University and a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Lindenwood University.

Dr. Terry Adams Selected as Rockwood Interim Superintendent

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:29:07 GMT

The Rockwood School Board has selected Dr. Terry Adams as interim superintendent beginning July 1, 2013. Adams replaces Dr. Bruce Borchers who accepted a superintendent position in Oak Ridge, TN.

Adams,59, has served a total of 27 years as a Missouri superintendent. He has been the superintendent of the Wentzville School District for the past seven years and recently announced his resignation from that post.

Before coming to Wentzville, he held the position of superintendent in the Rolla, Park Hills, and Arcadia Valley Missouri school districts.

He holds a doctorate degree from Southern Illinois University and an educational specialist degree from Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees from SEMO. Adams was named Missouri Superintendent of the Year in 2012 and the Missouri School Public Relations Association’s Administrator of the Year in 2010.

“Dr. Adams will be a tremendous asset to Rockwood during this transitional year,” said Board of Education President Bill Brown. “He is a veteran superintendent who is highly regarded as a strong educational leader. He is dedicated to student success. We are extremely fortunate to have someone with his experience and knowledge of the Rockwood community during this critical transitional year.”

“I am thrilled to have this unexpected opportunity to continue my work in public education as a superintendent next year,” said Adams. “Rockwood has a strong reputation for high student achievement, and I’m excited to be a part of this outstanding organization. I’m looking forward to doing my part as the board searches for Rockwood’s next superintendent. I want to help provide a seamless transition for him or her.”

Adams grew up in the St. Louis area and began his career in 1975 as an elementary physical education teacher and middle school/high school basketball coach in Union, MO. He held teaching and coaching positions in Perryville, MO, and served as an elementary school principal in the Missouri school districts of Lesterville and Ironton.

Adams has accepted a one-year appointment beginning July 1, 2013 for $250,000 in salary per year.

In the coming weeks, the school board will decide upon its plan to select a permanent superintendent, including a process and timeline.

Rockwood is St. Louis County’s largest school district with an enrollment of 21,951 students in an area covering 150 square miles.

Rockwood School District and Teachers Agree on New Salary Agreement

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:52:52 GMT

The Rockwood School District and the Rockwood National Education Association (RNEA) have agreed to a new three-year salary package and some minor language changes to their Current Agreement.

The RNEA had requested a re-opening of the collective bargaining agreement, on Article II (Salary), Section A (Salary Schedule) with respect to the 2013-2014 school year.

The new agreement, which operates the teacher’s step-salary schedule, provides an additional increase of 1.01 percent in 2013-2014. This is a total increase (including teachers’ salary steps) of 3.76 percent.

In addition, the BOE has approved an increase of 3.74 percent (including teachers’ salary steps) for the 2014-15 school year and a 3.03 percent (including teachers’ salary steps) for 2015-2016.

“We must be able to attract and retain the best teachers in the state. Our community expects us to have quality teachers in every classroom; this agreement helps us do that,” said Rockwood Board of Education Vice-President Sherri Rogers. “It also recognizes the extraordinary work our teachers do every day for our students.”

Negotiations for teachers’ salaries would have occurred during the upcoming school year. With the departure of Superintendent Bruce Borchers, Rogers said they wanted to go ahead and re-open negotiations so the interim superintendent would not have this on his/her plate. Additionally, the district reserves are greater than were anticipated when the previous agreement was ratified.

“The RNEA and the district have created an agreement that honors the commitment and professionalism of our dedicated teachers. We are pleased the district is taking steps to make Rockwood teachers more competitive with those of other St. Louis County school districts,” said RNEA President Suzanne Dotta.

The starting salary for the 2013-14 school year is $39,826. The top of the
salary schedule at the Master’s+30 is $70,631.

The starting salary for the 2014-15 school year is $40,423. The top of the
salary schedule at the Master’s+30 is $71,690.

The starting salary for the 2015-16 school year is $40,746. The top of the
salary schedule at the Masters+30 is $72,264.

May 16 Board Awards Ceremony

Fri, 17 May 2013 09:21:29 GMT

The Board of Education recognized the accomplishments of our students, staff and schools at the May 16 Awards Ceremony. Among the individuals recognized, nearly 100 students were honored for their musical talents as a result of their Superior I ratings at the state solo and ensemble festival. Visit the Awards Web page to view the ceremony program and download photos.

Congratulations, students, staff and schools.

