Monday, August 6, 2012
A Mehlville mom explores how teachers and schools adjust when there aren't enough supplies for the classroom.
One of the sure signs that summer fun is drawing to a close are the huge areas of Target, Walmart and Kmart displaying bins of discounted school supplies. Parents generally seem to hate school supply shopping, and especially react to the long lists from school. I’ve never heard a parent say, “Wow, we really don’t have to buy too much!” I remember being kind of shocked by the list I received when my firstborn started kindergarten. We have made school supply shopping into a fun evening, preceded by shopping for a new first-day hair bow or a needed pair of tennis shoes and topped off with ice cream. In fact, though I can’t help wiping a few tears thinking about our summer days winding up, I like the time I spend one-on-one with each of my …
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Beasley Elementary, Hagemann Elementary, Bernard Middle, Oakville High and the Witzel Learning Center will be run on solar energy in the fall.
Beasley Elementary, Hagemann Elementary, Bernard Middle, Oakville High and the Witzel Learning Center have been selected for the district's first solar panel project. The school board unanimously approved a 20-year lease agreement with StraightUp Solar for five solar panel systems at no out-of-pocket expense. The estimated savings over the length of the lease is $130,660. The vote was 6-0 with Mark Stoner absent from the May 17 meeting. Superintendent Eric Knost proposed Oakville High, Bernard Middle, Hagemann Elementary and the Witzel Learning Center and either Bierbaum or Beasley Elementary schools for the solar project. The district announced in a release July 2 that Bierbaum would be the fifth building. Students will also be able to…
Monday, April 23, 2012
Fourth-graders at the school hosted a "Black Out Bullying Day."
A team of Bierbaum Elementary School fourth-graders hosted an anti-bullying themed day on Friday. The "Black Out Bullying Day" included black attire and a video, both organized by the students. “I am so proud of Team Bierbaum, especially the fourth-graders who came forward with this idea!” said Bierbaum Principal Dr. Kristy Roberts in a district release. “They really took responsibility and leadership to help us stop bullying at Bierbaum.” Students took a pledge to stand up against bullying and created a mural in the cafeteria. Teachers incorporated anti-bullying lessons during class. The fourth-graders who organized the day are also planning a weeklong anti-bullying program for the fall.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Five teachers from the Mehlville School District were among 11 recognized by the chamber.
For 10 years, the Lemay Chamber of Commerce has been recognizing outstanding educators in the Mehlville and Lemay areas. Thursday, local businesses gathered to honor 11 teachers and their families at Genesis Banquet Center after the chamber asked area school principals to nominate an outstanding educator. Mehlville High School principal Dr. Denise Swanger chose Jason Landherr, who teaches American Government and Social Studies. "Jason is one of the good guys," Swanger said. "He's only been teaching five years and he's already well-admired in the school—he epitomizes what good teachers should be." In addition to teaching, Landherr coaches JV basketball, started a leadership program at the high school and is the Special Olympics chair. "I …
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
The Mehlville Optimists honored two students from Bierbaum Elementary School.
In a school of more than 600, two students were selected by the Mehlville Optimist Club for their academic and social successes. The club awarded Michael Leverenz the Presidential Award for Academic Success. Pierre Baker earned the award for Special Achievement, an award given for good behavior and being a role model.
Monday, March 19, 2012
While some families are thinking of leaving, one parent shares why her family is staying in Mehlville.
After voters decided to pass on Proposition C—the school district’s 88-cent tax hike— in November, things felt pretty gloomy around here. At our house, we discussed the campaign and filled out the surveys that asked our opinions about it. While we had a few reservations about one small aspect of the proposition, we knew it was great for not only the kids, but the whole community to propel the district forward. We were disappointed when it didn’t pass. But now it’s time to shake the dust off our feet and leave the negativity behind. There are great things going on in the Mehlville School District that need to be celebrated. While some are talking about searching for what they believe are greener pastures, we are keeping our eyes on some …
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Principal Harrell was married to wife, Kate, for 50 years. He was a 50-year active member of St. Luke's UMC and of Monette Lodge #558. Memorial service is Wednesday, Dec. 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 2761 Telegraph Road.
Monday, November 28, 2011
A mom remembers how she and her husband analyzed the school decision and loved the choice they made.
With your firstborn child, everything seems like a colossal decision. Parents feel like every step they take is setting a precedent, and what if it’s a mistake? A combination of the lack of experience and the fear of a bad decision can often make every discussion an analysis. We felt that way in the years leading up to the day when our firstborn would enter kindergarten. The options before us seemed overwhelming. We both had a background of a combination of public and private schooling, and with opposite positive and negative experiences, we both came into the decision with many biases. Adding to the confusion was that most of our close friends had decided to home school their children. We could see the benefits of home schooling, …
Monday, November 7, 2011
Why recess is important and how the Mehlville School District is protecting it.
Every day I ask my son about school, specifically inquiring after the parts he most enjoyed and times that were the most challenging. Without fail, every day he says that recess is his favorite part of the day. Not surprising for a first-grader. However, a week or two after school started, I asked him how many recesses he had each day and how long they were. When he answered, I was sure that I misunderstood. First graders get only one recess? And 20 minutes could not be right. I emailed his teacher to check. Yes, she answered, one recess each day for 20 minutes. I did some research on the minimums for recess and was directed to the Mehlville School District Wellness Policy, the same document that regulates the birthday treats and raised …
Friday, November 4, 2011
The buffalo mascot will be named by the students.
The students of Bierbaum Elementary in the Mehlville School District, met their new mascot today. The Buffalo was introduced to the students by live video and then in person. The mascot visited each classroom Friday morning after the first bell. The students will work together to come up with a name and then take a vote. What would you name him?
Jenny Wescoat
7:39 pm on Thursday, August 9, 2012
Nancy, I agree that it can add up! By the time we have all four of our kids in school we will be setting aside a lot of cash for school supplies! I'm glad you liked the ideas the article listed. I was definitely inspired by the people I talked with also. Thanks for your comments. more ›