ISSUE 7 - April 2026
A Newsletter for the Jennings School District and Community
As we transition into the spring testing season and prepare for year-end exams, our focus is also shifting toward an exciting summer and fall. This newsletter includes highlights from the past month, along with some wonderful news regarding our future.
I am thrilled to announce that several of our school board members have officially renewed their oath of office. Additionally, six of our district leaders have accepted new positions for the upcoming school year. The high school students have returned to their school to find beautiful renovations to some of the flooded areas.
As you enjoy the latest stories in this month's edition of the Warrior Way, I encourage you to watch the featured videos through to the end—there are a few wonderful surprises waiting for you!
It is heartening to see our community embrace this newsletter so warmly. We are eager to continue growing our readership to ensure everyone stays connected and informed about the great things happening in the J. Please feel free to share this edition with your friends and family.
I also want to sincerely thank our students, parents, staff and neighbors for their dedication. On behalf of our students, thank you for your ongoing partnership and everything that you do in service for our children and our families–it's what makes every day a Great Day in the J!
In service together,
Dr. Paula D. Knight
Superintendent of Schools
P.S. As this school year winds down and we prepare for next year, I ask that you please save the date and join us for our annual Back-to-School Jamboree on Aug. 8, 2026.
We're Back!
After four months of hybrid learning following December’s devastating flood, all 700 Jennings Senior High students will return to their classrooms for in-person instruction this Thursday, April 23, just in time to finish this school year JHS-strong and start state tests next week!
"I’m so proud of our students and teachers for their resilience and support throughout this process," Superintendent Dr. Knight said. "The flood was an unprecedented crisis that kept us in a state of uncertainty for four months. The upside is we are now returning to a space that, in many ways, looks brand new.”
We are excited to welcome everyone back to a refreshed campus featuring:
Brand new red, white and black floor tiling in hallways and classrooms.
A modern, industrial-style Commons and school kitchen (serving area is still in process).
A state-of-the-art floor with triple-layer protection in the A-gym.
Huge thanks to our students, parents, staff and partners, including Jennings PD and First Onsite, for their resilience and support. For more details, visit www.jenningsk12.org/JHSreturn to read the full news release.
In the wee hours of Dec. 22, St. Louis County Police Officer JohnPaul Werner was patrolling through Jennings when he noticed water running in the street. He tracked the water back to the high school and immediately sounded the alarm. Officer Werner received a standing ovation at the April 13 school board meeting, where he was acknowledged publicly for his quick action.
Superintendent Dr. Knight said, “Although we are still dealing with the aftermath of the flood, it could have been 10 times worse had you not been as observant and vigilant as you were.” She added, “Some people would see a puddle and keep going, but you didn't. You tracked it right back to the high school and made the call. On behalf of the Board, our high school students and the entire District, we thank you and we appreciate you for your support.”
Congratulations to the Jennings Senior High Student Council and their dedicated coordinator, ELA teacher Andrea N. Hayes, M.Ed. We are thrilled to announce that the JSD StuCo has been named as a 2026 National Gold Council of Excellence by the National Association of Student Councils (NASC).
This prestigious award recognizes our students' high standards of leadership, innovation and community service. From hosting the Special Olympics to raising $200 for the American Cancer Society, the JSD council leads with heart. They also continue to make an impact through signature programs that support our teachers, administrators and student voters.
We are incredibly proud of their hard work. Join us in celebrating our student leaders!
Student Council Helps District Host Special Olympics
On April 15, Superintendent Dr. Knight and members of the Jennings Student Council were proud to host the annual Special Olympics on the Jennings High School track. JHS leaders were paired with Special Olympic student-athletes from across the region. The young athletes were excited to compete in events that inspired personal greatness while fans cheered wildly!
On April 30, Pro Football Hall of Famer Isaac Bruce surprised JHS graduating seniors Jayden Coleman and Mariah Mosley with $5,000 checks from the Isaac Bruce Foundation’s annual scholarship fund. Bruce started his scholarship in St. Louis in 2008 after playing for the Rams for 14 seasons, and partnered with Ameren's grant program in 2015 to support students with opportunities to access quality education. Jayden shared with a KMOV News 4 reporter that the funding brings him closer to choosing his ideal school, while Mariah said that it will help her pursue a career in fashion. To learn more, visit isaacbruce.org.
On Thursday, April 30, more than 100 Jennings students, staff and neighbors stepped up to the challenge to "Walk It Out with Dr. Knight."
Sponsored by the District’s Health and Wellness Committee, this annual community stroll highlights the importance of staying active and healthy.
It was a great afternoon of fitness and fresh air, proving that wellness is a team effort in the J!
Fairview's Kimberly Wooden has been nominated by a committee of nonprofit educational organizations for the honor of 2026 Early Childhood Director Extraordinaire! Wooden will be acknowledged at a ceremony on May 17 at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Win or not, she is an extraordinary resource for the children of Jennings.