Electronics Recycling Event: May 18

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:54:56 GMT

Rockwood will host an electronics recycling event on Saturday, May 18 from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Selvidge Middle School in Ballwin. Community members are invited to bring any unwanted electronic items for donation. All electronics will be accepted at no charge. Republic Services will unload the items from cars and transport them for disposal.

Download the flier for more information.

Relay For Life: May 31-June 1

Tue, 14 May 2013 12:16:13 GMT

You're invited to join the Rockwood community for the 13th annual Relay For Life, benefitting the American Cancer Society.

Date: Friday, May 31 – Saturday, June 1
Time: 6 p.m. – 6 a.m.
Location: Marquette High School, 2351 Clarkson Road

Celebrate - The Survivors Lap: 7 p.m.
Relay starts with a Survivors Lap, an inspirational time when survivors are invited to circle the track together and help everyone celebrate the victories we’ve achieved over cancer. The Survivors Lap is an emotional example of how Relay participants are creating a world with more birthdays, like those of each individual on the track. All cancer survivors, no matter if it’s been one day or one decade since their diagnosis, are invited to come out and be celebrated.

Remember - The Luminaria Ceremony: 9:30 p.m.
After dark, survivors will be honored during the Luminaria Ceremony. Luminaries will be lit, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants will walk a lap around the track in silence.

For more information about the Rockwood Relay For Life, download the flier or visit www.relayforlife.org/rockwoodmo.

Two Schools Named National Schools of Character

Mon, 13 May 2013 09:33:37 GMT

Chesterfield Elementary School and LaSalle Springs Middle School have been named National Schools of Character by the Character Education Partnership. These schools are among the 29 schools and districts nationwide to earn this distinction this year.

In 2006, Rockwood was named a National District of Character. Since then, 10 Rockwood schools, including Chesterfield and LaSalle Springs, have been recognized as National Schools of Character. In fact, this is the second time for Chesterfield to earn this distinction.

“We are thrilled Chesterfield and LaSalle Springs have been named National Schools of Character,” said Dr. Jane Brown, director of differentiated services. “As so many of our schools do, these schools understand the benefits and importance of integrating character education into the entire school culture. This is an important variable as we focus our efforts on doing whatever it takes to ensure all students realize their potential.”

Chesterfield and LaSalle Springs will be honored by the Rockwood Board of Education during a formal awards ceremony on May 16. In addition, representatives from these schools will have the opportunity to share their character education story at the National Forum on Character Education held Oct. 24-27 in Washington, DC.

Learn more about character education in Rockwood.

About the Character Education Partnership:
This partnership is a national advocate and leader for the character education movement. Based in Washington, DC., the nonprofit, nonpartisan, nonsectarian coalition of organizations and individuals is committed to fostering effective character education in our nation's schools.

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Modified Lockdown in Eureka

Mon, 13 May 2013 13:07:58 GMT

As of 1:30 p.m., we've been instructed by the police that the modified lockdown has expired.

Update at 1:15 p.m.

We have been instructed by the Eureka Police Department to place all Eureka area schools on a modified lockdown.

It is our understanding that the Eureka police are in pursuit of an armed suspect in an area subdivision.

A modified lockdown means that all outside entrances are locked and no one may enter or exit the school buildings without proper identification. Additionally, elementary children are not allowed outside for recess or physical education classes.

Our schools are working closely with the police to assure the safety of our students. We will keep our parents and community informed as more information becomes available.

Rockwood and Parkway to Resume Discussions Regarding a Community Education Partnership

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:05:24 GMT

The Rockwood and Parkway School District Boards of Education have agreed to resume discussions regarding the possibility of joining Community Education efforts. The two districts want to know if a Community Education partnership could potentially better serve the interests of both districts and patrons. Both districts currently operate separate Community Education programs that offer a variety of opportunities in areas such as sports, enrichment and visual and performing arts.

A joint planning session with both Boards of Education is scheduled for Thursday, May 30 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Junior Achievement headquarters building in Chesterfield. The meeting is open to the public. In addition to the planning meeting, the districts will spend the summer conducting additional research and planning.

According to Parkway Superintendent Keith Marty, “Both districts are always interested in identifying opportunities that can allow us to better serve our patrons. We believe a Community Education partnership has the potential to offer enhanced programming opportunities for patrons while doing so in a fiscally responsible manner, which is important given that Community Education is a self-funded department of both districts.”

Rockwood Board president Bill Brown also noted, “Exploring a Community Education partnership makes sense. Both districts have a proud history of providing high quality Community Education programs to patrons, and we are committed to ensuring the viability of these programs for the future.”

