Boulevard Businesses Donate to School District A Periodical Newsletter for Residents of the Northwest R-I School District

Community Leaders Updated on Northwest School DistrictThank you to all of the community leaders who attended an informational breakfast in October. Leaders from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Northwest Branch of the Jefferson County Library and Byrnes Mill Mayor’s Office were just a few of the organizations who came to learn more about the District. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Superintendent Dr. Paul Ziegler about Northwest’s achievements and challenges. This breakfast was one in a series of community conversations the Northwest School District plans to host this school year.

Fall 2014

In this issue...

Superintendent’s Message

Board of Education Member Named to

StatewideCommittee

Bond IssueHighlights

Groundbreaking for

School Additions

Student Spotlights

Alumni Spotlight

NewssourceThe next time you drive by High Ridge Elementary, make sure to look up at the newly painted water tower. Over the summer, 12 businesses on High Ridge Boulevard banded together and raised enough money to have the school district’s logo painted on the side of the water tower. The project had long been a hope for Superintendent Dr. Paul Ziegler. The only thing holding the project back was finding the funds. That was until an area businessman approached Dr. Ziegler saying he had several businesses that were will-ing to donate to help make his vision a reality. The project was completed before school began in August.The Northwest School District is thankful for the following area businesses that helped make this project happen:

High Ridge AutoImage RealtyShelton CollisionBig T. RecyclingH-J EnterprisesMCA Management Co.Rogers InsuranceGardner ConsultantsConnie’s Cars & TrailersYount InsuranceLicari Auto BodyPaul & Chris Ziegler

President’s LetterAs I sit down to write this letter to the Northwest School District community, I’m reminded of a quote by Henry Ford that says, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.” This quote could not be more perfect for

us as a school district and community. As many of you know, the Northwest School District con-tinues to face financial challenges based upon our reliance on state aid to fund our schools. Cur-rently, 42% of our revenue comes from the State of Missouri, 50% comes from local sources, 6% from the federal government and 2% from Jefferson County. These percentages only tell half the story. The other side comes from the fact that the State of Missouri continues to underfund education. Over the past six years here in Northwest, the state has continually withheld funding.

What does this mean for us as a school district and community? It means opportunity. Some may see that figure and think it’s too much to overcome, but I know better. I have seen this com-munity and more importantly our students, grow and thrive for generations. That success can be seen every spring at Northwest High School’s graduation ceremonies. Hundreds of young

adults cross that stage and continue the work of building upon the strong academic foundation they have received in our schools. But what we all must realize, is that our work as a community who supports our schools and students does not end when they graduate. Behind the class of 2014 sits the classes of 2015, 2016 and 2017…all waiting for their opportunity to walk across that stage. Let’s continue to work together as families, friends and community members to make sure the strong academic opportunities we are providing now will be available to the generations that follow. If we all work together to ensure the best opportunities for our students, their success and ours as a community will surely follow.

Superintendent’s NoteThe Northwest School District is at a crossroads. Soon it will be necessary for the community to make a decision about which path we will take when it comes to the future of the students in the District. On one path, the District

will be forced to make even more cuts to maintain a sustainable budget. On the other path, we will ask our community to pick up where the State has failed, and fund our schools. This failure in funding does not allow for the educational programing and services our students need to be competitive in today’s society. Neither of these paths are necessarily paths we want to take, but unfortunately the reality of the situation has forced this choice.

What has led to this point? The last six years have been difficult on the District as the State has continued to withhold or underfund the State Education Foundation Formula at increas-ing rates. These withholdings have resulted in a loss of approximately $8 million in revenue from the District. These reductions, coupled with a declining enrollment, have resulted in the District making cuts and deficit spending in order to keep the District moving forward. How-

ever, we have run out of cuts to make without dramatically changing the complexion of the District and providing even fewer opportunities for our students.

While what led to this difficult financial situation is important, what I believe is more important is where we are go-ing. For the last two months, two committees met to chart the path of the Northwest School District’s future. One committee focused on prioritizing further reductions the District can make to try to make our District fit within our reduced revenue. The other committee is examined ways to increase revenue to the District, namely through a tax levy increase. These committees have met on alternating Wednesday nights and have devoted over 800 hours of col-lective time studying these issues. In the end, I believe the Board of Education will have the information and plan to implement some of these changes regardless of which path our community decides to take.