Congratulations from our committee: Limitless Horizons, LUME Institute, Nine PBS, RISE, Ready Readers, SouthSide Early Childhood Center, St. Louis Public Library, St. Louis Community College, St. Louis County Library, Gateway Early Childhood Alliance, Divine Events, Turn the Page STL, United 4 Children and Urban Sprouts!
The Jennings School District is accepting preschool applications from residents and nonresidents for its free early childhood program. The full-day, Monday through Friday program includes after-school care, meals and snacks. Classrooms are staffed by certified teachers and assistants using advanced techniques to prepare 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds for kindergarten. Facilities include an indoor playground and sensory rooms.
Applicants must be potty-trained, age 3 years old by July 31 and parents must provide transportation. Spots are limited for the summer and fall semesters. To enroll, call Mrs. Reed at 314-653-8084 or visit jenningsk12.org/EarlyChildhood for more details.
Thank you to the SSD families and staff who joined us for the Family Engagement Resource Fair on April 21. The Gary Gore Center was filled with energy as families gathered to connect, learn and discover resources tailored to their children's needs. It was a wonderful evening of collaboration where parents found meaningful insights and answers while students enjoyed engaging activities and snacks. Your participation is what makes our community stronger. We are grateful for your continued support.
Please watch the video above to see highlights from the event and stay tuned until the very end for a special message from some of the student-travelers!
SSD & Special Education Foundation Inspire Futures
SSD and the Special Education Foundation honored JHS student Erica Buckley, who also attends SSD's North Tech High School, with a scholarship during the April 23 Inspiring Futures annual event to celebrate SSD student achievers. The event's awards and scholarships honor perseverance, growth and the bright possibilities ahead for students with disabilities by bringing together students, families, educators and supporters to recognize and inspire while reaffirming their commitment to helping students pursue their dreams beyond high school.
SSD Starfish Awardee - Donald Stanley
Congratulations to Hanrahan paraprofessional Donald Stanley (photo center), who was selected for the Special School District Foundation’s Starfish Award (Starfishawards.org). An awards ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, June 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Reverie STL in Chesterfield. Click here to read the expanded story about his recognition in our February 2026 enews issue.
Congratulations to senior Mariah Mosely on being selected as a Missouri Association of Student Council Distinguished Leader! This award recognizes students who demonstrate superior student council leadership skills and knowledge.
Mariah was also selected to assist the production team with the 2026 MASC State Conference, which occurred in Branson, Mo., during Spring Break.
Congratulations to Brian Sharp, second-grade teacher at Northview Elementary (Shown with Principal DeShonda Payton), who has been named St. Louis Post-Dispatch Teacher of the Month for April 2026! Mr. Sharp will receive a $250 Target gift card and be featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Click here to read the STLtoday.com story.
Here's a brief excerpt from his nomination: "In a grade level that is foundational to students’ academic confidence and love of learning, he consistently goes above and beyond to ensure every child feels seen, supported and capable of success."
Celebrating Ms. Jane Brown’s 90th birthday on April 8, JSD Historical Society President Yolanda Austin presented a $2,000 donation to Superintendent Dr. Knight to benefit the Friends of JSD Foundation. This gift honors Ms. Brown’s lifelong commitment to Jennings youth and ensures continued support for our students' essential needs.
Watch the brief video above to see and hear Dr. Knight's heartfelt thank you to Ms. Brown and the Historical Society for their generosity and dedication to our community’s legacy.
Please consider supporting our mission by donating to the Friends of JSD Foundation at https://www.jenningsk12.org/friendsofjennings or connecting with the Jennings Historical Society at https://www.facebook.com/jenhs.
Phones were flying up the second Tim Cunningham and his band hit the stage at Jazz in the J on April 16! What an incredible night of music and community. We loved seeing the JHS marching band bring that signature energy to the room at the Renaissance Hotel! A massive thank you to everyone who supported the Friends of Jennings School District Foundation in making the evening a sold-out success and culminating another Great Day in the J. Donations to support the Friends of JSD Foundation are accepted year-round at www.jenningsk12.org/FriendsOfJennings.
Please check out the video above, which was presented during the event. It showcases the generous donation from the Jennings Historical Society, as well as highlights two student groups' excursions abroad that were supported by Foundation funding. Be sure to watch until the end to hear the students share, in their own words, just how much these experiences meant to them.
JSD's Summer Learning Academy 2026 is scheduled for Monday through Thursday, June 1 to June 25. Elementary sessions are from 8:50 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fairview and Northview. The Junior High session will run at the same time. The Senior High offers two sessions: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. Registration remains open through May 8. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in field trips to the Missouri Department of Conservation to learn about fishing and to the Saint Louis Art Museum. To support student wellness, Affinia Healthcare will be on-site to provide required immunizations and physical exams. Families interested in enrolling their children may contact their home school for more information.
Having Warrior Way News emailed directly ensures receipt of important school news, updates and other timely reminders – helping you to never miss news that impacts students and school community. While parents and staff should automatically receive this e-newsletter, community members are encouraged to opt in. Click here to complete a brief registration form. Thank you!