A recommendation will be presented to both Boards of Education in September, at which time a decision will be made about whether or not to create the Community Education partnership.

Seniors Earn Scholarships

Wed, 08 May 2013 08:15:58 GMT

Two Rockwood high school seniors have earned $2,500 scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. The students were selected from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. The students are:

Savya Hingorani, Eureka High School
Probable Career Field: Science/Research

Alan Lu, Lafayette High School
Probable Career Field: Medicine

Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university. By the conclusion of the 2013 competition, about 8,000 Finalists will have been selected to receive National Merit Scholarships totaling more than $35 million. Winners are the Finalist candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic skills and achievements, extracurricular accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

Lafayette and Marquette Recognized by Washington Post

Mon, 06 May 2013 14:26:18 GMT

According to Washington Post’s listing of America’s Most Challenging High Schools, Lafayette High School and Marquette High School earned state and national recognition. Lafayette ranked #5 in Missouri and Marquette ranked #6. In addition, both schools were included in the top 1,000 schools in the U.S. View the rankings.

To determine the rankings, Washington Post determined an index score. This score is the number of college-level tests, or Advanced Placement (AP) exams, given at a school in 2012 divided by the number of graduates that year. Learn more about the methodology used in determining the rankings.

It’s important to note that there are many ways to measure schools. In Rockwood, student performance is evaluated using our district scorecard. Learn more about our district vision scorecard.

High Schools Named Best in America

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:38 GMT

Rockwood’s four high schools have been recognized by Newsweek as the best high schools in the country. Newsweek determined the best 2,000 high schools based on the following six criteria:

- graduation rate (25 percent)
- college acceptance rate (25 percent)
- Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level tests taken per student (25 percent)
- average SAT/ACT scores (10 percent)
- average scores on Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level tests average (10 percent)
- percent of students enrolled in at least one Advanced Placement (AP)/college-level
class (5 percent)

Rockwood’s four high schools are among the 23 Missouri schools named to this list. View the complete list of Missouri schools and find out more about the methodology used in determining the rankings.

It’s important to note that there are many ways to measure schools. In Rockwood, student performance is evaluated using our district scorecard. Learn more about our district vision scorecard.

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Celebrate Child Nutrition Employees

Fri, 10 May 2013 09:09:54 GMT

Preparing healthy school meals, promoting good nutrition habits, and offering a friendly greeting are all in a day’s work for the child nutrition staff in Rockwood. In celebration of their hard work and contributions to our schools, Rockwood joins the School Nutrition Association (SNA) in recognition of School Nutrition Employee Week, May 6-10, and School Lunch Superhero Day, May 3. Child nutrition staff will be honored with thanks, cards and recognition from students, parents and staff on these days.

Sue Cox, child nutrition specialist at LaSalle Springs Middle School, has served Rockwood students for more than two decades. Cox said she enjoys the fast-paced nature of her job and the interactions she has with students and staff. “It takes a strong core group of people working together to feed our students each day,” said Cox. “I feel fortunate to work with such an excellent team – my coworkers are like an extended family.”

June Keebler and Janice Berry of Rockwood Summit High School shared some of the things that surprise them most about their jobs. “The students eat healthier than I would have thought,” said Keebler. “Lots of students are choosing the fresh fruits and some are selecting the vegetables.” Berry added, “The students are always quick to text their friends when they try something new on the menu that they really enjoy.” Keebler and Berry both said they are always impressed with the students’ excellent manners. “You’d be surprised at the number of kids who tell us ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in the lunch line; we’ve got great kids.”

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Celebrating National School Nurse Day

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:01:35 GMT

On May 8, National School Nurse Day, Rockwood honors the contributions of our nursing staff and celebrates their service to our schools. From promoting healthy lifestyles and disease prevention to managing students’ medical conditions, school nurses are the daily eyes and ears for children’s health.

“In my role as a nurse, I treat students as if they were my own children,” said Kim Kleinhans, school nurse at Wildwood Middle School. “I love their energy and unique personalities.” Kleinhans also understands the parent perspective. “As a parent myself, parents should have peace of mind that their child will be treated well when they are at school.”

Jayme Brooks, school nurse at Woerther Elementary School, said she enjoys caring for children in the school environment. “As a nurse, my focus is on the health, wellness and safety of the children I treat each day,” said Brooks. “While nurses evaluate children from a different point of view, we’re all here for the same thing – to ensure that students are healthy, in school and ready to learn.”

Parents and staff alike appreciate the care and concern school nurses exhibit each day.

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