It is our community that will decide which future the students, and in reality our community, will experience. One future has a school district that remains strong with a rich foundation for it youngest citizens. The other option is a school district that provides the basic resources for students which puts them at a disadvantage when they try to compete in a global society. As many of you know, a strong community is made by constantly evolving and improv-ing. Those same characteristics can be applied to a successful school district. My hope is with continued support of the community, we can work together to strengthen the foundation for our schools and community for generations to come.

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Northwest Board of Education Member Named to Statewide Committee

In October, Northwest Board of Education Member Nancy Bergfeld was named to a distin-guished committee that will help set academic standards for students across the state. Mem-

bers of the group were nominated by the governor, lieu-tenant governor, lawmakers, the Department of Higher Education and educator associations. The members include active classroom teachers and parents of school-age children. School administra-tors, school board members and curriculum consultants are also represented.

Thirty-two people will make up eight different work groups to review learning standards for Missouri students. There will be two groups each looking at English language art, mathematics, science and social studies. One group in each subject will review standards for grades K-5, and the other will review standards for grades 6-12. Ms. Bergfeld will serve on the group that looks at Math standards for grades 6-12.

These groups were formed to fulfill the requirements of House Bill 1490 which aims to change the laws regarding academic performance and learning standards for elementary and secondary education. Over the course of the next year, these

groups will meet several times in Jefferson City. All the meetings are public, and began back in September.

Ms. Bergfeld’s extensive experience in the classroom as a Math educator, Board Member for the Northwest School District and Executive Board Member for the Missouri Council of Teachers of Mathematics make her well-qualified for this committee. She’s been in education for 34 years and still provides Professional Development to 31 school dis-tricts across Missouri as a Resource Teacher Enhancement Coordinator. She also helps align the National Assessment of Educational Programs (NAEP) items for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).The Northwest School District and Board of Education is extremely proud of Ms. Bergfeld for being named to this distinguished group.

This fall, Northwest School District staff and students from High Ridge Elemen-tary took time out to help beautify High Ridge Boulevard. The group spent a Sep-tember afternoon pulling weeds, pick-ing up trash and placing pots full of yel-low mums in front of local businesses. Administrators from Central Office also helped in the effort.

This Beautify the Boulevard project was put on by the Northwest Jefferson Coun-ty Chamber of Commerce. The North-west School District was proud to part-ner with them on this effort. Members of the Chamber donated supplies used in the clean-up effort.

Northwest School District Beautifies the Boulevard

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High Ridge ElementaryHigh Ridge Elementary 1st graders showed their love for Grandpar-ents back in September. All the 1st grade students were able to in-vite their grandparents to a special morning dedicated to showing their appreciation. The students sang songs, performed skits and enjoyed juice and donuts with their special guests.

Brennan Woods ElementaryBrennan Woods Elementary 4th graders got a once in a lifetime opportunity when they sang at the Cardinals game. Mrs. Juliet Key’s music class sang “God Bless America” at the August 14th game.

Before the s t u d e n t s sang, they were able to go onto t h e f i e l d a n d t a k e pictures.

Cedar Springs ElementaryGetting books in the hands of every student is a priority for students and staff at Cedar Springs El-ementary. That was made clear last month when over $800 was raised for the ALL FOR BOOKS pro-gram, a donation based program where money is raised to help get books to children who might not have been able to afford them otherwise. The class and individual who raised the most money got the opportunity to throw a pie in the face of four of our wonderful teachers. Thanks to Mrs. Laird, Coach Maxey, Mrs. Robinson and Mrs. Knowlan for being such good sports.

House Springs ElementaryThis fall, our five 1st grade classes and parent chap-erones enjoyed an afternoon of apple picking at Eck-ert’s Orchard in Millstadt, IL. The field trip coincided with a lesson where the students were learning about inves-tigating apples using fiction and non-fic-tion books. Some of the books included “How Do Apples Grow” by Betsy Maestro and “Big Red Apple” by Tony Johnston. The students enjoyed taking what they’ve learned in books and applying it in the orchard.

Murphy ElementaryOur school year here at Murphy Elementary started off with an amazing “Bounce Back to School” event. Tim Bastron and Pastor Daniel Taylor of Elevation Church approached Principal Ka-tie Brettschneider with the idea of hosting a free back to school event for Murphy Elementary stu-dents and families. Over 500 people attended the event. Students received free haircuts, prizes and school supplies to just name a few. We are so thankful to the church and our wonderful volunteers who helped make this event such a success.

What ’s New at Your Neighborhood School?

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What ’s New at Your Neighborhood School?

Early Childhood CenterLearning about healthy foods through song, dance, art and games was the purpose of this year’s “I Can Eat a Rainbow” event at the Early Child-hood Center. Fifty families attended. They learned about the importance of trying different fruits and vegetables. Each child who tried a food from every color of the rainbow received a certificate to remember the event.

Maple Grove ElementaryMaple Grove Elementary had its first Spooktacular Reading Night on October 28th. About 100 students

and their parents at-tended. Students and staff were invited to dress up as their favorite book char-acter and spend the evening on a trick or treat path to six sta-

tions that all involved reading. A few of the stations were: listening to storytelling in the library, the 7 Habits for Halloween Safety, word work, and a sta-tion where the parents and students read a book together. Each student left the evening with a new book and treat bag. Our teachers and PTO all had a station they sponsored and dressed up too! It was a great evening for everyone to learn the importance of reading.

Woodridge Middle SchoolOur 6th grade science classes learned the impor-tance of following direc-tions in the lab last month. Each student had to care-fully read and follow the instructions given in creat-ing a paper cup. The main objective of the project was to ensure the cup could hold water. After some trial and error, many students were successful. They celebrated by drinking out of their newly made creations.

Valley Middle SchoolMuffins and Mugs at Valley Middle School was a huge success this year. G r a n d p a r e n t s of Valley Middle School students were able to tour the school, see classrooms and visit with their grandchildren.

Northwest High SchoolNorthwest High School students spent an October afternoon learning about careers in the arts. It was all part of the High School Nation assembly. NHS was one of just 26 schools across the country who received this amazing opportunity. During the assem-bly, students got the opportunity to work with screen printing, cameras, videos and audio components. They were also treated to several musical acts including a concert by singer/musician/actor Drake Bell.

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Alexander MatthesAlexander Matthes was recently accepted and is now enrolled in the Missouri Academy of Science, Mathemat-ics and Computing. It’s a rigorous two-year, early-entrance-to-college residential school for aca-demically high performing high school students. Upon completion of the pro-gram, Matthes will receive an Associate of Science degree in Science and Math-ematics from Northwest Missouri State University, in addition to a high school diploma. Matthes is the third Northwest High School student to be accepted into this prestigious program.

Aidan Cordell

Congratulations to Aidan Cordell, a 5th grader at Cedar Springs Elemen-tary for being named the runner-up in the 2014 Sargent Art Brighter World Contest. Student artists from around the country submitted their work for consideration. As a runner-up, Aidan received a certificate and art supplies.

Lacey SnellNHS Freshman Lacey Snell recently finished 44th out of 88 at the state c h a m p i o n -ship in Joplin. She is the first freshman golf-er to qualify for state. She medaled four times in dual matches and placed 4th in t h e c o n f e r -ence, 8th in the district and was a state qualifier out of sectionals.

Student Spotlights

Uncertain Funding at State Level Continues to Burden the District

Over the past several years, the Northwest School District has been plagued with revenue shortfalls from the Mis-souri State funding formula. The state has withheld an estimated total of $8,276,326 from the Northwest District dating back to 2009. Understanding the instability of the state as a revenue source, the district has worked diligently to reduce expenditures. The total expenditures for the NWR-I School District for the 2009-2010 school year was $67,230,217 compared to $65,486,735 for the 2013-2014 school year. Education has become increasingly more ex-pensive over the years in terms of providing students with the latest possible educational and technological materi-als necessary for success. The district has maintained fiscal responsibility by decreasing the total amount of spend-ing by $1,743,482 since the 2009-2010 school year while still providing a quality education to students. Below is a list of reductions the district has implemented over the last five years to address the revenue shortfall:

• Reductionof112totalstaffsince2008bynotreplacingopenpositionsgeneratedthroughretirement and personnel leaving the District.

• TheDistricthasbecomemoreenergyefficientthroughtheuseofsolarpanels,energyefficientlighting and HVAC systems.

• Consolidatedschoolsbyshiftingtoa6th–8thgradeMiddleSchoolmodel.Thisshiftallowedforthe closing of Cedar Hill Intermediate and repurposing of House Springs Intermediate.

• TheDistricthaseliminatedfivehalfdaysbyincreasingthelengthoftheschooldayslightly.This generated savings by decreasing the total days of student transportation.

• Controlledbenefitcostsbymovingtoselffundedmedicalplanandreducingthestandardplan.

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Members of the Board of Education, administra-tors and representatives from Ittner Architects and K&S Associates broke ground for several Prop-osition LIONS projects on November 4, 2014. The ceremonial groundbreaking was held at Murphy Elementary, one of three schools that will receive an addition.

Groundbreaking Held for School Building Additions

Proposition LIONS Projects - Funds Dedicated to Facility Improvements

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Before the Homecoming game on Friday, September 12, 2014 members of the Northwest School District Board of Education, administration, students and community members gathered for the ribbon cutting of the newly renovated Northwest High School Stadium. This project was one of many facilities im-provements that were made to schools in the District this sum-mer. All of the renovations are thanks to our community. You overwhelmingly approved this project and countless others back in April with the successful passage of Proposition LIONS,

the bond issue that dedicated funds to improve facilities throughout the Northwest School District. Not only did you show that our students and schools are a top priority, but our facilities as well. Being able to provide our students with a top-notch education and sports stadium should be a point of pride for everyone in our community.

Ribbon Cutting for Newly RenovatedNorthwest High School Stadium

The following projects are a few of the facility improvements that have and will be made as a result of the suc-cessful passage of Proposition LIONS in April 2014.

*Please note that bond funds can only be used for facility improvements. For a complete list of bond issue projects, visit the District website at www.nwr1.k12.mo.us.

New libraries and gymnasiums•MurphyElementary•BrennanWoodsElementary

Larger classrooms•SectionofHighRidgeElementary

New flooring and lighting •SeveralNorthwestSchoolDistrictschools

Renovated stadium•NorthwestHighSchool

Northwest R-ISchool District

Board of EducationVictoria James, President

Nancy Bergfeld, Vice PresidentGary Bonacker, Secretary

Retta Tuggle, TreasurerChris Shelton, MemberGary Barrett, Member

Nelson O. Weber, Member

Northwest Newssource is publishedbi-annually by the Northwest R-I School District

so that you will be informed aboutpublic education in your community.

Dr. Paul T. Ziegler, Superintendent

Alumni Golf TournamentThe Northwest High School Alumni Association once again sponsored a golf tourna-ment this year. Nineteen teams competed at Union Hill’s Golf Course in Pevely. Over $8,500 was raised for scholarships and other Northwest High School projects. Thank you to those who sponsored holes on the course. We also appreciate all those who organized and worked the event. Continued support of the Northwest High School Alumni Association helps strengthen and provide outstanding opportunities for NHS graduating seniors.

PRESORT STDNon-Profit Organization

US POSTAGE PAIDHouse Springs, MO

63051PERMIT #3

Northwest R-I School District2843 Community LaneHigh Ridge, MO 63049

POSTAL PATRONAlumni SpotlightNick UzzettaMaking his community proud is something that Northwest alumni Nick Uzzetta has done all his life. From growing up around outstanding coaches and teachers to serving his community as a High Ridge Firefighter, this 2006 alumni shows us that determination can make all the difference.

Did any of your experiences in your K-12 education im-pact what career path you chose?My years as a wrestler showed me what true hard work and commitment can help you accomplish. I knew I wanted to obtain a state medal. I worked tirelessly to make it happen. When I graduated, there was no doubt in my mind I was going to be a Firefighter. I used that same drive and courage to allow me to reach that goal. After graduating from college, you came back to this community. Why?I grew up in this community and am more than proud to call it home. If you could share one piece of wisdom with current stu-dents about their education, time in school, what would it be?Students should always strive to reach their goals. They should push themselves to be more than a standard stu-dent. Being involved in sports and clubs allowed me to gain respect for hard work and motivated me to thrive in all areas of extracurricular and academic activities.

Public Notices and StatementsThe Northwest R-I School District is compliant with state and federal regulations pertaining to parents and student rights. Those rights are outlined in the following documents:Non-Discrimination StatementDirectory InformationFamily Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)Parents’ Right to Know Under the NCLB ActIndividuals with Disabilities Education Act (DEA)Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA)Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Standard Complaint Resolution Procedure for NCLB ProgramsProcedures for Public Complaints Rights of Homeless ChildrenPublic Service Choice and Supplemental Educational ServicesAdequate Yearly progress Notification

Copies of these are available to view on the District website www.nwr1.k12.mo.us in the Public Notices and Statements section. If you would like a copy provided to you, please contact Central Office at 636.677.3473

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Pictured from left to right:Stacy Gottmann, Dana Forbes,Michelle Hogan, Patricia Null

Students should alwaysstrive to reach their goals.

They should push themselves to be more than a standard student.